Travel demand forecasting - Using microsimulation: Initial results from case study in Pennsylvania

A new practical method for more accurately estimating traffic volumes in regional transportation networks by using demographic microsimulation is described. The method, called MIDAS-USA-Version I (MUVI), is combined with another method, access management impact simulation, which uses a geographic information system as a support tool, and can create detailed highway networks that can be used in regional models. Initial results from a case study in Centre County, Pennsylvania, are presented. The case study compares sociodemographic characteristics and the resulting traffic volumes on the regional transportation network with observed data and indicates the efficacy of the concept and the models used. This method is designed to be applied anywhere in the United States, because the basic input data are always available.