The impact of real-time information in a two-route scenario using agent-based simulation

Since advanced traveler information systems (ATIS) have been introduced, their potential benefits as well as their drawbacks have been discussed controversially. This will continue as long as the drivers’ reactions upon current or even predictive information about the traffic situation are not known. Thus, traffic models that also consider this feedback are necessary. In this paper, we address a basic two-route scenario with different types of information and study the impact of it using simulations. The road users are modeled as agents, a natural and promising approach to describe them. Different ways of generating current information are tested. It is pointed out that the nature of the information very much influences the potential benefits of the ATIS.