Use of simulation-based forecast for real time traffic management decision support: the case of the Madrid traffic

Numerous techniques for real-time forecasting have been developed. However, considering the complexity and the size of transportation networks, analytical solutions have been proven in most cases to be inappropriate outside of limited corridors. Dynamic traffic management is clearly the most typical application where real time simulation offers evident advantages. In this case, the forecasting capabilities are used to compare the performances of different management strategies in response to specific events, especially non recurrent ones. This approach aims to capture the strategies impact on the network with a medium term horizon view. Indeed, some actions on traffic flows may improve the situation for the short term but worsen it in a longer horizon. Anticipating, in this way, avoids frequent actions and counteractions to reactively correct the traffic management operations and, as such, offers a more consistent technique. It also presents more understandable instructions to drivers. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E217226.