The term peak spreading refers to the process of reducing the proportion of traffic demand in the most severely congested, or critical part, of the peak period, with corresponding increases in demand at time periods immediately before and after the critical peak. The testing of peak spreading policy strategies requires the application of appropriate transport modelling tools. Such tools need abilities in representing the trip timing decision and the peak spreading policy dimension. The modelling of peak spreading policies requires a sophisticated model with a focus on the peak period and shoulder peak times. The research reported in this paper describes a peak-spreading modelling tool currently under development. Firstly, the paper aims to define the peak spreading phenomenon and provides an analysis of Sydney travel demand data focussing on the peak periods. A brief overview of research into peak spreading models is then provided followed by a detailed description of a modelling structure currently under development as part of this research. Important aspects of the model such as the theoretical structure, parameters and calibration datasets are described, followed by future research objectives. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214666.
Abstract