Management, Operations and Intelligent Transportation Systems

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are the application of current and evolving technology (particularly computer and communications technology) to transportation systems. The opportunities and benefits seen from ITS have uncovered another key proponent of transportation systems—management and operations (M&O). As an emerging directive for transportation agencies, the focus on management and operations is emphasized by the SAFETEA-LU metropolitan planning factor that requires state and regional plans to "promote efficient system management and operations."

M&O encompasses the day-to-day actions and agency responses to the region's transportation system. Examples include routine activities such as reconstruction and maintenance, snow plowing and salting, providing real-time traveler information, and traffic signalization. Management of the transportation system in special circumstances is also important, such as traffic plans for special events, and also falls under the umbrella of M&O.

Unfortunately, events sometimes reach the level of becoming a public safety emergency, such as severe weather, major disasters, terrorism, or other catastrophes. During these major emergencies, transportation becomes a support function to emergency management agencies and leadership. The experience gained in daily M&O activities sets the stage for transportation's participation in responding to regional emergencies. No longer a subset of M&O activities, the importance of regional transportation emergency preparedness activities has grown since the 9/11 attacks, and is addressed in COG's and TPB's emergency preparedness programs.

By focusing on the evolving technology of ITS and the day-to-day activities of M&O, transportation planners have a greater opportunity of providing more efficient and effective solutions to the region's transportation problems. TPB's Management, Operations and Intelligent Transportation Systems (MOITS) Policy & Technical Task Forces meet regularly to discuss coordination and ways in which transportation technology can improve congestion, safety, maintenance, and system efficiency. MOITS brings short-term operational needs into consideration as important input to the regional long-range transportation plan.

Key focuses in the MOITS program include:

• The Regional ITS Architecture provides a technical communications blueprint for systems engineering of transportation-related information systems.
• Traveler information, especially real-time information, is growing in importance for its role in managing transportation system demand.
• Traffic signal operations have an immediate impact on almost all residents and visitors.
• Transportation safety is also an important consideration overall in the region.
• Interagency coordination on transportation incidents that have multijurisdictional or regional impacts fostered creation of the Regional Transportation Coordination Program, which is being developed in close coordination with the MOITS program.