A markov-based curbside parking model and simulations

Referring to the classic circular city model, a curbside parking model based on the Markov chain theory is formulated. According to its Markov properties, the cruising competition queue is depicted through the viewpoints of the system and drivers, respectively. Consequently, the probability density function of the searching distance is derived, which proves that the traditional binomial distribution is limited in describing the competition behaviors between drivers. Then, a simulation algorithm is established to verify the theoretical results of the Markov model and find that besides the competition behavior, the continuouslyparking phenomenon is another major reason for difficult curbside parking. The finding extends our knowledge of curbside parking and can be helpful in designing the curbside parking policies.