Jacobs Babtie has been undertaking research into the application of micro-simulation models for all road users, including pedestrians, to assess the ability of such models to evaluate options for all users on an equitable basis. The study, commissioned by Transport for London (TfL), has been undertaken jointly with Imperial College London to develop new procedures. The deliverables have included the development of a multi-criteria evaluation framework and option ranking system to enable transport planners to maximize the output of micro-simulation models when comparing potential options at junctions/interchanges. The techniques drawn together and the new processes developed provide the potential for transport access and equity issues to be considered in a logical manner and at an early stage in option development. In the past vehicle travel and journey times have been assessed, with the pedestrian evaluation often being subjective and delays and inconvenience to pedestrians being ignored. This study has sought to address the issue, taking advantage of the developments in the simulation of pedestrians in micro-simulation models. The pedestrian walk times, route distance and comfort levels have been assesed. The paper will present the data available from microsimulation models for road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, and will outline the innovative procedures that can be used to collate this data and assess the performance of an existing junction/layout interchange and improvement options in an equitable manner. The ability of the procedures to consider a variety of policy options, enabling interested parties, including regional and local government officers and members of local councils or municipalities, will also be summarised. For the covering abstract please see ITRD E135207.
Abstract