Metastable states in two-lane traffic flow models with slow-to-start rule

Abstract.

Using computer simulations, we show that metastable states still occur in two-lane traffic models with slow to start rules. However, these metastable states no longer exist in systems where aggressive drivers (which do not look back before changing lanes) are present. Indeed, the presence of only one aggressive driver in the circuit, triggers the breakdown of the high flow states. In these systems, the steady state is unique and its relaxation dynamics should depend on the lane changing probability p_ch and the number of aggressive drivers present in the circuit. It is found also that the relaxation time τ diverges as the form of a power-law: τ∝p_ch ^-β, β=1. 89.40.+k