The dynamic network microsimulation framework DRACULA (Dynamic Route Assignment Combining User Learning and microsimulation) has been developed at the University of Leeds since 1993 (Liu et al 1995). It adapted a new approach to modelling road traffic networks whereby the emphasis is on the “microsimulation” of individual trip makers’ choices and individual vehicles’ movements. The model attempts to represent directly the behaviour of individual drivers and vehicles in real-time as these evolve from day to day. This is coupled with a detailed within-day traffic simulation model of the second-by-second movements of individual vehicles according to car-following, lane-changing rules and traffic controls. In combination they model the evolution of the traffic system over a representative number of days so that both within-day and between-day variabilities are included and interaction between the demand and supply modelled.
The current release version, code named DRACULA-MARS (Microscopic Analysis of Road Systems), includes only the traffic simulation model and a simplified departure-time choice model of DRACULA. This version is designed primarily for existing SATURN users who can combine the SATURN route assignment with DRACULA traffic micro-simulation for detailed network design and/or short-term forecasting.