Comparison of real-time travel time estimation using two distinct approaches: Universal kriging and mathematical programming

Real-time estimates of traffic conditions are valuable information needed by operators of transportation facilities as well as travelers. This study aims to provide accurate travel time estimates using data collected by the electronic toll collection system instead of sensors and AVI readers specifically deployed for traffic monitoring. This dual use of toll readers for travel time estimation can be an attractive approach since it eliminates additional costs of deploying and maintaining sensors. However, this approach can present an important challenge in terms of accuracy of the estimates because readers are not located on the main roadway, but instead on the ramps. To break down trip travel times into section travel times, two methods based on, universal kriging and mathematical programming are developed. Our results based on the real-data show that it is possible to use electronic toll data to provide accurate estimations of link travel times especially using mathematical programming algorithm which outperforms universal kriging approach.