Stability Analysis of Mixed Traffic Flow using Car-Following Models on Trajectory Data

Abstract

There is an increase in the need to understand traffic flow behavior through multiple fronts, especially in developing countries like India, where a high degree of heterogeneity, non-lane-discipline, and non-compliance to traffic rules prevail in the road sections. As a result, it can impact the stability of the traffic stream. Four car-following equations to analyze six vehicle categories using various stability criteria are evaluated for the mixed traffic conditions. With the help of processed trajectory data of the western expressway, consisting of multiple types of flows, the parameters of four car-following equations are calibrated for all vehicle categories separately to address heterogeneity. Final stability equations are derived from the available criteria in the literature and analyzed accordingly. To address non-lane-discipline, a straightforward methodology to examine the stability of a model which considers lateral movement is developed and validated, and proven to provide more stability to the traffic. Comparisons between vehicle categories and between car-following models are made. Various interpretations about the impact of parameters in car-following models on the stability of traffic are provided.