Lead Presenter:  Irene Martinez | Assistant Professor | Delft University of Technology

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Presentation Description

This poster presents a novel approach to dynamic distance-based pricing for High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes using a generalized bathtub model. Unlike existing models that rely on single bottleneck traffic models or complex network simulations, our research applies bathtub models to study HOT lane pricing strategies for an entire freeway corridor.

The proposed dynamic pricing strategy is state-dependent and distance-based, ensuring users are charged proportionally to their traveled distance, resulting in a fairer congestion pricing scheme. Our framework aims to achieve a desired traffic state where the HOT lane operates at capacity, assuming specific demand conditions for High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) and Single Occupancy Vehicles (SOV).

We explore the bathtub model dynamics, considering both demand (trip initiation rate and distance distribution) and supply (speed-density relation) factors. The lane choice model incorporates per-distance price, travel time difference, and individual value of time. Our controller addresses dual objectives: keeping the HOT lane uncongested while preventing underutilization.

The poster includes a numerical example using realistic trip distances from the I-405 HOT lanes in California, demonstrating the model's practical applicability. We discuss how this approach offers new possibilities for studying HOT lane pricing in freeway corridors using simpler traffic models, and outline potential future research directions, including time-dependent lane choice and extensions to generic trip distances.

This research builds upon and extends previous work on bathtub models and HOT lane pricing, offering insights into more efficient and equitable managed lane strategies.

Speaker Biography

Prof. Irene Martínez Josemaría is an Assistant Professor and co-director of the hEAT lab at the Department of Transport & Planning. Her research focuses on traffic flow theory and control in the era of autonomous, connected, and shared mobility. Prof. Martínez aims to develop innovative traffic models and management strategies that leverage emerging technologies to reduce congestion and improve overall transportation systems.

With a background in Civil Engineering, Prof. Martínez holds double MSc degrees from the University of California, Irvine and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. She earned her Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Irvine, where her dissertation "Modeling and Management of Emerging Mobility Systems: New Approaches Based on Vehicle and Trip Flow Dynamics in Absolute and Relative Spaces" was awarded the distinguished IEEE ITSS Best Dissertation Award (third prize).

Prof. Martínez's work spans various aspects of traffic management, including the design of Variable Speed Limits, High-Occupancy-Toll lanes, and fleet sizing for shared mobility systems. Her interdisciplinary approach combines traditional civil engineering with cutting-edge technology to address complex transportation challenges.

Through her research and leadership at the hEAT lab, Prof. Martínez continues to contribute to the field's advancement, working towards more efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly transportation solutions for the future.

Note on Presentation: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Prof. Martínez was unable to attend the conference in person. The poster was briefly presented by co-author Dr. W.-L. Jin. 

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Co-presenter(s)

Wenlong Jin
University of California, Irvine​​​​​​