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

Note from the Associate Administrators

November 30, 2004

Dear Colleague,

The Federal Highway Administration's Office of Operations and Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty are pleased to present this document entitled "Getting More By Working Together - Opportunities for Linking Planning and Operations." This represents an early accomplishment of the continuing joint program between our offices to accomplish three key goals:

1. Increase the emphasis on regional partnerships among managers with responsibility for day-to-day transportation operations.
2. Enhance regional transportation decisionmaking and planning to consider investments in operations in balance with investments for major capacity expansion.
3. Build stronger linkages between planning and operations

The information contained in this resource document was derived from an extensive review of the literature and discussions with nearly 30 transportation professionals who represent planning and operations at all levels of government. Based upon the collective, practical experiences of these professionals, the reference material identifies the following nine areas that provide opportunities to better link the planning and operations functions:

• The Transportation Planning Process;
• Data Sharing;
• Performance Measures;
• Congestion Management Systems;
• Funding and Resource Sharing;
• Institutional Arrangements;
• Regional Intelligent Transportation Systems Architecture;
• Regional Transportation Systems Management and Operations Projects; and
• A Regional Concept for Transportation Operations.

This document also offers a self-assessment tool to assist transportation planning and operations professionals. The tool can be very useful in identifying opportunities to enhance coordination between transportation planning and operations.

We believe that the material contained in the Reference document will help to support current transportation planning law. Specifically, the material will provide direction to local, regional, and State agencies on how to address the planning factor in Title 23 U.S.C. Sections 134 and 135 that provides for the consideration of projects and strategies that will "promote efficient management and operations."

Improved planning, management, and operations in the Nation's transportation systems are vitally important to achieving the high expectations for safety, security, and mobility in the 21st century. We look forward to working with your organizations, agencies, and interest groups to advance the ideas presented in this reference document.

Jeffrey F. Paniati Associate Administrator Office of Operations	Cynthia J. Burbank Associate Administrator Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty