Sydney Multi-Modal Travel Model Development
In 2008 VLC completed the development of a multi-modal travel forecasting model for the Sydney Statistical Division. The new model (Zenith) forms an integral part of an audience measurement system for the Australian Out-of-Home Advertising Industry.
While the new model was constructed within a traditional four-step strategic modelling framework, it has (because of the more precise requirements of the advertising industry) been developed to a level of detail that makes it a powerful tool for detailed public transport service planning and interchange design. As the audience measurement system covers all advertising formats (beside road billboards, street furniture such as bus shelters, advertising on the exterior of buses, within station/shopping centre/airport advertising, etc.) the model is required to accurately model person flows both within the public transport system and while accessing the system.
Features of the model that distinguish it from a typical strategic travel model include:
- Modelling of alternative access modes to the public transport system (walking/cycling, park-and-ride/kiss-and-ride);
- Precise (actual) definition of the public transport system (all stations/ferry terminals and bus stops, all services and stopping patterns by time of day);
- Highly disaggregate travel zone system within the CBD;
- Modelling of passenger flows within CBD and major suburban stations;
- Highly disaggregate travel market segmentation (15 journey purposes by 3 levels of car availability); and
- Accurate mode to mode transfer predictions within the public transport system.
The Sydney Zenith model has already been validated, and is available for use on strategic transport planning projects. It is totally compatible with versions of the Zenith model used on recent CBD metro projects in Melbourne and Brisbane (refer below).
See Sydney Multi-Modal Travel Model Coverage Map.