ITS National Associations Working Group
Meeting Summary
Thursday, September 11, 2003
American Automobile Association
1440
New York Ave., NW, Suite 200
(Metro Center subway stop)
9:45 a.m. -
noon
Washington, D.C.
Agenda
List of Attendees
Opening Remarks and Introductions
Peggy Tadej, National Association of
Regional Councils (NARC)
Ms. Tadej welcomed all in attendance and called
for a moment of silence in recognition of the victims of 9/11. She announced
that this is Laurie Radow's last meeting, thanked her for the effort she has put
towards the Working Group, and extended best wishes for her future position with
FHWA. Zia Burleigh, currently with International City/County Managements
Association, will assume responsibility for the Working Group in her new
position with the FHWA.
Following self-introductions, Ms. Tadej distributed a section of the
Regions newsletter that highlights examples of ITS applications. The
first article focuses on tourism and rural ITS. Subsequent articles discuss the
integration of ITS into the transportation planning process. The latest
Regions newsletter is currently under publication; copies will be
available soon.
NARC is planning its 2004 Washington Policy Meeting for March. There will
likely be sessions devoted to ITS. The NARC annual meeting will take place in
June 2004.
Show Me the Benefit
Amy Ellen Polk, Jet Propulsion
Laboratory
ITS Benefits: What
Are They? Where Do I Find Them? Do They Outweigh The Costs?
Ms.
Polk presented on behalf of Dr. Joseph Peters of the ITS Joint Program Office,
U.S. DOT. Ms. Polk pointed out that Intelligent Transportation Systems are a
relatively new phenomenon compared to other aspects of transportation. Recently
there has been much interest in the evaluation of ITS. Ms. Polk's primary role
is to share the results of benefit/cost evaluations with technical staff and
primary decision makers at the state and local level, enabling them to make
better informed decisions related to ITS.
Presentation Summary
- ITS Benefits and Unit Costs Database
- Intelligent Transportation Systems Benefits and Costs: 2003 Update
- Show Me the Benefits
Workshop - May 2003 Minneapolis,
Minnesota
- ITS Benefits and Unit Cost Database
The goals of the database are to maintain and improve safety, efficiency,
mobility, productivity, the environment, and above all, improve customer
satisfaction. The database uses case study documents to identify findings
related to the benefits and costs of ITS applications.
http://www.benefitcost.its.dot.gov
Formerly, the database categorized ITS deployments by rural and urban
application; this criterion was eliminated due to constant growth in rural areas
and the challenge of differentiating between the two. Benefits and costs are
treated separately in the database. Currently there are more than 200 entries
related to benefits and cost of ITS. The case study entries in the database
include a summary of project deployment details, and the resulting benefits.
Users of the database can search benefits and cost case studies by application,
measure, states, or country. Benefit data is updated continuously; cost data is
updated twice a year in March and September, due to the extensive analysis
required.
The benefits side of the database is divided into two major categories,
intelligent transportation systems and intelligent vehicles, with several
subcategories as listed below.
Intelligent Transportation Systems
- Intelligent infrastructure
- Arterial management
- Freeway management
- Transit management
- Incident management
- Emergency management
- Electronic payment
- Traveler information
- Information management
- Crash prevention and safety
- Roadway operations and maintenance
- Road weather management
- Commercial vehicle operations
- Intermodal freight
Intelligent Vehicles
- Driver assistance
- Collision notification
- Collision warning
The cost side of the database is based on the National ITS Architecture,
which consists of 21 subsystems:
- Roadside telecom
- Roadside detection
- Roadside control
- Roadside information
- Roadside rail crossing
- Toll plaza
- Parking management
- Remote location
- Emergency response center
- Emergency vehicle on-board
- Information service provider
- Transportation management center
- Transit management center
- Toll administration
- Transit vehicle on-board
- Commercial vehicle administration
- Commercial vehicle check station
- Commercial vehicle on-board
- Fleet management center
- Vehicle on-board
- Personal devices
- ITS Benefits and Costs Report
Ms. Polk distributed copies of the Intelligent Transportation System
Benefit and Costs: 2003 Update. The report is a biennial snapshot of the
contents of the Benefits and Costs Database. Hard copies are available while
supplies last. Working Group members interested in a copy of the report should
send an email to itspubs@fhwa.dot.gov.
