Application of Fuzzy Entropy-DEA Model on the Impact Assessment for Combined On-Ramp and Variable Speed Limit Systems

The socioeconomic impact assessment for Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) schemes has important theoretic value and realistic sense for the implementation of ITS schemes. On the basis of a deep study of the combined on-ramp and variable speed limit systems' impacts on society, economy, environment, and so on, this paper presents a comprehensive Fuzzy Entropy-DEA model for the socioeconomic impact assessment of the combined on-ramp and variable speed limit systems schemes, and an example is introduced based on a simulation program. The assessment results show that the established Fuzzy Entropy-DEA model can judge effectively the optimal speed-limiting value under the different volume of traffic, which makes the traveling vehicles acquire the optimal socioeconomic beneficial result. The Fuzzy Entropy-DEA model not only can consider some benefits that cost-benefit analysis method does not easily monetize impact but also can combine organically the subjectivity of Fuzzy with the objectivity of Entropy-DEA, so the assessment results should be more comprehensive and more objective. The model will offer a quantitative support for both national and local transportation departments to understand the potential ITS schemes' socioeconomic impact and to formulate ITS schemes investment policy.