Traveler response towards advanced traveler information systems (ATIS) in Bangkok | |
| Author | Pathan, Agha Faisal Habib |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.TE-04-13 |
| Subject(s) | Travelers--Thailand--Bangkok Traffic congestion--Thailand--Bangkok |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Civil Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. TE-04-13 |
| Abstract | Traffic congestion is nowadays a major problem in almost all of the metropolitan areas of the world. Increasing levels of congestion result in worst predicaments like urban environmental pollution, energy problems and traffic accidents. This situation has prompted transport agencies to realize the importance and usefulness of ITS related technologies including Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS). However, understanding user response to traffic and congestion information is important for designing the appropriate ATIS operations and its evaluation in terms of effectiveness and resulting benefits. This research aimed to develop driver behavior models that can be used to analyze the effect of different types of ATIS on the traffic in a busy commuter corridor in Bangkok, the Second Stage Expressway locally known as the Si Rat Expressway. The behavior model can emulate the ways commuters determine their travel choices, it may also be able to mimic the commuters switching behavior routes under specific travel environment and socio-economic characteristics. The main objective of this research was to explore how travelers behave under unexpected congestions and how they might respond to qualitative, quantitative and prescriptive information. Presumably, if the provided information is a significant factor in the driver response, it can be used as a control variable to improve network performance without compromising the integrity of the information. Data were collected on travelers diversion propensity under congestion through a survey of expressway commuters of Bangkok. Past diversion decisions were explored by revealed preference survey and effects of various factors, such as current sources of information, normal commuting behavior, and route attributes on traveler response to unexpected congestion were investigated. Moreover, responses to different types of hypothetical ATIS scenarios were explored by using stated preferences. Logit models of traveler response were developed from both stated and revealed preference data accounting for biases inherent in the SP responses. Both models were compared and the results indicated that with an increase in the information content, commuters can overcome their behavioral inertia when faced with unexpected congestion. The analysis suggested that accurate delay and prescriptive information significantly affects drivers willingness to divert. Other significant factors included expected delay on usual route, travel time, congestion level, socio-economic characteristics and information sources are important determinants of diversion propensity. On the other hand, the effects of ATIS were assessed by implementing the findings of the behavioral models into the traffic simulations enabling evaluate its impacts on transportation system performance. The results indicated that spatial location and type of incident are important factors which affected mobility of expressway users differently. It was also found that longer the duration of incident, the more adverse effect it has on network performance. The impacts of ATIS in dealing with recurring congestion were encouraging resulted to the significant increase in the average network speed. It was also found that applying this system could gain upto 40 percent and 26 percent of average network speed for road repair and accident occurrence, respectively. Furthermore, it also revealed that reduction of upto 17 percent and 6 percent in mean delay per vehicle for road repair and accident occurrence respectively can be achieved. |
| Year | 2005 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. TE-04-13 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Civil Engineering |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Transportation Engineering (TE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Yordphol Tanaboriboon; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Hanaoka, Shinya;Pannapa Herabat; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Higher Education Commission of Pakistan / Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2005 |