Development of an iterative pedestrian route choice behaviour model using Floyd Warshall algorithm

Abstract

Walking is by far the most adaptable and accessible form of transportation. Though there are other more complex, sophisticated modes of transportation that are readily available, walking is the only mode by which otherwise remote areas are made readily accessible. This can be observed in the case of platform-to-platform travel in a railway station, accessing bus stop from home, and several other such cases. Walking thus plays a crucial part in the everyday life of commuters. A thorough and comprehensive understanding is hence required for planning and designing pedestrian facilities such as overhead passes. The route choice of the pedestrian has a huge effect on the pedestrian flow, and thus it also plays a decisive role in determining the LOS (level of service) of a facility. The LOS incorporates various aspects, such as, efficiency, safety, evacuation time and comfort. The need for understanding pedestrian motion is more necessary in countries like India where population is increasing in the large cities at a very higher rate. Understanding this motion and developing a model, though, can be a tedious and yet indispensable task, the lack of which can lead to disastrous incidents. These incidents are more conspicuous during emergency situations, when sudden rush due of the pedestrian through a limited and ill-conceived exit can lead to a stampede. The proper knowledge of pedestrian flow is thus not only desirable but also warranted. In these study pedestrian behaviour is modelled using iterative Floyd Warshall algorithm. It is a dynamic programme that has been validated using some real life data.