1. Background and Purpose
1.1 What Do We Mean by Linking Planning and Operations?
An effective transportation system requires not only the provision of highway and transit infrastructure for movement of the public and freight, but also the efficient and coordinated operation of the regional transportation network in order to improve system efficiency, reliability, and safety. Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSM&O) is an integrated approach to optimize the performance of existing infrastructure through the implementation of systems, services and projects that enhance service efficiency; improve public safety and security; reduce traveler delays associated with incidents and other events; and improve information for businesses and for the traveling public.(1)
Traditionally, planning the transportation system and operating the transportation system have been two relatively detached sets of activities, with different requirements and different cultures. In the traditional model, transportation planning focuses on infrastructure projects, relying on an analysis of long-range travel demands, transportation system goals, and funding constraints, but often with limited consideration of short-term and on-going operational issues. Management and operation of the transportation system typically involves a different set of practitioners with a short-term or real-time focus, often with limited consideration of how activities relate to regional transportation system goals and objectives.
Transportation agencies, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and other stakeholders are increasingly recognizing the value of coordination and collaboration among transportation planners and operators. Although they come from differing perspectives, transportation planning and operating agencies generally share the goal of enhancing system performance, and they can mutually benefit from stronger linkages.
Regional transportation planning and investment decisionmaking requires a great deal of coordination and collaboration among state and local governments, MPOs, highway and transit agencies, other stakeholder organizations, and the general public.(2) Similarly, effective regional transportation systems management and operations requires collaboration and coordination among operating agencies across jurisdictions and between transportation and public safety agencies in order to improve the security, safety, and reliability of the transportation system. Strengthening the connections between these two processes and activities – planning and operations – can enhance both activities.
The purpose of this guide is to describe opportunities for improving connections between planning and operations. It highlights how existing relationships can be strengthened and new ones developed, and how opportunities for greater coordination and collaboration can be exploited. It emphasizes the important role that both planners and operators have to play in building stronger connections, and the benefits of these relationships.
1. Management and operations (M&O) is distinct from operations and maintenance (O&M), which typically involves local operating activities that do not necessarily merit regional coordination. O&M includes activities such as roadside vegetation control, routine signal maintenance, repaving local streets, and maintenance of local street signage.
2. Transportation planning takes place at the state, regional, and local levels. The scope and nature of the process differs based on the area being covered and requirements set out in laws and regulations. Federal regulatory requirements for transportation planning are codified in 23 CFR 450, with Metropolitan Transportation Planning addressed in Subpart C, and Statewide Transportation Planning addressed in Subpart B. Although this guide focuses on metropolitan planning, the concepts of linking planning and operations are also applicable at the statewide and local levels.
