Getting More by Working Together — Opportunities for Linking Planning and Operations


Exhibit 11: Regional ITS Architecture Development Process and Examples of How Planners and Operators Can Contribute


Exhibit 11 (description below)

Description:

This exhibit shows examples of Operators and Planners, and how they contribute to the Core Process in six areas: Getting started, gathering data, defining interfaces, implementing the architecture, using the architecture, and maintaining the architecture. The development process and examples are listed below:

Core Process Operator Contributions Planner Contributions

1. Getting Started

  • Identify need
  • Define region
  • Identify stakeholders
  • Identify champions
  • Know operational challenges across the system
  • Understand service boundaries and cross-jurisdictional issues
  • Work with stakeholders that can affect system performance on a daily basis
  • Understand region-wide traffic patterns
  • Understand perspectives of diverse stakeholder groups
  • Work with and respond to needs of elected officials and technical staff in region
  • Are familiar with regional vision and long- range plan

2. Gathering Data

  • Inventory systems
  • Determine needs and services
  • Develop operational concept
  • Define functional requirements
  • Are responsible for existing equipment
  • Collect and use real-time data from traffic monitoring systems
  • Define technical requirements of existing and planned systems
  • Are responsible for developing multimodal system plans
  • Use data on region's economy, land uses, infrastructure, and mode-specific travel
  • Develop investment programs designed to improve system performance

3. Defining Interfaces

  • Identify interconnections
  • Define information flows
  • Understand how technology deployments should work in concert
  • Collect, organize, and disseminate data needed for system operations
  • Assess and ensure interconnectivity of transportation infrastructure
  • Understand user needs and areas of service interface

4. Implementing the Architecture

  • Define project sequencing
  • Develop list of agency agreements
  • Identify ITS standards
  • Set M&O priorities and sequence activities
  • Develop relationships and agreements with other agencies involved in operations
  • Understand equipment costs and applicable standards
  • Develop investment programs for the region (TIP and UPWP)
  • Work with State DOT, counties, and other agencies in planning and programming
  • Provide leadership in executing new agreements

5. Using the Architecture

  • Support the planning process
  • Support project implementation
  • Implement M&O strategies, programs, and projects
  • Participate in developing ITS strategic plans to detail ITS operational needs
  • Should develop plans that reflect the ITS architecture
  • Should include operations projects in investment programs
6. Maintaining the Architecture
  • Understand ITS inventory changes
  • Understand changes in technologies and standards
  • Understand changes in regional needs, funding, and service opportunities

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