Assessing the Quality and Applicability
of Local Travel Demand Models
Team Abstract Approach Related Work Reports
PROJECT TEAM [ back to top ]
M. G. McNally <mmcnally@uci.edu> Web: http://www.its.uci.edu/~mmcnally/

Institute of Transportation Studies and
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
University of California Irvine
Irvine, CA 92697-3600 USA

with Anthony Chen and Ming Lee (Utah State University), Bill Loudon and Joe Story, (DKS Associates), and Kostas Goulias (UC Santa Barbara)

Funded by a grant from the California Department of Transportation.

November 1, 2004 through December 31, 2006

PROJECT ABSTRACT [ back to top ]
This study is addressing local travel forecasting models through a fundamental and comprehensive examination of the state of the practice, focused on data, methodologies, software, and operational practice elements. The study will identify modeling practice relating to local and region-wide impacts and benefits of land use location, density, design, and configuration. Sensitivity analysis will assess how the elements of modeling practice affect model quality and applicability for testing land use and multimodal strategies. The introduction of state of the art modeling techniques for local travel demand models will be considered to identify potential improvement measures.
RESEARCH APPROACH [ back to top ]
The research team will evaluate the current local modeling practice via four major research tasks:
  1. A complete literature search on local travel modeling practice for identification of problems and issues. The search will include jurisdictions throughout California and other states or countries with intensive use of travel models.
  2. A broad survey of current modeling practice among California agencies and private consultants will be conducted. The characteristics and the uses of the models will be sought using a mailout-mailback or internet/web-based survey.
  3. Collection of a representative sample of local travel models in California, including model system files and relevant documentation. Extensive testing will be conducted to determine model sensitivity to a range of variables, including land use configuration, the interconnectiveness of travel networks, availability of transit and non-motorized facilities, and transit-oriented development. Resolution and accuracy of the models will also be evaluated.
  4. Testing of innovative modeling techniques to address issues identified in previous analyses. The use of various "state of the art" modeling techniques for local travel demand models will be tested. The cost and benefits of using these techniques for the improvement of model quality and applicability will be reported.
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Last Updated: 11 July 2006 [ back to top ]
Team Abstract Approach Related Work Reports
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