Transport Modelling Network

Cultivating and catering for the interest knowledge and expertise of transport and land use modelling across Australia.

The AITPM Transport Modelling Network (TMN) is dedicated to cultivating and catering for the interest knowledge and expertise of Transport and Land Use Modelling (TLUM) across Australia. The establishment of the TMN was a core action of the AITPM’s Strategic Plan 2013-2017.

The TMN covers a broad range of Transport and Land Use Modelling activities for all modes of transport. This provides an opportunity for individuals from all sectors, including government, academia, research, data collection, software development and consulting to interact, share knowledge and promote good practice within the modelling community and to/from the wider transportation planning & engineering industry.

The Transport Modelling Network (TMN) is a national committee which is composed of elected representatives from every state and territory in Australia.

Since being established in 2013, the key focus and associated activities of TMN can be summarised as follows:

• AITPM National Conference:
  • Transport & Land Use Modelling Stream – The TMN assists with the development of the transport and land use modelling stream by reviewing all abstract and paper reviews, and shortlisting a selection of keynote speaker options (for the TLUM conference stream) in collaboration with the local conference organising committee.
  • Transport & Land Use Modelling Workshop – The TMN organises and coordinates a Transport & Land Use Modelling Workshop, held either prior to or after the two core days of the AITPM National Conference.

• Events and Seminars:
  • National Webinars – The TMN organises and facilitates at least two national TLUM webinars per year. These webinars focus on issues or topics of interest as are being faced nationally and/or internationally.
  • Local Events (State/Territory based) – The TMN organises and facilitate at least one local TLUM event per year in each state/territory, focused on local issues and/or projects being encountered by modellers/planners/engineers. Ideally the local events are of relevance and interest to both “modellers” and “non-modellers” alike.
  • Developing and maintaining links with international modelling groups - Including NZMUGs, Modelling World (UK) and other groups as feasible. Where possible, to seek to run joint events using webinar or similar technologies E.g. Recent key examples including Modelling World International 2021, delivered in association with Modelling World (UK) and NZMugs.

• Other key ongoing initiatives include, but are not limited to:
  • Attend State / Territory Branch Committee Meetings – At least one of the two State/Territory TMN National Committee members must attend each monthly local State Branch AITPM Committee Meeting to maintain appropriate connections and updates.
  • Public Sector Modelling - Knowledge Sharing Workshop (KSW) – TMN organises an annual intergovernmental discussion on transport modelling, aligned with the annual National AITPM conference. The purpose of this event is to allow government modelling groups to discuss current issues, develop networks and to share knowledge & experiences.
  • Maintain and promote the Transport Modellers Code of Conduct – Consider, review and incorporating feedback on the 2018 “code” as appropriate. Also to promote the Code of Conduct and seek endorsement by organisations that undertake, or are involved in, transport modelling.
  • Develop and present new guidelines as opportunities present – E.g. As during 2020-21 for the Pedestrian Modelling Guidelines – Being championed and developed by a Technical Committee Chaired in partnership with TMN National Committee for consultation and involvement. Outputs/reporting anticipated at Brisbane 2021 AITPM National Conference.
  • In conjunction with local State/Territory Branch Committees – The TMN coordinates local networking opportunities for AITPM professionals having interests in transport modelling; to gauge interest in events, and to organise and/or support for events.
  • Academic sector R&D and likewise collaborations –TMN liaises with academia and like-minded organisations to progress discussions on emerging and likely priority issues.
  • Diversity – As with AITPM nationally, TMN continues to seek our achieving greater inclusion and diversity via both its volunteer base and initiatives.

While National Conference, seminars and local events have been successful and well attended, we are always looking at ways of improving. As such, we welcome your feedback, ideas and input.

Download TMN Brochure

Transport Modelling Code of Conduct

Going Forward

There is an endless amount of activities and functions the TMN can perform; however, we are reliant on volunteers to assist. With your help we are looking at ways of:

• Organising more local and national events
• Creating network opportunities for members
• Developing national initiatives
• Increasing member participation

Please contact one of the committee representatives from your state to provide your input and find out more about the TMN.

TRANSPORT MODELLING NETWORK COMMITTEE

In addition to the above roles, the TMN also include the following advisors, providing an opportunity for the TMN to work with other industry bodies and experts to assist with various matters:

Engineers NZ - NZMugs - Reciprocal Committee representative - Ian Clarke

UK representative - Reciprocal Committee Member from Modelling World (UK) - Tom van Vuren

National academic sector coordinator - Nicholas Holyoak

Pedestrian modelling guidelines development - National Coorindator - John Webster

CAV Initiative (AITPM partnered with ITS Australia) - National Coordinator - Scott Benjamin