The report is also available online at the following web address: http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/jpodocs/repts_te/13772.html
- Show Me the Benefits Workshop
The purpose of the workshop was to examine the benefits of ITS that have been
identified to date, as well as discuss how those benefits are presented to
public officials to help them make better informed decisions about investments
in ITS. The workshop reaches a good mix of federal, state, and local agencies.
The workshop agenda includes discussion on locating ITS benefit/cost data,
its use. Using several project evaluations as examples, the workshop provides
details on project evaluation methodology, benefit and cost impacts, and
specific details on how the data was used in each program.
Two data models that estimate the cost and benefits of ITS investments are
described through case study examples. The ITS Deployment Analysis System (IDAS)
assists public agencies with integrating the deployment of ITS into the
transportation planning process. The Process for Regional Understanding and
Evaluation of Integrated ITS Networks (PRUEVIN) modeling tool was developed
using data from two freeways in Washington.
Discussion
Laurie Radow, FHWA
One of the biggest challenges is bringing in local
decision makers. Through their understanding of local issues, the Working Group
members can help shape and define what type of information is included in the
database to best serve their constituents.
Robert Hicks, PTI
National goals are often different from local agency
goals. Pedestrian safety, for example, has become a big issue in many areas.
Local level agencies are sometimes reluctant to look at results from other
localities that may not be applicable to their area. It is important to
understand the decision makers' perspective, shaping what types of information
are provided. Data combined in a benefit cost analysis is more likely to be of
use to local agencies. Benefit/cost information cannot be considered "one size
fits all." Someone from the local level will need to assemble the data into a
useful format to meet specific needs or purposes. Localities may require
assistance to help assemble data into a useful, understandable format; this
could require consultants that can be cost prohibitive. With federal funding
levels in decline, an increasing burden of the cost to implement ITS is placed
on state and local agencies. Mr. Hicks suggested that the FHWA consider
developing a template for localities to use in assembling useful benefit/cost
data. It is important to understand the safety aspect, rather than focus on
pushing the use of technology.
Amy Polk, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Contributions to the database can
be made via electronic or regular mail. Directions are provided on the website
home page at http://www.benefitcost.its.dot.gov
Much of the initial data that populated the ITS Benefit/Cost database was
collected during several research efforts that took place five years ago.
Federally funded projects with earmarks included for data collection serve as a
good source for cost. Another good resource for data is projects funded by the
federal government with earmarks attached for data collect efforts. Data is
accepted from vendors, however the systems must be commercially
available.
Shelley Row, ITE
The benefit/cost database provides a good starting
point for evaluating ITS, however the data must be translated into statistics
that have meaning to state and local decision makers. Each state or locality
needs a champion to "make the data real" for local level decision makers. The
FHWA should develop guidance to state and local agencies on using the
information provided in the database. Economic development activity is a useful
measure for state and local decision makers. Increased focus on the link between
ITS benefits and costs, and the resulting impact on economic development could
potentially encourage greater consideration and use of ITS. In states or areas
with adequate public facilities ordinances, there is potential to encourage for
ITS improvements as part of improving transportation infrastructure.
John Mason, Science Applications International
Corporation
Traditionally the planning process results in capital
investment projects. States and localities are challenged to compare the
benefit/cost of ITS and capital investment. Elected officials are leery of
solutions that potentially add to resource requirements, such as staff. FHWA
needs to help decision makers understand the advantages of ITS investment. Most
states and local jurisdiction directors of public works think of operations as
maintenance activities; the challenge becomes helping them realize the broader
sense of operations that can improve traffic flow through ITS
improvements.
