Pioneering New Techniques: Innovations in Transport Planning and Technology
Explore cutting-edge approaches to transport planning, from the road to autonomous vehicles and advanced model calibration to addressing the impacts of renewable developments and integrating social justice principles into mobility strategies.
Session Summary
- The Road to Autonomous Vehicles | Nial O'Brien, Aurecon
- Cross-verification and calibration of analytical and microsimulation models | Dr Rahmi Akcelik, SIDRA SOLUTIONS
- Navigating the Winds of Change: Planning for the Transport Impacts of Renewable Development in Queensland | Dave Keenan, Aimsun
- The Social Justice Movement, and Lessons for Transport Planning | Ten - Zen Guh, Mott MacDonald
Presenters
The Road to Autonomous Vehicles
Nial O'Brien
Aurecon
Nial O'Brien leads the Roads Capability across Aurecon and a thought leader in his field of Roads, Road Safety and Future Transport and has written a number of future focused articles highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with emerging technologies and trends such as energy and automation.
Abstract Synopsis
Our road systems are entering a renaissance period with users facing one of the biggest challenges since the onset of the combustion engine.
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are on our doorstep, and the benefits are clear with over 90% of road traffic accidents caused by human error. AVs have the potential to have a significant dent in the 1.35 million killed or 50 million seriously injured on the worlds roads each year. They also offer optimisation in journey times and road space which could open up endless opportunities by transforming how we value our roads, how we own vehicles and how we manage our vehicle fleet.
This abstract looks at the current core focus of the motoring and freight industry with regards to transitions to automation. It also investigates current attitudes to AV adoption and how and when people think they may use an AV on a weekly basis.
This study explores the onset of the combustion engine and how user sentiment resisted change and slowed down uptake seeing millions of dollars' worth of investment wasted as product developers focused on the wrong products to sell to the wrong people.
With so much reliance on technology, are we asking too much too soon of people? Do they actually understand what is being offered? Do they trust it? Are they ready? Drawing on the similarities to early Combustion engine adoption and the huge failures that occurred in the industry at the time, this presentation asks 'will history repeat itself? and how can we prevent failure?'.
Cross-verification and calibration of analytical and microsimulation models
Dr Rahmi Akclik
SIDRA SOLUTIONS
Dr Rahmi Akclik is a leading scientist and software developer with 50 years of research and development experience in road traffic operations with over 350 technical publications. Awards received by Rahmi include the 2014 Roads Australia Award for Technical Excellence and the 1999 Clunies Ross National Science and Technology Award.
Abstract Synopsis
This presentation advocates for the development of formal procedures for cross-verification (benchmarking) and calibration of both analytical and microsimulation traffic models.
The goal is to enhance model transparency, ensuring that users can better understand model outputs. Key concepts discussed include lane-based modeling, intersection lane use, acceleration and deceleration, traffic performance measurement, environmental objectives, capacity analysis, and conditions such as near-saturated and oversaturated traffic.
The presentation emphasises the value of integrating analytical and microsimulation techniques to improve traffic modeling practices. The content is drawn from a prior presentation at the 2024 US Transportation Research Board (TRB) Traffic Analysis and Modeling Workshop.
Navigating the Winds of Change: Planning for the Transport Impacts of Renewable Development in Queensland
Dave Keenan
Aimsun
Dave is Chartered Civil Engineer of 26 years' experience, he is Technical Director - Asia Pacific at Aimsun, with a focus in transportation operations modelling and particularly for the meaningful and pragmatic project delivery aspects as modelling can provide.
Dave is elected a Fellow of Australian Institute of Transport Planning and Management (AITPM) and a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT UK). He is a founder (2013) and past National Chair (2019 to 2021) of the AITPM's Transport Modelling Network.
In June 2022 he became the fifth person to be awarded with the Modelling World UK Conferences, Masters of Modelling -Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his contribution to the transportation modelling discipline globally in both a professional and in a volunteer / institution sense.
Abstract Synopsis
This presentation highlights a collaboration between Aimsun and Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), addresses the logistical challenges of transporting wind farm components in Central Queensland’s Renewable Energy Zone (CQREZ).
With an increase in oversize vehicle movements due to the construction of multiple wind farms, the project focuses on developing a bespoke platform to assess the impacts on the regional road network. This platform evaluates key performance indicators (KPIs) related to traffic movements and renewable energy developments, optimizing transportation efficiency and mitigating disruptions.
Unlike traditional transport simulations focused on urban areas, this platform is designed specifically for regional networks like CQREZ, ensuring the safe and efficient transport of wind farm components while supporting Queensland’s renewable energy goals.
The Social Justice Movement, and Lessons for Transport Planning
Ten-Zen Guh
Mott MacDonald
Ten-Zen is a Technical Director - Transport Planning and New York state professional engineer with a specialisation in pedestrian planning and modelling. He has over 16 years of experience working on major government and private sector infrastructure projects across Australia, Asia, North America, and South America.
He has led pedestrian planning and modelling on some of the largest transport projects in the ANZ region including Sydney Metro, Metronet in Perth, and City Rail Link in Auckland. Internationally he has delivered for major transport agencies including VTA in California, SEPTA in Philadelphia, and Singapore LTA. He has presented his work to the highest levels of his client organisations and at national conferences.
Abstract Synopsis
This presentation explores the parallels between the social justice movement and modern transport planning, particularly in promoting sustainable travel and reducing car dependency. It examines the ideological clashes between traditional and progressive beliefs within transport planning, which often lead to adversarial relationships between engineers and planners, resulting in siloed work and sub-optimal street design outcomes.
By understanding the psychology behind social justice challenges, the presentation aims to highlight why such well-intentioned movements become polarizing and difficult to achieve.
The goal is to share lessons that can help transport planners and engineers work more collaboratively toward a common vision, improving street design outcomes.
