Implementation of Activity-Based Model Training: All Hell Didn’t Break Loose Kyeil Kim, Ph.D., PTP, Atlanta Regional Commission Jonathan Nicholson, P.E., Atkins Rosella Picado, Ph.D., WSP 16th TRB National Transportation Planning Applications Conference Raleigh, North Carolina, May 2017

Background In 2016, ARC adopted the ABM as the official travel demand model. Local modeling community is familiar with TBM but not so with the ABM. Lack of familiarity with this ABM, and with micro-simulation, led to misunderstandings: Requirements to run the model Model capabilities

Purpose of the Training ARC’s challenges Ensure potential ABM users have a comfortable knowledge of the model Provide full spectrum of ABM component capabilities and requirements Educate the local modeling community on how to use the model outputs

Training Steps Step 1: Pre-training survey on modelers Familiarity with ABMs, modeling needs, concerns about ABM, and willingness to participate in the training Step 2: ABM user training sessions Step 3: Quarterly ABM Focus Group meetings Communication channel between model developers and end users

Training Agenda 4 sessions of training designed for “modelers” Agenda Session 1: Overview of the ARC ABM framework; Running the model Session 2: Model inputs; Preparation of PopSyn control totals; Overview of PopSyn and its outputs; SE data Session 3: Model outputs - CT-RAMP outputs, network and skim outputs, standard reports Session 4: Applications - highway only alternatives, managed lane toll optimization, site impact development studies, DRI, transit and New Starts

Implementation Training period: April – August 2016 At least a month gap between sessions to allow time for students to review class materials Two groups in each session 38 students representing 23 different organizations Full model files, documentation and hands-on exercise materials provided

Lessons Learned Know your target audience Level of knowledge and experience ARC ABM training was not designed for students with limited knowledge on general modeling Class instruction is only the starting point Expect a lot of feedback between model developers and trainees after training Training providers need to plan for additional on-going technical support for end users

Lessons Learned Importance of the Focus Group End users learn from model developers Model developers learn about end users’ experience with the model, which can lead to targeted model improvements

Deployment Plan ABM materials will be made available through ARC website soon. Model documentation (model specifications report, calibration/validation report, user guide, model dictionary file) Full model run including all inputs/outputs Training recordings On-going support via Focus Group meetings and FAQs document

Atlanta Regional Commission Contact Kyeil Kim Atlanta Regional Commission (404) 463-3276 kykim@atlantaregional.com