Investigation of the system-wide effects of intelligent infrastructure concepts with microscopic and mesoscopic traffic simulation

Abstract

In this paper we present a case-study for the greater area of Düsseldorf and investigate the effect of intelligent infrastructure on modal share, travel times and travel distances. Our approach combines the microscopic simulation SUMO to obtain traffic-flow capacities for signalized intersections, with the mesoscopic simulation MATSim to investigate system-wide and long-term effects. We investigate multiple scenarios with decreased, as well as increased flow capacities as consequence of innovative infrastructure and vehicle technologies. This study highlights the importance to account for both short-term and long-term effects. An increase in flow capacities at intersections yield a short-term effect of reduced travel times. However, in the long run, the more attractive car mode leads to an increase in car trips and total vehicle-kilometers (rebound effect) which may yield negative side effects such as increased air pollution and noise.