VLC was engaged by Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) to conduct strategic transport modelling using TfNSW’s PTPM model.

The aim was to provide demand forecasts and transport user benefit estimates for strategic cycling upgrades in Greater Sydney’s Outer Metropolitan areas, specifically in Wollongong, Newcastle, and the Central Coast.

Figure 1. Example output from modelling upgraded bicycle links

Outcomes

This study focused on infrastructure upgrades in these three cities. Key activities included:

  • Preparing the PTPM models for local conditions.
  • Running the base and project case models to estimate changes in cycling and user benefits.
  • Preparing economic insights for TfNSW business case advisors.

As part of the development of the models VLC, utilised an innovative new dataset of cycling trips being developed separately for TfNSW called PATH. PATH is a rich source of data from mobile phone applications blended with household travel survey data, local counts, and other sources.