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

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.