This article describes the development and use in Austria of a simulation model to evaluate railway traffic demand from current transport use. The model, SUPERNOVA, was adapted from existing software to provide more spatial units, use of real-time train schedules, additional measuring parameters, update of the origin-destination (O-D) matrices and consideration of diurnal variation. The second stage of SUPERNOVA's development featured the establishment of a simplified digital transport network, gradual import of timetable information, definition of access points and hubs, and calculation of new O-D matrices. SUPERNOVA's output consists of maps showing the effects on traffic demand of new public transport services, and tables showing detailed indicators in the variables evaluated. The model has been used on several major projects. Future work will involve including more local details with smaller units; cross-border information on traffic flows; and revenue allocation for different services. (Author/publisher).
Abstract