ABSTRACT
Traffic simulation models, especially microscopic ones, are becoming increasingly popular and are being used to address a wide range of problems, from planning to operations. However, for applications with large-scale networks, microscopic models are impractical because of input data and calibration requirements. Hybrid models that combine simulation models at different levels of detail have the potential to address these practical issues. This chapter presents a framework for implementing meso-micro hybrid models which facilitates a consistent representation of traffic dynamics. Furthermore, the chapter carries out a detailed examination of an important element impacting the consistent representation of traffic dynamics, i.e., the loading of vehicles from the meso- to the micro-model. A new loading method is presented demonstrating a superior performance as compared to existing approaches. The method is useful not only in the context of hybrid models, but also for microscopic models on their own. A case study illustrates the importance of the method in improving the fidelity of both hybrid and pure microscopic models.
