In much of the world, current financial pressures have reduced the ability to add new capacity in the face of increasing congestion. In this context, getting the maximum service from the existing roadway network takes on increasing significance. Many transportation agencies have long been applying ITS technology in support of improved “transportation systems management and operations” (TSMO) such as incident management, road weather management, traveler information, etc. However there is a wide variation in the degree of agency focus and a substantial gap between best practice and average practice. Recent research in the US has identified the key factors that appear to be essential to improving the effectiveness of TSMO – particularly the special business and technical processes related organizational, staffing and institutional relations. Experience suggests there are proven strategies for improving TSMO program effectiveness thru incremental adjustments in processes and institutional configurations. This material is now being embodied in guidance being prepared for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASTHO). Valuable examples exist in recent practice improvements by state DOTs and metropolitan regions. This session will present the background to the AASTHO guidance and the examples of improvement approaches taken by transportation agencies

Invited Speakers: