Modelling transportation systems

Transportation networks have never been more vital to society nor so interconnected, and both conditions will probably increase in the future. Hence, it is important to keep the networks operating effectively during both routine and extreme situations.

Doing so requires quantitative modelling of the networks and their properties. Providing such modelling was the goal of the EU-funded project 'A novel mathematical framework for the modelling and the analysis of transportation networks' (MANTRAS). The single-member project was administered under the Seventh Framework Programme's (FP7) Marie Curie Action programme, and operated from the start of 2010 to the end of 2013.

The aim was to develop and connect two different but compatible kinds of descriptive formal models to represent, analyse and control the networks. The model types were Discrete Event Systems and Stochastic Hybrid Systems. Additionally, the research team planned to apply the models to the analysis and control of certain kinds of transportation networks.

Project work included plans to produce theoretical results that establish further investigations. The studies were expected to have significant industrial, social and environmental impact.