WSEAS Transactions on Environment and Development
Print ISSN: 1790-5079, E-ISSN: 2224-3496
Volume 20, 2024
System Dynamics for a Holistic Management of Road Traffic Congestion – A Comprehensive Overview with Some Selected Simple Use-Cases related to the Town of Kinshasa
Authors: , , , , , ,
Abstract: This paper examines how system dynamics can comprehensively understand road traffic congestion in
developing cities, mainly focusing on Kinshasa. The research investigates the principles of system dynamics and
emphasizes its efficacy in analyzing the interrelated factors contributing to congestion. A qualitative methodology
examines traffic congestion in Kinshasa, focusing on the interconnections among factors such as inadequate road
infrastructure, population expansion, urban planning deficiencies, and road users conduct. The system dynamics
framework can include traffic system feedback loops and delays, which most methods ignore. Using real-world
scenarios, this paper will demonstrate that system dynamics can diagnose chronic congestion in many urban
transport systems. According to the analysis, poor road maintenance, inadequate public transport, and unsafe
driving exacerbate congestion. Traffic congestion harms people, businesses, and society, as this paper examines
its economic and social effects. The paper includes case studies showing how system dynamics was used to solve
multifaceted problems. Different scenarios are prepared to evaluate the effectiveness of improving public transport
and deploying other integrated traffic management approaches and essential infrastructure to reduce congestion.
These multi-pronged strategies illustrate the transformation challenges urban planners must address to provide
integrated and sustainable solutions. This work aids decision-makers and urban developers in integrating system
dynamics to control road traffic congestion. The author believes cities should use adaptive models instead of
linear ones, which is common in Kinshasa. This paper offers a systematic approach and descriptive methods for
developing viable urban congestion and transportation solutions in similar socioeconomic environments.
Search Articles
Pages: 1032-1044
DOI: 10.37394/232015.2024.20.94