A Route Choice Model of Heterogeneous Travelers Considering Influences of Real Time Traffic Information

Travelers′route choice behaviors are an important factor to predict the spatial and temporal distribution of traffic flow and maintain economical and efficient operation of traffic networks.In order to explore the differences of route choice behaviors of heterogeneous travelers,a route choice model based on cumulative prospect theory is developed in this study.The differences and similarities between general travelers′and commuters′route choice behaviors under two scenarios (with and without real time traffic information)are analyzed by defining reference points and a travel risk appe-tites computing method considering coefficients of time value.This computing method assures heterogeneous travelers have different risk appetites.The results show that traveler with larger reference point is conservative and tends to choose a route with longer travel time,while the others prefer taking risks.Furthermore,when alternatives can meet travelers′requirements and their reference points are big enough,general travelers prefer to neglect risks,for higher benefits.