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ITS/Operations Resource Guide 2008

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      Control Systems

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  Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
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  National Transportation Operations
      Coalition

  Parking Management Systems
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  Tolling and Pricing
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  Traveler Information
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System Operations

Traveler Information

 
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Traveler Information Points-of-Contact

 

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Real-Time Traveler Information Program Section of the FHWA Office of Operations Website

 This website is a compilation of resources for the Traveler Information program, including 511 – America's Traveler Information Telephone Number. These resources focus on all aspects of traveler information: how the information is collected, how it is processed, how it is provided to travelers, and how transportation system operators may use it. The website links to practitioner tools and resources, and showcases the National Traffic and Road Closure Information database. The website also contains informational and other related links.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/TravelInfo/index.htm.


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National Traffic and Road Closure Information Website

 This website is compilation of traveler information websites for traffic and road closure information. The website shows a U.S. map that serves as a postal to traffic information and road closure websites sponsored by the state departments of transportation and other public and private organizations. The site also links to national and regional websites with construction, weather, and traffic information.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/index.htm.


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511 Travel Information Telephone Services Section of the FHWA Office of Operations Website

 This website is a compilation of resources related to 511 – the national three-digit traveler information number designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2000. The website provides information about the status of 511 deployment, including the 511 Planning Assistance Program that provided Federal funding to help states develop approaches to implementation. The website shows a map with states color-coded by their status of 511 deployment. The website also includes links and "backdoor" telephone numbers to active 511 systems, so that users can hear how the various services function.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/511/index.htm.


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511 Deployment Coalition Website

 The 511 Deployment Coalition is a partnership between the U.S. DOT and several professional associations representing state departments of transportation (DOTs), public transportation agencies, and the private sector. This website is a compilation of resources related to 511 compiled by Coalition members, including a map showing the current state-by-state status of 511 deployment across the U.S., materials and tips on how to market a 511 service, implementation guidelines, guidelines on how to evaluate the success of a 511 service and evaluation results showing usage statistics. The website also contains Coalition reports and minutes of Coalition general membership and subgroup meetings. The contacts section provides contact information for all participating state DOTs, the member professional associations and U.S. DOT, as well as instructions on how to join a Yahoo(R) discussion group that focuses on 511 deployment issues. The links section provides links to the 511 websites of all participating state DOTs.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the website address
http://www.deploy511.org
.


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Advanced Parking Management Systems: A Cross-Cutting Study (FHWA-JPO-07-011) (2007)

 This report is one in a series designed to educate public sector managers about particular ITS technologies. This report explains how ITS technologies can be used to inform travelers about where the best parking locations are, what hours they are open, what fees they change, and, most importantly, whether a parking space will be available when they arrive. This report presents the full range of advanced parking management systems (APMS) technologies, from low-tech solutions such as a parking information website to cutting-edge parking reservation systems that enable drivers to locate, reserve, and pay for a parking space all through wireless communications. The report profiles advanced parking management systems in Washington State, Illinois, and Maryland. The study concludes with a summary of the benefits and costs of this new technology, as well as lessons learned in the areas of policy and planning, design and deployment, and management and operations.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: To order a hardcopy, contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@dot.gov. For the online version, access the following website addresses:


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Communicating with the Public Using ATIS During Disasters – A Guide for Practitioners (FHWA-HOP-07-068) (2007)

 This report documents the findings of a study on the dissemination of traveler information during disasters, both natural (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes, avalanches and fires) and man-made (e.g., hazardous material spills and terrorist attacks). The report explores what information needs to be communicated to evacuees and other travelers during disaster conditions and how Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) can be used to deliver such information most effectively. The use of ATIS during actual disasters in California, Georgia, Nevada, Utah and Washington State is profiled in this report. The report presents a concept of operations that characterizes the flow of information among people, organizations, and technologies and recommends developing a local strategy for using ATIS during disasters. The report concludes with a toolkit for conducting a workshop among key stakeholders to develop such a strategy.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:


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Intelligent Transportation Systems for Traveler Information: Deployment Benefits and Lessons Learned (FHWA-JPO-07-002) (2007)

