Innovative approaches to regional traffic forecasting models in the Netherlands.

This paper surveys the Dutch Regional traffic forecasting Model System (RMS), which has been developed during the early 1990s as a further development of the Dutch National Model System (NMS). The RMS has been designed to: (1) be consistent with the NMS, by using the same fundamental relation between demand and supply; and (2) use standard planning packages to enable regional planners to implement applications rapidly on personal computers. The paper first describes the NMS and its six key components. The RMS aims to provide regions with a `toolbox' of instructions and model structures, to allow regional models to be developed and adapted, consistent with the NMS's data and principles. The stages of a typical RMS project include: (1) development of base matrices; (2) adaptation of a growth module; (3) adaptation for external and through traffic; (4) use of the application module, to obtain quick general insights about the effects of regional policy measures; and (5) use of the evaluation module, which gives information about traffic safety and environmental effects. Extensive interaction and coordination are needed between the national and regional levels, and NMS and RMS data should match accordingly.