Hermes: Enabling efficient large-scale simulation in MATSim

Abstract

Large scale simulations of transportation networks can yield highly valuable insights into the design decisions needed to deliver the best possible transportation service. Current technologies, however, are generally unable to provide support for large scale simulations as they often require impractical amounts of time to compute results. To address this issue, we have developed Hermes, a novel simulation core for MATSim designed as an alternative to QSim. Using an event-driven approach, as well as numerous optimizations to the data structures and the simulation logic, Hermes is capable of completing simulations of larger scale scenarios within feasible time frames. We demonstrate Hermes’ capabilities through extensive experiments as well as through production level results obtained from the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), where Hermes is currently being used in production.