 This leaflet is one in a series that shows how ITS technologies can reduce congestion, in support of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Congestion Initiative. This leaflet summarizes the benefits, costs, extent of deployment and lessons learned about the use of ITS for providing accurate, timely traveler information. The online version contains a full list of sources, so that all information in the leaflet's brief four pages is backed up with supporting documentation.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: To order a hardcopy, contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@dot.gov. For the online version, access the following website addresses:


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Profiles of 511 Traveler Information Services: Update 2007 (2007)

 This document profiles 34 traveler information systems that use the national traveler information telephone number 511. This report highlights areas of information delivery these systems share and identifies those pieces of traveler information unique to specific systems. Of the 34 systems profiled, 31 have co-branded websites; 18 provide public transit information; and nine automatically transfer a caller, if requested, to a transit provider. This is the second of edition of this report. This edition profiles all 511 traveler information services operating in the U.S. as of July 2007.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/511_PROFILES_TOC-A_2007.doc.


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Real-time Traveler Information Services Business Models: State of the Practice Review (FHWA-HOP-07-115) (2007)

 This report documents the findings of a state-of-the-practice review of business models employed in the provision of traveler information services. In addition, this report provides real-world examples of how states and regions are developing partnerships and business plans within common business model frameworks. Common traveler information business models profiled in this report include public sector-funded operations, franchise operations, private sector-funded and -operated systems, value-added resellers, and business-to-business operations. This report explores roles and responsibilities assumed by different stakeholders and advantages and disadvantages of the various models. Case studies of various types of traveler information business models are included throughout the report.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:


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Priority, Market-Ready Technologies and Innovations: 511 Traveler Information (2006)

 This brochure provides a broad overview of 511 systems, describing the problem 511 was designed to address, what Federal assistance is available to deploy 511, how a typical 511 program works, how a typical 511 program is funded, and the national 511 deployment goal and current status (as of 2006) towards reaching that goal. The brochure concludes with a listing of helpful websites and Federal points-of-contact.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:


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Final Report: Model Deployment of a Regional Multi-Modal 511 Traveler Information System (2005)

 This report documents the findings of an evaluation of a model deployment of the 511 telephone information system in Phoenix, Arizona. The 511 system tested in Phoenix included several enhancements over traditional 511 technologies, including voice recognition, automated operation for common information requests, and provision of information on major transportation events such as incidents, construction, transit service disruptions, special events and abnormal weather conditions. The report concludes with recommendations based on lessons learned in the areas of voice recognition, marketing, partnerships, and feedback from users.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:


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Implementation and Operational Guidelines for 511 Services Version 3.0 (2005)

 These guidelines were designed to assist those wishing to implement and operate a three-digit traveler information number – 511 – as the main traveler information number in their region. The guidelines emphasize development of high-quality traveler information systems and compatibility with 511 systems nationwide. The guidelines also address two key aspects of service quality: content and consistency.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the website address
http://www.deploy511.org/docs/511%20Guidelines%20Version%203.0.pdf
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Managing Demand Through Travel Information Services (FHWA-OP-05-005) (2005)

 This report explores the opportunities and benefits of using traveler information services to manage traveler demand during periods of severe congestion. Three different types of travel demand situations are examined: (1) commuting to and from work, (2) predictable situations such as work zones, planned special events, tourism, and parking management, and (3) less predictable situations such as incidents, adverse weather conditions, hurricanes and other catastrophic events. Scattered throughout the report are examples of the traveler information technologies that states and municipalities across the U.S. are using to manage traveler demand, including websites, dedicated TV channels, dynamic message signs, e-mail alert services, "next bus" signs, and "smart park" systems. The report concludes with lessons learned and a discussion of the future direction of traveler information and its implications for managing travel demand.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/manag_demand_tis/travelinfo.htm.


