Air Quality Modeling

Like travel demand, future emissions levels can be estimated using computer programs ("models"). Travel demand modeling is used to estimate travel patterns and congestion levels that will result from the 25-year transportation system laid out in the CLRP. Using that data, an air quality model estimates the amount of emissions from motor vehicles measured in tons per day, that will be produced by changes in travel. Air quality models incorporate a number of factors including the number and types of vehicles that will be on the road, the speeds at which they will travel, and the effects of technological improvements in vehicles and fuels.