Analysis Tools
Archived Data
Arterial Operations and Traffic
Control Systems
Commercial Vehicle Operations
Freeway Management and
Operations
High-Occupancy Vehicle Facilities
Intermodal Freight
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices
National Transportation Operations
Coalition
Parking Management Systems
Planning and Integration
Road Weather Management
Rural Issues
Tolling and Pricing
Traffic Incident Management
Transit
Transportation Management
Centers
Transportation Security
Travel Demand Management
Traveler Information
Work Zones
| System Operations |
Transportation Management Centers
 | Transportation Management Centers Points-of-Contact |
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 | TMC Pooled-Fund Study Website |
| This site is the official website of the Pooled-Fund Study (PFS) on Traffic Management Centers (TMCs). The purpose of the TMC Pooled-Fund Study is to identify and address the key issues and challenges that managers and operators of TMCs are facing. The Pooled-Fund Study provides a mechanism to pursue projects that address common needs among participating members. Any agency responsible for managing travel on any surface transportation system is eligible to join, and the website has information on how to do so. The website also contains the Pooled-Fund Study's list of current projects and their status, list of completed projects and products delivered, charter membership list, and materials related to past and upcoming meetings such as agendas, minutes, and handouts. The Pooled-Fund Study welcomes proposals for new projects and the website has instructions on how to submit new project ideas. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://tmcpfs.ops.fhwa.dot.gov. | |
 | TMCOps |
| This tool assists the user in developing knowledge, skills and ability (KSA) requirements for transportation management center (TMC) operations personnel. These KSA requirements enable transportation professionals to develop position descriptions and job classifications based on the tasks the TMC operator is required to perform and consider the tasks performed by an operator in support of an overall systems engineering process of a TMC. This tool encapsulates the information contained in the document TMC Operator Requirements and Position Description. Development of this tool and TMC Operator Requirements and Position Descriptions was sponsored by the Transportation Management Center Pooled-Fund Study (TMC PFS). Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://tmcops.gtri.gatech.edu/tool_home.php. | |
| TMC Staffing and Scheduling Tool |
| This software tool automates three of the process described in the document TMC Staffing and Scheduling for Day-to-Day Operations: shift scheduling, days-off scheduling, and the calculation of a relief factor. Development of this tool and TMC Staffing and Scheduling for Day-to-Day Operations was sponsored by the Transportation Management Center Pooled-Fund Study (TMC PFS). Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://tmcpfs.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/cfprojects/uploaded_files/ Final_TMC_Staffing_Tool.zip. | |
 | Center-to-Field (C2F) Communications Profiles Standards Advisory (2007) |
| This flier is one of a series of documents that provide state and local transportation agencies with background and guidance on development issues and other key activities related to ITS standards. Center-to-Field (C2F) communications take place between a traffic management center (TMC) and one or more field devices managed by that center. C2F communications cover lower layer interfaces between a TMC and such devices as dynamic message signs (DMSs), traffic signals, ramp meters, environmental sensor stations (ESSs), closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and data collection devices. C2F standards can be divided into two categories: (1) message and data content and (2) rules for exchanging messages and data. The focus of this ITS Standards Advisory is on the rules for exchanging messages and data, called "C2F communications profile standards." The flier contains a list of C2F communications profile standards, a list of C2F resources, and a list of C2F documents and guides. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.standards.its.dot.gov/Documents/advisories/adv_c2f_bg.asp. | |
| Center-to-Center (C2C) Communications Profiles Standards Advisory (2006) |
| This flier is one of a series of documents that provide state and local transportation agencies with background and guidance on development issues and other key activities related to ITS standards. Center-to-Center (C2C) communications relate to all aspects of ITS, covering the exchange of data between computers physically located in different transportation management facilities (e.g., traffic management centers, transit management centers, emergency management centers, and parking management centers.) C2C standards enable exchange of data, specifying what information is exchanged, how and when it is exchanged, and the underlying transport mechanisms. C2C standards can be divided into two categories: (1) message and data content and (2) rules for exchanging messages and data. The focus of this ITS standards advisory is on the rules for exchanging messages and data, called "C2C communications profile standards." The flier contains a list of C2C communications profile standards, a list of C2C standards resources, and a list of C2C documents and guides.
Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address: http://www.standards.its.dot.gov/Documents/advisories/adv_c2c_bg.asp. | |
| Coordinated Freeway and Arterial Operations Handbook (FHWA-HRT-06-095) (2006) |
| This handbook provides direction, guidance and recommendations on how to coordinate freeway and arterial operations in a proactive and comprehensive manner. The handbook defines coordinated freeway and arterial (CFA) operations and discusses how to apply CFA to four areas of high pay-off: traffic incident management, work zone management, planned special events management, and day-to-day (or recurring) operations. The handbook concludes with a discussion of new technologies such as ITS and an example of CFA in an incident management program in Northern Virginia. Development of this handbook was sponsored by the Transportation Management Center Pooled-Fund Study (TMC PFS). Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://tmcpfs.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/cfprojects/uploaded_files/06095.pdf. | |
| Integration of Emergency and Weather Elements into Transportation Management Centers (FHWA-HOP-06-090) (2006) |
| This report documents the findings of a study that examined how weather and emergency information is being integrated into operations at 38 transportation management centers (TMCs) across the country. The study was sponsored jointly by the FHWA Road Weather Management Program and the FHWA Emergency Transportation Operations Program. The report describes the state-of-the-practice in integration of weather and emergency information into TMC operations. The report also identifies best practices, discusses the benefits and challenges of integration, and offers recommendations on how to get started and how to enhance current weather/emergency integration at one's own TMC. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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| Ramp Management and Control Handbook (2006) |
| This handbook provides guidance and recommended practices on managing and controlling traffic on ramps with freeway facilities. The handbook discusses several ramp management strategies, including how to select appropriate strategies and develop ramp management plans, how to implement those strategies and plans, how to operate and maintain these strategies, and how to assess their performance and report on the results. This handbook also describes in greater depth the issues and concepts specific to ramp management and control presented in Chapter 7 of the Freeway Management and Operations Handbook. In addition to the Ramp Management and Control Handbook, key concepts of ramp management and control are summarized in a primer, brochure, fact sheet, and frequently asked questions (FAQ) document. Development of these materials was sponsored by the Transportation Management Center Pooled-Fund Study (TMC PFS). Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:.
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| Transportation Management Center Staffing and Scheduling for Day-to-Day Operations (2006) |
| This document provides an introduction to the concept of work analysis, scheduling, and staff planning needed for staffing a transportation management center (TMC). The document explores several methods of work analysis, including job analysis, workload analysis, and demand analysis. The document discusses various aspects of staff scheduling, including who should have the responsibility for scheduling employees and methods for developing a schedule. The document concludes by showing how to develop a staffing plan and how to plan for emergencies. An appendix contains a case study from the Arizona TMC. This document serves as a companion to the TMC Staffing and Scheduling Tool. Development of this document and the TMC Staffing an Scheduling Tool was sponsored by the Transportation Management Center Pooled-Fund Study (TMC PFS). Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://tmcpfs.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/cfprojects/uploaded_files/ Final_Technical_Document1.pdf. | |
| Handbook for Developing a TMC Operations Manual (2005) |
| This handbook shows how to develop an operations manual for a transportation management center (TMC). The handbook explains why a TMC operations manual is important, describes the components of a manual, and identifies the activities and participants needed to develop and update a manual. The handbook provides a checklist that can be used in the development of a TMC operations manual and presents case studies on TMC operations manual development from Northern Virginia and Orlando, Florida. Development of this handbook was sponsored by the Transportation Management Center Pooled-Fund Study (TMC PFS). Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://tmcpfs.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/cfprojects/uploaded_files/ Handbook_TMC_Ops_Manual1.pdf. | |
| Impacts of Using Dynamic Features to Display Messages on Changeable Message Signs (FHWA-HOP-05-069) (2005) |
| This report documents the findings of an evaluation of how well drivers comprehend messages displayed on changeable message signs (CMSs) that use dynamic features, i.e., text that flashes or alternates between multiple pieces of text. The evaluation was conducted in a driving simulator with 64 subjects. The study found that dynamic features have an adverse effect on drivers' ability to comprehend CMS messages. This research was sponsored by the Transportation Management Center Pooled-Fund Study (TMC PFS). Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://tmcpfs.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/cfprojects/uploaded_files/ Final%20Research%20Report%20091905.pdf. | |
| Changeable Message Sign Operation and Messaging Handbook (FHWA-OP-03-070) (2004) |
| This handbook is a consolidation of the most current and best information on the design and display of effective changeable message sign (CMS) messages for incident and roadwork events. The handbook presents this information in a series of 10 modules, covering topics such as fundamentals of CMS operations, CMS operating policies, principles of CMS message design, dealing with long messages, establishing a maximum message length, formatting messages, and the CMS message design process. The handbook is designed to help both new and experienced users of CMSs at various levels of a given agency. Development of this handbook was sponsored by the Transportation Management Center Pooled-Fund Study (TMC PFS). Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://tmcpfs.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/cfprojects/uploaded_files/CMS%20Operation%20and%20Messaging%20Handbook-Final%20Draft.pdf. | |
| TMC Operator Requirements and Position Descriptions (2004) |
| This document provides guidance on how to develop knowledge, skills and ability (KSA) requirements for transportation management center (TMC) operations personnel. These KSA requirements enable transportation professionals to develop position descriptions and job classifications based on the tasks the TMC operator is required to perform and consider the tasks performed by an operator in support of an overall systems engineering process of a TMC. This document serves as a companion to the TMCOps software tool. Development of this document and the TMCOps tool was sponsored by the Transportation Management Center Pooled-Fund Study (TMC PFS). Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://tmcpfs.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/cfprojects/uploaded_files/tmc_opreq_pds.pdf. | |
