Travel demand modeling is a computer-based tool that is used by the NJTPA to help with analyzing projects, developing the long range plan, and determining compliance with air quality conformity standards.
North Jersey Regional Transportation Model- Enhanced (NJRTM-E)
In 2008, NJTPA completed a major upgrade to the region’s travel demand model, and in 2011, we completed a revalidation of the model. The result is the North Jersey Regional Transportation Model-Enhanced (NJRTM-E). This model was developed with the participation of NJDOT and NJ Transit and fully incorporates the multi-modal nature of the transportation issues facing northern New Jersey. The model is comprehensive and powerful enough to be used by all major transportation agencies in the region. NJTPA has begun using the model for its air quality conformity analysis and other purposes; NJ Transit is currently testing the model for transit studies.
The NJRTM-E is available on request to consultants and transportation professionals.
Characteristics of the NJRTM-E
Platform: A standard four-step model, the NJRTM-E runs on Citilabs software products CUBE (as an interface), and Voyager with additional FORTRAN programs used for mode choice and reporting elements.
Zonal System: There are 2,553 traffic analysis zones (over 1,500 of these are in the NJTPA region) and no external stations. The model now includes all of New York City and Long Island, portions of southern New Jersey, portions of southern New York State, and portions of eastern Pennsylvania.
Highway Network: Within the NJTPA region, the highway network includes most arterials (major and minor) with most 500 level and 600 level county roads. Most collector or local roads are not included. Outside the NJTPA region, the highway network is more schematic, generally representing major regional roadways.
The model covers eight trip purposes:
- Home-Based Work Direct (trips between home and work with no intermediate stops),
- Home-Based Work Strategic (trips between home and work with one or more intermediate stops),
- Home Based Shopping (trips between home and shopping destinations),
- Home Based Other (all other trips that either begin or end at home),
- Work Based Other (trips based at work, other than those associated with the trip from or to home),
- Non-Home-Non-Work (all other trips that have neither origins nor destinations at home or work),
- Airport Trips (trips to or from Newark airport), and
- University Trips (trips to or from regional colleges and universities made by students).
Six travel modes are considered for most trip purposes (seven for the Home Based Work trip purpose):
- Single-Occupant Vehicle (SOV),
- 2-Occupant Vehicle (HOV-2),
- 3-Occupant Vehicle (HOV-3),
- 4 or More-Occupant Vehicle (HOV-4+) -- only for Home Based Work,
- Public Transit-Walk Access,
- Transit-Drive Access, and
- Trucks (not specified by trip purpose).
The model also estimates walking and biking (non-motorized) trips.
Public Transit Network: The transit network includes New Jersey Transit’s rail and bus network, some private bus lines, and ferry services.
Trip Generation: The model considers population, household (differentiated by the presence of children and/or retirees) and income data.
Highway Assignment: There are four separate networks for the time periods in the model (including expanded peak hour periods): AM Peak (6:00am-9:00am), Midday (9:00am-3:00pm), PM Peak (3:00pm-6:00pm), and Night (6:00pm-6:00am).
For further information, contact Bob Diogo at (973) 639-8409 or diogo@njtpa.org