Exploring the Influence of Real-Time Traveler Information on the Macroscopic Fundamental Diagrams

Abstract

Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram (MFD), proposed by Geroliminis and Daganzo, describes the network-wide average relation between the number of vehicles in the network and the output flow of the network. The authors study the influence of real-time traveler information on MFDs. The authors use TransModeler to model and simulate the real-time propagation of traveler information as well as the drivers' route choice behaviors. The influences of several model parameters, including informed percentages, reroute time intervals and the acceptable delay level, are also examined. The homogeneity of road sections' density distribution under different parameters is also investigated. The authors propose a Weighted Average Model to explain real-time information's influence on MFDs from the perspective of special density homogeneity. The results show that more evenly distributed special density can produce larger weighted average of segment flows corresponding to higher network-wide outflow. Therefore, this model helps us understand the real-time information's influence from a macroscopic view point.