Evaluating the Impact of Real-Time Mobility and Travel Time Reliability Information on Truck Drivers’ Routing Decisions
Publication: Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
Authors: Xiaoqiang Kong, William L. Eisele, Yunlong Zhang, and Daren B. H. Cline
Abstract
The research analyzed 14,538 global positioning system devices recording trips on the I-495 crossing through Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, and 2,166 trips in the Dallas area, to explore how truck drivers make routing decisions based on real-time travel time and reliability information by applying a binary logistic regression model. Researchers found that for truck drivers who are not familiar with the historical traffic and travel time conditions on available routes, real-time congestion information is a significant factor in their routing decision-making process, while travel time reliability is not a major consideration. For frequent truck drivers who are familiar with the historical traffic and travel time conditions on available routes, travel time reliability is a significant factor in their routing decision-making process, and traffic congestion information is not a significant factor. These results bring more accuracy to travel time prediction and provide valuable insights into traffic management and reliability performance measures. Moreover, this research provides statistical evidence proving the potential value of delivering travel time reliability information to drivers, traffic management agencies, and navigation map developers.