Travel Demand Model Integration into long-range planning

The WAMPO model will be used to provide information on the results of proposed transportation projects. For example, if a road is found to be congested, meaning more cars are on the road than the road can support, the model can show how much that congestion will be reduced by widening the roadway or providing alternatives, such as highway, transit, or bike/ped improvements. The outcomes of these project types can be modeled, showing how much each will reduce congestion. This information is used to help decision-makers with the process of choosing and prioritizing future projects.

A travel demand model is a tool; like any other tool, it can only be used for certain purposes and not others. Understanding what the model can and cannot do is important for understanding how it will be integrated into WAMPO’s long-range transportation plan; the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).

What the model can do:

• Show the impact of road widening and road additions

• Analyze the impacts of transportation plans on the regional transportation system

• Show the impact of new interchanges on traffic patterns

• Show the impact of large developments

• Forecast corridor volumes

• Test alternative land use plans, and/or

• Provide input for air quality conformity

What the model can’t do:

• Traffic micro-simulation for specific sections of roadway or a specific intersection

• Model small or local roads very accurately

• Model bottlenecks

• Show the land use impact of a new road, and/or

• Show the impacts of small developments