Open Traffic Models -- A framework for hybrid simulation of transportation networks

TL;DR

This paper presents Open Traffic Models, a flexible framework for hybrid traffic simulation that allows assigning different traffic models to network links and demonstrates congestion propagation across models.

Contribution

It introduces a novel software framework enabling hybrid traffic modeling with customizable link-specific models and control interfaces, advancing transportation network simulation capabilities.

Findings

Demonstrated congestion propagation between different model types

Implemented a flexible, open-source simulation platform

Validated the approach with network tests

Abstract

This paper introduces a new approach to hybrid traffic modeling, along with its implementation in software. The software allows modelers to assign traffic models to individual links in a network. Each model implements a series of methods, refered to as the modeling interface. These methods are used by the program to exchange information between adjacent models. Traffic controllers are implemented in a similar manner. The paper outlines the important components of the method: the network description, the description of demands, and the modeling and control interfaces. We include tests demonstrating the propagation of congestion between pairs of macroscpoic, mesoscopic, and microscopic models. Open Traffic Models is an open source implementation of these concepts, and is available at https://github.com/ggomes/otm-sim.