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Travel Time Messaging Case Studies (2005)

 These case studies examine how four locations in the U.S. provide travel time messages on dynamic message signs. The case studies document the decision processes, system configuration, travel time calculation algorithms, and lessons learned.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:


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AMBER, Emergency, and Travel Time Messaging Guidelines for Transportation Agencies (2004)

 This report provides guidelines to transportation agencies on the content of dynamic message signs (DMS), specifically related to America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response (AMBER) alerts, emergency situations, and travel times. The guidelines are based on a review of current practice by transportation agencies from around the country. The report appendices contain the results of a survey conducted among transportation agencies, as well as an annotated bibliography on DMS usage.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:


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The Evaluation of Advanced Traveler Information Services (ATIS) Impacts on Truck Travel Time Reliability (2004)

 This report evaluates the ability of advanced traveler information systems (ATIS) to improve the on-time reliability of commercial vehicles in an urban setting. The evaluation uses the Heuristic On-Line Web-Linked Arrival Time Estimation (HOWLATE) simulation model to evaluate the impacts of ATIS on freight movements at an international terminal in Los Angeles, California. The study provides dollar value estimates of the benefits of ATIS and concludes that, for commercial vehicle operators with stringent on-time requirements who face considerable travel time variability, ATIS is a useful and high-value service.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:


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Traveler Information and Tourism: Assessment of Traveler Information and 511 Impacts upon Tourist Destinations and National Parks (2004)

 This report documents the findings of a study that examined the impact of traveler information on four tourist areas: Acadia National Park in Maine; Branson, Missouri; the I-81 Corridor in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia; and Salt Lake City, Utah. The report examines the impacts of traveler information at each of the four sites in depth, and then concludes with cross-cutting findings and recommendations on how to improve traveler information operations in tourist areas.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:


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Understanding Key Tradeoffs for Cost-Effective Deployment of Surveillance to Support Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) (2004)

 This report presents the findings of research, conducted through simulation models, into two types of transportation surveillance investments, comparing the relative costs and benefits for use in advanced traveler information systems (ATIS). The two types of investments are: expansion of surveillance coverage to include additional miles of roadway, and improving the accuracy of the information provided on roadways already covered by surveillance. The research concludes that the point at which the benefits of additional investment no longer exceed the costs is 50 to 60 percent of full network coverage for increasing coverage and a 5 percent error rate for increasing accuracy.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:.


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511 America's Traveler Information Number Deployment Assistance Reports (2002-2003)

 This series of reports was published by the 511 Deployment Coalition to provide both technical and institutional information to agencies considering, planning, or implementing 511 systems. The reports address issues such as business models, linkages with public safety and homeland security, regional interoperability, and several different types of 511 content, including public transportation, weather information, and roadway conditions.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:


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Guidance for Developing and Deploying Real-Time Traveler Information Systems for Transit (FTA-OH-26-7017-2003-1) (2003)

 This document offers guidance to transit agencies on the development and deployment of real-time transit information systems. The report presents the current state-of-the-practice in real-time transit information systems, components of successful systems, deployment issues and challenges, recommended practices for successful deployment, and a look toward the future of this promising technology.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the website address
http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/23000/23600/23663/RTTIS_Final.pdf
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Traveler Information Systems in Europe (FHWA-PL-03-005) (2003)

 This report presents the findings of the study team that participated in an International Technology Scanning Program tour of Spain, Germany, Sweden, Scotland, and England to learn about multimodal traveler information systems. Among the aspects of traveler information included in the report are information content, customer needs, business and cost recovery models, technology applications, consistency and standards, and legal and policy issues. The report concludes with recommendations for how European best practices can be applied in the U.S.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:


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511 Case Studies (2001)

 These case studies examine the transition made by several states and regions to the nationally designated three-digit traveler information number – 511 – as the main traveler information number for the area. The case studies document progress made to date and conclude with lessons learned.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the following website addresses:


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Sharing Data for Public Information: Practices and Policies of Public Agencies (2002)

 This report documents the current state-of-the-practice of public agencies sharing digital, video, and verbal forms of data and information about travel conditions. The particular aspects of a public agency's data-sharing practices can have a powerful effect on deployment of 511 telephone numbers and other types of traveler information services. This report describes how both the public and private sectors address the issues of data ownership and data sharing. This report also examines policies that seek to encourage data sharing and how these policies might improve the quality and quantity of information provided to travelers.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/travelinfo/resources/datashare/datshare.htm.


