Some generalizations and applications of the velocity field concept: Trip patterns in idealized cities

Abstract

This paper discusses the velocity field concept and seeks to extend its descriptive power by introducing the continuous analogue of the traditional link speed-flow relations used in transportation studies. By solving the resulting velocity field equations self-consistently in terms of land use and socio-economic factors, and various policy variables, the profile of this field, which reflects the spatial distribution of congestion in an urban area, may be found. The velocity field is computed in a circular city with a single ring road in order to identify its optimal radius. Car parking and public transport “no fares” policies are also considered to illustrate various aspects of our approach.