Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering

Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering

A Novel Approach for Road Traffic Analysis in Iran Using Social Network Analysis

Document Type : conference paper

Authors
Shahabuddin Rezakhani
Mehrdad Agha Mohammad Ali Kermani
School of Management, Economics and Progress Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Urban transportation networks are critical to the economic and social vitality of metropolitan regions, yet rapid urbanization and population growth have exacerbated traffic congestion, particularly in rapidly expanding cities such as Tehran, Iran. This study employs Social Network Analysis (SNA) to examine the structural characteristics and efficiency of road traffic network in Tehran province, focusing on the impact of seasonal traffic fluctuations during high travel periods. Leveraging directional traffic data from 141.ir, the research constructs and analyzes four network graphs to evaluate key metrics such as betweenness centrality, degree distribution, and clustering coefficients. Findings reveal that Tehran exhibits highly centralized network structure, with Tehran and the Tehran Freeway, functioning as critical hubs. However, this centralization poses significant risks, including network fragility and vulnerability to disruptions. Seasonal variations highlight shifts in traffic distribution, with peripheral nodes gaining importance during peak travel periods. The study underscores the need for diversifying transportation routes, strengthening intermediary nodes, and developing surrounding infrastructure to enhance network resilience and reduce dependency on central hubs. By integrating SNA with empirical traffic data, this research provides actionable insights for urban planners and policymakers, offering evidence-based strategies to optimize road network efficiency, mitigate congestion, and improve long-term transportation sustainability. Despite limitations related to data accessibility and external factors, this study demonstrates the utility of SNA as a robust analytical framework for understanding and addressing complex urban transportation challenges.
Keywords
Social Network Analysis
Road Transportation
SNA
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