MACROPARTICLE TRAFFIC SIMULATION MODEL TO INVESTIGATE PEAK-PERIOD COMMUTER DECISION DYNAMICS.

Abstract

A special-purpose, macroscopic highway corridor traffic simulation model is presented. The model views traffic as discrete vehicle bunches or macroparticles that are moved according to local speeds defined by local concentrations, resulting in high computational efficiency. The model allows the investigation of commuter decision dynamics and their interrelation with timedependent congestion patterns. Two applications of the model are described illustrating its use (a) in conjunction with behavioral rules by which commuters respond to experienced congestion and (b) as part of an interactive experiment involving decision making by real commuters.