ITS National Associations Working Group
Meeting Summary
Thursday, January 30, 2003
International City/County Management
Association
777 North Capitol Street, Conference Room 4 and 5
Washington,
D.C. 20002
Agenda
List of Attendees
James Davenport, National Association of Counties (NACo)
Mr. Davenport
welcomed the National Association Working Group for ITS members to the meeting,
and thanked the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) for
hosting the meeting in its facility.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) represents counties, providing
legislative, research, technical, and public affairs assistance and services.
NACo deals directly with issues that relate to all modes of transport including
highway, rail, waterborne, and air. NACo encourages the use of ITS to make
travel more efficient and safe. NACo recently signed an agreement with the
Federal Highway Administration to provide articles on ITS to their members.
Articles currently being developed focus on traffic incident management and how
to apply ITS to rural areas.
Discussion:
ITS sheets or fact sheets produced by the Working Group
focus on incident management and ITS in rural areas that may be helpful in
producing the white papers. Members may wish to consider including these fact
sheets in their association newsletters.
The Working Group members were encouraged to consider exchanging newsletters
to keep up to date on each other's activities. Laurie Radow will assist in
facilitating exchange.
Theresa Smith, Federal Highway Administration
Value Pricing - Presentation
Ms. Smith began her presentation by stating that the FHWA is pleased to speak
with the Working Group members as the Value Pricing program is constantly
looking for outreach opportunities. Road pricing serves as an effective tool to
reduce congestion without adding expensive capacity. The FHWA Value Pricing
Pilot Program has been in existence for 10 years, initially funded through ISTEA
in 1991. To date the program has distributed $30 million; $26 million since the
enactment of TEA-21 in 1999. The objective of value pricing is to manage demand
by creating shifts in route choice, mode choice, and travel times. The goals of
the FHWA program are to reduce overall congestion, reduce emissions and fuel
consumption, and provide revenues to improve services and commuter choices.
Currently the FHWA has active value pricing agreements with 15 states.
Value Pricing Strategies
Variable tolls - Used to delay the need for capacity expansions through
distribution of traffic flow. Revenues generated allow for improvement of
services and infrastructure. The first example of variable tolls is currently in
use in Lee County Florida. Tolls are reduced during non-peak hours to encourage
shifts in travel times. Citizens with electronic transponders are eligible to
participate in the program. To date the program is considered successful.
Dynamic Pricing - On the I-15 in San Diego a dynamic pricing system called
FasTrak is being used. The FasTrak system consists of two 8-mile reversible
lanes located in the median. The system started with low technology monthly
passes. In December of 1998 the system became dynamic with prices potentially
changing every 6 minutes. Prices range from $.50 to $4. A level of service C
must be maintained on the facility, with measurements based either on traffic
speed or level of traffic. Typically 75% of the traffic in the FasTrak lane is
high occupancy vehicle (HOV). The system generates around $2 million annually,
serving approximately 4,000 vehicles per day. Revenue generated improves
transit, customer service, maintenance and equipment, and enforcement.
HOV to HOT - The HOV lanes on the I-10 in Houston Texas have a dual occupancy
requirement. HOV3 is required during peak congestion periods, and as a priced
HOV during off peak times. The project is a joint effort between Houston Metro
Transit and Texas DOT. Using the priced HOV lanes travelers are able to save
10-20 minutes. The project uses the road capacity to the fullest, while
requiring limited investment.
New Lane Pricing - State Route 91 in Orange County, California introduced
tolls on newly added lanes. Tolls on SR 91 range from $.50 to $4.75. Ownership
of the lanes is currently being transferred to public control; initially
California was unable to finance the added lanes. SR 91 uses prepaid accounts
with overhead antennas reading vehicle transponders and deducting tolls form
each account. Vehicles with greater than two people pay 50% of tolls; photo
enforcement is used to catch vehicles not complying with HOV rules. The system
generates about $23.9 million annually, with $10.2 being used for operating
expenses.
Q-Jumps - In Lee County, Florida "Queue Jumps" are available at congestion
points for motorists to by-pass slow traffic. The Q-Jumps are elevated roads,
ramps, or at grade lanes that give motorists the option of paying a small amount
to bypass a congested segment of the road.
