A comparative analysis of information provision strategies for parking variable message sign display problems

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 2725-2735
Author(s):  
Xun-You Ni ◽  
Weite Lu ◽  
Chunqin Zhang ◽  
Yong Liu ◽  
Jing Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Threshold Value ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Variable Message Signs ◽  
Traffic Conditions ◽  
Average Travel Time ◽  
Parking Lot ◽  
Message Signs ◽  
Urban Parking

Parking spaces are insufficient and are plagued by over-consumption in hot areas. To assist drivers easily in identifying available parking spaces, parking variable message signs are commonly adopted to display information on space availability. This paper analyzes the performance of various information provision strategies. To achieve this objective, we first present the mechanisms of the information provision strategies. Then, the information provision strategies are classified into three categories: regular, symmetric, and discriminative. The regular strategies provide the collected parking information directly to drivers; the symmetric schemes employ the equal threshold values for all parking lots; and the discriminative schedules adopt an independent threshold value for each parking lot. The threshold value provides an upper limit for the Space Occupancy Percentage (SOP): when the SOP is larger than the threshold value, the parking lot status becomes FULL; otherwise, it is displayed having available spaces. Finally, an agent-based simulation model is introduced to describe the parking and traffic conditions. The results indicate that both the symmetric and discriminative strategies significantly decrease the highest failure rate and average travel time, whereas the latter performs better. The results of this comparative analysis can assist in the configuration and operation of an urban parking guidance and information system.

An Agent-Based Simulation Model for Parking Variable Message Sign Location Problem

2018 ◽  
Vol 2672 (19) ◽  
pp. 135-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xun-You Ni ◽  
Daniel (Jian) Sun
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Agent Based Simulation ◽  
Short Supply ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Average Travel Time ◽  
Parking Lot ◽  
The One ◽  
Message Signs ◽  
Urban Parking

Parking spaces are often in short supply in urban areas. To balance the supply and demand and alleviate the overconsumption of public spaces, parking variable message signs (parking VMSs) are commonly used to release information on space availability to drivers en route. The aim of this study was to find the optimal positions for parking VMSs. To achieve the objective, we first define the major decision point (MDP) as the intersection where the newly generated path deviates from the previous one. When informed that the target parking lot is fully occupied, the driver would divert to an alternative one. The route to the alternative parking lot is indicated as the newly generated path, while the one leading to the original parking lot is denoted as the previous one. Quantitatively, MDPs with the highest frequency of occurrence are selected as the candidate positions. Then, an agent-based simulation is proposed to identify the MDPs induced by changes of space availability and the selection of routes. The results indicate that the proposed location algorithm slightly outperforms the scheme with the completed parking information in terms of average travel time and average travel distance. The algorithm can be further integrated into a simulation package, which may assist in the design and operation of an urban parking guidance and information system.

scholarly journals Analysis of Parking Reliability Guidance of Urban Parking Variable Message Sign System

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenyu Mei ◽  
Ye Tian ◽  
Dongping Li
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
Choice Behavior ◽  
Central City ◽  
Reliability Model ◽  
Variable Message Signs ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Car Park ◽  
Quantitative Changes ◽  
Message Signs ◽  
Urban Parking

Operators of parking guidance and information systems (PGIS) often encounter difficulty in determining when and how to provide reliable car park availability information to drivers. Reliability has become a key factor to ensure the benefits of urban PGIS. The present paper is the first to define the guiding parking reliability of urban parking variable message signs (VMSs). By analyzing the parking choice under guiding and optional parking lots, a guiding parking reliability model was constructed. A mathematical program was formulated to determine the guiding parking reliability of VMS. The procedures were applied to a numerical example, and the factors that affect guiding reliability were analyzed. The quantitative changes of the parking berths and the display conditions of VMS were found to be the most important factors influencing guiding reliability. The parking guiding VMS achieved the best benefit when the parking supply was close to or was less than the demand. The combination of a guiding parking reliability model and parking choice behavior offers potential for PGIS operators to reduce traffic congestion in central city areas.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Newly Introduced Variable Message Signs in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nedal Taisir Ratrout ◽  
Yazan F Issa
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Field Experiment ◽  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Statistical Relationship ◽  
Variable Message Signs ◽  
Traffic Conditions ◽  
Message Signs

Recently, Variable Message Signs (VMS) were introduced in Saudi Arabia and their reliability under local environment is being tested. This paper aims to evaluate the possible response of the drivers to VMS when used for messages related to traffic conditions. A major arterial in Al-Khobar city in Saudi Arabia with a massive VMS board was selected for this paper. The evaluation process started by interviewing drivers selected randomly from the study area. About 77% of the interviewed drivers indicated positive attitude toward messages requesting change of route. The drivers’ interviews demonstrated statistical relationship between the degree of response to messages requesting change of route and the reason for such request. The maximum response was for messages related to accidents, roadwork activities, and traffic congestion. A field experiment was also conducted along the studied arterial. It was found that VMS statistically increased the percentage of diverted traffic during specific peak periods.

