National Conference of State Legislatures - The Forum for America's Ideas
Issues and Research

 

News Highlights: Issues & ResearchHot Topics & FeaturesStanding CommitteesA-Z Issues & NCSL ContactsBill Information | Other Resources
    View Full Address                   
Jury room

2013 Pretrial Legislation Update

So far in 2013, 471 bills and resolutions related to pretrial release have been introduced across the 50 states. Common issues addressed include eligibility and conditions for release, commercial bail, pretrial services, citation in lieu of arrest and diversion. This overview identifies and describes significant actions and trends within this collection of legislation. More

State Revenues and the Natural Gas Boom

As technological developments increase access to natural gas reserves across the country, states are exploring ways to benefit from these newly accessible resources and to ensure that communities are reimbursed for the impact that natural gas development may have on infrastructure. More

Issue Areas
OverviewAgriculture & Rural DevelopmentBanking, Insurance & Financial ServicesBudget & TaxCivil & Criminal JusticeEconomic Development, Gambling and TradeEducationEnergy
Environment & Natural ResourcesHealth (subportal)Human Services (subportal)ImmigrationLabor & EmploymentState-TribalTelecommunications & Information TechnologyTransportation
    View Full Address                   
Transportation
 

Transportation Operations and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

City traffic

NCSL Transportation Program

 

NCSL Contact

NCSL Featured Resources

External Links

NOTE: NCSL provides links to other Web sites from time to time for information purposes only. Providing these links does not necessarily indicate NCSL's support or endorsement of the site.

View all documents related to this topic by clicking on the document library tab at the top of this page

Traffic congestion has become one of the nation’s biggest transportation problems. Rush-hour traffic jams and unexpected delays frustrate travelers, reduce available roadway capacity, increase crashes and waste time, fuel and money. According to the Texas Transportation Institute, by 2015 the overall cost of congestion nationwide will grow to $133 billion per year in wasted time and fuel, up from $113 billion in 2006.

What is "Transportation Operations"?

One approach to reducing congestion is to better manage and operate the existing highway network so the system can meet customer expectations regardless of the demands placed on it. Called "transportation operations," this approach to making the most of existing infrastructure includes a host of tools that can improve system performance without costly new construction.  Operations is a viable and cost-efficient strategy that—combined with building new capacity and preserving existing infrastructure—can successfully reduce the effects of congestion, improve traffic flow and meet growing travel demands.

Transportation operations includes:

  • Improving day-to-day performance by providing travelers with real-time information and managing system demand and access
  • Reducing recurring traffic jams using transportation technologies and highway management techniques
  • Mitigating occasional congestion due to traffic accidents, work zones, inclement weather and special events
  • Streamlining freight operations through size and weight policies and freight-related technologies
  • Preparing for emergency response and recovery

What are "Intelligent Transportation Systems"?

Part of the transportation operations approach to improving transportation system performance is the use of advanced technologies called Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). ITS includes an array of applications relating to traveler information, road weather management, crash prevention, traffic signal timing, electronic toll payment and pricing, emergency responses, highway management, transit and freight operations, and more. These technologies enable new improvements in how the system is operated and used.

Key NCSL Resources

You can search all transportation documents on the site here.

Updated April 2013

 

2013 Health Summit

Graphic promoting NCSL's mobile app for members

Denver Office
Tel: 303-364-7700 | Fax: 303-364-7800 | 7700 East First Place | Denver, CO 80230

 

Washington Office
Tel: 202-624-5400 | Fax: 202-737-1069 | 444 North Capitol Street, N.W., Suite 515 | Washington, D.C. 20001

©2013 National Conference of State Legislatures.  All Rights Reserved.