Alameda County Transportation Commission
(Alameda CTC) - GoPort Freight Intelligence Transportation System
10. DEPLOYMENT VISION, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES
This project is an opportunity for Alameda CTC and the Port, in partnership with USDOT, to deploy the first-of-its-kind, fully integrated Freight Community System and advanced ITS which can serve as a model deployment for other port regions throughout the nation. Given the continually increasing volumes of international trade at U.S. ports – and in the face of severely constrained future infrastructure options – the ability to implement new systems that can improve port and truck efficiency and reduce congestion provides for a compelling deployment concept of national significance.
The Freight Community System element is an electronic platform that connects multiple systems operated by freight-related organizations. This GoPort Freight ITS application speaks directly to the NOFO's defined need for a "neutral and open electronic platform, enabling an intelligent and secure exchange of information between public and private stakeholders in order to improve the efficiency and competitiveness positions of the Port communities." This concept includes collection of data from various sources, including both public and private, to establish real-time conditions both inside and outside of the Port. Then, through integration with ITS field elements and ATMS, information can be used for management of freeways, arterials, and Port facilities, as well as coordination between the multiple operating agencies in the Port and around the Port.
Back in Section 1, in the "Project Foundation" subsection, the broader project that the GoPort Freight ITS was derived from, ITST Master Plan (the ITS element of the broader GoPort Program), was described. As presented in Figure 7, the GoPort Program ITST Master Plan outlines the vision that has guided the development of the GoPort Freight ITS that is provided in this grant application.
This vision is centered on an integrated system approach, with the Port's TMC/EOC as the focal point of activity. Data on traffic conditions, incidents, and Port operations will come into the TMC/EOC, and be managed and integrated to provide real-time situational awareness to operators. The effectiveness of the TMC/EOC will be enhanced by other technologies proposed for project deployment, including additional surveillance and detection equipment, integration of databases, provision of detailed freight specific information, as well as CMSs. Communication and collaboration with both Port operations entities and regional transportation system operators will expedite verification and, where needed, respond to events. Historical data, for example, can be archived and used to better understand the relationship of incidents occurring on nearby freeways to delays within the Port and implement continuous improvements in Port operations, incident management, and traffic management strategies.
The goals of this vision are focused on improving traffic flow and goods movement, reducing congestion, improving safety, providing improved traveler information, and reducing emissions. The comprehensive list of specific goals (defined as "Long-Term Outcomes") for the GoPort Freight ITS is presented in detail in Table 3 in Section 1.
