Noboru Harata

Difference Between Area-Based and Cordon-Based Congestion Pricing: Investigation by Trip-Chain-Based Network Equilibrium Model with Nonadditive Path Costs

Modeling the effects of congestion pricing has become the focus of many researchers, and several have analyzed the cordon-based congestion pricing problem. However, few have attempted to investigate area-based congestion pricing because it is considered difficult to analyze precisely. Cordon-based pricing can be expressed easily in a traffic assignment procedure by the addition of a charge to the inbound links of a cordon area, but the impedance of area-based pricing cannot be expressed with a linkbased formulation. The objectives of this study are to propose a sound network model for evaluating area-based pricing and to compare the effects of area-based pricing and cordon-based pricing. First, it is pointed out that an exact treatment of area-based congestion pricing requires consideration of the nonadditive trip-chain-based path cost. Such consideration appears complicated, but a simple trip-chain-based network equilibrium model with nonadditive path cost is formulated here, and a convex minimization pr...

Incorporating Trip-Chaining Behavior into Network Equilibrium Analysis

The network equilibrium model is a useful tool for long-term transportation planning and is one promising alternative to the traditional four-step travel forecasting model. However, some issues with the model remain to be considered. For example, almost all variations of the model adhere to the traditional trip-based approach, in which trip chains made by users are treated as separate, independent entities in the analysis. This research aims to develop a simple, tractable model to overcome this problem. One proposed model is based on piston-type trip chaining, and another accommodates any other type of trip chaining and includes congestion phenomena. These proposed models have certain key features: they have been successfully formulated as convex minimization problems, so uniqueness and algorithm convergence are easily proved; traveler behavior is based on theoretically sound random utility models, which allows the benefit of transportation projects to be calculated such that it is consistent with travel demand forecasting; and optimal road pricing can be calculated even in large-scale networks. These models are examined with the use of simple network examples, with special attention paid to the effect of trip-chaining behavior at the level of second-best toll. In a simple two-destination network, the second-best toll of the trip-based model is lower than that of trip chain-based model, indicating one of the biases of the trip-based model.

Meeting Appointment and Waiting Behavior with Mobile Communications

Information and communications technologies (ICT) have provided people with many activity opportunities for communications in cyberspace. Mobile phones have made decisions about activity scheduling more flexible and changed travel behavior dramatically. Meeting and waiting behavior could be among the most dramatically changed behaviors since the introduction of ICT. Mobile phones allow one to reschedule appointment time and place without space-time constraints. Young people especially use mobile communications frequently and cleverly. A study was done to investigate young peoples decisions about meeting and waiting behaviors and to analyze dynamic rescheduling behavior by mobile communications, in spatial and temporal dimensions. An on-site interviewing survey was conducted in Shinjuku, Tokyo, in December 2003. Information on telecommunications relating to (re)scheduling meeting time and place and on waiting behavior was obtained from 87 young pairs. Reasons for telecommunicating by mobile phone were cla...

TRAVEL BEHAVIOR DATA COLLECTED USING GPS AND PHS

This paper describes how travel behavior data collection systems were developed using Global Positioning System (GPS), personal handyphone systems (PHS) (also known as cell phones), and geographic information systems (GIS). It then examines the effectiveness of the data collected by these systems and their applicability to travel behavior surveys.

Simultaneous Model for Household Interactions in Daily Activity, Information and Communication, and Social Behavior

This paper describes the development, estimation, and interpretation of a simultaneous structural equations model relating sociodemographics, household interactions in daily in-home and out-of-home physical and virtual activity participation, social interactions (measured by with whom the activities are performed), use of telecommunication, and travel behavior. The model is unique in its simultaneous representation of each decision makers choices about participation patterns for solo and joint with-whom in-home and out-of-home physical and virtual activities, and the complex set of structural relationships among such patterns, and household and individual sociodemographics. The empirical model was estimated by using data from a recent 2-day activity and travel diary survey conducted in the Cairo, Egypt, region. The results highlight the influence of sociodemographics, household traditions, beliefs, social roles, and lifestyle on individuals’ solo- and joint-activity patterns. Furthermore, the results showed a significant trade-off between joint and solo participation for both in-home and out-of-home activity participation. In contrast, significant complementary relationships were found between joint in-home virtual activities and joint out-of-home activities. Furthermore, this study provides another justification for the holistic and comprehensive approach to studying the interrelationships between information and communication technologies and household interactions in daily activity and travel behavior. The results revealed complementary relationships between joint activity participation and telecommunication use. These results have important implications for estimation and forecasting of activity travel demand, given the significant household interaction patterns, especially for people of Cairo.

Connection Between Built Environment and Travel Behavior: Propensity Score Approach Under a Continuous Treatment Regime

In recent years, the compact city concept has become a paradigm of sustainable urban development under the premise that mixed-use, high-density cities can significantly reduce automobile dependency and promote the use of alternative modes. This claim, however, hinges on the existence of a true causal mechanism between the built environment and travel behavior. This study tackled the causality problem by using a propensity score approach but differed from previous studies in that this study relaxed the binary treatment assumption (i.e., urban versus suburban) and assumed a continuous treatment of urbanization level, estimated as a latent variable. Methodologically, the propensity score stratification method used was successful in mitigating residential self-selection bias on estimates of the effect of the built environment on nonwork trip frequency and traveled distance. Overestimation ranges for the direct regression estimates against the estimates stratified on the propensity score ranged from 6% to 36%. Findings suggested the existence of a causal mode substitution mechanism from car to nonmotorized modes given positive increases in the latent score of urbanization level.

Exploring the Role of Social Interactions and Supports in Overcoming Accessibility Barriers While Undertaking Health Tours in India

This article explores the phenomenon of companionship as an adaptation strategy to counter the existing barriers to health care access in developing nations. Companionship is argued to be an outcome of “inter” and “intra” household collaboration to offer diverse supports in addition to altruism. The analysis of the household survey conducted in West Bengal, India, exhibited different patterns of health care tours and the associated dependencies. In addition to support in terms of mobility while traveling and companionship while waiting for the opportunity, support in terms of refuge is also found to be essential, especially for the poor while they undertake regional tours. Causal models focusing on aggregated general health tours and specific regional tours were estimated separately to comprehend the implicit social interactions and their effects on the patient as well as the companions. The research demonstrated that accessibility barriers affect not only the ill, but also those associated with them and at times adversely. Segregation of regional tours illustrated the gaps, which instigated such tours and also might aid in health infrastructure planning as a whole.

Analysis of Day-to-Day Variations of Travel Time Using GPS and GIS

This paper presents an analysis of day-to-day variations of travel time on road network using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS). Data collection system was developed using GPS connected with notebook PC, which can capture vehicle movement of multiple days. One-week vehicle travel surveys using the system were conducted for commuting drivers in local cities. Methods for handling GPS data on GIS platform were summarized, and day-to-day variations of travel time and speed were analyzed in the study area. Although positional data are very promising, usefulness in travel time studies depends on the process of data handling and the quality of GIS database.

Sustainable Urban Structure and Transport Policy in the Metropolitan Region

This chapter discusses the needs and requirements of a sustainable urban structure as a tool in order to provide sustainable mobility in a metropolitan region. First, the objectives and effective tolls of a sustainable transport strategy are discussed. As an objective, sustainable mobility is defined to satisfy the balance among different policy objectives. As an effective tool of transport planning, a sustainable urban structure is needed to reduce travel needs with a supportive legal framework. In particular, to satisfy the social dimension of sustainable mobility, a sustainable urban structure is needed to alleviate social exclusion and the mobility gap between people who can use cars and those who cannot. Second, the essential elements of a sustainable urban structure are discussed. In a metropolitan region, high-density development is needed to accommodate a high concentration of activities. Also, a hierarchal center structure with a public transport axis can be observed in many proposals such as the Finger Plan (Copenhagen), 2040 Growth Concept (Portland), and “Dango to Kushi” (Toyama). Some of them have already shown success in providing sustainable mobility. Finally, it is recommended to use mobility management for mobility choice and space–time accessibility analysis of major activity centers to support a sustainable urban structure.

Strategy for a Sustainable Transportation System in City Regions: Strategic Approaches and Consensus Building

In this chapter we explain approaches to developing a strategy for a transportation system that will provide sustainable mobility. The chapter explains the strategic planning process from goal setting to plan making and implementation, and then examines the relationship between transport strategy planning and decision-making processes. Then, we will discuss setting sustainable goals for transportation in city regions, and explain a strategy for rearranging the spatial development pattern. Finally, we cover possible outcomes of the strategic planning process, such as suggestions for institutional reform, recognition of a need for consensus building regarding the strategic vision developed, and the creation of bodies for local governance in city regions.