Effects of odd–even traffic restriction on travel speed and traffic volume: Evidence from Beijing Olympic Games

Abstract

This paper reports the effects of using an “odd and even” traffic restriction policy in Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games. Based on data from 529 traffic detectors on the expressway network and some main arterials in Beijing, China, a comparative analysis has been carried out on the following parameters: the total traffic volume within the expressway network, the total traffic volume on different ring expressways, the traffic volume and speed of a freeway segment, and an arterial street before and after the implementation of the traffic restriction policy. The results show that during the traffic restriction period, although more than 50% of vehicles were forbidden to travel in Beijing, the traffic volume was only reduced by 20%–40% while the travel speed had been increased by 10%–20%. This suggests that such traffic restriction policy may be an effective short-term management measure in dealing with increased transportation demand and congestion during major events, such as the Olympic Games. Results also indicate that vehicle travel demand does not decrease with the same proportion as the total vehicles forbidden, at least for the expressway and main arterials in a city.