liikennekysynnän

Liikennekysyntä, or traffic demand, refers to the amount of traffic that moves through a transport network over a given period. It is a key concept in transportation planning and engineering, as it influences the design, capacity, and operation of roads, highways, public transit systems, and railways. Traffic demand is typically expressed in terms of vehicle movements, passenger trips, or freight units per time unit.

The estimation of traffic demand involves both observed data and predictive models. Observed data come from road traffic counters, travel surveys, GPS data, and public transport boarding records. Predictive modelling uses historical trends, demographic projections, land–use patterns, and economic indicators to forecast future movements. Common modelling frameworks include four-step models (trip generation, distribution, mode choice, and route assignment) and activity-based models that simulate individual travel behavior.

Understanding traffic demand enables planners to identify potential congestion points, assess the need for infrastructure investments, evaluate the impact of policy interventions such as congestion pricing or public transport subsidies, and design efficient traffic management strategies. In many urban areas, high traffic demand leads to congestion during peak periods, increased travel times, and higher pollution levels, while in sparsely populated regions the demand may be low, influencing decisions about road maintenance and public transport frequency.

Because traffic demand is dynamic, it must be regularly updated to reflect changes in population, employment patterns, vehicle ownership, technology (e.g., autonomous vehicles), and societal preferences for sustainable mobility. Collaboration between transportation agencies, utilities, and the private sector is essential for collecting accurate data and implementing effective demand management measures.