| Configuration Management for Transportation Management Systems: Final Report (FHWA-OP-04-013) (2003) |
| This handbook provides an introduction to configuration management (CM) in a transportation context. The handbook defines configuration management, describes current CM practices, and discusses CM processes and plans. The handbook provides guidance on how to establish a formal CM program and concludes with a list of CM resources and tools. Development of this handbook was sponsored by the Transportation Management Center Pooled-Fund Study (TMC PFS). Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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| Freeway Management and Operations Handbook (FHWA-OP-04-003) (2003) |
| This handbook provides an overview of the institutional and technical issues associated with the planning, design, implementation, and management of a freeway network. The 2003 edition is an update of the 1997 edition and is the third update to be published by FHWA. The handbook examines a wide variety of strategies, tools, and technologies that can be used to support management and operation of the freeway network. Development of this handbook was sponsored by the Transportation Management Center Pooled-Fund Study (TMC PFS). Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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| Managing Travel for Planned Special Events (2003-2007) |
| This series of documents presents a wide range of information on planning for and managing transportation for planned special events. A handbook, published in 2003, presents a recommended set of policies, regulations, processes, impact mitigation strategies, equipment and personnel resources and technology applications used in planned special events traffic management. A frequently asked questions (FAQ) sheet summarizes the information in the handbook into a list of 33 questions with answers. A two-page fact sheet encapsulates the essential information even further and lists available resources including training opportunities. A presentation guides readers through the special events traffic management planning process. A tri-fold brochure contains an overview of planned special events traffic management, as well as quotes from transportation operators who have used these techniques with success. An executive summary, published in 2007, provides an overview of planned special events transportation management and includes updated material, such as available training and other tools, as well as references to more recent planned special events. Development of these materials was sponsored by the Transportation Management Center Pooled-Fund Study (TMC PFS). Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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| Guidelines for Transportation Management Systems Maintenance Concept and Plans (FHWA-OP-04-011) (2002) |
| This report provides an overview of the institutional, procedural, programmatic, and technical issues associated with the maintenance of a transportation management center system. The report describes the importance of developing a maintenance concept, maintenance program, and a multiyear maintenance plan. The report also provides guidance on how to develop these materials and to integrate maintenance considerations into all phases of the transportation management system life cycle. Development of this report was sponsored by the Transportation Management Center Pooled-Fund Study (TMC PFS). Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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| 4th Conference on Integrated Transportation Management Systems: Proceedings and White Papers (2002) |
| These documents provide a summary of the 4th Integrated Transportation Management Systems (ITMS) Conference, held July 15-18, 2002, in Newark, New Jersey. The symposium was sponsored by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and FHWA, in cooperation with the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The goal of the conference was to identify potential initiatives and opportunities to help advance the state-of-the-art in planning, designing, deploying, operating, and evaluating ITMS. Seven white papers were prepared prior to the conference to help frame key issues. The proceedings summarize the presentations from the general and breakout sessions. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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| Traffic Control System Operations: Installation, Management and Maintenance (2000) |
| This manual presents a general tutorial on traffic system maintenance-related issues in traffic control and traffic management. The manual updates and expands information contained in the 1989 edition to address ITS and other new traffic signal control operations strategies. The manual provides guidelines on design and installation techniques that require minimal maintenance, contains helpful suggestions for maintenance personnel, and addresses staffing and budgeting issues. Cost: $50 for members of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE); $62.50 for nonmembers To Access This Resource: Contact the ITE Bookstore, http://www.ite.org/bookstore/index.asp, (202) 289-0222 x130, fax: (202) 289-7722, publications@ite.org. | |
| Metropolitan Transportation Management Center – Concepts of Operations: A Cross-Cutting Study (FHWA-JPO-99-020/FTA-TRI-11-99-10) (1999) |
| This report, one in a series designed to educate public sector managers about particular ITS technologies, examines how several locations across North America are designing, installing, and operating transportation management centers (TMCs). The report discusses successful practices and lessons learned in training, documentation, staffing, coordination (within agencies, between agencies, and with the media), and maintenance, design, and procurement. The study stresses the importance of documenting the common understanding of all partners in the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of the TMC in a concept of operations. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/jpodocs/repts_te/10923.pdf. | |
| Metropolitan Transportation Management Center – Concepts of Operations: Case Studies (1999) |
| These reports are part of a series designed to educate public sector managers about particular ITS technologies. These case studies present the particular choices made in the design, implementation, operations, and maintenance of eight metropolitan transportation management centers across North America. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:
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| Metropolitan Transportation Management Center – Concepts of Operation: Implementation Guide (FHWA-OP-99-029/FTA-TRI-11-99-23) (1999) |
| This report is one in a series designed to provide public sector project managers with practical "how to" advice on the implementation of selected ITS technologies. This report examines several aspects of metropolitan transportation management centers (TMCs), including the rationale of building a TMC and the different types and functions of a TMC. The report presents choices that many agencies have faced when building or expanding a TMC – such as manual versus automated operation and in-house versus outsourced staffing – and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each option. The report stresses the importance of documenting the common understanding of all partners of the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of the TMC in a concept of operations. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/jpodocs/rept_mis/11494.pdf. | |