Transportation Modeling Support for Small MPOs

1
Transportation Modeling Support for Small MPOs

• Transportation Research Board Meeting
• January 10, 2005
• Ayman Smadi
• Jerilyn Swenson
• Advanced Traffic Analysis Center
• North Dakota State University

2
Outline

• Small MPO Issues
• Program Description
• Program Activities
• Program Benefits
• Program Challenges
• Conclusions

3
Small MPO Issues

• Resources
• Funding
• Software and/or data
• Modelers
• Growth Potential
• New development can have tremendous impacts on
  the system
• Limited Local Data
• Multi-agency/multi-jurisdictional issues

4
North Dakota MPOs

• Limited modeling expertise (no full time
  modelers)
• Two states
• No local travel survey data
• Use national trip behavior data
• Major corridor projects to support growth
• Require effective modeling

5
Typical Modeling Arrangements

• Fragmented (driven by immediate need)
• i.e., LTP, corridor study, new development
• Outsourced
• Different consultants (i.e., no long-range
  relationship)
• Internal staff turnover
• Interpretation of results
• Lack of familiarity with model structure,
  assumptions, etc

6
Program Description- Partners

• Bismarck-Mandan
• Fargo-Moorhead
• Grand Forks-East Grand Forks
• NDDOT
• FHWA
• NDSUs ATAC

7
Program -Institutional Arrangements

• Steering Committee
• MPO directors
• Meets once a year
• Master Agreement
• Multi-year
• Range of services
• Procedures
• Addenda

8
Relationship to private consultants

• ATAC handles model enhancements and model runs
• Models housed at NDSU
• Consultants request scenario analysis
• Contractual framework through MPO
• Portion of project cost retained by MPO
• Modeling budget

9
Program-Financial arrangements

• Base annual fee
• 5,000 per entity
• Support activities
• Software enhancements
• Specialized training
• Additional funding per work activity
• Addendum to Master Agreement
• Simplified work order

10
Program Activities

• Model Overhaul
• Significant model enhancements
• Scope
• Trip types
• Software upgrade
• Model Calibration
• Account for network or socio-economic data
• Sub-Area/Corridor Analysis
• Traffic estimates
• User cost estimates

11
Program Benefits/Accomplishments

• Model consistency and integrity
• Stability and continuity
• Responsiveness to modeling needs
• Economics
• Supporting private consultants
• Recruiting/training Students
• Additional support areas

12
Model Consistency and Integrity

• Provide a forum for MPOs and NDDOT planning staff
  to discuss common modeling issues
• Process of reviewing and calibrating models is
  greatly enhanced
• ATAC responsible for making the changes, running
  the model, and presenting the results to the MPO
  and consultants
• Ensures the integrity of the travel demand model

13
Program Challenges

• Developing a clear business plan
• Securing stable funding
• Clarifying program relationships with private
  sector consultants
• Reconciling differences between MPO and academic
  environments

14
More information
www.atacenter.org