Model representation and decision-making in an ever-changing world: The role of stochastic process models of transportation systems.

We review and advance the state-of-the-art in the modelling of transportation systems as a stochastic process. The conceptual and theoretical basis of the approach is explained in detail. A variety of examples are given to motivate its use in the field. While the examples cover a wide range of modelling philosophies, in order to provide focus they are restricted to modelling a special class of problems involving driver route choice in networks. Our overall objective is to establish the applicability of this approach as a 'unifying framework' for modelling approaches involving dynamic and stochastic elements, developing further the ideas put forward in Cantarella & Cascetta (Transportation Science 29, 305-329, 1995). Directions for further development and research are identified.