H-GAC’s Metropolitan Planning Organization has been responsible for conducting travel modeling for the eight-county region for over three decades.  Currently, the model uses Cube Voyager software for macro-scopic regional travel demand modeling needs.  This model is a set of mathematical models that forecast long-term future travel demand based on current conditions and future projections of household and employment characteristics. However, this model only has a limited capability to accurately estimate changes in operational characteristics such as traffic speed, delay, and queuing.

H-GAC staff is responsible for conducting travel demand modeling for the upcoming sub-regional studies in Montgomery, South East Harris, and Liberty counties. Since the current regional macroscopic model cannot adequately analyze roadway alternatives for these studies, H-GAC staff evaluated simulation modeling software that can better evaluate changes in operational characteristics.  Staff determined that Aimsun Next software meets these requirements. 

Aimsun Next software will be purchased through the State of Texas Department of Information Resources, which is the cooperative purchasing agency for the State of Texas for all Information Technology products and services. H-GAC can purchase products such as Aimsun Next through the Department of Information Resources at a significant discount without the need for a formal procurement process, because this type of purchase meets the state purchasing requirements.  This software will cost $69,930 for two years, including $49,950 for the purchase and $19,980 for an additional year maintenance agreement.

Request authorization for the purchase of Aimsun Next software for an amount not to exceed $69,930 for two years to conduct travel simulation modeling. (Staff Contact: Alan Clark)