Online Traffic Simulator (heroine) Introduced at the Hanshin Expressway Traffic Control Center

In November 2002, the Hanshin Expressway Public Corporation started the operation of a traffic simulation program called HEROINE. This report outlines the functions of HEROINE and its actual operation. The program was evaluated by comparing the estimation results against actual traffic volume data for two months from the start date of the operation. Discussion extends to possible system improvements in the near future. It also contains proposals for future development direction based on the user survey. The program evaluation verified adequate accuracy of HEROINE. THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The Hanshin Expressway traffic control system has been continually adjusted and expanded since its first introduction in 1969. Until today the system has been operated successfully and is highly regarded as a unique and distinguished traffic control system worldwide. In 1999, studies on innovative functions started for a new generation of the system. Those efforts resulted in a wide-range renovation in May 2003. Another highlight of the new system is a traffic flow simulator, named HEROINE (Hanshin Expressway Real-time Observation-based & INtegrated Evaluator). Its operation started in November 2002. HEROINE is designed to enable real-time traffic simulation for the purpose of supporting routine traffic control operation, examination of restriction plans required for construction, and