Emme (model)
Emme is a multimodal transportation planning software package used for forecasting travel demand and analyzing transportation systems. Developed by INRO Software, Emme is widely used by transportation agencies, consultants, and academics for strategic and operational planning purposes. It allows users to model various modes of transportation, including private vehicles, public transit, walking, and cycling, and to evaluate the impacts of different transportation policies and infrastructure investments.
Key Features and Capabilities:
- Multimodal Network Representation: Emme supports the representation of complex multimodal transportation networks, including detailed road networks, public transit routes, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
- Demand Modeling: The software incorporates various demand modeling techniques, including trip generation, trip distribution, mode choice, and route assignment.
- Scenario Analysis: Emme allows users to create and compare different transportation scenarios, such as the introduction of new transit lines, the construction of new roads, or changes in pricing policies.
- Traffic Assignment: Emme includes sophisticated traffic assignment algorithms that simulate how travelers choose routes through the network. It supports various assignment principles, including user equilibrium and system optimum.
- Transit Assignment: The software includes transit assignment capabilities, enabling the modeling of passenger flows on transit networks and the evaluation of transit service performance.
- Evaluation and Reporting: Emme provides tools for evaluating the performance of transportation systems, including measures of travel time, congestion, accessibility, and environmental impacts. Reports and visualizations are generated to aid decision-making.
- Scripting and Automation: Emme includes a Python scripting interface, allowing users to automate tasks, customize models, and integrate with other software tools.
- Data Import and Export: Emme supports the import and export of data from various sources, including GIS data, traffic counts, and travel surveys.
- User Interface: Emme features a graphical user interface (GUI) for creating and managing transportation models.
Applications:
Emme is used for a wide range of transportation planning applications, including:
- Regional Transportation Planning: Developing long-range transportation plans for metropolitan areas.
- Corridor Studies: Analyzing transportation issues and developing solutions for specific corridors.
- Transit Planning: Evaluating the impacts of new transit lines and service improvements.
- Traffic Management: Developing strategies for managing traffic congestion.
- Environmental Impact Assessment: Assessing the environmental impacts of transportation projects.
- Tolling Studies: Analyzing the impacts of tolling on travel behavior and revenue generation.
History:
INRO Software has been developing and supporting Emme since its initial release. The software has undergone continuous development and improvement over the years, incorporating new features and capabilities to meet the evolving needs of transportation planners.