ABSTRACT
Classical transport models have been refined and developed over time such that several classifications may now be presented and discussed. The main classifications start from whether the model is termed 'static' or 'dynamic', that is whether the model represents a fixed time slice or if it includes time as a model variable. Static models assume that within a modelled period, time is invariant and the model outputs relate in the aggregate across that time period, whereas dynamic models allow the passage of time within the model. The first traffic model to understand is termed the four-stage model. This encompasses stage 1-traffic generation, stage 2-traffic distribution, stage 3-modal split and stage 4-traffic assignment. This chapter presents the constituent parts of the classical four-stage traffic model and explains the importance of the economic principle of utility maximisation within the mode choice and routing elements of such models.
