When does additional information lead to longer travel time in multi-origin-destination networks?

TL;DR

This paper characterizes network topologies in multi-origin-destination networks where revealing additional information does not cause longer travel times, addressing an open question related to the Informational Braess' Paradox.

Contribution

It provides a complete characterization of network topologies immune to IBP in multi-origin-destination settings, extending understanding of informational effects on traffic congestion.

Findings

Identifies network structures immune to IBP

Resolves an open question on IBP conditions

Clarifies when additional information does not increase travel time

Abstract

The Informational Braess' Paradox (IBP) illustrates a counterintuitive scenario where revelation of additional roadway segments to some self-interested travelers leads to increased travel times for these individuals. IBP extends the original Braess' paradox by relaxing the assumption that all travelers have identical and complete information about the network. In this paper, we study the conditions under which IBP does not occur in networks with non-atomic selfish travelers and multiple origin-destination pairs. Our results completely characterize the network topologies immune to IBP, thus resolving an open question proposed by Acemoglu et al.