Using OpenTripPlanner to determine lowest cost home-work-home trips as an input to UrbanSim

Abstract

The paper discusses the evolution of an Urban Simulation Model aimed at assisting planners and decision-makers to assess the likely outcome of various metropolitan policy scenarios 30 years into the future. This will enhance long-term planning for the provision of infrastructure and social facilities. The model is currently based on two open source projects, UrbanSim and Open Trip Planner. The paper describes the modifications that had to be introduced to apply the software in the South African context characterised by various forms of informality (such as backyard dwellings) and poverty. It also discusses how the model was validated by simulating a period in the past and concludes by presenting results from its application in various metros.