Topic： Travel Behavior Analysis with Rational Inattention Model
Time: 10:00-12:00, Friday, March 14th, 2025
Location: Room A1148, New Main Building
Guest: Assoc. Prof. Jiang Gege, School of Sun Yat-sen University
Host: Prof. Tian Qiong
Abstract:With the rapid advancement of information technology, travelers often utilize traffic information to understand traffic conditions and optimize their travel choices. However, decision-makers have limited capacity to process information, and acquiring, absorbing, and processing information all incur costs. Consequently, they rationally neglect certain relatively insignificant factors, extracting only a small portion of the vast information available to aid their decisions. The theory of rational inattention introduces the concept of information cost, reflecting the total cost travelers incur to obtain traffic information. Travelers make a two-step decision based on the cost of information and the utility improvement it brings: first, they decide on an information strategy, and then, based on the acquired information, they assess traffic conditions to make travel choices. Compared to the assumption of complete rationality, the behavioral assumption of rational inattention is more realistic. This study considers the rational inattention behavior of travelers under the influence of traffic information, models travel behaviors such as departure time, route choice, and travel mode, and analyzes and evaluates traffic network congestion. This further refines the theoretical framework of dynamic traffic networks, offering significant theoretical value and practical implications for urban management control and sustainable development.
