System dynamics model for structure configuration of transportation corridor

In order to integrate transportation resources, increase the efficiency of capital use and promote regional economic development, this paper optimizes the structure configuration of transportation corridors by means of system dynamics model. Based on the analysis to the structure evolution mechanism of transportation corridor, the system dynamics model, together with the causal diagram, was developed. The system dynamics model is composed of four subsystems, namely the social-economic subsystem, the demand subsystem, the supply subsystem and the investment subsystem. The supply/demand ratio was defined and it was found the most essential factor that drives the structure evolution of transportation corridors. The system dynamics model was tested by taking the coastal transportation corridor in Jiangsu Province as an example case. The GDP and total employed population were chosen as measure to compare with historical data. The error, ranging from 0.7% to 4.6%, indicates that the system dynamics model is qualified for the optimization of structure configuration of transportation corridors.