Travel Demand Forecasting (TDF) models are a class of tools that are custom developed for a given area. In their most basic form TDF models use land use data to estimate vehicle trip making and the model assigns this traffic to roadways within the model area.
State-of-the-practice models use socioeconomic and demographic data to make a more refined estimate of travel by different modes. The Puget Sound Regional Council TDF model is an example of a state-of-the-practice model.
Enhanced TDF models use more complex model components, which can improve accuracy and answer more questions related to travel. However, Enhanced TDF models are more difficult and costly to set up, rely on data that can be difficult to obtain and forecast, and can involve long run times. Some examples of enhanced TDF models are the SF Champ activity-based model and the SACOG SACSIM model.
Below are links to several of the principal TDF model software development companies.
- Caliper – makers of TransCAD
- Citilabs – makers of Cube
- INRO – makers of EMME
- PTV America – makers of VISUM
