CERTH/HIT’s 4-step model for strategic decision making
About this good practice
Following the need for continuous, effective, inclusive and informed decision making in the wider area of Thessaloniki, CERTH/HIT developed and maintains a 4-step multimodal macroscopic traffic simulation model of the detailed large-scale network of the agglomeration of Thessaloniki since 2010. The model is part of Thessaloniki’s Smart Mobility Living Lab (LL) (https://smartmlab.imet.gr/), enabling continuous updates with historical and real-time data collected and managed by the LL.
CERTH/HIT uses the model to facilitate public authorities and public transport operators to make their decisions. Key milestones on the use of the model include the:
• scenario testing for the development of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) of the Municipality of Thessaloniki (2017-2021)
• fleet size scenario testing for the public bus network of Thessaloniki as part of the Greek Ministry of Transport study “Renewal of the Urban Bus Fleet for the Cities of Athens and Thessaloniki” (2021)
•estimation of the wider impacts of the construction of Thessaloniki’s flyover, a major infrastructural project (2023).
As the model integrates various data sources, its updates are subject to citizens’ inputs and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, principal among which are the local municipalities and transport operators. Key beneficiaries are decision-makers, but citizens’ can also only be benefit by the informed and inclusive planning offered by such a decision-support tool.
Resources needed
Investment is needed for the purchase of the software license and initial set-up of the model’s supply and demand (approx. 30 Person Months - PMs). (Data) costs for the updates of the model and PMs required for its maintenance heavily depend on the running project, but definitely should be secured.
Evidence of success
• 6 scenarios tested for Thessaloniki SUMP, including the modelling of new public transport (PT) modes; more than 15 KPIs calculated for scenario comparison & selection; mobility data from more than 10k citizens integrated
• 79 PT lines redesigned (including new PT modes) & 15 KPIs calculated for bus fleet scenario comparison and selection
• model use is continuous up-to-day (latest within 2024 for the testing of one-way interventions in 2 critical urban intersections in Thessaloniki).
Potential for learning or transfer
Multi-modal macroscopic models are not new in sustainable mobility planning, as many cities/ regions have used them for their SUMP development, monitoring and update. Nonetheless, the possibilities of such a model for offering sustained internal planning capacities is highlighted. As many regions and cities have externalized model developments for their planning needs, a variety of challenges arise, including lack of continuous information, fragmentation of approaches when different external providers are involved, high costs of external consultant services, delays in delivering proof-of-concept, etc. Continuous use of CERTH/HIT’s model for Thessaloniki areas’ planning needs demonstrates the importance of in-house capacities and tools built around transport modelling. Integrating modelling tools and developing in-house capacities to handle such tools is feasible for public authorities and, even though initial costs may seem a deal breaker, the savings will come in the long run.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH)