World first passenger flow and station optimization software

Released on: December 10, 2008, 4:30 am

Press Release Author: Savannah Simulations AG

Industry: Software

Press Release Summary: Savannah Simulations AG have developed and released the world’s first passenger flow and station optimization simulation software package combining pedestrian simulation and transit station dynamics.

Press Release Body: Herrliberg (CH) December 9th, 2008 – In a world first, Savannah Simulations AG has released SIMWALK Transport, the most powerful software solution, based on the leading pedestrian simulation software package SIMWALK, for simulating and analyzing all passenger movement issues in train, metro and bus stations.

SimWalk Transport is the first commercially available software package to optimize passenger comfort and efficiency, station design and related objects (platforms, passages, stairs, escalators, elevators etc.), as well as efficiency of timetables, passenger transfer times and connections. In addition, it provides analysis of evacuation and emergency issues. Based on its leading pedestrian algorithm, SimWalk Transport is the comprehensive simulation solution for passenger flow analysis and station development.

SIMWALK TRANSPORT has been developed in close cooperation with its Scientific Advisory Board, world leading experts in pedestrian and traffic simulation. The product has already encouraged requests from public transport officials and consultancies around the world.

One unique selling point is that SimWalk Transport is the only software fully specialised on public transport transit facilities and passenger flow analysis. It includes the most comprehensive set of features – as for example integration of timetables and network simulation analysis – that sets it apart from non-specialised software.

Alex Schmid, managing director at Savannah Simulations AG, “In developing SimWalk Transport we have reacted to an extensive market pull as rail, metro and bus operators of all sizes are troubled by increasing passenger demand over the next years that cause massive problems for transport operations and facility management.

“Simulating and analyzing passenger flows is a missing gap in transport analysis so far,” continues Schmid, “and with SimWalk Transport we’re offering a comprehensive tool to improve station operations and passenger security and efficiency.” Station operators and planners constantly have to adapt transit facilities to the increasing capacity needs of public transport. Most if not all changes directly influence or are influenced by passenger issues like changing trains, transfer times, walking comfort or dwell times.

SimWalk Transport allows to analyse the impact of different planned station layouts (additional platforms, passages, stairs, other objects etc.) on passenger flows, be it a new planned station or a station refurbishmment. Highly important objects like platforms as well as under- and overpasses can be analyzed according to Levels of Service and other comfort and security measures.

Designed by transportation engineers for transportation engineers, SimWalk Transport fills this operational gap by allowing to simulate realistically every single passenger with its station specific behavior - boarding and alighting, dwell time, connection transfer, shopping etc.

For the first time, an integrated, comprehensive simulation solution helps transport planners and railway authorities to include passenger movement issues into their operational planning of stations, for example by evaluating dwell times or by optimizing timetables.

About Savannah Simulations AG
Savannah Simulations AG, a swiss based simulation company, is a leading provider of advanced geosimulation software and spatial modeling and simulation services. Geosimulation is concerned with the design and application of spatial models and simulation software to solve real world problems in geographic contexts.

From simulation of pedestrian flows to urban planning, from evacuation simulation to supply chain optimization, we apply the science of simulation and optimization to discover opportunities and solutions in complex spatial environments.

Savannah Simulations AG has a network of consultants and international resellers who offer the company's products along with services such as ongoing customer support, training, integration consulting and product customization.

Web Site: http://www.simwalk.com

Contact Details: Savannah Simulations AG
Alex Schmid
Alte Dorfstrasse 24
Herrliberg
Switzerland
Tel: +41 (0) 44 790 17 14
Fax: +41 (0) 44 790 17 12
Email: a.schmid@savannah-simulations.com