Homepage  »  Research  »  Department of Travel Behaviour Analyses and Transport Modelling (O42)

Department of Travel Behaviour Analyses and Transport Modelling (O42)

The department works in the field of traffic behaviour data collection, data collection methodology, related specific features of data and subsequent traffic behaviour data analysis. Not having these data, it is neither possible to understand the behaviour of people who form traffic, nor it is possible to predict traffic behaviour. The experts in the field have produced a certified methodology to make traffic behaviour surveys (Guidelines for Activity-Travel Surveys). Regarding this type of surveys, it is a standardized questionnaire as well as a methodology in the form of a revealed preference survey. In addition, we focus on stated preference surveys and their application in the field of transport and mobility. We have participated in conducting traffic behaviour surveys in several cities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, in revealed preference surveys for feasibility studies and for urban mobility.

Another field of our focus and specialization is transport modelling, particular strategic, prediction aggregated multimodal demand modelling, but we also head towards more advanced models working with disaggregated demand. Transport models are used for assessing effects of demographic development, territorial development and some traffic volume measures (not only individual car transport, but all transport modes – public transport, cycle and pedestrian transport), changes in transport demand, and relationships origin/destination in a modelled area. Transport models are used to support decisions of particular authorities on performance and prioritization of infrastructure structures and application of traffic measures, and are parts of all bigger projects co-funded from EU structural funds required by JASPERS. Unfortunately, the limitations of transport models are still not reflected in practice in the Czech Republic, they are considered to have supernatural powers. Therefore, we work on setting transport model quality standards in terms of the input data as well as in terms of procedures for production of sub-models (steps of 4-level model) and clarification of limitations of different types of transport models.

Furthermore, we focus on strategic transport planning with regard to sustainability, which gradually finds its place in the Czech Republic. The reasons include increasing demands on mobility as well as the use of funds from EU structural funds conditioned by an existing plan (so far just for bigger towns). This issue is particularly important for state and public administration, but also for bigger companies.

Reference:

Chief manager: