A Multi Agent Based Simulation Framework for the Study of Transit Passenger’s Route Choice Behavior

In light of the characteristics of transit passenger’s route choice behavior, this paper introduces a multi-agent based simulation approach into the study of this behavior.At first, the paper analyzes factors affecting transit passenger’s route choice behavior and then studies the rules of behavior for transit passengers when making route choices. The paper further proposes a utility function for selected routes and examines ways to investigate and analyze corresponding data so as to provide a basis for the modeling of passenger agent’s route choice behavior. Following this, the paper builds up a simulation system for transit passenger’s route choice behavior based on the multi-agent simulation software Starlogo developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and explains the process that will actually take place when using the simulation system. Finally, inadequacies of the study are analyzed and the focus of further research is indicated.