The Regional Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Architecture describes how the various applications of ITS implemented across the Phoenix metropolitan region are interconnected and function as a regional system. The process for defining or developing a region’s ITS architecture must also conform to the National ITS Architecture (NIA) -- a national blue print that was established by the US Department of Transportation. The primary reasons for developing ITS according to such a national plan are to ensure compatibility of systems and products across the nation, to utilize common standards and to expedite new developments. The ITS Strategic Plan for the region was first developed by MAG in 2001. This Plan also included the very first definition of the Regional ITS Architecture (RIA). Since ITS is closely linked to system management and operations, as a natural next step, MAG developed the Regional Concept of Transportation Operations (RCTO) in 2003, which is a high level transportation operations plan for the region. These important planning developments have resulted in significant new implementations in ITS infrastructure and transportation operations. Many regional transportation developments such as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system and the expansion of Bus Rapid Transit routes, have all resulted in the region’s existing ITS architecture definition being somewhat outdated. This project, therefore, will perform a much needed update of the RIA. The updated RIA will reflect all existing ITS-related infrastructure as well as those that are programmed and planned future projects. The RIA will accurately reflect any changes and modifications that have been made to the National ITS Architecture since 2001. This information may be used to link to future potential ITS projects. The project will include a plan for maintaining and updating the RIA on a regular basis, so that it will remain current and valid. The RIA will serve as the key reference for any ITS infrastructure development in the MAG region by member agencies. It is anticipated that the RIA will provide detailed information on how an ITS project can be broken into smaller functional pieces. The RIA project will also be closely coordinated with an update of the ITS Strategic Plan. This project is scheduled to be completed by the end of February, 2009. If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact the ITS and Safety Program Manager, Sarath Joshua or Project Manager Leo Luo at 602-254-6300.  Get e-mail updates when this information changes / Learn more... | 
