1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Atlanta Regional Commission
Contact
Kyeil Kim
Atlanta Regional Commission
(404)