A Simultaneous Equilibrium Model of Work Start Time & Departure Time Choices with Bottleneck Congestion

Abstract

Staggered work hours in a city have been introduced to mitigate commuting congestion. However, it may lead to decline in mutual dealing chances between firms, and there is a possibility that total productivity in the city decreases. In this paper, we construct a model in which work start time choices by firms and departure time choices by commuters determine total productivity and commuting congestion in the city. Analyzing of the model, we show that 1) multiple equilibrium patterns of time choices can occur, 2) the equilibrium pattern where work start time is staggered is desirable if congestion tax cannot be levied, and 3) the equilibrium pattern where work start time is concentrated is desirable if congestion tax can be evied.