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Transportation research and modeling services

Maps, data and research  ›  Transportation research and modeling

Find out about the program to collect and analyze transportation-related information, use the data to develop and maintain modeling tools for forecasting travel flows and emissions, and use these modeling tools in project analysis.

Metro's Transportation Research and Modeling Services program serves agencies that require transportation data and modeling services. Key regional stakeholders include Metro and its regional governmental partners (counties and cities), Oregon Department of Transportation, TriMet, Port of Portland and private sector clients.

Travel demand modeling and emission estimation

Travel demand models use data to predict transportation choices such as trip frequency, trip origins and destinations, types or modes of transportation and travel by time of day. Planners and policy makers use these models to analyze the effects of such factors as increased population and employment, changes in development patterns, transportation infrastructure improvements, transit service changes and regional transportation policy impacts on travel behavior.

The Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency require that project analysis be carried out using methods and modeling tools that meet certain guidelines. Failure to meet the guidelines may result in project analysis conclusions that do not meet federal approval. Thus, the primary objective for the Transportation Research and Modeling Services program is to ensure the compliance of the modeling tools and techniques.

Metro’s travel demand models are regularly reviewed by the appropriate federal agencies and expert panels to ensure that they meet federal guidelines and meet or exceed the standard practices of other travel demand models used throughout the country.

Metro currently maintains a four-step trip based travel behavior model and is developing a next generation dynamic tour based model. The program also uses federally required models for the analysis of air quality and vehicle emissions and of transit projects seeking federal funding.

Transportation Research and Modeling Services program goals

Learn about the program's goals and objectives, focusing on ensuring the most current and relevant models, a better understanding of regional travel and and continued service to clients. Go

Transportation research and modeling projects and model development

Find out what new tools that Metro is developing to address the needs of regional decision-makers. Go

Related Documents

• Transportation modeling overview 133K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 23, 2009
• Metro model documentation 425K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 23, 2009
• Metro tactical freight model report 343K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 23, 2009

Related Internet links

• Travel Model Improvement Program

  (http://tmip.fhwa.dot.gov/)

• Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium

  (http://otrec.us)