RESEARCHERS DEPLOY NEW TRAVEL FORECASTING MODEL

The need for solutions to problems such as increased traffic congestion and pollution spurred the development of a new travel forecasting model in 1992: the first new travel forecasting model in over 30 years. The Transportation Analysis and Simulation System (TRANSIMS) is an integrated system of travel forecasting models designed to give transportation planners accurate, complete information on traffic impacts, congestion, and pollution. By developing training programs and providing administrative, technical, and communications support, the Texas Transportation Institute is helping to create a successful deployment strategy to transition the implementation of TRANSIMS technology from Los Alamos National Laboratory research to commercial products for use by transportation planning agencies such as metropolitan planning organizations. TRANSIMS is part of the Travel Model Improvement Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency.