A stochastic user equilibrium model under traffic rationing based on mode shifting rate

Abstract

As a countermeasure to urban exhaust pollution and traffic congestion, traffic restriction based on the last digit of license plate numbers has been widely introduced throughout the world. However, the effect of traffic restriction is weakened as it causes the long-distance detour of restricted travel modes and induces travel demand to shift to unrestricted travel modes. To consider detour and shift of traffic demand caused by traffic restriction, we propose a stochastic user equilibrium model under traffic rationing based on mode shifting rate and the corresponding solution algorithm. A case study is conducted to verify the effectiveness of proposed model and algorithm. Main findings of numerical experiments include: (1) Compared with traditional stochastic user equilibrium model, the temporary traffic demand shift caused by long-distance detour are well considered in proposed model. (2) Sensitivity analysis of the consumption parameters used in the proposed model shows that, the involved cost parameters have different effectiveness on the mode shifting rate. This study provides a reasonable relaxation of the intensively used assumption, that all restricted vehicles outside the restricted district will detour in traffic rationing research, and provides a reasonable approach to evaluate the change of link flow and the beneficial effectiveness on the sustainability of traffic environment after implementation of traffic restriction policy.