Emergence of cooperative route-choice: A model and experiment of compliance with system-optimal ATIS. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Klein, Ido; Ben-Elia, Eran
• Is Part Of: Transportation research. Volume 59(2018)Part A
• Page Start: 348
• Page End: 364
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Route-choice -- Advanced Traveler Information Systems -- Cooperation -- System optimum -- Nudge; Automobile drivers -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Automobile driving -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 629.283019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2018.09.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-8478

Abstract

Highlights: Experimental investigation of route-choice with system optimal travel information. Experiments examined emergence of cooperation on a simple road network in response to system optimal route recommendations. Information and incentives motivate compliance shifting traffic away from user equilibrium towards the system optimum. Near system optimal state is achieved when both priming and incentives are present. Participants adapt to the new information by adopting different behavioral strategies. Abstract: Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) aim to supply drivers with individually tailored information. User optimal information provision pushes the road network closer to the theoretical state of User Equilibrium (UE) instead of the System Optimum (SO). We investigate the effects on individual route-choice and consequent collective traffic states of an SO-based ATIS in a mixed within-between group design laboratory experiment. The experiment examines how implicit cooperation between self-interested participants emerges on a simple binary road network by providing them information in the form of system optimally allocated route recommendations and extrinsic incentives for compliance. Collectively, the recommendations were found to be a necessary condition for cooperation. Additional incentives in the form of penalties and rewards for compliance allowed cooperation to emerge much more efficiently. Individually, participants adapt to the new information by adopting four different coping strategies. Analysis of response time suggests that complex signals that include information on the recommended route coupled with incentives for compliance will result in more deliberation and higher rates of compliance. The implications for the behavioral implications on ATIS design and implementation are further discussed.