Research On The New Road Network Variable Message Signs' Impact On Route Choice

Variable Message Signs is one of the main means of distribution in Traffic Guidance Systems. It can provide en-route drivers with the information about traffic, road and weather, which can guide them of the path chosen. The beginning of the 21 century, the New Road Network Variable Message Signs appeared on the main road network in many countries. The impact of the new thing, especially on route choice, is worthy to explore and research.Firstly, the thesis defines the New Road Network Variable Message Signs based on the display technology, information content and form, and introduces the application in Japan, Korea, Germany, Holand and China. Secondly, in summing up Route Choice Theory, the thesis analyzes the New Road Network Variable Message Signs' impact on route choice, based on the use of behavioural science, psychology and system dynamics. Thirdly, after the description and contrast of the research means and research model, the thesis makes case analysis.(1) Building a multi-category ordinal logistic model researches the relationship between drivers' stated preference to the New Road Network Variable Message Signs and route choice: 1) those who highly trust, frequently concern and so on will change the route frequently according to the information; 2) with the increase of driving age, the frequency of changing the path will reduce.(2) Building two multiple linear regression models research the different information content's impact on route choice: 1) while the destinations are adjacent, if the traffic state of replaced link is better, the percent of changing path will be higher; if the traffic state of frontage link and via link is worse, the percent will be higher; 2) while the destinations are not adjacent, if the traffic state of replaced link is better, the percent of changing path will be higher; if the traffic state of frontage link and high-rank link is worse, the percent will be higher; if the destination is farther away from the origin, the percent will be higher.3) Review the application of the New Road Network Variable Message Signs in Beijing, and present some suggestion: 1) more than 80% drivers think it is useful for their travel; 2) about 20% drivers think it can ease the tension caused by traffic jams; 3) only 3% drivers are unable to see the information at the high speed; 4) 73% drivers trust basically the information; 5) over 60% drivers don't trust the yellow; 6) suggest that the range of the speed of the yellow is adjusted to 20-35km/h, approved by 56.94% drivers.