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Creating an invaluable tool for forecasting travel demands

At a Glance

  • 35K

    Square Kilometres Area

  • 15K+

    Kilometres of Roadway

  • 500K+

    Residents

Location
Waikato, New Zealand
Offices
Client
  • Originally WLASS, now CoLab

Waikato Regional Transport Model

Our team developed the Waikato Regional Transport Model (WRTM): a multi-modal strategic tool that converts input land use (for example, population, households, or employment) and the transport network (road and public transport) to forecast travel patterns for any year by mode of travel. These types of models are referred to as a three or four stage models.

The three stage WRTM forecasts vehicle trips only (with no mode choice), while the four stage WRTM forecasts person trips, including the choice of travelling by car, bus, walk and cycle. The model covers the Waikato Region and the adjoining Western Bay of Plenty, Tauranga City, and Rotorua Lake District Council. It captures the interactions between those urban areas and is updated and calibrated using government census. In between updates, we operate the transport model on behalf of Waikato Local Authority Shared Services Limited. Model outputs are used to assist developers and local authorities to forecast the impact of developments on the road network, the conditions under which existing, new or improved roads will operate under various land use scenarios, and the performance of intersections and patronage on public transport.

The WRTM is the largest model in New Zealand covering over 35,000 square kilometres. It has become the single recognised transport model for the Waikato Region and is invaluable as a strategic planning tool for forecasting changes in travel demands.

At a Glance

  • 35K

    Square Kilometres Area

  • 15K+

    Kilometres of Roadway

  • 500K+

    Residents

Location
Waikato, New Zealand
Offices
Client
  • Originally WLASS, now CoLab

Meet Our Team

Julie Ballantyne, Transport Leader

I like a technical challenge and working to tackle that challenge with a team.

Dave Hunter, Senior Principal Transportation Engineer

I view my work in transport as more of an art than a science, ultimately providing clients with innovative and tailored solutions.

Julie Ballantyne

Transport Leader

Dave Hunter

Senior Principal Transportation Engineer

We’re better together

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  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

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