Changing modeling needs over the past few years, spurred by the evolving policy contexts of transportationrnplanning and emerging technologies, have led the planning community to explore tour-based and activity-basedrnmodeling paradigms as an alternative to the traditional trip-based modeling paradigm. As a leading travel modelrnpractitioner, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Transportation Planning and Programming Divisionrnsponsored an earlier study to synthesize tour-based modeling approaches in the country and identify potentialrnbenefits and costs of transitioning to this emerging modeling paradigm in Texas. Based on the results of that study,rnthe current research effort developed a business case for a tour-based travel demand model system. The businessrncase discusses the justification and need for a tour-based model, and includes a business process model and a logicalrndata model that provide the step-by-step actions and procedures needed to support the design and development of arntour-based travel model. The business case not only justifies the need for tour-based models, but also proactivelyrnidentifies potential challenges and constraints that may arise in implementation, and provides pathways to addressrnthem. It also addresses the need to continue to operate trip-based models in parallel with tour-based where needed orrnrequired, and assesses any impacts of tour-based modeling on the Technological Services Division of TxDOT.rnAlthough TxDOT has not yet transitioned towards a tour-based modeling approach, the current study can facilitaternthe model’s implementation if TxDOT decides to move forward.
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