Discrete Choice Models of Truck Traveler in Variable Pricing of Freeway

Currently, freeway traffic demand during rush hours is very high and freeway traffic demand during non rush hours is very low. Thus, the capacity during rush hours is significantly reduced and many traffic crashes happen, mainly due to the high traffic volume of truck and their much slower speed. Variable pricing is a potential travel demand management strategy that can shift peak period travel to off peak periods thereby contributing to peak period congestion relief. In the paper, field questionnaire surveys were performed to obtain truck traveler's behavior data regarding their departure choices if different variable pricing schemes would be implemented. Based on the survey data, discrete choice models of truck traveler response to the variable toll rates are estimated.