UG’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology Partners with PTV Group to Enhance Traffic Education and Support National Planning

A PTV Vissim model of a section of Central Georgetown, Guyana

The University of Guyana (UG) has entered into a strategic partnership with global transport technology provider,  PTV Group, granting students and staff of the Department of Civil Engineering, in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, access to  PTV Vissim, a leading multimodal traffic simulation software. This significant collaboration will be in effect for a period of two years free of cost to the University of Guyana.

PTV Vissim, a highly sought-after and premium software solution, enables advanced simulation and analysis of transportation systems. It provides users with the tools to visualise and evaluate complex traffic networks, including intersections, roundabouts, pedestrian flows, public transportation operations, and policy-driven changes within a dynamic and highly detailed environment.

This initiative allows the University of Guyana to integrate world-class traffic modelling technology into its teaching and research. It represents a progressive step forward in preparing engineering students to address the real transportation challenges facing the nation.

“This collaboration will give our students valuable hands-on experience in solving real-world problems through transportation modelling. As Guyana continues to grow and develop, we will need modern, data-driven approaches to address our evolving transportation needs, and this software provides us with the tools to do exactly that,” said Dr Jana Sarran, Lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology and one of the academic leads on the initiative.

With rising vehicle ownership and increasing congestion on the roadways, traffic management has become a pressing issue in Guyana. The partnership with PTV Group is a timely addition to the university’s academic toolkit and places UG in the position to support national development.

Dr Sarran further explained,  “By equipping future engineers with these tools and knowledge, we are ensuring that the University of Guyana continues to produce graduates who are aligned with the developmental needs of the country and contribute to the demands of the future.”

Under the guidance of Dr Jana Sarran and Dr Sean Sarran, students are expected to use the software to conduct final-year projects focused on real transportation issues affecting the country. These projects will be designed to propose practical, implementable solutions that could improve road safety, reduce congestion, and support the creation of a more efficient and sustainable transport network.

The Department of Civil Engineering also envisions  collaborations with government ministries and key agencies, ensuring that knowledge gained through this initiative translates into practical benefits for the country. The overall goal of this initiative is to equip local expertise with the tools needed to guide and support decision-makers with the necessary knowledge to address real-world transportation issues.

“It is not just about access to the software. It’s about building a bridge between education, innovation, and national transformation. Our hope is that this collaboration opens the door to future partnerships, research, and policy engagement in transportation and urban planning,” Dr Sarran added.