A Research on Braess Paradox and Price of Anarchy in Traffic Networks

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1007-7375.2022.04.007

Abstract

Abstract: Braess Paradox suggests that new roads may reduce travel efficiency. To quantitatively analyze the impact of Braess Paradox on the efficiency of the road network, the expressway networks of Guangzhou, Suzhou and California are selected to locate Braess Paradox Links; then the change of total travel time and Price of Anarchy after closing paradox links under various traffic demands are empirically analyzed. The results show: 1) Braess Paradox Links exist in all three road networks under specific demands, and the total travel time can be respectively shortened by 0.72%, 1.79%, 1.51% after closing Braess Paradox Links; 2) Braess Paradox does not occur under low demand or high demand, but may occur in the intermediate demand interval; 3) Closing Braess Paradox Link does not change the overall trend of Price of Anarchy curve, but it will locally change Price of Anarchy. Therefore, it is necessary to locate the Braess Paradox Links, and improve the travel efficiency of the road network through measures such as limiting traffic flow or closing the road.

Key words: Braess paradox, price of anarchy, user equilibrium, system optimum

CLC Number:

U491.13

WANG Aihu, TANG Yuanhua. A Research on Braess Paradox and Price of Anarchy in Traffic Networks[J]. Industrial Engineering Journal, 2022, 25(4): 54-59.

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