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511 for Traveler Information: Implementation Issues (2000)

 This document provides state and local transportation agencies with an explanation of the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) assignment of 511 as a three-digit nationwide telephone number for traveler information. The document explores the impacts of the FCC decision and some of the key issues related to how a transportation agency would implement 511 in its own region. The document discusses potential involvement with telephone local exchange carriers (LECs), wireless communications carriers, and state regulatory agencies such as public utilities commissions (PUCs), state commerce commissions (SCCs), and public service commissions (PSCs).

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the website address
http://www.its.dot.gov/511/pdf/traveler.pdf
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Summary of the Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative (MMDI) Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) Symposium and ATIS Data Collection Guidelines Workshop (2000)

 This document provides a summary of the Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative (MMDI) Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) Symposium and ATIS Data Collection Guidelines Workshop, held February 8-10, 2000, in Scottsdale, Arizona. The symposium focused on the experiences of the MMDI to provide guidelines and recommendations to public sector agencies considering the deployment or improvement of their ATIS services. In addition, the symposium highlighted successful institutional approaches to ATIS deployment, and best practices for the collection and dissemination of ATIS data. The online proceedings link to presentations given at the workshop, related white papers, and other reference documents.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the website address
http://www.ntoctalks.com/jpo/atis_summ.html
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What Have We Learned about Intelligent Transportation Systems? Chapter 4: What Have We Learned about Advanced Traveler Information Systems and Customer Satisfaction? (2000)

 This document is an excerpt from a compendium report that looks back on the 10 years of the National ITS Program to examine which ITS technology applications have been successful, which have not been successful, and what the underlying factors that determine success versus failure are. This section examines consumer acceptance of advanced traveler information systems (ATIS).

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the website address
http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/jpodocs/repts_te/13320.pdf
, EDL# 13320.


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Intelligent Transportation Systems Field Operational Test Cross-Cutting Study: Advanced Traveler Information Systems (FHWA-JPO-99-038) (1998)

 This reports summarizes and interprets the results of several field operational tests (FOTs) that tested advanced traveler information systems (ATIS). Topics covered include impacts, user response, technical lessons learned, institutional challenges and resolutions, and implementation costs.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/jpodocs/repts_te/6323.pdf, EDL# 6323.


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Strategies for Improved Traveler Information (TCRP Report# 92) (2003)

 This report summarizes the state of the practice in the provision of advanced traveler information services (ATIS) to transit riders. This report identifies transit traveler information needs, assesses the state of the art in providing transit traveler information, contains examples of customer information systems for both within and outside the transit industry, discusses transit traveler information as part of a larger continuity of information systems, and looks to the future of this promising new facet of the transit industry.

Cost: $22 for the hardcopy version; the online version is free.
To Access This Resource: To order the hardcopy version, contact the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Bookstore at http://www.trb.org/bookstore and search for "TC092," (202) 334-3213, fax: (202) 334-2519. For the online version, access the website address http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/tcrp/tcrp_rpt_92.pdf.


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Scheduled Lives, Stressful Drives (FHWA-OP-01-039) (2001)

 This video shows how advanced traveler information systems (ATIS) empower travelers to use their time more effectively. The video also calls for new ways to measure performance of transportation networks that reflect time budgeting and ATIS. The target audience for the video includes transportation professionals as well as the general public.

Cost: Free
To Access This Resource: To order a copy of the video, contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@dot.gov.


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Multimodal Traveler Information Systems

 The course identifies the issues, requirements, recommendations, lessons learned and best practices of implementing and operating advanced traveler information systems (ATIS). The course discusses the different types of traveler information that ATIS can provide, including transit information, traffic information and multimodal information, as well as various ATIS delivery mechanisms such as 511. The course explores how pre-trip information, including automated trip itinerary planning, differs from information that travelers want while en route. Participants will learn how to measure customer preferences and how to respond to what customers prefer. Finally, the course discusses relevant ITS standards and conformity with the National ITS Architecture.

Cost: Free for Federal, state and local government employees; $300 for contractors and consultants.
To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.asp?CourseNumber=ID007A or contact Susan Greenstone, National Transit Institute, (732) 932-1700 x219, SGreenstone@nti.rutgers.edu.