Innovative Strategies for Transport Modelling, Walking Planning, and Pricing Solutions
Explore cutting-edge methodologies in transport planning, from interpreting train load measures and refining models for congested networks, to advancing walking infrastructure with updated planning guidance and evaluating the successes and pitfalls of road pricing in Seattle and how this translates to the Australian transport landscape. This session provides a roadmap to more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive transport systems.
Session Summary
- Interpreting VITM train load measures | Bharat Balasubramanian, Department of Transport and Planning VIC
- Path to progress: stepping up with updated walking planning guidance and implementation support | Alana Plummer, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
- Calibrating strategic models for congested networks | Paul van den Bos, Transport Modelling
- Failure & success with road prices in Seattle | Harry Barber, Urban Transit Solutions
Presenters
Interpreting VITM train load measures
Bharat Balasubramanian
Department of Transport and Planning (Vic)
Senior Transport Analyst at the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning's Forecasting and Evaluation branch within Modal Planning specialising in Data Science and Analytics. Primary responsibilities include short to medium term forecasting, current and future demand analysis and reporting.
Abstract Synopsis
This abstract focuses on bridging the gap between the Victorian Integrated Transport Model (VITM) rail demand forecasts and practical measures of train crowding. VITM generates volume capacity (VC) ratios for the rail network, forecasting demand and available capacity for peak periods.
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has developed methods to translate these forecasts into actionable insights, particularly for estimating the number of trains that will exceed peak load capacity across different lines and time periods. By using the Train Service Usage Model (TrainSUM), which analyzes passenger interactions with the ticketing system and service timetables, DTP simulates and compares VITM-generated VC ratios with actual crowding data, providing rail planners with a practical guide to assess and manage crowding levels.
Path to progress: stepping up with updated walking planning guidance and implementation support
Alana Plummer
Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
Alana Plummer is a Senior Planner in the Cycling and Walking Team at the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Queensland. Alana co-authored the 2024 update to TMR walking network planning guidance and was assistant project manager for the 'Lighter quicker cheaper' pilot projects.
Abstract Synopsis
The 2024 update to Queensland’s Walking Network Planning (WNP) guidance reflects a grounded, inclusive approach to enhancing connectivity, particularly for people with mobility issues, those socially disadvantaged, and residents in areas with road safety concerns.
With over 100 WNPs completed or underway, the updated guidance aligns with the state's movement and place policy, emphasizing health and behavioral outcomes. Case studies, including examples from remote, indigenous, and rural communities, highlight user experiences.
TMR is piloting interventions in Ipswich and Mareeba using a "lighter, quicker, cheaper" approach, testing solutions such as road narrowing, improved crossings, and road-space reallocation.
A dedicated infrastructure fund from 2025-26 will support WNP implementation, with an initial focus on improving walking access to public transport stations.
Calibrating strategic models for congested networks
Paul van den Bos
Transport Modelling
Paul has used strategic modelling software for more than 30 years and mesoscopic modelling for for than 15 years. All of that work was done through his own company Transport Modelling
Abstract Synopsis
This abstract addresses the challenges of calibrating strategic traffic models in congested conditions, where traditional methods assuming free-flow conditions may no longer apply.
It highlights that traffic flow data from surveys often reflect both free-flow and forced-flow conditions, especially in major cities like Sydney, where traffic often moves below the speed limit even outside peak hours.
The presentation will explore how to adjust survey data from the forced-flow region to demand flow and corresponding speed values, using simplified Volume-Density lines. This process aims to provide more accurate travel demand flow estimates for use in strategic models, ensuring better representation of oversaturated network conditions.
Failure & success with road prices in Seattle
Harry Barber
Urban Transit Solutions
Harry Barber is a transport consultant based in Melbourne working for clients in local and State Government often on issues related to parking and parking pricing. He is publishing the Inside Guide to Congestion Pricing for roads & parking in episodes on Substack.
Abstract Synopsis
This presentation uses current examples of road pricing in Seattle to illustrate that a gantry over a road can be used for several different and rivalrous purposes. Revenue tolls are familiar as they are widely used. Indeed, many think that all pricing for roads and parking is to raise revenue. 'Discouragement' charges are somewhat familiar (they are rarely used in transport in Australia). Here confusion begins. On one road Seattle imposed a charge intending to raise revenue, instead users responded to it as a discouragement charge. (This has occurred in several locations in Australia.)
Meanwhile on another road in Seattle the fees are set based on the observed load and adjusted to optimise speed and throughput. Using a 'natural experiment' the road authority demonstrated the charge achieved the aim. Publications by think tanks and the NSW Toll Review have demonstrated that the understanding of road price types and how they function is weak. It is important that these price tools are more widely understood so that their use can be discussed in informed public debate and policymakers and transport professionals can apply them intentionally, appropriately, and effectively.
