This paper considers the topic of the cost-effectiveness of transport modelling. It analyses the issues that determine the value of modelling and the costs of developing and using such models. The paper puts forward a modelling framework that is considered to offer improvements over arrangements that are currently used. Features of this new framework include a tighter integration of data and models, that is, the distinction becomes less clear than usual; a greater emphasis of cultural and consumer issues in modelling, with 'transport' viewed to a greater extent as one product amongst other consumer products; improved approaches to handling variations with time in modelling; and an emphasis on communicating the results of modelling in varied ways. The paper reflects experience on a number of projects connected with transport data collection, model development, and research into methodologies. Some of the ideas on data have been examined in work for Transport for London, but are due for further research and development in the 3-year OPUS project starting early 2003. The ideas on modelling largely identify weaknesses that point the way to future work, while the ideas on communication of results are exemplified in new web-based software that has recently been developed. For the covering abstract see ITRD E126595.
Abstract