Noise induced congestion in coupled map optimal velocity model of traffic flow

The optimal velocity model is one of the car following models which describe the behavior of cars by differential equations. In that model, each car controls its speed toward an optimal (safety) value depending on the headway We construct a new car following type simulation model for traffic flow in a coupled map form based on optimal velocity functions. We can simulate open road systems with the model. The emergence of weakly congested flow induced by noise is investigated. We observe the enhancement of the car density induced by noise. We also discuss the possibility of spontaneous formation of strong traffic jams.