Passenger and Pedestrian Modelling at Transport Facilities

The modelling of passengers and pedestrians at transport facilities remains a complex issue to be addressed by industry within a transportation context. Passenger and pedestrian movements are a key component in all transport systems including public transport operations, interchange facilities and airport operations. Pedestrian performance is also a significant issue for design of retail centres, sporting grounds and special event locations. However, until recently passenger and pedestrian modelling was not integrated into traffic and transport simulation packages to accurately reflect the complexity of design. The recent release of VISSIM 5.1 incorporates a pedestrian simulation component that utilises Helbing’s Social Force model for pedestrian movements. PTV has undertaken the modelling of passenger movements at one of the largest and more complex rail stations within the Melbourne metropolitan region. North Melbourne station is to undergo an upgrade of facilities to better manage the significant interchange of passengers between regional and metropolitan rail systems. In addition a change in service planning will impact on the interchange movements at the station. The modelling addressed implications of a number of key components including platform location, access, grade, shelter and adjacent transport systems to examine the suitability of the design for passenger requirements. Various performance indicators have guided the design and operational refinements to optimise passenger conditions at the transport interchange.