Abstract
Unlike previous studies where the discrete choice models are used, this study applies the cusp catastrophe model to discuss the drivers route switching behavior given the various rates and describe their non-linear characteristics. A questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain empirical results with 461 valid questionnaires were collected from freeway drivers traveling in the Taipei metropolitan area. The proposed behavioral model considered switching intention as the state variable, with switching barrier and congestion charging rate as the control variables. The behavioral state analyzed samples located in six areas of the control space. The catastrophe characteristics of switching behavior were also discussed. Higher switching barrier could easily cause discontinuous switching behavior. A bimodality phenomenon occurred especially when the rate charged was NT$1.2/km.
