Why We Develop Subarea Models
The major benefit of Dynamic Traffic Assignment (DTA) subarea models, compared to the traditional 4-step travel demand model, is the ability to simulate how drivers interact to congestion and how they respond. The DTA model is capable of reading all file formats and data structures of the regional Emme macro model, and shares common zonal system, network, and travel demand.
The dynamic traffic assignment moves individual vehicles on lanes, with car-following models, gap-acceptance models, and explicit signal timings. In terms of scale, the Dynameq DTA model fits in between the regional macro model and micro simulation models, and is often referred to as a mesoscopic model. It enables modelling of:
- Signal timing strategies,
- Identification (place, and duration) and impacts of bottlenecks,
- Intersection/roadway levels of service,
- Intersection queuing of vehicles, and
- Vehicle propagation throughout the network