Waiting Tolerance: Ramp Delay vs. Freeway Congestion

 

Carlson, K., D. Levinson, K. Harder, J. Bloomfield (2004) Waiting Tolerance: Ramp Delay vs. Freeway Congestion

Transportation Research part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour Volume 9, Issue 1 , January 2006, Pages 1-13

 

Abstract:

Waiting tolerance at ramp meters and travel time on the freewaywere measured using a computer administered stated preference (CASP) survey and a virtual experience stated preference (VESP) methodemploying a driving simulator.The selections varied in the number of minutes waiting at a ramp meter with vehicle speed once on the freeway.  The subjects ranked the selections in order of preference.   The results were statistically analyzed using a binary logit model controlling for demographics, socioeconomic characteristics, daily travel time, and personality scores.The results by the CASP method displayed a preference for freeway congestion to ramp delay, but opposite results were obtained by the VESP method.  A number of reasons are posited to explain the difference, but the results indicate that method of stated preference data collection can significantly affect conclusions drawn.

Keywords:  Ramp meters; Personality; Stated preference; Driving simulator; Travel time

 

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