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Driver Understanding of Congestion-Based Pricing Messages
Principal Investigator: Dr.
Fengxiang Qiao
Sponsoring Agency:
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Total: $328,641, TSU
Lead: $243,768, TTI: $84,873
Period: September
1, 2008 ~ August 31, 2010
Research Abstract:
Changeable message signs (CMS),
also called variable message signs (VMS) or dynamic message
signs (DMS), are programmable traffic control devices that
display messages composed of letters, symbols, or both. It
is important to design and display CMS which are employed to
convey pertinent, real-time, and remotely updated traffic
information, including the dynamic pricing messages. Several
toll roads/managed lanes in Texas will use dynamic pricing
displays. In order to display the congestion-based pricing
messages, several key research issues should be addressed,
including: (1) what is the maximum number of lines of text
per sign; (2) what is the drivers’ comprehension to dynamic
pricing messages; (3) how many destinations should be listed
on each sign board; (4) is it necessary to list other
dynamic information such as travel time simultaneously; and
(5) will the dynamic pricing message add unsuitable
workloads to motorists. Therefore, there is a strong need to
synthesize the current relevant practices and research on
pricing message design, and prepare guidelines for the use
of CMS in dynamic congestion-based pricing messages. The
goal of this study is to ascertain driver’s understanding of
congestion-based pricing messages. To this end, the research
entails the following specific objectives: (1) evaluate
drivers’ psychological behaviors and workload in designing
congestion-based pricing messages; (2) simulate and examine
the driver’s understanding of pricing messages using a
driving simulator; and (3) develop guidelines for changeable
message signs with regards to static and dynamic components
of the sign, and to the number of signs and placement of
signs.
Research Information
For further information about the research, please contact Dr.
Fengxiang Qiao by telephone at (713) 313-1915 or by e-mail to
qiao_fg@tsu.edu.
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