Commissioned by the Ministry of Transport of Baden-Württemberg, the PTV Group, in close collaboration with SSP Consult Baden-Württemberg, has developed a data-driven state transport model that heralds a new era of strategic transport planning in the state. Following intensive collaboration, a tool is now available that maps the entire transport network of Baden-Württemberg as well as the actual traffic flows of people and goods. This allows for the creation of scenarios that illustrate future traffic developments: a basis for simulating a wide variety of infrastructure projects, including climate protection strategies, before they are implemented in reality.
The ministry describes it as a "benefit for everyone involved in planning, managing, and shaping transportation": The Baden-Württemberg State Transportation Model (LVM-BW) enables a fact-based analysis and forecasting of the impacts of transportation policy measures. This also includes climate-relevant aspects, such as the extent to which a new rail line will change traffic patterns and emissions in the corresponding region. Winfried Hermann, Minister of Transport for Baden-Württemberg, explains: "With the State Transportation Model, we now have a comprehensive digital foundation in Baden-Württemberg to shape the transportation of tomorrow in a climate-friendly and future-proof way, starting today. It allows us to realistically assess the impacts of measures and thus make data-driven decisions on a better basis."
Technology and transparency
To make such statements, Baden-Württemberg was divided into 7,885 traffic cells, comprising a detailed network of trams, trams, and cycle paths, as well as a total of 60,000 stops. In addition, the most important traffic flows beyond the state borders were considered, and approximately 1,800 further traffic cells in Germany and Europe were added. The entire model area thus represents almost 10,000 traffic cells and illustrates the state's integration into international transport networks.
The movement of all modes of transport can be flexibly analyzed and evaluated on a uniform basis, even on small transport routes. This involves incorporating data from a wide variety of sources: traffic counts, household surveys such as "Mobility in Germany," timetables, road and cycle network data, population and employment statistics, and other datasets. These are regularly updated. The model can also examine innovative mobility concepts, such as the use of on-demand transport.
Close connection between science and technology
The model was developed according to the latest scientific standards and is fully documented. All methods are transparent and reproducible – a crucial step for trust and acceptance in infrastructure planning. No commercial data needs to be purchased to use the model, which facilitates access for public institutions.
Dr.-Ing. Juliane Pillat, project manager at PTV Transport Consult, the consulting firm within the PTV Group, emphasizes: “This model provides a tool for making sustainable transport planning more efficient and transparent. The model reflects not only the current state of the art but also the latest research.” Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Friedrich, Chair of Transport Planning and Traffic Control at the University of Stuttgart, is responsible for the scientific support of the project. He adds: “The state transport model allows us to assess the effects of developments and planned measures on transport demand and the environment. For the first time in a model of this scale, a car and season ticket availability model is integrated. Furthermore, the cycling network and public transport sharing services are explicitly depicted.”
Advantages of LVM-BW at a glance
- Mapping of climate protection measures: Due to its components, the model is particularly suitable for simulating the impact of climate protection strategies in the transport sector.
- Holistic approach: In addition to passenger transport, freight transport is also considered intermodally and in all decision-making steps with a focus on specific measures – a crucial factor for the predictable calculation of the overall mobility shown.
- Public access: No commercial data is required.
- Cooperation and expertise: PTV was responsible for modeling passenger traffic and scenario calculations, while SSP Consult created the traffic cells, networks, higher-level traffic data, and freight traffic data. Scientific findings also form the basis.
The state transport model, as a flagship project, sets new standards in transport planning for states and municipalities, which can request the model from the ministry for their projects.
Further information can be found in the Ministry's video.
Source: PTV Group