Organizing for TSMO
Case Study 8: Training for TSMO

Executive Summary

Transportation systems management and operations (TSMO) provides tools for transportation managers to address safety, system performance, and reliability. TSMO is "an integrated set of strategies to optimize the performance of existing infrastructure through the implementation of multimodal and intermodal, cross-jurisdictional systems, services, and projects designed to preserve capacity and improve security, safety, and reliability of the transportation system.¹" Through participation in the second Strategic Highway Research Program workshops, transportation agencies are working to better support TSMO programs. Deploying intelligent transportation systems (ITS), hiring internal information technology staff, and using performance measures for data-driven decisions are just a few examples of the many activities a TSMO program can support.

Given the varying stages of TSMO adoption and advancement, the Federal Highway Administration identified the need for case studies to provide examples of common challenges and best practices for transportation agencies to learn from each other. This is one of 12 case studies developed to support organizing for TSMO. This case study focuses on training for TSMO, including:

• Developing partnerships to create effective training materials.
• Customizing training based on audience needs.
• Developing workshops or interactive experiences to enhance training.

Five agencies with advanced training programs were interviewed: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), AZTech, New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Each agency provided information on their process to establish training and take advantage of existing opportunities to share information about TSMO. Some of the best practices identified include:

• Caltrans and WSDOT's partnerships with the University of Maryland to develop TSMO training materials.
• AZTech's traffic incident management (TIM) coalition with tabletop training sessions.
• NJDOT's training website for TIM first responders.
• FDOT District 5's outreach to trade schools to help develop candidates for future signal technician workforce needs.