Transport Models
The Wellington Transport Analytics Unit own and operate a range of transport models on behalf of partners. These models can be split into two types – strategic, regional transport models and local operational transport models.
The models provide the evidence base to design and evaluate policy interventions and support the development and assessment of transport projects
EMME
Strategic Transport Models
EMME is a multi-modal transport planning software that is used worldwide. The Wellington Transport Analytics Unit have two models that have been developed in EMME – Wellington Transport Strategy Model (WTSM) and Wellington Public Transport Model (WPTM)
The software combines “off the shelf” functionality with the ability to develop a bespoke 4-stage strategic transport models (trip generation, trip distribution, mode split, assignment) to fit local data sources and analytical requirements.
INRO | Emme (inrosoftware.com)
What’s New in Emme 4.6 (inrosoftware.com)
The strategic modelling tools provide a regional representation of travel patterns, and are used for design and evaluate policy interventions and to support the assessment of transport improvement options.
The models are as follows:
- Wellington Transport Strategy Model (WTSM) – a 4 stage demand model that is the central tool for demand forecasting
- Wellington Public Transport Model (WPTM) – a more detailed public transport model for the development and assessment of public transport schemes
- Wellington Traffic Assignment Model (WTAM) – a more granular traffic model for the assessment of traffic interventions and impacts”
- Wellington Cycle Model (WCM) – a GIS based cycle model for the assessment and development of cycle improvements within the Wellington Region
These models were last updated over the period 2020 to 2023 with the purpose being improve and add functionality, refresh behaviour assumptions and identify known weaknesses to develop a set of tools that can be used for the strategic assessment of transport investment and policy.
AIMSUN
Local Operational AIMSUN Transport Models
These local operational models run using the AIMSUN Software Platform
AIMSUN Next is a multi-resolution modelling platform that simulates mobility in networks of all sizes. The Wellington Transport Analytics Unit operate and maintain AIMSUN models of Wellington City and Hutt City and are about to develop a new model covering Porirua City.
These models focus on representing traffic demand, using the AIMSUN Hybrid structure whereby large areas can be modelled with mesoscopic simulation, together with added levels of detail within areas such as Wellington CBD where microscopic simulation is required.
The Operational Transport Models are developed using the AIMSUN software platform. These micro-simulation models are used for detailed scheme design, signal and network optimisation and management of the highway network.
The models that the Wellington Transport Analytics Unit own and operate are as follows:
- Wellington AIMSUN Model – built in 2016, last updated 2022
- Hutt City AIMSUN Model – built in 2017, last updated 2024
- Porirua City AIMSUN model – built in 2023
Wellington – 2022
Wellington AIMSUN Model Development Report
230919 N2A Aimsun Model LGWM 2022 Model Scenario Report.pdf
Wellington AIMSUN Model Do Minimum Report
Porirua – 2023
Porirua AIMSUN Model Development Report
R1B230920 PTM Stage 2 model development report.pdf
Porirua AIMSUN Model peer review
240212 PTM Stage 2.Aimsun Peer Review.pdf
Porirua AIMSUN Model Future Do Minimum Report
Hutt – 2024
Data collection report (To be completed)
Model development report (To be completed)
Forecast report (To be completed)
A number of visualisation tools have been developed in order to share model outputs with clients. Below are some examples of the kind of outputs that can be produced from the AIMSUN models
Please note that the scenarios are indicative, and any numbers should not be reported for project specific purposes.