Traveler-centric mobility systems: analysis and perspectives using game-theoretic frameworks
Date
2023
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Technological advancements in transportation have and will continue to significantly impact urban social life, necessitating a reevaluation of our relationship between cars, public transit and society. This dissertation draws its main motivation from the need to understand human behavior and how selfish decision-making affects the efficiency of mobility systems, as technological advancements make it increasingly convenient for travelers and passengers to travel by car. We are also motivated in providing a theoretical scholarly focus on understanding the deeply economic, behavioral game-theoretic relationships and interactions among travelers, passengers, drivers, and the mobility system itself, while offering different perspectives and analysis in this unique mobility problem. Our overarching goal is to ensure accessibility and efficiency in the mobility system of the future by developing traveler-centric socially-efficient solutions that mitigate the travel demand and the travelers' preferences. This dissertation also bridges theories from behavioral economics, microeconomics, game theory, control, and transportation engineering and provides a comprehensive understanding of traveler-centric mobility systems. ☐ Specifically, we investigate social dilemmas in mobility decision-making, strategic traveler routing, mobility market design, and behavioral interactions in multimodal transportation networks. We explore the implications of selfish behavior in mobility systems and provide solutions that address congestion and resource allocation challenges. Our contributions span the development of distinct methodologies to understand the evolving social-mobility dilemma, from the integration of game theory and microeconomics with transportation engineering for traveler routing to the incorporation of prospect theory in examining travel behavior under risk and loss aversion. ☐ In Chapter 2, we investigate the socioeconomic interactions of travelers with connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) and public transit in emerging mobility systems (EMS). Using a game-theoretic perspective for multimodal transportation networks, we focus on the impact of the travelers' interactions on system efficiency. Chapter 3 explores a mechanism design approach to resource allocation for efficient CAV-focused transportation network. The research probes the potential of such systems to enhance accessibility, manage travel demand versus capacity, and improve the welfare of all travelers. We then study the design and stability of a shared mobility market using techniques from auction and market design. In Chapter 4, we expand our work by applying prospect theory and establishing the "mobility game" for multimodal transportation networks. This approach aids in understanding the effect of selfish traveler decision-making under different behavioral models and the impact on optimal system-wide performance for EMS. ☐ The impact of our research on society and the state of the art is significant, as it provides a deeper understanding of human traveler behavior in mobility systems and offers valuable insights into the implications of selfish decision-making for EMS. By bridging theories from different disciplines, our work lays the foundation for the development of socially-efficient and acceptable solutions for better accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability in EMS. Furthermore, our research advances the state of the art by providing a traveler-centric theoretical framework that unifies diverse perspectives, ultimately informing the design of smart, efficient, and accessible mobility systems. ☐ In conclusion, this dissertation advances the state of the art in EMS research by providing an interdisciplinary understanding of human behavior and selfish decision-making through the lens of game theory and transportation. This dissertation paves the way for continued innovation in the design and management of sustainable and efficient mobility systems that place at the center of the preferences of travelers, passengers, and drivers.
Description
Keywords
Mobility decision-making, Strategic traveler routing, Behavioral interactions, Multimodal transportation networks, Game theory