Commercial Operations

This paper addresses in general the FTA’s current emphasis on transit circulators, and in that light the need for an analysis methodology and modeling tools that address technology focused transit circulator studies. As a focused topic, the paper approaches the alternatives analysis  requirements in terms of the functional ITS elements used by transit circulator technologies. The paper also includes a discussion of the nature of transport systems suitable for circulation system applications in urban centers and the diverse technology options that are available for transit circulator applications, including at-grade and aerial transit system alignments/technologies. To analyze the different ways in which these alternative technologies interact with other systems within the built environment – in particular the emulation of the traffic signal system and the associated operations of the traffic and pedestrian systems – special modeling tools are described that accomplish a true “apples-toapples” comparison between alternatives.

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

Presented at the ITS America Annual Conference and Exposition, May 3-5, 2010, Houston, Texas

Ramp signaling, a relatively low-cost traffic management technique, that has been used to alleviate congestion due to bottlenecks and mainline traffic flow being disrupted by entering platoons in the past two decades. As part of an overall long-term strategy of integrated initiatives to improve the safety, throughput and reliability of mobility within South Florida, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) implemented the first Ramp Signaling (RS) system along the I-95 corridor in this region. This RS system is operated by FDOT District VI Transportation Management Center (TMC) located in Miami-Dade County, FL. This paper presents the start-up and the initial operation of the RS system. It provides practical experiences in RM system implementation and operation from a TMC perspective.

AECOM USA, Inc.

Florida Department of Transportation

The City of Lakewood, Managing Engineer Mr. Jim Richey, is in the process of a two phase,
three year long project to upgrade the existing traffic signal control system and
communications network to support IP-based communications. The approach taken for this
upgrade allowed for the system to remain functional throughout the phases which will span
three years.

TransCore ITS

Presented at the ITS America Annual Conference and Exposition, May 3-5, 2010, Houston, Texas

Providing a well-managed transportation infrastructure is an essential function of a public
transportation agency. Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) applications such as Advanced
Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) improve safety and fuel efficiency, and reduce
congestion. However, the software life-cycle costs of these systems often place them beyond
the reach of small and medium-sized agencies. This paper discusses the results of the first
implementation of the Intelligent Roadway Information System (IRIS) open ATMS outside
of Minnesota. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) IRIS demonstration
study implemented IRIS within a midsized urban/rural Caltrans district and two rural districts
that otherwise could not afford an ATMS. Results show dramatic cost savings compared with
an existing proprietary ATMS system, increased capabilities and reliability, and a number of
secondary benefits derived from this multi-agency collaborative approach.

AHMCT, University of California, Davis

Presented at the ITS America Annual Conference and Exposition, May 3-5, 2010, Houston, Texas

The paper provides background for and analysis of bus signal priority applications used
by the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) along route 522, a rapid bus route.
Technical features of the application are discussed, and the functional benefits of the
technologies are calculated. The paper addresses two technology types—loop and
gps/spread spectrum—and discusses the operational constants under which these
technologies are applied.

Commuter Associates

Caltrans District 4

San Jose DOT

AC Transit

Paper submitted for publication and presentation at the ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition