Focus Areas

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Planning for Operations Program Area has several related content focus areas. Those areas include:

Integrating Operations into Planning and Programming

This area centers on the use of an objectives-driven, performance-based approach to planning for operations as an effective way to integrate operations into planning and programming.

Analysis and Performance Measurement

Analysis and performance measurement are the key activities in two major elements of the planning for operations approach: 1) the systematic process to develop and select M&O strategies to meet objectives and 2) system performance monitoring and evaluation.

Regional Collaboration and Coordination

Collaboration and coordination among transportation operators and between planners and those responsible for day-to-day operations is vital for safe, seamless, and reliable travel across modes and jurisdictions.

Organizing for Operations

Organizing for operations involves making transportation systems management and operations (TSM&O) a central part of an agency’s mission and institutional structure. This is accomplished by advancing TSM&O programs and projects within the agency.

Congestion Management Process (CMP)

A congestion management process (CMP) is a systematic approach to managing congestion that provides accurate, up-to-date information on transportation system performance and assesses alternative strategies for congestion management that meet State and local needs.

Regional Concept for Transportation Operations (RCTO)

A Regional Concept for Transportation Operations (RCTO) is a management tool that assists in planning and implementing management and operations (M&O) strategies in a collaborative and sustained manner.