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Industry Standard for Macroscopic Traffic Analyses

HCS is a robust macroscopic traffic simulation tool designed for transportation professionals to conduct surface road analyses and assess the operational performance of almost any surface street. Trusted by transportation professionals in government agencies, consulting firms, and academia, HCS delivers results that fully comply with the Highway Capacity Manual, making it the preferred choice for reliable traffic analysis.

Highway Capacity Software and Highway Capacity Manual

New Version

HCS 2025

HCS 2025 includes the addition of the HCS Legacy Software and implementation of NCHRP 07-26. Explore the latest updates!

Module Highlights

Network Module

A new module that implements Chapter 38 of the 7th Edition of the HCM, allowing users to evaluate interactions of arterial and freeway models for the first time.

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Freeways Module

The map segmentation tool in the Freeways module provides modeling efficiency while ensuring HCM segmentation compliance.

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TWSC Module

The TWSC Module can address several characteristics of stop-control intersections, effects of crossing treatments on Pedestrian LOS, and model alternative intersections such as model a Restricted Crossing U-Turn.

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Pricing

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Training

Explore our in-person or online courses taught by industry experts.

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Map-based Segmentation for Highways

The new Two-Lane Highways module includes a brand new map segmentation feature, similar to what is currently available for the Freeways module. Based on the Bing Maps architecture, this new tool allows the user to easily create a facility on top of a map by placing segment boundary nodes. This tool also allows modeling horizontal curves by placing curve start and end points (PC and PT).

Excel Integration

Easily copy/paste your data from Excel.

New and Improved Methods for Pedestrian Analysis

HCS includes the evaluation of pedestrian crossing safety treatments in two-way stop-controlled (TWSC) intersections and their effects on Pedestrian LOS. It includes, for example: crosswalk markings, median refuges, flashing beacons or school crossing guards.

Integrated HCS and HSS Analysis

HCS and HSS input file compatibility enables integrated operations and analyses for highways and freeways, including:

  • Ability to open HCS freeway/highway files directly in HSS
  • HSS safety results may be included in HCS highways and freeway analysis

Queue Lengths in ft.

The Stop-Controlled Intersections and Roundabouts modules now include a new output for back-of-queue length measured in feet.

New Methodology for
Two-Lane Highways Analysis

An entirely new methodology to evaluate the Quality of Service on two-lane highways is included in HCS. The new features of the new two-lane highways are facility segmentation, new performance measures, sensitivity to horizontal curvature, effects of passing lanes, and analysis of Super 2 highways.
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Map-Based Segmentation for Freeways

HCS Freeways module will include a new tool for segmenting freeway facilities on a Bing Maps background, classifying resulting segments according to the HCM methodology for freeways. The map segmentation tool promotes modeling efficiency while ensuring HCM segmentation compliance.

Resources to Succeed

Knowledge Base

Quickly view all available resources, including User Guides, videos, and articles.

Monthly Newsletter

Get helpful tips on using your software and stay updated on latest releases.

User Groups

Join the HCS user group to explore conversations and common questions.

Applications

Planning-Level Analyses
Long-range transportation planning
Initial screening of alternatives
Feasibility studies

Operational Analyses
Traffic impact studies
Evaluation of future conditions
Build multiple scenarios

Travel Time Reliability
Long-term variations of travel time
Cyclical variations of traffic demand
Effects of weather, incidents, and work zones

Integration

Integration with HSS
Import HSS safety results
Export Freeways and Highways project files to HSS

Integration with TSIS-CORSIM
Export arterial corridor model and settings to T7F or as animation in TRAFVU
Import T7F timing optimization

CSV Input and Output
Comprehensive CSV input/output functionality enables users to copy/paste data easily to/from external data sources, reducing errors and data entry time.

Unit System

Full unit conversion from/to metric system

Legacy Software

Includes Legacy HCS7 (HCM 6th Edition) modules
Includes Legacy HCS2010 (HCM 2010) Streets module
Includes legacy HCS+ (HCM 2000) Arterials, Interchanges, and Signals modules

Analysis and Methods

Analysis of Connected and Automated Vehicles
Model CAVs in the traffic mix for long-range planning analyses as a function of CAV market penetration. HCS implements this impact for freeways (basic, merge, diverge and weave segments, and facility analysis) as well as roundabouts and signalized intersections.

HCM Methods for Pedestrians
Updated analysis at TWSC intersections and uncontrolled crossings. This model can cover 15 types of safety treatments, allowing practitioners to plan for multimodal urban transportation and more livable cities.

Service Volume Tables
New service volume tables, including the impact of CAVs for different freeway segment types.

Scope of Freeway Analysis

Facility and Segmentation
Lane-by-Lane Analysis
Multi-period Analysis
Oversaturated Conditions
Travel Time Reliability
Managed Lanes (HOV, HOT)
Incidents
Work Zone Analysis
User Delay Cost

Scope of Arterial and Streets Analysis

Pre-timed Control
Actuated Control
Coordinated Control
Travel Time Reliability
Signal Timing Optimization
Facility / Segment Analysis
Work Zone Analysis
Access Point Analysis

Scope of Interchange and Alternative Intersection Analysis

Diamond Interchange
Diverging Diamond Interchange
Partial Cloverleaf
Displaced LT / Continuous Flow Intersection
RCUT / Super Street
MUT / Michigan Left
Single-Point Urban Interchange

Scope of Highway Analysis

Multilane Highways
Two-lane Highways

– Passing Lane Analysis
– Horizontal Alignment
– Super 2 (2+1 Highways)

Scope of Unsignalized Intersection Analysis

Two-Way Stop Controlled
All-Way Stop Controlled
Roundabouts

Other Analyses

Emissions Report
Network Analysis
Connected Automated Vehicle

Customer Support on Phone

Extraordinary Support

Dedicated to fast and quality customer service.

If you have questions, we welcome you to reach out to us.

With any software subscription, you will have access to unlimited technical software support. That includes help with implementing and reviewing HCM-compliant analysis in the HCS.