Abstract
Fast incident response and management are main tasks of Traffic Management Center (TMC) operators. Using the latest microscopic simulation modeling techniques and a comprehensive simulation management scheme, a next-generation TMC operator training simulator was developed and made operational at the California Advanced Transportation Management Systems Testbed. The development of the simulator was a cooperative effort between the California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, University of California Irvine, and the California Department of Transportation Department of Traffic Operations (Caltrans Traffics Ops). The simulator is designed to duplicate the standardized TMC software systems and data feeds found in California TMCs in an off-line environment, where TMC operators can be trained to enhance their skills using various incident scenarios. The simulator provides an interactive environment where actions students take to manage an incident affect the simulated traffic in the system and students see the results of their activity. Four training classes have been successfully performed since the completion of the new TMC simulator.