An agent-based simulation framework for modelling traffic demand in Flanders

Abstract

Modelling traffic pattern has always been a, major area of concern in transportation research. A custom agent-based simulation framework is developed to model travel behaviour in the region of Flanders (Belgium). The framework uses an activity-based approach to model traffic demand. The major idea behind activity-based models is that travel demand is derived from the activities that. individuals and households need or wish to perform. Activity-based models lead to more realistic traffic forecasts and as a result of this, the impact of transport on environment., traffic safety and health can be predicted more accurately. Activity data for the framework is provided by a large scale survey, conducted on 2500 households in the study area. The agent-based simulation model consists of over six million agents., one for each inhabitant, to represent the Flemish population. A modular design is used in order to manage complexity easily and to update and/or replace functionalities easily.