Ever wondered how city planners decide where to build new roads, change traffic signals, or introduce new transport options? The answer often lies in traffic simulation—a powerful tool that helps predict what happens when changes are made to a city’s transport system.
How it works
Traffic simulation software creates a virtual version of a city’s road network, including intersections, traffic lights, and public transport routes. With the help of artificial intelligence, these models can mimic real-world traffic behavior, allowing planners to test different scenarios before making real-world changes.
By analyzing key factors like the list below planners can make data-driven decisions that improve urban mobility:
Travel time – How long it takes to get from A to B
Traffic flow – How many vehicles or passengers pass through an area
Emissions – The environmental impact of transport choices
Public transport efficiency – How well buses, trains, and shuttles serve passengers
Big picture vs. small details
There are two main types of traffic simulation:
Macrosimulation looks at the big picture, analyzing overall traffic patterns in a city or region.
Microsimulation zooms in on individual vehicles, studying how they interact at intersections, bus stops, or other specific locations.
By combining these approaches, cities can tackle both long-term planning and everyday traffic management.
Why it’s more important than ever
With the rise of automated mobility, traffic simulation is becoming even more essential. Before self-driving vehicles hit the roads, planners need to understand how they’ll impact traffic, public transport, and pedestrian safety. By testing different strategies in a virtual world first, cities can introduce smarter, more sustainable mobility solutions with confidence.