The CONTRAM dynamic traffic assignment model

Abstract

CONTRAM is a computer model of time-varying traffic in road networks, which takes as input the network definition and time-varying demand for travel between a set of origin and destination zones, and outputs the resulting network flows, routes and travel times. It combines a macroscopic time-sliced traffic model with disaggregate dynamic assignment of traffic, so is intermediate between macroscopic equilibrium and microscopic models. The paper details the methods used, including time-dependent queuing which plays a central role, and the treatment of network definition, user classes, road capacities, signals and coordination, vehicle emissions, Intelligent Transport Systems and research lines.