Understanding intercity freeway traffic variability at holidays using anonymous cell phone data

Abstract

Due to the high market penetration of cell phones, the detailed spatial data offer new opportunities for sophisticated applications in traffic monitoring. Previous studies and projects have mainly focused on obtaining location and traffic estimations of individuals using data derived from cell phone networks. Understanding the variability of traffic patterns and congestion characteristics of intercity freeway systems caused by holiday traffic is beneficial, because appropriate countermeasures for congestion mitigation can be prepared and drivers can change their holiday travel schedules accordingly. This study collected 12 months of cell phone data and radar data along a highway in China. The traffic pattern during the Labor Day holiday in 2014 is investigated using the cell phone sample and speed data. The results have the potential to improve freeway operational performance during holiday periods.