Content of Variable Message Signs and On-Line Driver Behavior

2000 ◽  
Vol 1725 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivas Peeta ◽  
Jorge L. Ramos ◽  
Raghubhushan Pasupathy
Keyword(s):  
Network Traffic ◽  
Traffic Control ◽  
Stated Preference ◽  
Control Variable ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Spatial Knowledge ◽  
Variable Message Signs ◽  
Driver Response ◽  
Traffic Conditions ◽  
Message Signs

Variable message signs (VMS) are programmable traffic control devices that convey nonpersonalized real-time information on network traffic conditions to drivers encountering them. Especially useful under incidents, VMS aim to influence driver routing decisions to enhance network performance. This study investigates the effect of different message contents on driver response under VMS. Presumably, if the message content is a significant factor in driver response, the traffic controller can use it as a control variable to influence network traffic conditions positively without compromising the integrity of information. This issue is addressed through an on-site stated preference user survey. Logit models are developed for drivers’ diversion decisions. The analysis suggests that content in terms of the level of detail of relevant information significantly affects drivers’ willingness to divert. Other significant factors include socio-economic characteristics, network spatial knowledge, and confidence in the displayed information. Results also indicate differences in the response attitudes of semitrailer truck drivers compared to other travelers. They provide substantive insights for the design and operation of VMS-based information systems.

On Whether to Allow Computers to Post Traffic Advisory Messages without Operator Approval

1997 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 959-963
Author(s):  
Dennis J. Folds ◽  
W. Bradley Fain
Keyword(s):  
Support System ◽  
Traffic Management ◽  
Support Systems ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Variable Message Signs ◽  
Traffic Conditions ◽  
Management Support Systems ◽  
Timely Fashion ◽  
Message Signs

Traffic Management Centers (TMCs) may control dozens of variable message signs (VMSs). Computers may help TMC operators select messages to post to VMSs, in response to traffic conditions. Errors in posting messages (incorrect location, wording, or both) can complicate traffic management and undermine public confidence in the TMC. An experiment was conducted in the TMC Simulator to compare support systems that directly post messages on VMSs with those that simply suggest messages to the operator. The post condition resulted in better performance in terms of getting appropriate messages posted on the correct signs in a timely fashion. Significant delays were sometimes associated with the operator's response to support system suggestions, even though the suggestions were prompt and accurate. We recommend that VMS management support systems be allowed to post messages without requiring operator approval, given that the messages have been previously approved for content, and the error rate of the support system is acceptably low.

Accelerating Major Freeway Reconstruction Projects: The Houston Experience

1998 ◽  
Vol 1632 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Benz ◽  
David W. Fenno ◽  
Anthony P. Voigt
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Public Information ◽  
Traffic Modeling ◽  
User Cost ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Information Campaign ◽  
Variable Message Signs ◽  
Traffic Conditions ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Message Signs

Several steps in the planning, execution, and evaluation of the I-45 Pierce Elevated reconstruction in Houston provide a strong framework for preparing for projects that affect critical links in the nation’s transportation system. These elements include preconstruction traffic modeling, public information, and data collection before and during each phase of construction. Traffic modeling helped to prepare for construction by first developing delay numbers for the estimated user cost used in the A + B bidding. Second, preconstruction modeling identified bottlenecks that were temporarily remediated at strategic locations. Finally, modeling provided speed and travel time data used in mounting a public information campaign. Data collection and monitoring of traffic conditions immediately before, immediately after, and a few weeks after construction began provided an immediate picture of traffic conditions and identified problem locations that could be corrected during construction. A critical public information campaign was undertaken using television, radio, newspaper articles, billboards, fliers, and variable message signs. Each of these provided advance warning to motorists in the weeks before construction began and variable message signs, radio, and the Internet were used to provide real-time information during construction. Preparations for the Pierce Elevated reconstruction went beyond standard procedures and planning typically used for major construction projects. Although engineers have traditionally been designers as well as project managers, they will be called on more to become brokers of information that will allow the public to use the transportation network in the most time- and cost-effective manner under adverse construction conditions.

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