The multi-class, multi-criteria traffic network equilibrium and systems optimum problem

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Abstract

It is well known that in the standard traffic network equilibrium model with a single value of time (VOT) for all users, a so-called marginal-cost toll can drive a user equilibrium flow pattern to a system optimum. This result holds when either cost (money) or time units are used in expressing the objective function of the system optimum and the criterion for user equilibrium. This paper examines the multi-criteria or the cost-versus-time network equilibrium and system optimum problem in a network with a discrete set of VOTs for several user classes. Specifically, the following questions are investigated: Are the user-optimal flows dependent upon the unit (time or money) used in measuring the travel disutility in the presence of road pricing? Are there any uniform link tolls across all individuals (link tolls that are identical for all user classes) that can support a multi-class user equilibrium flow pattern as a system optimum when the system objective function is measured by either money or time units? What are the general properties of the valid toll set?

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-15
Number of pages15
JournalTransportation Research Part B: Methodological
Volume38
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2004

Keywords

  • Network equilibrium
  • Road pricing
  • System optimum
  • User heterogeneity
  • Value of time

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