METROPOLIS: Modular System for Dynamic Traffic Simulation

Abstract

METROPOLIS proposes an interactive environment that simulates automobile traffic in large urban areas. The core of the system is a dynamic simulator that integrates commuters’ departure time and route choice behaviors over large networks: Drivers are assumed to minimize a generalized travel cost function that depends on travel time and schedule delay. This simulator is based on a behavioral driver information process. It allows real-time and off-line simulations. The system also includes a scenario builder and a graphical results viewer. The main ideas underlying METROPOLIS are presented, and preliminary computer simulation experiments are discussed for Geneva, Switzerland.