Transport Modelling
Transport Modelling is one of the key tools that the Transport Planning team has at its disposal. A transport model is a digital representation of a transport network. For instance, TfWM’s Policy Responsive Integrated Strategy Model (PRISM), is a simplified copy of the roads, bus and rail networks covering the West Midlands Metropolitan Area in detail and beyond the area at less detail.
In addition to the network detail, PRISM also includes details of the trips being undertaken in the area, where people travel from and to, by what mode and at what time. The model is also capable of predicting future changes in trip making based on changes to transport infrastructure, social and economic changes and new and up local and national polices.
Transport modelling is done for a variety of reasons, including option generation, forecasting, benefits assessment and prioritisation. The Transport Planning team has a vast knowledge of PRISM, and general modelling, and this is put to good use in the development of business cases, as well as assisting with policy refreshes.
Besides PRISM, the Transport Planning team also has access to a suite of tools that can be used to measure demand and benefits for transport schemes, including:
- MOIRA: Rail demand modelling
- Metropolitan Bus Model: Bus forecast modelling
- Facility Valuation Model: Estimates monetised ‘Journey Quality’ benefits of schemes
- HEAT: Health and economic assessment impacts of increased walking and cycling
- AMAT: Economic appraisal of cycling and walking interventions
- TRACC: Travel time and accessibility analysis
The use of these tools, as well as PRISM is key to many transport scheme business cases, to monetise benefits and forecast the travel demand that underlies their benefits.