Implementation Framework and Development Trajectory of FEATHERS Activity-Based Simulation Platform

Abstract

In order to facilitate the development of dynamic activity-based models for transport demand, the FEATHERS framework was developed. This framework suggests a four stage development trajectory for a smooth transition from the four-step models towards static activity based models in the short term and dynamic activity based models in the longer term. The development stages discussed in this paper range from an initial static activity-based model without traffic assignment to ultimately a dynamic activity-based model incorporating rescheduling, learning effects and traffic routing. To illustrate the FEATHERS framework, work that has been done on the development of both static and dynamic activity-based models for Flanders (Belgium) and the Netherlands is discussed. First, the data collection is presented. Next, the four stage activity-based model development trajectory is discussed in detail. The paper concludes with the presentation of the modular FEATHERS framework, which discusses the functionalities of the modules and how they accommodate the requirements imposed on the framework by each of the four stages.