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 information. Providing drivers travel time information about alternative route's traffic conditions to assist their route choices and guide them to utilize existing expressway network in Hong Kong becomes to be regarded as one possible strategy for effective traffic management. Travel time information can be provided to drivers via variable message signs (VMS) at the expressway network in Hong Kong. For evaluating the effects of the VMS on driver's 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.