Assessing urban inter-modality in Cape Town:A microsimulation analysis of N2 highway traffic patterns from 2005 to 2023

Abstract

In the quest for sustainable urban transport solutions, the emphasis is on congestion reduction, and efficient travel times. A better understanding of the two can be achieved via comprehensive traffic modelling. Using the PTV Vissim microsimulation modelling, this research investigates changing traffic patterns occurring on the N2 highway in Cape Town since 2005. The preliminary research indicates that there has been a significant change in actual traffic patterns, which may be attributable to several causes, such as changes in population, economy, transportation alternatives, cost of travel, quality or formal public transport services, and land development, over the years. Primary data from 2005 and 2023 served as a baseline and was used to validate and calibrate the PTV Vissim model. The travel times which serve as the performance metric, display substantial increases, highlighting the necessity of investing in a reformed transport system. It is intended that the findings of this study provide policy directives to city officials in Cape Town, thereby contributing to the development of a transport ecosystem that is more integrated, efficient and user friendly.