SySMultiMo: A Flexible and Scalable Multi-Modal System Analysis Tool for Sustainable, Fossil-Free Mobility in Sweden

Research Project, 2024 – 2025

In a fossil-free transport system, public transit (PT) will continue to play an important role in an integrated transport system that supports multi-modal flexibility. Without a careful planning of the integrated system, there is a risk that we prioritize driving, overinvest in charging stations, and de-emphasize PT. A decrease in driving is necessary to reach the climate goals set by the Swedish Government and PT is a crucial mode to reduce car dependency. Agent-based modelling is the ideal tool for modelling such a future integrated transport system where the necessary behavioural changes associated with new mode or technology use constitute the largest uncertainties. Our proposal will expand a state-of-the-art decision support tool that considers a future fossil-free transport system where trips for PT are first prioritized and EV charging stations are optimally located to support 100% electromobility. The new Synthetic Sweden Multimodal Mobility (SySMultiMo) includes a a Scenario Generator module that generates future scenarios in population growth, demand changes, and land use changes consistent with city planning and projections; Travel Time Planning module that calculates the travel time of future trips and identifies trips that are suitable for PT use; and an Optimal EV Charging Infrastructure module to electrify 100% of remaining car driving.

This proposal aims to combine several modelling and simulation techniques, including synthetic information systems, large-scale agent-based simulations, Big Data analytics, and optimization to develop a flexible and scalable transport modelling framework that simulates, supports, and plans for innovations and paradigm shifts of mobility in large geographic regions. The project aims to bring radical modeling advancements to the design and planning of sustainable fossil-free mobility in Sweden.