Selfish routing equilibrium in stochastic traffic network: A probability-dominant description.

Area of Science:

• Transportation Science
• Operations Research
• Network Equilibrium Models

Background:

• Traditional user equilibrium models assume perfect information or specific distribution knowledge, which may not reflect real-world traveler behavior in stochastic networks.
• Selfish routing behavior in networks with uncertain travel times necessitates a refined equilibrium concept.
• The limitations of conventional stochastic user equilibrium (SUE) models in capturing dominant route selection are highlighted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and define a novel probability-dominant user equilibrium (PdUE) model for selfish routing in stochastic traffic networks.
• To develop a probability-dominant rerouting dynamic model explaining the behavioral mechanism underlying PdUE.
• To formulate a practical logit-based PdUE model and its equivalent variational inequality for computational efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Development of a probability-dominant user equilibrium (PdUE) model where travel demands are assigned to the most dominant routes.
• Introduction of a probability-dominant rerouting dynamic model to simulate traveler behavior.
• Formulation of a logit-based PdUE model and its corresponding variational inequality.
• Comparative analysis of two routing strategies: probability-dominant strategy (PDS) and dominant probability strategy (DPS) through hypothetical experiments and numerical tests.

Main Results:

• The probability-dominant rerouting dynamic model successfully explains the behavioral mechanism of PdUE.
• The logit formula of PdUE is developed, simplifying its application without requiring a predefined route set.
• Hypothetical experiments and numerical tests consistently show that the probability-dominant strategy (PDS) is a more desirable choice for travelers compared to the dominant probability strategy (DPS).
• PdUE is demonstrated to be a more suitable selfish routing equilibrium than conventional SUE when travel time probability distributions are known.

Conclusions:

• The probability-dominant user equilibrium (PdUE) model offers a more realistic representation of selfish routing in stochastic networks.
• The probability-dominant strategy (PDS) is empirically and theoretically supported as a superior routing choice for travelers seeking to minimize risk or optimize their travel.
• PdUE provides a valuable framework for understanding and predicting routing behavior in complex, uncertain transportation systems.