As the publication of the updated Highway Capacity Manual (HCM 2015) approaches, McTrans is hard at work implementing the changes and expansions within the Highway Capacity Software (HCS). HCS7 is planned for release concurrently with the publication of the HCM 2015 with most (if not all) new material included. One of the most significant additions to the HCM procedures is Travel Time Reliability. Travel Time Reliability using the Streets module is nearing completion now and will move on to testing very soon. The new tool provides for generating many scenarios from a base data set established in Streets. The user defines the time periods for analyzing variable parameters, including demand, weather and incidents, to develop a distribution of results. Ultimately, the travel time index and planning time index are computed as indications of how actual travel time compares with free-flow travel time for the defined set of condition combinations. For screen shots of  HCS7, see the photo gallery below (click on desired image, then click again  to enlarge).

For more information on HCS7 and other products at the McTrans Center contact Bill Sampson, P.E. at bsampson@ufl.edu or at 352.294.3095.