Erin Lee, National Governors Association
Many of the governors are
challenged to establish a vision for deploying technological advances. From
their perspective, the issue includes safety, mitigating delay, and relating
that to improvements in economic development. Do private entities play a role in
increasing ITS deployments? In the interest of improving safety and mobility for
employees there may be opportunity for public/private partnerships that
encourage greater sophistication in ITS deployments. With states frequently
playing catch up to rehabilitate roadways, ITS deployments could potentially
free up resources that can be directed to rehabilitation efforts. These types of
messages, if quantifiable, will speak to state governors. The use of ITS will
naturally increase over time. Companies may recognize the value and locate based
on area ITS deployments.
Action
Amy Polk will inquire about the amount of cost
data that from vendors versus actual field deployments.
ITS Roundtable, All Working Group members
Robert Hicks, PTI
The white paper entitled, "Crossing Boundaries -
Public Private Partnerships" is now available. Also available from PTI is
the guidebook, "Unclogging Arterials, Prescriptions for Relieving Congestion
and Improving Safety On Major Local Roadways." The PTI Transportation and
Safety Committee will meet in October 2003. Development of a website is underway
that will serve as a one stop shop for local officials to help demystify
Transportation Operations. Currently PTI Inc. is exploring joint activities with
the ICDN. For more information visit the PTI Inc website http://www.pti.org.
Shelley Row, ITE
Currently ITE is working with FHWA to reengage the
national dialogue for transportation operations under a new title: The
National Coalition for Advancing Transportation Operations. This initiative
will hopefully evoke more action and less talk. The Coalition met in June 2003
and developed 10 short-term action items to advance transportation operations.
ITE is developing a workshop that will encourage the implementation of the ten
action items.
Russell Houston, TRB
The TRB annual meeting will be held January
11-15, 2004, in Washington D.C. Speakers will present 1,000 papers during the
meeting. An interactive meeting planning guide will be available soon on the TRB
website: www.trb.org
James Cheeks, ITE
The National Transportation Communication for ITS
Protocol (NTCIP) effort is continuing development of a strategic plan for the
ITS Standards Program. Openings on working groups for public sector
participation activities, as well as the ITS standards working group, are
available. Please contact James Cheeks if you or if your members are interested
in joining a working group.
Working Group members in attendance received a copy of The
NTCIP News. The newsletter highlights changes to the latest version of
the NTCIP Guide. ITE can supplement ITS information for Working Group
members and their constituents. Please contact James Cheeks for copies to
distribute to your members.
Zia Burleigh, ICMA
The ICMA Annual Conference will be held in
Charlotte, North Carolina at the end of September. Two sessions will focus on
transportation issues. John Mason, SAIC and Wayne Berman FHWA will lead a
discussion on transportation operations. A Wireless 911session will also be
held.
James Davenport, NACo
NACo staff are currently developing plans for
the March 2004 Legislative Conference. A draft white paper on incident
management to relieve congestion is currently under review.
Kelly Novak, NADO
At the 2003 Annual Training Conference in
Minneapolis a full Sunday session focused on Regional Transportation with a
representative from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet speaking on tourism and
transportation. The summer issue of the NADO newsletter Regional
Transportation Connector contains an interesting article on the use of
virtual interstate pricing to gain reimbursement. NADO recently hosted a GIS
workshop in Nashville Tennessee that was attended by approximately thirty
organizations. Discussions included transportation planning and linkages to
technology; details will be provided in the new Regional Transportation
Connector coming out this fall.
Michael Montag, AMPO
AMPO staff is currently planning for our Annual
Conference, to be held in Washington D.C. The latest ITS newsletter is
forthcoming.
Marcia Pincus, ITSA
The ITSA is currently planning for the 2004 annual
meeting. ITSA staff is exploring session ideas; any ideas for session topics
will be considered and greatly appreciated. The 2004 ITS World Congress will be
held in Madrid, Spain in November. Sessions will focus on ITS evaluation and
cost. Contact Marcia Pincus if you or your members are interested in providing
input into the sessions.
