Optimisation of dynamic toll-pricing systems, using VISSIM

This study initiates work toward developing a new dynamic toll pricing scheme on road networks using simulation. This MRes project is a pilot study aimed at laying the groundwork for a doctoral project. The planned doctoral work will include developing a new approach that can practically contribute in mitigating traffic congestion and maximizing traffic throughput and toll revenue. The simulation software package VISSIM will be used to test the reliability of this approach. A major task in this study will be the development of an external module, using the technical computing package Matlab, through the VISSIM COM interface. The results of the data analysis and simulation are expected to show that toll lanes operated under such a scheme provide a noticeable time saving while maintaining speed at the minimum limit specified for optimal performance. As work toward the development of such a scheme within the MRes study period, I have done three things: 1. Preparing a literature review on similar previous approaches. 2. Obtaining the relevant traffic data on Sydney's M5 Freeway, the selected study area. 3. Planning and initial development of the methodology that will be adopted in this study, including the required models and algorithms necessary to accomplish the study objectives.