Institute of Transportation, MOTC

       Road infrastructure is essential in the transportation system, necessitating advanced highway capacity analysis tools for effective planning and design. The initial Highway Traffic System Simulation (HTSS) model, based on the U.S. Highway Capacity Manual, struggled to mirror Taiwan's unique traffic conditions, including extensive highways and signalized intersections. Consequently, Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation initiated the development of a tailored HTSS model, addressing these specific needs. However, early HTSS versions faced challenges in updates and expansions due to technical and developmental limitations. This project aims to modernize HTSS by transitioning to a widely used programming language, facilitating maintenance and scalability. Stakeholder engagement was involved in the definition of the new generation HTSS model’s functional requirements and structural logic, enhancing its interface and utility.
        The project’s research outcomes encompass three key areas: conceptualizing a software development plan for the HTSS model update, gathering stakeholder feedback on functionality and improvements, and planning the simulation core and operational platform based on these insights. The focus is not only on technical advancement but also on improving user experience and feedback, ensuring the new HTSS model effectively supports Taiwan’s highway traffic system analysis and planning needs.