Dynamic allocation of parallel congested traffic channels.

Vehicular traffic flow in parallel channels of limited capacities is studied. Optimal strategies for reducing the congestion during the rush period are derived from the standpoint of either individual or public interest. It is demonstrated that when the two strategies derived from the above two standpoints are in conflict, certain incentives or compulsory regulations may be used in order to bring them together and minimize congestion. A dynamic strategy for the optimal allocation of traffic into the channels is derived, which is adaptive to changes of the traffic demands and channel capacities. (a) for the covering abstract of the symposium please see irrd abstract no. 224453.