Mega-Regions develop as complex systems Horizontal and vertical integration for a Mega-Region Simulation Model

Mega-regions are considered to be the new geography that may become the nation’s operative regions, according to the March 2010 FHWA Strategic Plan. Such regions need analysis tools to evaluate scenarios and their regional impacts. These tools have to cover areas larger than covered by the typical Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) or State Department of Transportation (DOT) models. In addition, such tools need to integrate systems beyond transportation, such as economic, land-use or environmental modules. This paper reviews a mega-region case study, funded by the Federal Highway Administration’s Exploratory Advanced Research Program, using an analysis framework to address the impact of high energy prices in the Chesapeake Bay Mega-Region around Washington D.C. The paper describes the model, focusing on horizontal and vertical integration issues of various modules. A high energy price scenario is analyzed showing need for action at the mega-regional scale. Paper length: 7,568 words and 12 figures Acknowledgements: The work represented in this paper was funded through the “Mega-Region Travel Modeling Framework” project, sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, Exploratory Advanced Research Program.