Chapter 33: Spatial Equilibration in Transport Networks

Transport networks are complex, large-scale spatial systems, and come in a variety of forms, ranging from road networks to air, rail, and waterway networks. They provide the foundation for the functioning of our economies and societies through the movement of people, goods, and services, and allow for the connectivity of residential locations with places of employment, schools, leisure activities, and retail outlets. From an economic perspective, the supply in such network systems is represented by the underlying network topology and the cost characteristics whereas the demand is represented by the users of the transportation system. An equilibrium occurs when the number of trips between an origin (e.g. residence/place of employment) and destination (place of employment/residence) equals the travel demand given by the market price, typically represented by the travel time for the trips.