This paper reports on a simulation-assignment framework for the analysis of time-dependent vehicular trips in a congested urban road network. The core is a simulator (DYNASMART) that allows consideration of individual tripmaker decisions at the origin as well as at each node along the way to the destination, in addition to describing the dynamics of vehicular traffic flow. The simulator is incorporated in an algorithmic framework for solving both system-optimal and user-equilibrium time-dependent assignment of trips to the network. Alternatively, assignment may be determined entirely by the specified user choice rules. Particularly useful is a formulation and solution algorithm for a network with multiple for a network with multiple user classes possibly following different assignment principles and/or receiving different types of information (or none at all). Results of computer implementation of the procedures on test networks are included to illustrate their applicability to evaluate transportation system improvements and information supply strategy. (A)
Abstract