Project: Streamlining Forecourt Operations at London City Airport
Location: London City Airport, London
Client: Steer
Key Outputs:
Microsimulation model
MAP compliant model
Network & junction performance comparisons
Queue lengths
Video preparation
Innovation:
This project showcased our innovative approach to transport planning. We used User-Defined Attributes (UDAs) and Attribute Modifications to ‘loop’ vehicles around the pick-up/drop-off area, and developed bespoke coding for barrier control.
This case study exemplifies our approach at Modelling Group: combining our technical expertise with innovative solutions to tackle complex challenges in transport planning. It highlights our ability to create models that accurately represent real-world operations and contribute to effective decision-making in urban planning.
The Challenge:
The proposed new forecourt layout at London City Airport presented a complex challenge. The design needed to accommodate different layout options for taxi bays, bus stops, and pick-up/drop-off areas. The challenge was to create a microsimulation model that could accurately assess the impacts of these design options.
Our Approach:
At Modelling Group, we developed a microsimulation model using PTV VISSIM to meet this challenge. The model featured a variety of vehicle types and classes, including taxis, buses (shuttle & TfL), private & private hire pick-up & drop-off (also split into family, disabled & other), car park through traffic & background traffic. We guided vehicles around the forecourt layouts through a series of static & partial routes.
To accurately represent the operations of the pick-up/drop-off area, we included bespoke coding in the model for the barriers into and out of the area. We also used attribute modifications & user-defined attributes to enable vehicles to ‘loop’ around the pick-up/drop-off area if all the assigned parking spaces were taken.
The Outcome:
Our model provided valuable insights into junction, queue, and network performance comparisons. We also produced high-quality 3D videos for client presentations, offering a clear visual representation of the forecourt operations under different design options.