FAIR Lanes - Provides a less congested alternative to motorists in
California. The FAIR lane is separated by plastic pylons and striping. The
dynamic prices for the FAIR lane changes based on the level of traffic using the
lanes; as lane capacity is approached the price rises to deter new traffic.
Drivers can earn credits towards the FAIR lanes during congested travel in the
regular lanes.
Fuel tax replacement study will look at the feasibility of charging fuel tax
to motorists based on a per mile basis. GPS technology will allow for measuring
of distance traveled per vehicle.
Congestion Charge - A new system has recently been activated in London that
will charge vehicles that operate in a busy section of Central London. The cost
to drive within the congestion charge ring is $8, and is enforced by license
plate photography technology.
Equity
Opponents of value pricing have expressed concern about (social) equity,
perceiving that lower income groups will be adversely affected. However, in a
survey of motorists that use the I-15 in San Diego, 91% of those surveyed think
the timesaving option is a good idea; the lowest income motorists surveyed
support the system more than the highest income motorists; 89% of all motorists
would support extension of HOT lanes.
In the Future
In order to increase the use of value pricing, changes in state legislation
may be necessary, increased private sector involvement must be achieved, changes
need to be made in FTA funding restrictions, and outreach workshops are needed
that relate the benefits and successes.
FHWA Role
The FHWA has developed workshops, outreach material, a video, and research
publications related to value pricing. Representatives from the value-pricing
program welcome the opportunity to speak on the issue to the Working Group
associations and their members. For more information see the website on value
pricing at www.valuepricing.org.
Contact Theresa Smith at Theresa.smith@fhwa.dot.gov,
or get in touch with a member of the value pricing team at 202-366-4076.
Discussion:
- Funding is available through cooperative agreements, and legislatively
could be made with individual counties; however, typically funding goes
through state departments of transportation and is funneled down to individual
counties. Tri-party agreements have been made in the past, such as between the
FHWA, State DOTs, and transit agencies.
- It is important to increase awareness of this program at the local level.
This might be better facilitated through the Working Group members outreach
mechanisms such as newsletters, and websites. There is a media kit available
on the FHWA website that may be a useful starting point.
- Information on strategies to ensure a successful program is being
compiled. Basically it takes a champion to develop interest; strong public
outreach; a public realization that there is a congestion problem; and
agreement from environmental and transit groups.
- There is a program in Virginia that allows low emission SOVs to use HOV
lanes.
- In some cases ITS data is being used to support the case for value
pricing. A program was in place on SR 91 to collect data, with reports
mandated on a ten-year basis. Data collection is not wide spread due to
funding constraints. Improved methodology that can better account for mode
shifts is needed.
- There are restrictions on how revenues can be spent, the FHWA encourages
funding be used to maintain and improve the facilities.
Wayne Berman, Federal Highway Administration
Regional Transportation Operations
Collaboration and Coordination - Presentation
Mr. Berman announced that a new FHWA Office of Operations initiative will
enhance regional operations collaboration and coordination. The initiative will
help achieve the Congestion Vital Few Goals, as set by the FHWA. The goal of
regional operations coordination is to have elements of the surface
transportation system work better by working together; and to improve
collaboration and coordination on a regional level. The FHWA - FTA Linking
Planning and Operations Working Group met in 2001 to discuss and develop formal
collaboration for operations needs in order for metro areas to better share
information and address transportation issues on a regional level.
Regional Operations Collaboration and Coordination is a set of collectively
defined expectations, not just issues, for regional transportation systems with
the time horizon being 3-5 years. Critical to the success of the program is the
establishment of federal laws to link collaboration with the transportation
planning process. Operations managers should collaborate regionally to shape
collectively regional policies, programs, procedures, protocols, and projects.
Many agreements are needed to institute a regional operations concept. It is
critical to create a vision for success and pursue that vision. Personnel
involved in operations will need to shift activities from reactive to proactive.
Regional collaboration will require a variety of stakeholders, including public
safety, operations managers, freight agencies, tourism agencies, and
transportation personnel.
Regional collaboration often takes place during special events, but typically
only for the duration of the event. Special events afford a great opportunity
for regional collaboration to get started and optimally to maintain momentum
after the event. Major reconstruction projects can also serve as a starting
point to create interest in regional operations coordination.
