A stochastic traffic assignment model for road network with travel time information via variable message signs

In view of the serious traffic congestion in Hong Kong urban area and improvement of electronic information and communication technology, there is a growing aspiration to relieve traffic congestion by providing drivers the traffic information. Providing travel time information about alternative traffic conditions to assist them to choose an appropriate route and guide them to utilize existing expressway networks in Hong Kong becomes a possible strategy for effective traffic management. Travel time information can be provided to drivers via variable message signs (VMS). For evaluating the effects of VMS on drivers' route choices, this paper proposes a traffic assignment model for road network with travel time information via VMS. The solution algorithm is also presented and numerical example is given to evaluate the proposed model.