Activity-Based Models (ABMs) have traditionally been the domain of mega regions because they are resource-intensive to develop, require significant investments in data collection, software development, and operational costs. The challenge lies particularly in obtaining statistically robust household travel surveys, which must capture diverse behaviors, preferences, and communication arrangements across populations. Efforts to enhance the transferability of ABMs between regions have proven instrumental in addressing these challenges. By adapting foundational behavioral parameters from existing models, ABMs can be efficiently transferred, calibrated, and fine-tuned to reflect local conditions, significantly reducing development costs. This approach not only democratizes access to advanced travel forecasting tools but also provides critical insights into demographic behaviors and preferences, furthering the understanding and assessment of equitable planning.
The Joint REgional TranSportation Simulator (JESS) ABM, developed for the Joint Regional Transportation Agency and the City of Halifax was built on the above principles of transferability and adaptability. In doing so, it has proven that a new age in transportation analytics and data-driven decision-making in planning has arrived, regardless of the size of the urban area.
