Simulation Study on Route Choice Behavior under Multi-Source Travel Information

Abstract

To determine the route choice behavior of a driver under a scenario with multiple-source travel information, the features of subjective travel time prediction were analyzed, and then a conceptual model of prediction was established. Various scenarios with multi-resource travel information, such as traffic radio and variable message signs (VMS), were designed based on a large driving simulation system. Then the drivers were asked to search for travel information and perform driving tests at the minimum travel time to determine their route choice behavior characteristics. Results show that the scenario with traffic radio has the maximum average travel time and the lowest accuracy of prediction. However, traffic radio prevents drivers from encountering the route of serious delay; the scenario with VMS has the highest discrete degree, but accuracy in travel time prediction presents a limited service range. The scenario with traffic radio and VMS improves the accuracy of prediction with minimum variance and enables drivers to perform better than they do under a scenario with a single information source.