Network Inefficiency: Empirical Findings for Six European Cities

When planning road networks, inhomogeneous traffic conditions and the effects of multimodal interactions are often neglected. This can lead to a substantial overestimation network capacities. Empirical macroscopic fundamental diagrams (MFDs) or volume delay relationships show considerable scatter, reflecting reduction in performance an inefficient use infrastructure. The implication is that external costs vehicular (car) get underestimated, when capacities speeds based on optimal rather than real estimates. In this paper, we contribute with explorative empirical approach analyze inefficiency quantify its drivers. We propose measure efficiency by introducing idea excess delays for MFD. define as difference between observed speed at given density. apply concept data sets six European cities differ collection method quantile regression methods analysis. find present every set increase network’s load. further confirm intuition signal control, loading, multimodality influence level inefficiency. formula allows quantifying information simple way provides additional insights apart from standard MFD model. supports planners obtain better real-world less optimistic predictions analyses suggests shifting urban transport more spatially temporally efficient modes.