A multimodal transport network model for advanced traveler information systems

There is an application need for seamless multimodal advanced traveler information systems. Currently, no comprehensive network modeling approach exists to deal with routing queries for different private and public transport modes taking into account multiple attributes, dynamic travel times and time tables in large-scale transport networks. The goal of this paper is to develop and test a generic multimodal transport network model for ATIS applications. First, we model multimodal transport networks from an abstract point of view and categorize networks into private and public modes. Then we use a generic method to construct a multimodal transport network representation by using transfer links which is inspired by the so-called supernetwork technique. Among all modes, pedestrian networks play an important role in modeling transfer connections. We test our model and algorithm based on a case study in the Eindhoven region. The results indicate that our model and algorithms provide a suitable basis for ATIS applications. One current limitation is that much time is required for data reading and compiling. This can be solved by implementing existing computational strategies to increase efficiency.