Travel time estimation in extended urban networks

Outline:The dynamics of traffic flow variation have a considerable impact on the task of monitoring and controlling the operation of road networks. The real-time prediction of travel time enables network operators to design and deploy Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) in freeway and urban arterial networks aiming to mitigate some of the effects of the un-predictability of traffic conditions and un-reliability of network travel services. One of the most difficult problems of travel time estimation is the magnitude of the error estimate as this can render any controlling measure unreliable and eventually useless. Subsequently, the determination of threshold values for the predicted travel times can assist network managers to run more efficient control strategies and enhance system performance. Such strategies can involve the timely selection of appropriate traffic control actions, e.g., through Variable Message Sign (VMS) displays, and allow risk-aversing travelers to make different travel choices, according to their own perception of their generalized travel cost. This paper describes both the algorithms and the real-life experiments that were undertaken in Athens in the wake of the Athens Summer Olympics of 2004.Bio:
Professor and Head, Laboratory of Railways and Transport, Dept of Transportation Planning and Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece

Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 248

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Shane Goodoff