Erin Lee, NGA
NGA is focused on technology cross cutting issues
including transportation, health, and communication. Recently the National
Governors Association held a special session on infrastructure and
transportation security.
ICDN Update
Jerry Werner, ICDN
The ICDN currently has approximately 20,000
subscribers. Page views were 40,000 in August.
Articles of interest in the ICDN Newsletter include:
- FDOT Explores the Viability of Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for
Traffic Surveillance
- CARS-Amber Builds on the CARS Platform to Help "Standardize" Amber Alerts
in Eight States
- 511 Working Group Reports On Latest Developments
- ITS Yields and Transit Improvements
- Best Practices for Road Weather Management
Please ensure that news, articles, and reports continue to be submitted to
Jerry Werner for inclusion in the ICDN.
E-Dialogue Update
Laurie Radow, Federal Highway Administration
The Electronic
National Dialogue on Transportation Operations allows transportation
professionals to collaborate on ideas to define actions that will carry out our
common management and operations mission. The E-Dialogue Vision: "Managing and
operating the existing transportation system so that its performance meets or
exceeds customer expectations." Join the dialogue on-line: http://www.the Working
Groupits.com/opdialog/
Business Meeting
Laurie Radow, Federal Highway Administration
Ms. Radow distributed a
calendar of proposed dates, location, speakers, and topics for future Working
Group meetings. Please contact Ms. Radow if you are interested in hosting a
meeting; or have suggestions for topics or speakers.
Please review the material provided during the Working Group Special Session
on transportation operations that took place in June 2003; contact Laurie Radow
with proposed dates for a follow up meeting. Potential dates for the follow up
meeting include October 16, and December 9, 2003.
Ms. Radow thanked Peggy Tadej for moderating the meeting, ITE for hosting,
and all the Working Group members in attendance.
|
Next Meeting |
|
|
Date and Time: |
30 October 2003, 9:45 a.m. -12:00 pm |
|
Location: |
To be determined |
|
Topics and Speakers: |
Toni Wilbur, FHWA: iFlorida model deployment
Bob Rubert, FHWA: 511
update |
National Associations Working Group for ITS
American Public
Transportation Association
1666 K St., NW, 11th
Floor
Washington, DC 20006
Agenda
Opening Remarks and Introductions
Peggy Tadej, National Association of
Regional Councils (10 minutes)
Show Me the Benefit
Amy Polk, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (20-minute
presentation, 15 minute discussion)
ITS Benefits: What Are They? Where Do I
Find Them? Do They Outweigh The Costs?
ITS Update - Roundtable discussion
All Working Group Members (20
minute discussion)
ICDN - Update
Jerry Werner, ICDN (5 minute presentation)
E-Dialogue - Update
Laurie Radow (5 minutes)
Business Meeting
Laurie Radow, FHWA (5 minutes)
|
Next Meeting |
|
|
Date and Time: |
30 October 2003, 9:45 a.m. -12:00 pm |
|
Location: |
To be determined |
|
Topics and Speakers: |
Toni Wilbur, FHWA: iFlorida model deployment
Bob Rubert, FHWA: 511
update |
National Associations Working Group for ITS
September 11,
2003
Attendance
Michael Montag, Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations
James
Cheeks, Institute of Transportation Engineers
Shelley Row, Institute of
Transportation Engineers
Ed Stollof, Institute of Transportation
Engineers
Marcia Pincus, ITS America
Zia Burleigh, International
City/County Management Association
James Davenport, National Association of
Counties
Kelly Novak, National Association of Development
Organizations
Peggy Tadej, National Association of Regional Councils
Erin
Lee, National Governors' Association
Robert Hicks, Public Technology,
Inc.
Russell Houston, Transportation Research Board
Laurel Radow, Federal
Highway Administration
Amy Houser, Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
Jerry Werner, ICDN (via telephone)
Amy Polk, Jet Propulsion
Laboratory
Brett Graves, SAIC
John Mason, SAIC
 NAWG page
Visitor counts for this
page.
|
