Advanced methods for today’s planning

TRIPS (TRansport Improvement Planning System) is a transportation planning package which enables strategic as well as detailed analyses of multi-modal transportation networks.
TRIPS provides a framework for implementing a wide range of travel demand forecasting models. The user has full control of the composure of the model structure and can set up this structure efficiently using a visual, flow chart style model management system.
TRIPS also provides standardized procedures which can be implemented in local models. These library functions can be seen as best practice methods.

Advanced features of TRIPS include:
 
· flexible command language for implementing demand models
· advanced, built-in functions for implementing standard modeling processes
· intersection-based capacity restraint
· dynamic traffic assignment
· multi-path public transit assignment
· matrix estimation functions for private and public transportation
· aggregate and disaggregate model application
- flexible and powerful model and data management system which visualizes and documents the modeling process
· supports extremely large problem sizes
· true 32-bit design for Windows 95/98/NT/2000
- user interface in multiple languages.

Demand Modeling
The demand modeling module includes a comprehensive set of tools for handling trip matrices and for calibrating and implementing a variety of demand forecasting models.
Generation models can be specified by the user allowing any relevant data and level of aggregation to be used.
Distribution models may be based on either gravity or destination choice formulations.
Modal choice models can be based on built-in functions or can be specified by the user as mathematical equations.

Highway Assignment
TRIPS offers various methods for link-based path building and capacity restraint. Paths may be built using minimum cost or stochastic multi-route methodologies. TRIPS may be assigned incrementally or iteratively. Final assignments are obtained through volume averaging or equilibrium.

Junction Modeling
More detailed analysis can be undertaken by including information about intersections. Any intersection type may be coded including circles/roundabouts (3 to 8 arms), fixed time or vehicle actuated signalized intersections (3 to 5 arms), priority intersections (3 or 4 arms) and roadway merges (two entries and one exit). TRIPS will then calculate the delay and vehicle queues and incorporate this information within the overall assignment.

Dynamic Assignment
TRIPS also provides dynamic assignment models where time variation within the peak hour is simulated. This enables blocking back and matrix constraint (over-capacity situations) to be estimated, greatly improving the accuracy in the analysis of congested urban situations.