Systems Analysis and Optimization

This thrust delves deeply into system-level efficiencies, travel demand, energy use, and the resilience and security of transportation systems amidst the integration of (C)AVs and new mobility solutions. The aim is to enhance operational tools for commercial and freight applications, facilitate multimodal systems, and ensure the safety and reliability of the system. Special emphasis is placed on developing tools, datasets, and methods that enable comprehensive research into these topics. This means not only analyzing planned scenarios but also identifying transition strategies that explore and navigate unintended consequences to achieve more sustainable, equitable outcomes when these technologies and services are deployed at scale. Moreover, the datasets and tools generated from this thrust are expected to inform and enable deeper analyses for the Land Use and Urban Planning and Equitable Use and Impacts thrusts, ensuring a cohesive and integrated approach to understanding the impacts of new mobility systems.

Key research areas include:

  • System Safety: Examining safety impacts on pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users, as well as safety frameworks and strategies for integrating new technologies into existing transportation.
  • Mobility Efficiencies: Exploring the impact of new mobility on demand, congestion, and energy consumption.
  • Commercial and Freight Operations: Investigating the role of new mobility, especially AVs, in improving access to goods and services.
  • Multimodal systems: Determining the potential of new mobility in multimodal networks.
  • Data Strategy: Exploring data requirements for analyzing system impacts of new mobility technologies and services.

Related Resources and Links

Publications

Data | 2023

Camila Correa-Jullian, Marilia Ramos, Jiaqi Ma, Ali Mosleh

Paper | 2024

Camila Correa-Jullian, Marilia Ramos, Ali Mosleh, Jiaqi Ma

Report | 2023

Camila Correa-Jullian, Marilia Ramos, Jiaqi Ma, Ali Mosleh

Projects

Systems Analysis and Optimization |

In the absence of extensive real-world data on operational strategies and new mobility solutions, including automated vehicles and emerging mobility options, the adoption of modeling and simulation testbeds emerges as a pivotal tool for evaluation at scale. However, while there is a substantial body of research on modeling and simulating new mobility solutions, much of this work remains theoretical and disconnected from the practical needs of practitioners and policymakers. There is a critical need for more applicable, robust, and validated simulation testbeds that can bridge the gap between research and real-world applications. These testbeds should be designed to meet the specific requirements of practitioners and policymakers, enabling them to evaluate new mobility solutions effectively and make informed decisions to improve accessibility, efficiency and sustainability of transportation systems.   

Systems Analysis and Optimization |

Scalable Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) solutions are essential for enhancing road safety and traffic efficiency in our communities. This project investigates scalable V2X options by considering global advancements and diverse technological ecosystems, utilizing all forms of V2X connectivity—including Cellular V2X (C-V2X), Mobile Edge Computing (MEC), and cellular networks—with Los Angeles serving as a case study. Currently, there’s no comprehensive plan to implement these advanced vehicle communication technologies. Our aim is to develop a strategic plan to deploy V2X technology in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, improving safety, reducing traffic congestion, and preparing for major events like the 2028 Olympic Games. By engaging with various stakeholders and building a practical plan, we hope to create a reference that can inform future deployments by Caltrans or other cities across the U.S.

Systems Analysis and Optimization |

AV deployments are rapidly expanding across multiple urban environments, yet current AV operations and planning are often hindered by limited access to standardized, real-time municipal data. Cities produce a wide range of data that could critically inform AV routing and decision-making, including 911 call logs, real-time street closures, construction activities, and emergency response events. However, these data are rarely available in a consistent standardized format suitable for AV consumption. The Data for Autonomous Transportation Awareness (DATA) project aims to close this gap by identifying key municipal data sources, evaluating existing data standards, and developing a scalable, standardized data-sharing framework that can be integrated into AV operational systems. Through stakeholder engagement and data standards analysis, the project will enable AVs to proactively avoid potentially problematic areas (e.g., emergency incidents or active construction zones), thereby reducing conflicts with first responders, improving roadway safety, and optimizing traffic operations. Ultimately, the DATA project will foster replicability, support widespread industry adoption, and ensure that AVs can leverage city data efficiently and equitably, avoiding a fragmented “patchwork” of standards across different regions.