Commercial Operations

Regional ITS Architectures have been developed across the nation. In most states there has been a desire to unify the statewide ITS assets into a statewide architecture, but there has been little published on the best way to do this. In some regions of the country, the same problem presents a challenge to metropolitan planning organizations covering multiple counties, cities or even states. The goal is to develop ITS architectures which can be used effectively as planning tools and which can be maintained over time as new projects are implemented and ITS inventory is added or upgraded. Unfortunately, some areas have ended up with an architecture which can’t be effectively used after having spent significant funds toward its development. Further maintenance of these architectures only confounds the problem by creating a configuration nightmare.

Three approaches for addressing this challenge are described and a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches are presented. An example of a hierarchical architecture scenario is also presented to illustrate the concepts. A recommendation and proposed solution is presented for areas with complex institutional, geographical, and/or systems issues.

Iteris, Inc.

Presented at the ITS America Annual Conference and Exposition, April 26 - 28, 2004 San Antonio, Texas

We are at a point in the life of the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) movement
that poor, non-responsive and inadequate support by our traffic and transportation
management centers (TMC), traffic control centers (TCC) and traffic operations centers
(TOC) will not be tolerated. We can no longer hide behind the mantra that we are just
learning the game. If we are to assume our rightful place in the area of providing quality
support to our citizenry we must be able to quickly provide the results of accurate and
timely data collection, possess an efficient and through data analysis capability,
demonstrate an ability to make cogent and informed decisions, rapidly disseminate the
results of these decisions and subsequently, check on the results of the decisions. In short,
we are expected to have all of the aspects of a decision support system in place, be ready
to provide enhanced traffic management capabilities as well as meet the emerging
requirement to provide efficient and timely support to the Principal Responding Agencies
(PRA) on the hook to respond to the full range of weather-related/natural disasters, man-
caused incidents and events and military operations.

Viasys Corporation

Presented at the ITS America Annual Conference and Exposition, April 26 - 28, 2004 San Antonio, Texas

Iteris staff members have been involved in several design/build ITS projects over the last
several years. These projects have included the Michigan DOT Design/Build/Warranty
Project which involved 148 miles of Detroit area freeways. Included were more than 140
closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, 43 changeable message signs (CMS), 1200 loops,
ramp metering and a mix of fiber optics and wireless communications. Other projects have
included the implementation of traffic signal systems for Westminster, California and
Fontana, California. Based on these experiences and others, a great deal of experience has
been gained in implementing ITS projects in a design/build procurement environment.
Among the lessons learned is the need to establish a true partnership among all parties; the
preaward effort can be very demanding on all parties; staff needs can fluctuate greatly, and
there is the need for all parties not to approach these types of projects as typical
design/bid/build projects.

Iteris Corporation

Presented at the ITS America Annual Conference and Exposition, April 26 - 28, 2004 San Antonio, Texas

Over the past decade, more and more transit agencies have elected to implement Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies to enhance their operations. Project managers face additional significant challenges because these projects are often complex in nature and involve multiple disciplines. Furthermore, the project manager must be able to navigate through the complicated implementation process to ensure the project’s success.
A successful ITS project should utilize the proper technology that suits the agency, satisfies the internal and external customers, and enhance operational efficiencies. Adopting the proper technology is crucial to ensure the project’s success. The technology must be suitable for the agency’s specific need and for the region. There are typically two types of transit ITS project managers — one with information technology background, and the other with transit background. Each type of project manager must overcome these shortcomings in order to implement the project. In addition, each must learn project management techniques to properly manage these projects successfully. As with any project of this nature, changes are inevitable and project priorities are constantly shifting. Project managers are required to be flexible and adaptable to new system and users’ requirements and needs.
This paper attempts to provide lessons learned for project managers from non-information
technology disciplines in order to guide them through the complex and complicated ITS implementation process. With this information, project managers should be able to foster cooperation among team members and deliver a successfully project.

Regional Transportation Commission

Talla-Tech

Presented at the ITS America Annual Conference and Exposition, April 26 - 28, 2004 San Antonio, Texas

This paper presents innovative approaches to challenges associated with the deployment and
operation of Intelligent Transportation Systems.  The first of two topics, integration, will be
addressed through the examination of the Massachusetts Regional Traffic Operations center
(RTOC) case study, while the second major interest, unconventional performance-based
contractual set-ups, will be analyzed through consideration of both the RTOC as well as
innovative approaches such as the Highway Agency Traffic Control Center (TCC) project in
England.

MassHighway Department

Presented at the ITS America Annual Conference and Exposition, April 26 - 28, 2004 San Antonio, Texas