Optimal toll-pricing based on a dynamic multi-region MFD traffic model with elastic demand

Abstract

Multi-region Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram (MFD) traffic models have been developed as a more easily calibratable, maintainable, and computationally efficient alternative to traditional link-based traffic assignment models with full disaggregate network representation. In this paper we use the dynamic multi-region MFD Stochastic User Equilibrium (SUE) model recently developed in Duncan et al. (2024) to explore optimal toll-pricing. We first extend the model to account for elastic demand. Then, we integrate the model within a toll-price optimisation procedure, where the tolling scheme is travel-time-based and the objective function maximises social welfare. We first test the optimisation procedure in a simple example multi-region MFD system, and then apply the procedure to optimise toll prices in a real-life large-scale and detailed case study of Zealand, Denmark. Results show that the model and optimisation procedure can effectively optimise toll prices to instigate a beneficial change in travel behaviour.