A Modeling Framework for Passengers and Freight in Large-Scale Multi-Modal Transport Networks

In this paper, a modeling framework is proposed to represent the dynamic behavior of both passenger and freight flows in a large-scale multi-modal transportation network. It consists of a macroscopic model developed to support decision makers who intend to utilize the full mobility capacity of a geographical area by allocating the mobility demand on different modes (road and rail transport) or by suggesting multi-modal itineraries. In the proposed modeling framework, the passenger demand allocation on a multi-modal transportation network is obtained by defining and solving an appropriate multi-modal assignment problem.

I. Introduction

Transportation activities of both passengers and freight play a major role in the development of daily human activities as well as in the social and economic advancement of countries. The availability of transportation infrastructures and mobility services significantly influence the attractiveness of a territory and the advancement of its activities. Large transportation networks are anyway susceptible to critical events that, even regarding the interruption of a small portion on the network, may have severe implications on a very wide geographical area.