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Criticism of three-phase traffic theory

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  • Schönhof, Martin
  • Helbing, Dirk

Abstract

After introducing the history and main points of three-phase traffic theory, we continue with a critical discussion based on its theoretical features and empirical traffic data. Our data originate from the German freeway A5 close to Frankfurt, i.e. from the same freeway section that has been the basis for the development of three-phase traffic theory. Despite of this, we end up with partially different interpretations of the observations. In particular, we highlight findings that are inconsistent with three-phase traffic theory and facts that question the concept of a "general pattern" of congested traffic flow. Finally, we discuss some open problems that call for the development of improved traffic models and further empirical studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Schönhof, Martin & Helbing, Dirk, 2009. "Criticism of three-phase traffic theory," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 43(7), pages 784-797, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transb:v:43:y:2009:i:7:p:784-797
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Junwei Zeng & Yongsheng Qian & Fan Yin & Leipeng Zhu & Dejie Xu, 2022. "A multi-value cellular automata model for multi-lane traffic flow under lagrange coordinate," Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory, Springer, vol. 28(2), pages 178-192, June.
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    4. Treiber, Martin & Kesting, Arne, 2011. "Evidence of convective instability in congested traffic flow: A systematic empirical and theoretical investigation," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 45(9), pages 1362-1377.
    5. Treiber, Martin & Kesting, Arne & Helbing, Dirk, 2010. "Three-phase traffic theory and two-phase models with a fundamental diagram in the light of empirical stylized facts," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 44(8-9), pages 983-1000, September.
    6. Moshtagh, Mehrdad & Fathali, Jafar & Smith, J. MacGregor, 2018. "The Stochastic Queue Core problem, evacuation networks, and state-dependent queues," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 269(2), pages 730-748.
    7. Rehborn, Hubert & Klenov, Sergey L. & Palmer, Jochen, 2011. "An empirical study of common traffic congestion features based on traffic data measured in the USA, the UK, and Germany," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 390(23), pages 4466-4485.
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    9. Járai-Szabó, Ferenc & Néda, Zoltán, 2012. "Earthquake model describes traffic jams caused by imperfect driving styles," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 391(22), pages 5727-5738.
    10. MacGregor Smith, J. & Cruz, F.R.B., 2014. "M/G/c/c state dependent travel time models and properties," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 395(C), pages 560-579.
    11. Cheng, Qixiu & Lin, Yuqian & Zhou, Xuesong (Simon) & Liu, Zhiyuan, 2024. "Analytical formulation for explaining the variations in traffic states: A fundamental diagram modeling perspective with stochastic parameters," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 312(1), pages 182-197.
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