6.0 Summary

The AMS Methodologies Document (Task 2.3) provided a discussion of potential ICM analytical approaches for the assessment of generic corridor operations. The AMS framework identified strategies and procedures for tailoring AMS general approaches toward individual corridors with different application requirements and modeling characteristics. This document, the Experimental Plan, lays out the scope of analysis that will be conducted through the application of the AMS methodology to the Test Corridor.

The purpose of the Test Corridor modeling is to perform a pilot study to evaluate the following:

Proof of concept for the AMS framework;
Development and application of interfaces for flow of data between modeling tools; and
AMS application of a subset of ICM strategies to the test corridor.

The general methodological approach presented in the AMS framework will require significant tailoring to account for the application of specific software for the macroscopic, mesoscopic, and microscopic modeling. Depending on the scope, complexity, and questions to be answered within a specific corridor, there may be more or less emphasis on each of the three general model types and their interaction.

Potential risks and applicability issues associated with the suggested methodology include:

The Test Corridor AMS application calls for different levels and forms of model integration of the macro, meso, and micro models. Limitations in all three software programs may present challenges. However, the AMS methodology has been designed in a way that is flexible to the availability of different types of models at different Pioneer Sites.
While the emphasis of the AMS methodology has been to provide the greatest degree of flexibility and robustness in supporting subsequent tasks for the Test Corridor and AMS support of Pioneer Sites, the actual application to the Test Corridor will evaluate the practicality of the process.
The Test Corridor modeling emphasizes using available data sources. Depending on the availability of data, accuracy of model calibration can be impacted.
The proposed methodology includes the development of a simple pivot-point mode shift model and a transit travel-time estimation module to support comparison of network and modal alternatives, and facilitate the analysis of traveler shifts among different transportation modes. This is custom software where the requirements have to be carefully specified to create a robust program.
The proposed methodology also includes the development of linkage mechanisms required to establish consistency between the modeling resolutions of the AMS candidate tools. Inaccuracies in the interface that are not weeded out can severely impact the modeling effort.