From static volumes to individual agents: The new state-of-the-art in transport planning
MobilityStudio is a transport planning software built to work with the simulation framework MATSim (Multi-Agent Transport Simulation). We bridge the gap between complex academic modeling and actionable transport planning.
Beyond the 4-Step Model
For decades, transport modeling has relied on the macroscopic 4-step model: (1) trip generation, (2) trip distribution, (3) mode choice, and (4) route assignment. While various refinements and adaptations of this sequential framework exist, they often struggle to capture the complex, interdependent nature of mobility behavior. Traditional macroscopic models aggregate people into static traffic volumes. This “averaging” approach is increasingly inadequate; it masks individual behavioral nuances, fails to account for time-of-the-day dynamics, and treats people as anonymous flows rather than decision-makers with diverse needs.
MobilityStudio represents a generational shift:
- From Volumes to Agents: We simulate individual agents with specific plans, preferences, and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Complex choice behavior: Unlike sequential models, our agent-based approach utilizes genetic algorithms to represent mobility behavior. Agents are allowed to simultaneously adapt multiple choice dimensions—including activity locations, timings, transport modes, and routes—to reach a realistic system equilibrium.
- From Static to Dynamic: Capture 24-hour activity chains. See how a delay in the morning impacts an agent’s subsequent plans throughout the day, providing far more accurate congestion and peak-hour analysis.
- Future-Ready: Built-in support for the era of MaaS, autonomous on-demand services, and EV infrastructure—features that are natively integrated into the core logic rather than added as secondary modules to legacy systems.
Activity-based modeling: Simulating the “Why,” not just the “Where”
While traditional modeling treats “trips” as isolated events, MobilityStudio utilizes the concept of Activity-Based Modeling (ABM) to understand the logic behind movement.
- Realistic Daily Plans: Instead of modeling a single trip from A to B, we simulate an agent’s entire day. Every movement is driven by a specific need—such as work, education, shopping, or leisure.
- Behavioral Realism: Our simulation captures how people actually schedule their lives. If a transit schedule changes, agents don’t just re-route; they adapt by changing their departure times or choosing different destinations entirely.
- True Intermodality: ABM allows for a seamless representation of multimodal chains—such as walking to a car-sharing station, driving to a train station, and taking a bus for the final mile—all within a single, coherent activity plan.
Transport Modeling Driven by MATSim
In the complex world of modern transport, effective decision-making hinges on powerful, data-driven insights. Reliable and robust transport modeling software is essential for strategic planning; it transforms guesswork into calculated results.
MATSim (Multi-Agent Transport Simulation, www.matsim.org) is the globally respected simulation framework that delivers this insight. It operates on a co-evolutionary principle where agents repeatedly execute and refine their daily plans across multiple iterations until a stable system equilibrium is reached. While rooted in academic excellence, MATSim’s adoption is growing rapidly across the industry, utilized by top-tier transport planners, consultancies, and innovative companies worldwide.
Key Features of the MATSim Engine
Agent-Based Precision
Highly detailed demand representation where every agent is simulated as an individual decision-maker.
Fully Dynamic Simulation
Each time step of the day is simulated, capturing the precise movement of agents over a complete 24-hour cycle.
Modular Architecture
A flexible framework with specialized extension modules for emerging technologies like Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT), autonomous fleets, and EV charging.
Large-Scale Applicability
Engineered for high performance, MATSim can model entire cities, regions, or even whole countries with microscopic granularity.
Multi-Modal & Intermodal
Sophisticated routing that covers road traffic, public transit, bicycles, and on-demand mobility, supporting complex intermodal transfers.
Open-Source & Proven
Actively maintained by a dedicated global community for over 15 years, ensuring a transparent, robust, and continuously evolving foundation for evidence-based decision-making.
Are you ready to take the next step?
Unlock the full potential of your transport planning projects today. Experience the power of agent-based modeling with MobilityStudio. Start with a free trial or choose an annual license plan.