The Role of Simulation Modelling in Transport Analysis and Planning

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to review the use of simulation modelling techniques in transport studies. Simulation has been used extensively over the past 50 years both in the academic study of transport and in the practical fields of traffic engineering and transport planning. The first part of the paper will review these developments and identify a number distinct stages in the evolution of transport simulation methodology. We will discuss the relationship of these development to changes in (i) available simulation/computing technologies, (ii) the practical demands of changing transport policy and planning goals, (iii) developments in associated disciplines such as economics and geography and (iv) the wider climate of ideas. The second part of the paper considers in more detail the technical aspects of simulation, as used in transport. Two broad classes of models are identified: those concerned with simulating the behaviour of traffic streams (traffic flow simulations) and those concerned with simulating broader aspects of individuals' travel behaviour (travel behaviour simulations). Key examples of each type of model are presented and critically discussed. The third part of the paper concentrates on contemporary developments in the field, particularly the development of interest in large-scale micro-simulation modelling. On going work in Europe, the United States and Japan is reviewed and the stengths, weaknesses and prospects for this line of work are assessed. The final part of the paper identifies a number the key methodological and substantive research needs and puts forward some tentative proposals for fruitful directions for future simulation-based research and practice.