Analyzing the potentials of car-free zones in Munich
研究通过双层优化模型分析慕尼黑无车区设置对交通模式选择及外部成本节约的影响，为城市管理者平衡环保与商业利益提供决策支持。
Car-free zones (CFZs) are designed to reduce urban air pollution by restricting vehicle access and promoting sustainable transportation. City authorities implement CFZs to support pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport, aiming to achieve sustainability goals in transportation. However, the introduction of CFZs requires strategic planning to balance the benefits against potential negative impacts on businesses and private vehicle users. Our research addresses this challenge by focusing on the interrelation between city authorities establishing CFZs and network users adjusting their travel behaviors in response. We employ a bilevel optimization model, with the first level representing city authorities’ decisions on CFZ locations and the second level reflecting network users’ adaptations. To make this bilevel model computationally tractable, we develop novel acceleration techniques based on smart path enumeration. We validate the proposed model and derive managerial insights from a case study in Munich, Germany. We study the impact that CFZs of varying sizes have on external cost savings and user mode choice. Furthermore, we investigate how restricting displaced car traffic from CFZs influences our results.