Aimsun helps TfL retain detail in traffic modelling

Transport for London (TfL) has selected Transport Simulation Systems’ Aimsun modelling software following a lengthy evaluation. With London’s population predicted to reach 10million by 2030, the authority needed to increase its modelled area by a factor of 10 to more than 2,300km2 along with improved cyclist, pedestrian and air quality predictions. For a market assessment it divided its modelling requirements into three categories: tactical - for city wide policy evaluation, micro-simulation for modelli
September 25, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
1466 Transport for London (TfL) has selected 2195 Transport Simulation Systems’ Aimsun modelling software following a lengthy evaluation. With London’s population predicted to reach 10million by 2030, the authority needed to increase its modelled area by a factor of 10 to more than 2,300km2 along with improved cyclist, pedestrian and air quality predictions.

For a market assessment it divided its modelling requirements into three categories: tactical - for city wide policy evaluation, micro-simulation for modelling London’s 23 main traffic corridors, and optimisation of the junction/network with some 6,300 signalised junctions.  3D visualisation was also specified.

It evaluated three systems in each category by providing potential suppliers with data regarding a particular area and setting out up to 70 outcome requirements for each level. Interconnection between the proposed systems in the various layers was also evaluated.

TfL’s lead modelling specialist Vladimir Vorotovic said 70% of the score weighting related to the technical capability and service provision with the remainder being financial considerations.

Beyond predicting travel times, the new systems had to accommodate an expected tripling in the number of cyclists, enhanced emissions modelling (including 3D evaluation of building/canyons) and linking the outputs to the other layers. The aim of the cross linking is to retain the individual vehicle movements detail used in junction modelling at the corridor level (using Aimsun hybrid simulation) along with 3D visualisation - and to inform the tactical model.

According to Vorotovic, once implemented the system will enable changes made at individual junctions to be evaluated on a corridor level or even across the entire modelled area. It will also allow the effects of policy changes to be modelled at street level on individual junctions.

GIS/ Mapping & Location Based Systems

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Crossrail project receives US$814 million EIB funding
    December 16, 2013
    The European Investment Bank (EIB), Europe’s long-term lending institution, has provided further funds to support the latest step in Crossrail’s development with a loan of up to US$814 million to Transport for London (TfL). The facility will be used for financing a fleet of new high-capacity air-conditioned trains as well as a new maintenance depot. Finance contracts were signed in London this week by Steve Allen, TfL’s Managing Director Finance and Jonathan Taylor, European Investment Bank Vice President.
    Read More
  • New vision for London’s 21st century roads and streets
    July 11, 2013
    London’s Mayor’s Roads Task Force (RTF) has set out a bold new vision for the future of the city’s roads and streets to ensure the capital can cope with major population growth, support jobs and thousands of new homes, while remaining one of the most attractive, vibrant, accessible and competitive world cities. A range of proposals includes: roofing over arterial roads to create new surface space; changing the way goods and services are delivered, such as shifting HGVs and freight out of peak hours; embraci
    Read More
  • Deaths of US pedestrians rise sharply, says GHSA report
    April 2, 2019
    Pedestrian deaths across the US have risen to their highest number in nearly 30 years. Many factors are responsible - including the rise and rise of SUVs - according to a worrying new GHSA report ore pedestrians died on US roads last year than in any year since 1990. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) suggests that 6,227 pedestrians were killed in 2018 – a 4% increase on 2017. Pedestrian deaths as a percentage of total motor vehicle crash deaths increased from 12% in 2008 to 16% in 2017, whi
    Read More
  • Developments in traffic modelling software
    February 2, 2012
    TSS-Transport Simulation Systems will be showcasing Aimsun 7, the latest version of its traffic modelling software. Capable of running simulation models of large metropolitan areas much faster than real time, Aimsun now has nearly 2,000 licensed users in universities, consultancies and governments in over 60 countries.
    Read More

Highlighted Content