Articles and reports are available for the Working Group members to use in
their newsletters and websites. Mr. Berman is willing to schedule special
sessions to discuss regional collaboration in more detail with the Working Group
member contingencies. Electronic copies of the report developed from the working
group meeting, Regional Transportation Operations Collaboration and
Coordination - A Primer for Working Together to Improve Transportation Safety,
Reliability, and Security, are available at http://www.ops.dot.gov/travel. For
further information or hard copy of the report contact Wayne Berman at wayne.berman@fhwa.dot.gov
Future Activities
A six-hour course is being developed through the NHI based on the Primer
for Working Together to Improve Collaboration and Coordination.
A Regional Concept of Operations Policy workshop is in development by a
steering committee, to advise FHWA. The workshop is by invitation only, but
there is potential for future workshops to address a broader audience.
Discussion:
- The proposal of a Working Group session focused on regional collaboration
was a good idea and should be scheduled was met with general agreement. Laurie
Radow will coordinate.
- ICMA has a project with the ITS Public Safety program at DOT to explore
challenges and opportunities to improve incident management among public
safety and transportation officials.
Mike Onder, Federal Highway Administration
Intermodal Freight Security -
Presentation There are many organizations involved with intermodal
freight security, slide two of Mr. Onder's handout shows organizations and
related efficiency efforts. The two agencies that are most heavily involved are
U.S. Customs and the US DOT.
Mike Onder conveyed the DOT ITS Intermodal Freight Program for FY 02-03
including several research and operational tests activities. He highlighted the
Intermodal Freight Technology Working Group. The public/private cooperative
forum is focused on freight efficiency and security. New action items identified
from the Long Beach Freight Security Workshops are intermodal end-to-end
security vulnerability analysis, and developing smart containers of the
future.
During the intermodal process information flows are often not consolidated
between agencies, resulting in redundant data collection and processing efforts.
It is critical that "business to business" relationships be developed, between
agencies, with the federal government getting the data off the top. The
International Freight Technology Working Group (IFTWG) is exploring the
development of an information system, which can track truck chassis, determine
if a container is on board, and identify location. The electronic truck could
provide real-time information tracking and information for the intermodal
freight data exchange.
A joint project between the FHWA and the FAA will explore a more efficient
movement of air cargo, reduced potential for air cargo tampering, and enhanced
air cargo security measures. The project utilizes cargo being trucked from
private companies to Chicago O'Hare Airport. A smart card with biometric
technology is used; data from the smart card is transferred using electronic
supply chain data. The FHWA Intermodal Freight Program has recommended a larger
sample size for more accurate results.
Electronic container seals are part of an emerging layered approach to
security. Tests are being performed on containers being shipped between
Washington and Canada. A signal is sent to notify agency security if a container
is tampered with. The signal notes the location of the container, based on read
points. Critical to the program is standardizing data sets.
Ongoing ITS Freight Security Activities
- The Cargo Handling Cooperative Program - MARAD is leading a public/private
effort to develop the Cargo Handling Cooperative Program.
- International/Intermodal Freight Data Exchange - Goal to get electronic
manifests accepted for world use.
- International Standards Need - To eliminate the need for manual re-entry
or extensive conversion of data as freight moves through the supply chain. The
goal is to have standards in place by mid-year 2004.
MUTCD Peer-to-Peer Program
Debra (Dee) Chappell, Federal Highway Administration
The Peer-to-Peer program on Traffic Control Devices (P2P TCD) is a no
cost assistance program to deal with questions on the Manual for Uniform
Traffic Control Devices, and traffic control devices/issues. The program
benefits from the experience of agencies around the country.
How does the program work?
- An agency in need requests assistance by email (P2P@fhwa.dot.gov) or toll-free
telephone (888-700-PEER) describing its needs to the P2P coordinator.
- The P2P coordinator matches the needs of the agency with transportation
professional that has relevant experience/expertise.
- The peer contacts the agency to work out the details of the assistance
within the program framework; there is potential for site visits depending on
agency needs.
- Both the peer and agency are evaluated for program
improvements.
How does one join?
To participate in the P2P program one must submit a one-page document
highlighting his/her background and experience. A self-assessment must also be
included. Please contact a P2P coordinator for more details on this
process.
Virtual P2P TCD
Through the MUTCD website, an online threaded discussion is available for
peers to discuss issues/questions relevant to the MUTCD and traffic control
devices. The discussion area allows for an informal interaction that today's
busy transportation professionals can utilize to connect and network with peers.
