Iowa Travel Demand Model Management Phillip J. Mescher, AICP, CPM Iowa Department of Transportation Office of Systems Planning Ames, Iowa
Goals Enhance travel demand modeling assistance to Iowa’s 9 MPOs. Develop model standards and expectations Establish Consistency among models Publish Model Policy and Procedure Manual Add On-call Consultant Services for Iowa DOT Work to enhance Iowa’s MPO models to meet consistent standards Include MTMUG in standards development
Iowa Modeling History 1960’s & 1970’s DOT Responsible Mainframe Computer Planpac 1980’s & 1990’s MPOs Responsible Desktop Computers and Software Tranplan & QRS II 1990’s to 2010’s DOT providing more assistance and responsibility
What is happening? MPO modeling staff turnover Only one MPO has senior level model staff DOT continual training and retaining of staff Causes? Pay, other opportunities, steep learning curve, etc. Takes a couple of years modeling to become proficient Dramatic Increase in Demands on MPO staff LRTP, TIP, UPWP, PPP, CMP, Transit, Safety, Modeling, etc. MAP-21 Performance Measures Models put on “back-burner”
What is happening? Iowa DOT Assistance to MPOs Modeler Training MTMUG Model Rebuild Model Calibration/Validation Model Scenario Runs LRTP Corridor Projects Consistent Software – TransCAD (DOT subsidized) Hosting NHI Travel Modeling Class
What is happening? DOT has limitations also Staffing given workload requests DOT has staff turnover at times but fairly stable Need more expertise in Transit mode share, TOD models, etc. Consultant Assistance At times MPOs have hired consultants to help with their modeling No standards to follow Results in lack of consistency among models
NCHRP Report 288 Report 288 highlights the fact that policy makers must have the ability to make informed decisions about future investments and public policies for the transportation system. Based on the investigation of the 288 committee, it was determined the current models and modeling practice is not adequate for many of the tasks to which they are being applied. They recommend that steps must be taken to improve current and future practice in metropolitan travel forecasting. Report Conclusion: More state support to modeling is needed.
What is happening? Several States getting more involved to help MPOs Florida Wisconsin Texas Virginia Iowa Etc. Traffic forecasts are critical to designing projects.
Where are we going? Iowa Modeling Policy & Procedure Manual Lays out model structure, protocols, procedures Model version management SE Data Forecast Process/Review Identifies Input Data Integration with Iowa Statewide Model Determines Model Validation Expectations Describes Best Practices Coordination with Iowa DOT Wisconsin Online Policy Manual
Where are we going? Iowa DOT On-call Consultant Services Task Orders Simple project analyses Full model rebuilds including calibration/validation Training/assistance for DOT Transit Modeling Time of Day Etc
Where are we going? MPO Model Enhancement Over time work with Iowa DOT and MPOs to enhance current models to adhere to new Policy & Procedure manual. Likely concurrent with existing LRTP and model update timelines.
What is Next? Partner Support Across the Board Support from MPOs NDOR, Iowa DOT, Wisconsin DOT and Illinois DOT FHWA RFP for Consultant On-call Services is drafted RFP tweaks underway Hope to hit the street before end of year Several excellent firms have interest (some in teams)
Questions?