An Overview of PIMMS (A Pricing and Investment Model for Multi-Modal Systems): An Areawide Urban Transport Policy Evaluation Model

Abstract

The resurgence of interest in building better cities provides an opportunity to develop improved land use-transport models; models which are responsive to a wide variety of planning options, in contrast to current urban transport models which are only suitable for evaluating a limited number of major infrastructure options. A wide set of policy tools includes new infrastructure such as private tolled roads, light rail, bus priority systems; travel demand management through road pricing, area licensing and banning of cars in particular locations; and land use incentives/disincentives such as zoning for higher density activity, and more stringent environmental standards. To be responsive to a wide range of policy choices, it is desirable to develop models with a strong foundation in individual behaviour. This paper presents an overview of a project funded by the Australian Research Council. The aim is to develop a computer-based forecasting tool to give planners more flexibility in evaluating strategies designed to improve the performance of cities.