Transport Modelling

Microsimulation

We have developed numerous microsimulation models to represent ‘urban spaces’, which can be multi-modal, including the representation of pedestrian movements. These are then used for the assessment of operational performance and potential scheme improvements.

We are UK agents for PTV, the developers of VISSIM, with whom we have worked closely in developing the software and our modelling applications. Our current VISSIM highway and public transport microsimulation projects include the formulation of transport mitigation strategies in Kent Thameside for the Highways Agency, the capacity assessment of Gallion’s Roundabout and the impact of various regeneration projects within the Docklands environs (including the Thames Gateway Regeneration Project and London City Airport Master Plan). We are also developing a model to assess a bus rapid transit priority scheme running through the heart of the Bronx in New York City.

We have also developed numerous pedestrian models for clients including TfL London Rail, London Underground, Department for Transport, Network Rail (and Railtrack), train operating companies, local authorities, and developers in the UK and overseas. Recent studies include the PAXPORT model application for DfT and Network Rail looking at the possible conversion of the now disused Waterloo International platforms for domestic use, the LEGION modelling of pedestrian street movements around Tottenham Court Road underground station and desktop assessment of congestion relief options at Clapham Junction station. We have formed a partnership with LEGION Ltd, the developer of the LEGION pedestrian microsimulation software package.

2012 Olympic Games

We are working with the ODA to help plan the transport infrastructure and operations for the forthcoming Olympic Games in London.

Our involvement includes the development of VISSIM microsimulation models to asses the operational requirements of the main Olympic venues for each day of the Games. The VISSIM trip matrices are derived from further demand models that we have developed to estimate the number of officials, spectators and media at each location on each day. We have also used our own South East Regional Rail Model (SERRM) to estimate and assess the pattern of rail demand for the Olympics from the South East region, including the development of a bespoke demand forecasting model.

Multi-Modal Studies

We have developed many multi-modal models in recent years throughout the UK, and we are currently developing a national transport model for the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport, which will be used to develop a General Transport Master Plan for the country, which will identify the best fundable medium and long term investment programme in the transport sector in Bulgaria. The Master Plan will form a robust basis for drawing down Cohesion Fund and ERDF funds, levering in private sector investment and identifying innovative funding methods for transport.

Strategic Demand Modelling

We are one of the leading consultancies in the development of strategic transport demand models that are compliant with current WebTAG modelling guidance. These models integrate with mode-specific assignment models to form modelling suites that can be used for transport policy appraisal and strategy development. These models are being used for assessing both strategic and local transport problems, including:

• developing the East of England Regional Transport and Regional Spatial Strategies;
• assessing the feasibility and impacts of M1, M11, M25 motorway widening;
• developing surface access strategies for Stansted and Heathrow airports; and
• assessing the impact of improvements and transport packages.

Rail Performance Modelling and Demand Forecasting

Our work on rail performance modelling has provided wide-ranging opportunities for research into the link between capacity and performance for Network Rail. We have recently developed a set of relationships to predict reactionary delay from capacity utilisation indices. Capacity is a priority for the industry, and demand for our skills in operations modelling from clients such as Network Rail and Transport Scotland using tools such as RailSys, as well as higher-level assessments where appropriate, has grown significantly.

Our current areas of work include an operational assessment of the Felixstowe to Nuneaton route, and Tees Valley Transport Solutions, a multi-disciplinary study of train planning and performance modelling, interfacing with engineering solutions. The Tees Valley project also models tram-train operation, a concept we have been at the forefront of driving forward, through work for the proposed tram-train trial, and Blackpool South Fylde.

We also have a long history of advising the train operating companies their rail franchise bids and renewals through our demand and revenue forecasting using the South East Regional Rail Model (SERRM). We have recently been appointed to Network Rail's Thameslink Programme, which will include, strategic rail modelling using the Railplan model, static passenger station capacity assessments and dynamic station modelling using LEGION software.

For more information please contact mark.dazeley@fabermaunsell.com