What We Do
Travel Forecasting
The program develops, maintains and enhances travel demand modeling platforms. TexPACK is the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) suite of travel demand models (TDMs) that our program maintains. The program provides technology transfer and training on model development, including inputs, model calibration and TDM applications for a wide variety of sponsors. The models in Texas are developed based on the technical standards set forth by the Transportation Planning and Programming (TPP) Division of TxDOT.
Travel Analysis
The program focuses on the planning, design, development, implementation and analysis of travel surveys across the state following the technical standards set forth by the TPP Division of TxDOT. These include household, commercial vehicle, workplace and special generator surveys. The program also performs advanced research related to passive big data to support travel analysis.
Transportation Planning
The Transportation Planning Program focuses on research and support for metropolitan transportation planning in Texas and the nation. With decades of experience, program researchers help state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) navigate and comply with federal and state transportation planning requirements.
Programming and Portfolio Management
The program primarily assists DOTs in managing their project portfolios across historical and future time horizons, while also helping communicate portfolio-related information to both internal stakeholders (such as various DOT divisions, regional offices and transportation commissions) and external stakeholders (including MPOs, the public and others). This support may include the development of dashboards, construction of databases and cloud storage solutions, creation of visualizations, statistical analysis, process refinement and other ad hoc requests.
Transportation Planning Technologies
The program focuses on developing innovative planning technologies that allow effective modeling and forecasting of rapidly changing landscape in transportation. We provide advice on the evaluation, selection and implementation of technological innovations in planning and modeling tools. Examples include agent-based behavioral models, applications of machine learning and passive data for planning and modeling purposes, and advanced econometric models. The program helps to develop and implement business processes and systems that facilitate incorporation of emerging technologies in planning processes.
Our Focus Areas
Travel Demand Forecasting
Assist with technology transfer associated with the development, maintenance and enhancement of travel demand model platforms utilized for transportation planning.
Travel Surveys and Data Analytics
Design and plan travel surveys, including procurement materials and post-processing of collected data for DOTs and planning partners.
Data Visualization
Develop state-of-the-art travel model input and output visualization tools.
Passive Big Data
Acquire, analyze and summarize passive Big-Data for input into the travel demand model platforms.
Emerging Technologies and AI-Based Analytics
Identify emerging technologies and develop a roadmap for integration in planning and forecasting processes.
Education, Training and Technical Transfer
Provide stakeholder training and support on travel surveys, demand modeling, emerging technologies, portfolio management and metropolitan planning.
Planning and Compliance
Provide support for MPOs to meet their federal and state responsibilities for project deliveries.
Funding Allocations
Provide support for MPOs to meet their federal and state responsibilities for project funding allocations to meet the transportation planning goals in their region.
Portfolio Management
Help DOTs manage project portfolios across time horizons and communicate related information to internal and external stakeholders.
Our Work
Travel Demand Model Clearinghouse
TTI has assisted TxDOT with the design, development, maintenance and ongoing updates of a central clearinghouse for travel model data in SharePoint. The site serves as a hub for storing travel demand model data and survey reports, transferring model data, managing task timelines, storing training materials and reference documents, and submitting reports and memorandums. It plays a key role in streamlining model management and collaboration across TxDOT’s planning efforts.
TexPACK TDM Platform
TTI has supported TxDOT for more than three decades in the development, maintenance and updating of multiple generations of 3- and 4-step trip-based travel demand models (TDMs) used for planning efforts in 19 small and medium-sized MPOs across Texas. This includes the creation of a custom trip generation program (TripCAL5/6) and a specialized trip distribution program (ATOM2/3). The latest versions of the TDM platform are released under the name TexPACK, developed using the TransCAD GISDK scripting language.
Visualization Dashboards
TTI develops and maintains state-of-the-art dashboards to help communicate travel demand model inputs and outputs in a clear, accessible way. These dashboards include model performance summaries, scenario comparisons, model checks and master network checks. They support reasonableness reviews of model data and have been integrated into TexPACK, TxDOT’s suite of TDMs.
Training, Support and Technology Transfer
TTI provides training and ongoing support for travel surveys and TDM activities, currently serving TxDOT and MPOs. Training sessions are designed for all experience levels. Support is provided through a TxDOT-hosted helpdesk email and is also available to consulting firms working on TDM development for MPOs.
UTP Dashboard
TTI develops and maintains dashboards for TxDOT’s Unified Transportation Program (UTP) team. These tools help communicate information about the ten-year project portfolio to both internal and external stakeholders. The dashboards are updated daily.
TEMPO Website
TTI maintains the website for the Texas Metropolitan Planning Organizations (TEMPO). The site provides relevant resources, funding opportunities, training events, and planning tools for MPOs across the state.
I-35 Alternative Analysis Visualization Dashboard
TTI supported TxDOT by developing data visualization tools to compare analysis results for several I-35 reconstruction alternatives.
The Team
Metropolitan and Statewide Planning Division
Kevin Hall
Senior Research Scientist
Division Head
(512) 407-1120
[email protected]
Travel Forecasting
Behruz Paschai-Awwal
Senior Research Engineer
Program Manager
(512) 407-1147
[email protected]
Transportation Planning Technologies
Vladimir Livshits
Senior Research Scientist
Program Manager
(512) 407-1125
[email protected]
