Decision dynamics in a traffic scenario

Information is a key commodity in many socio-economic systems like stock ma rkets or traffic systems. In this paper the influence of dynamic informatio n on the stability of traffic patterns is investigated using a very simple route choice scenario. The basis of the route decisions is dynamic informat ion generated by traffic flow simulations. A correlation analysis yields th at the system can be destabilized by introducing information. It is found t hat the overall performance of the system is reduced, although the informat ion should help to distribute traffic more efficiently. (C) 2000 Elsevier S cience B.V. All rights reserved.