Join or simply browse the discussion through the Peer 2 Peer website at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.
News articles and flyers are available describing the Peer-to-Peer program
both in print and electronically. The Working Group members should consider
using these resources for member newsletters. Contact a program coordinator for
more information on available resources.
ICDN - Update
Jerry Werner, ITS Cooperative Deployment Network (ICDN)
- 27,200 page views during January
- 8,534 subscribers to the ICDN Newsletter
- Recent ICDN Newsletter content of note
- Advocating Operations Investments to Decision-Makers
- Rural ITS Activities Update
- Workshop - Moving Toward an Integrated Network of Transportation
Information (INTI).
- Regional Transportation Operations Collaboration and
Coordination
- Visit the website at http://www.nawgits.com/icdntour.html
E-Dialogue - Update
Laurie Radow, Federal Highway
Administration
To expand its base, we are looking at different types of questions. One such
way would be to have Working Group members to serve as discussion leaders on the
ICDN electronic discussion website. The hope is to move away from technical
discussions into policy-based issues. Please contact Laurie Radow for more
information on the online discussion. To participate in the online forum see the
website at http://www.nawgits.com/itsforum/nawg/index.cgi?index
Business Meeting
Laurie Radow, Federal Highway Administration
Ms. Radow thanked James Davenport (NACo) for chairing the meeting, and the
ICMA for hosting. The next Working Group meeting will take place on March
20th. The meeting will feature Jeff Paniati, Jon Obenberger, and
Ralph Gillman. Please send comments or thoughts on the meeting or any the
Working Group related information to Laurie Radow at Laurel.Radow@fhwa.dot.gov
Next Meeting
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2003
Time and
location: 9:45 am - noon, TRB, 500 Fifth Street, N.W.
Topic and
Speakers:
Jeff Paniati, FHWA: Office of Operations
Jon
Obenberger, FHWA: Special Events
Ralph Gillman, FHWA: ITS
Data
National Associations Working Group for ITS
January 30,
2002
9:45 a.m. - noon
International City/County Management
Association
777 North Capitol Street, Conference Rooms 4 and
5
Washington, DC 20002
Agenda
Opening Remarks and Introductions
James Davenport, National
Association of Counties (10 minutes)
Regional Operations Coordination
Wayne Berman, Federal Highway
Administration (15-minute presentation, 15 minutes discussion)
Regional Transportation Operations
Collaboration and Coordination - Presentation
Intermodal Freight Security
Mike Onder, Federal Highway Administration
(15 minute presentation, 10 minute discussion)
Intermodal Freight Security -
Presentation
Value Pricing
Theresa Smith, Federal Highway Administration (15 minute
presentation, 10 minute discussion)
Value Pricing - A Tool with Technology -
Presentation
MUTCD Peer-to-Peer Program
Dee Chappell, Federal Highway
Administration (10 minute presentation)
ICDN - Update
Jerry Werner, ICDN (5 minutes)
E-Dialogue -- Update
Laurie Radow, FHWA (5 minutes)
Business Meeting
Laurie Radow, FHWA (5 minutes)
Next Meeting
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2003
Time and
location: 9:45 am - noon, TRB, 500 Fifth Street, N.W.
Topic and
Speakers:
Jeff Paniati, FHWA: Office of Operations
Jon
Obenberger, FHWA: Special Events
Ralph Gillman, FHWA: ITS Data
National Associations Working Group for ITS
January 30, 2002
Attendees
James Davenport, National Association of Counties
Andrew Meese,
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
Zia Burleigh,
International City/Council Management Association
Marcia Pincus,
ITS America
Peggy Tadej, National Association of Regional
Council
Brian Bruzek, Healthcare Distribution Management
Association
Maria Polis, National Association of Regional
Councils
Russell Houston, Transportation Research Board
Kelly
Novak, National Association of Development Organizations
Shelley Row,
Federal Highway Administration
Mike Onder, Federal Highway
Administration
Wayne Berman, Federal Highway
Administration
Theresa Smith, Federal Highway
Administration
Debra Chappell, Federal Highway
Administration
Patrick DeCorla-Souza, Federal Highway
Administration
Laurie Radow, Federal Highway
Administration
Yehuda Gross, Federal Highway Administration
John
Mason, Science Applications International Corporation
Brett
Graves, Science Applications International Corporation
Jerry
Werner, ICDN via teleconference
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