Traffic Flow Theory for Waterway Traffic: Current Challenges and Countermeasures

Abstract

Researchers are increasingly turning to roadway traffic flow theory to propose effective solutions for challenges such as traffic congestion and low efficiency in waterway transportation. However, since roadway traffic flow theory was originally developed for highway transportation, its direct application to waterways raises questions due to the inherent differences between the two modes of transportation. Meanwhile, research results and methodologies from other transportation modes can provide valuable insights for studying waterway traffic flow theory. Addressing these questions is essential for advancing research in this field. This research conducts a comparative analysis to explore the similarities and differences between typical transportation modes and waterway transportation, examining how these distinctions affect the application of existing traffic flow theories. It also categorizes recent research outcomes related to traffic flow theories from various transportation modes based on their relevance to waterway traffic flow theory. The discussion includes the applicability of these models and methods in the context of waterway transportation, considering the unique characteristics of waterway traffic. Finally, this study highlights current challenges in applying traffic flow theories to waterways and offers suggestions for future research.

Keywords

• waterway traffic flow theory
• transportation disparities
• challenges of waterway transportation
• traffic flow characteristic
• traffic flow modeling