To improve public transport, advanced simulation software is a critical tool that provides insights and solutions. In Brazil, several major public transport projects have been successfully implemented using PTV Vissim simulation software. One of them is the simulation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminal at the Plano Piloto station in Brasilia. This project led to the optimization of the infrastructure and traffic operations at this terminal.
The Plano Piloto Bus Terminal
The Plano Piloto Bus Terminal is a key hub in Brasilia’s urban mobility network. It serves as a multimodal integration point for various modes of public transportation, including BRT.
Launched in 2014, Brasília’s BRT system aims to provide passengers with fast, safe, and comfortable transportation. The initial idea was to connect the administrative regions of Gama and Santa Maria to Plano Piloto, the central region of Brasilia. Because of the BRT project, it was necessary to create a space at the Plano Piloto bus terminal to accommodate passengers from the administrative regions and other connections.
Analysis of Pedestrian and Vehicle Flows
We at Engimind, a Portuguese-Brazilian transportation consultancy, undertook the task of micro-simulating the BRT terminal using PTV Vissim. Our main objectives were:
- Evaluate pedestrian and vehicle flows
- Analyze the impact of BRT operations
- Optimize the geometry and circulation of the terminal
Using realistic simulations in PTV Vissim, our consultancy was able to meticulously analyze the movement of vehicles and pedestrians within the BRT terminal. To identify potential bottlenecks and inefficiencies, we examined every aspect – from the size of vehicle and pedestrian circulation areas to waiting and access points.
The project’s planners and engineers gained valuable insights into the dynamics of the terminal’s operations by using PTV Vissim’s unique features, such as the public transport module and the pedestrian simulation tool PTV Viswalk. As a result, they could make informed decisions to improve performance.
The Results
The simulation results of the BRT terminal were instrumental in shaping its final design. The simulations not only provided a holistic understanding of the existing conditions, but also gave us specific recommendations for improvements.
By optimizing the geometry and circulation of the terminal, we at Engimind were able to
- Suggest significant efficiency measures
- Determine which areas of the terminal should be designated for BRT
- Determine the space needed for pedestrian movement and waiting
- Determine the geometric configuration to allow pedestrians to board and alight quickly and safely
- Ensure better system operations and superior passenger experience.
Conclusion
The success of the simulation of the Brasilia BRT terminal is an example of the benefits that PTV Vissim brings to mobility projects. In addition to accurately reproducing real-world scenarios, PTV Vissim allowed us planners and decision-makers to explore hypothetical scenarios, test alternative designs, and ultimately implement solutions that drive positive change.
Whether optimizing bus terminals, redesigning intersections, or evaluating the expansion of public transportation networks, PTV Vissim is an indispensable tool for urban planners and engineers. By harnessing the power of data-driven insights and predictive modeling, we can build transportation systems that meet today’s needs – and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges.
