VLC was engaged by Infrastructure Victoria (IV) to carry out data analysis and modelling using the Melbourne Activity Based Model (MABM) for 5 scenarios to understanding the short-term impacts of COVID-19 on the transport network.

 

Client Requirements

COVID-19 Model Input Research
During this exercise a detailed review of evidence on the likely short-term impacts of COVID-19 on travel in Melbourne was analysed to develop input assumptions for the generation of MABM scenarios that capture the effect of COVID-19. This involved analysis of a range of data sources including Google Mobility, Apple Mobility, public transport patronage data from Australian cities as well as a range of other qualitative and quantitative data sources.

Model runs and reporting:
This task involved updating and running the Melbourne Activity Based Model. A 2018 base year with updated public transport capacity and concession definitions was first run, followed by two base year scenarios which included potential COVID-19 impacts and finally two scenarios modelling policy interventions. Outputs were generated for each run in the form of a results dashboard provided in Excel format.

Data Visualisation
The Planwisely web-based visualisation platform was also used to present the model outputs in an interactive way.

 

Delivered Outcomes

VLC produced a presentation detailing the findings of data analysis and desktop research from Cities around Australia and internationally. Two scenarios were presented on the short-term mobility impacts likely to eventuate in Melbourne covering areas such as working from home levels, airport travel, student travel and public transport mode share. These findings were codified into bespoke model scenarios and outputs extracted in the form of an Excel based dashboard and interactive reporting of key network statistics through the Planwisely web-based visualisation platform. A final technical report summarising the work was also delivered.