Quasi-variational inequality formulation of the multiclass dynamic traffic assignment problem

We consider the extension of a single user-class macroscopic dynamic traffic assignment model to include multiple user-classes. The distinction between user-classes is typically based on vehicle characteristics, e.g. cars and trucks. Interactions between the user-classes sharing the same road infrastructure are taken into account. To deal with various different asymmetries that may occur, such as interuser-class interaction, interspatial and intertemporal asymmetries, the model is specified as a (quasi) variational inequality problem. A nested modified projection method is proposed to solve the assignment problem. The solution of the problem depends heavily on the choice of some very important input: the multiclass link travel time functions. Under mild restrictions there exists a solution, which needs however not be unique. A case study illustrates the model.