Planning with GENIE: a model for forecasting and decisionmaking

A new modelling paradigm for sketch-planning applications in transport and urban policymaking is presented. It is based on the use of a scenario-forecasting procedure which employs genetic algorithms to develop a set of alternative scenarios for accomplishing a set of predetermined goals. The method is capable of generating a diverse range of alternative strategies and policy mixes, and it often indicates possible side impacts of such alternatives. By way of illustration, the method is applied within the city of Perth, Western Australia, and some innovative policies are generated.