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Enhancements and developments for PHOEBE integration 

The PHOEBE Project has reached a significant milestone with the completion of its deliverable ‘New and Enhanced Models/Simulation Environments and User Support Materials (Beta ed.)‘, which marks a crucial step forward in the project’s objectives.  

The Beta edition is an interim deliverable that explores the current stage of the technological development of the PHOEBE components theoretically presented in Deliverable 1.2. A subsequent deliverable will show the complete documentation for each component and the integration protocols.

Building upon the groundwork laid in Deliverable 2.1 and the design concepts outlined in D4.1, D3.1 combines the documentation of the preparation and development of the PHOEBE framework models, simulation environments, and user support materials primed for testing within the PHOEBE use cases. Specifically, it includes the preparation of several aspects for integration into the AIMSUN traffic simulation environment, including: 

  • Mode shift and induced demand models facilitate dynamic outputs within the PHOEBE framework, reflecting fluctuations in traffic flow and speed. 
  • Human behavioural models to enhance the understanding of user interactions and decision-making processes. 
  • Road safety assessment model enhancements, including refined data segmentation and dynamic risk ratings based on variable speed and flows. 
  • Upgrades to the ‘AIMSUN Next’ simulation environment, aimed at improving simulation accuracy and realism. 
  • Moreover, the deliverable outlines integration procedures and strategies for representing behavioural changes and induced demand in simulation scenarios, highlighting the project’s commitment to addressing complex urban mobility challenges. 

Amidst these advancements, two critical lessons have emerged: 

Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) Remain Central to Urban Safety:  

It is firmly established that VRUs constitute the cornerstone of safety in urban environments. However, the PHOEBE project team has encountered numerous barriers in properly evaluating their safety. These obstacles range from the absence of dedicated data and the need to enhance models for these users to a lack of studies in specific fields. There is still much to be developed in the realm of VRU safety. PHOEBE’s role is to address the gaps in the project’s scope and highlight others for the road safety community.  

Data Emerges as a Core Pillar:  

Data is the backbone of the PHOEBE project, driving both model development and calibration/validation processes. However, navigating data complexities, including access, compliance, and processing, poses significant challenges. Project partners actively map data sources and develop guidelines to streamline data utilization within the framework, facilitating broader adoption and applicability.