Ad Hoc Vehicle Platoon Formation

Road traffic is something most people experience daily. Traffic congestion is something everyone involved seeks to avoid, but often cannot. There are many facets of research seeking to alleviate or solve traffic problems. Platooning is a method that could help. Platooning is a technique where two or more cars drive in close proximity, one behind the other. To date, platoon formation research has largely focused on centrally orchestrated planning. Allowing dynamic formation of platoons seems a natural means to increase adoption and participation, but a standard way of negotiating the platoon is needed. This paper defines an Ad Hoc Platoon formation game that meets that need and evaluates potential strategies players could employ.