This paper reviews the current status of the Dutch New Regional Model (NRM), the experience gained during its first series of applications, and future prospects and extensions. The NRM aims to ensure compatibility and consistency between traffic forecasting models in different regions of The Netherlands, and between national and regional traffic models. Its purposes include the provision of traffic forecasts to: (1) develop policies and make decisions in the areas of transport, planning and the environment; and (2) assist the planning, design and evaluation of transport projects. The NRM has four basic modules, each with a distinctive function: (1) its base matrices, that distinguish transport modes and travel purposes; (2) its growth model; (3) its applicator, for relatively rapid appraisal of regional policy measures; and (4) its evaluation module. The applications of the NRM forecasting model to three regions of The Netherlands are described. Areas of future NRM development and application include: (1) cross-border traffic; (2) travel purposes; (3) regional time-of-day factors; (4) slow modes (cycling and walking); (5) Integration NMS version 5; (6) regional calibration; (7) user-friendly growth model; and (8) freight traffic.
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