Local Transport Modelling

SYSTRA uses state-of-the-art traffic modelling software to help local authorities develop safe, efficient and sustainable local transport networks to meet the needs of all transport users.

Building better local transport networks

Managing road networks to enable safe and efficient journeys, while balancing the need to tackle carbon emissions, is a significant challenge for all local authorities. Local transport modelling involves understanding the implications of changes or enhancements to road networks, or the development of new roads. It requires an understanding of individual vehicle behaviour and the travel patterns associated with specific areas, events or times of day.

Changes that local authorities may want to introduce could include new traffic signals, speed limit alterations, traffic calming measures and the construction of roads associated with new developments. All of these have an impact on traffic flows, safety and the experience of road users – so the implications need to be well understood before changes are made.

SYSTRA offers a unique combination of expertise in transport planning and traffic modelling, which allows our transport consultants to assess, design and evaluate a whole range of transport interventions. Our expertise, analysis and 3D transport models help planners and local authorities deliver the most effective transport plans to meet the needs of local people, as well as wider safety and sustainability objectives.

our experience

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SYSTRA combines transport planning expertise with in-house software development capabilities and the latest modelling tools to deliver comprehensive local transport and traffic assessments.

Traffic simulation tools and knowledge

SYSTRA has more than 20 years’ experience of developing and applying a range of traffic simulation models to support local transport planning. Our transport consultants work at all geographic scales, from modelling individual junctions to assessing whole conurbations, regions, and even countries. We can undertake these assessments for stand-alone highway applications or as part of wider multi-modal projects.

We have specialist expertise in connecting different modelling software within a multi-tier hierarchy, enabling us to model different levels of detail within the same highway network. This ensures that powerful interactions are captured within our appraisals of local transport networks.

Strategic highway modelling

SYSTRA uses all of the main highway modelling software systems (Saturn, Visum, Cube) to develop and apply strategic transport models for urban areas, regions and whole countries in the UK. These high-quality models are constructed to reflect the local network characteristics, while adhering to key transport modelling guidelines. These models can be used to support:

• Business case and funding applications.
• Development and land-use strategy appraisals.
• Scheme and strategy development.
• Air quality and carbon assessments.

Micro-simulation modelling

SYSTRA has a dedicated team of micro-simulation modellers, with experience in developing and applying local transport models in all of the core modelling platforms (Paramics, Vissim, Aimsum).

Our Paramics development team gives us the in-house software development capabilities to refine software to meet the specific needs of individual clients and projects. Micro-simulation modelling can be used to support:

• Development transport assessments.
• Pedestrian, cycle and landscaping schemes.
• Public transport network operations (bus and LRT).
• Network congestion studies and strategy/scheme identification.
• Large intersection signal design, e.g. MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation).

Road junction modelling

SYSTRA can undertake capacity assessments for single junctions or groups of junctions using micro-simulation or junction-based modelling software. These models aid the design of local enhancements for highway, active and public transport modes. Examples of these include:

• Transport assessment performance and mitigation.
• Bus priority schemes.
• Active travel initiatives.
• City-centre traffic management.

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