Abstract

There is substantial evidence to indicate that route choice in urban areas is complex cognitive process, conducted under uncertainty and formed on partial perspectives. Yet, conventional route choice models continue make simplistic assumptions around the nature of human cognitive ability, memory and preference. In this paper, a novel framework for route choice in urban areas is introduced, aiming to more accurately reflect the uncertain, bounded nature of route choice decision making. Two main advances are introduced. The first involves the definition of a hierarchical model of space representing the relationship between urban features and human cognition, combining findings from both the extensive previous literature on spatial cognition and a large route choice dataset. The second advance involves the development of heuristic rules for route choice decisions, building upon the hierarchical model of urban space. The heuristics describe the process by which quick, ‘good enough’ decisions are made when individuals are faced with uncertainty. This element of the model is once more constructed and parameterised according to findings from prior research and the trends identified within a large routing dataset. The paper outlines the implementation of the framework within a real-world context, validating the results against observed behaviours. Conclusions are offered as to the extension and improvement of this approach, outlining its potential as an alternative to other route choice modelling frameworks. Document type: Article

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined interactions of environmental and safety measures for road transportation. Method: Road-safety effects of various measures targeting environmental problems of road transportation and environmental effects of various road-safety measures were reviewed. Results:"br/"The results showed that a vast majority of the examined measures support both policy objectives and thereby contribute effectively to sustainable transportation. However, there were also measures with conflicting effects, although the number of those measures was limited. In addition, there were a number of measures with no interaction. Furthermore, many potential effects were not documented and therefore in many instances only likely effects were noted. Conclusion: There are two practical implications of this study. First, those measures that result in double benefits should be encouraged to be implemented. Second, in case of conflicting measures, the specific implementations should attempt to minimize the negative effects.