External link: http://d2dtl5nnlpfr0r.cloudfront.net/tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6691-1.pdf

Publication date: April 1, 2015

Capsule summary: This research considers areas of improvement for MPOs in Texas, focusing on travel demand modeling practices.

Author(s): Lorenzini, Karen; Bhat, Chandra; Geiselbrecht, Tina; Overman, John; Paleti, Rajesh; Narayanamoorthy, Sriram

Publisher(s): Texas Department of Transportation

Definition: Modeling travel demand
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/demand/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
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Definitions: The movement of people
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/mode/personal/
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Definitions: Transportation by automobile
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/mode/personal/auto/
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Definition: A federally funded transportation policy-making organization, comprised of local government representatives and transportation authorities
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/mpo/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
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Definition: Report published by a governmental body or other organization (e.g. FHWA, NAS, etc.)
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Description: In Texas, MPOs rely on TxDOT for support in developing and providing travel demand models. This research provides context on the relationship between TxDOT and MPOs with respect to travel demand models (TDM), and the perceived roles and responsibilities of each agency in developing TDM. The study aims to identify causes of delays in TDM planning and inform future practices in the development of travel demand models for MPOs.

Objectives: The objective of this research was to gain insight into the context of MPO planning and travel demand forecasting practices, in order to recommend improvements to the process. The research team conducted extensive interviews with MPO staff, stakeholders, and representatives from other agencies involved with MPO planning. The findings of these interviews were analyzed and synthesized into training course materials and a handbook to guide MPOs developing their institutional capacity.

Findings: The interviews helped the research team to identify many challenges to efficient completion of TDM projects. Resource constraints (particularly funding), technical training needs, and communication and process issues that further convolute the complex development process were key problems for stakeholders. Additionally, this project promoted discussion and open dialogue about changes to the travel demand modeling process.

Recommendations: TxDOT would benefit from educational materials that encourage practitioners to implement changes to the TDM process, and guide future TDM efforts. A TxDOT TPP training course called “Managing the Travel Model Process” could promote beneficial discussion and provide guidance for planners. The research team also suggests offering the title of “Model Project Manager” to MPO directors who complete the training, and to ask that the Model Project Managers incorporate regular meetings on process updates into their programming. Additional recommendations include improving communication through new strategies such as web-based tools, as well as expanding resources allocated to traffic analysis and travel modeling, and adapting innovative methods for working under funding constraints.

Research Theme: Travel Demand Modeling

Community Type: City, Medium City, Small City

Transportation Mode: Automobile, Personal

Planning Scope:

Organization Type: MPO or RPO

Planning Subject: Analysis, Decision Making, Evaluation and Assessment, Facility or Land Use, Forecasting, Highway Planning, Transportation Planning, Transportation System Management