Strategic Deployment Plan - sacog

• Adapting signal operations and detection to improve mobility and safety for pedestrians and
bicyclist; and
• Collecting and disseminating roadway and transit information via the 511 Traveler
Information system and kiosks in public areas and at transit stops.
These examples and many other ITS applications will support the implementation of Blueprint, as
well as, improve current roadway and transit operations.
1.5 ITS and Homeland Security
Since September 11, 2001, the United States has had a major focus on Homeland Security.
Through this evolution, ITS has become an integral factor in preparing, preventing, and monitoring
terrorist activity by utilizing video surveillance, integrating traffic management with emergency
operations, and route guidance for drivers during evacuations or following destruction. For ITS to
integrate effectively, there must be coordinated management, compatible communications systems,
and real­time information feedback. There must also be up­to­date information made available to
the public.
There are five key areas that the National ITS Program Plan focuses on as it relates to Homeland
Security. These include the following:
• Preparedness is having transportation system data collection for analysis of
vulnerabilities, and communications and coordination technologies between agencies and
to the public;
• Prevention not only involves video surveillance to monitor the transportation system, but
sensors to detect misuse of commercial vehicles or other transportation infrastructure (rail,
stations, communications);
• Protection is tools and technology for maintaining the integrity of the transportation and
communications facilities and systems; and route guidance for route guidance of
emergency response personnel and escapees/evacuees;
• Response is having the tools and technologies that collect, process, and disseminate up­todate,
accurate information to emergency responders and the general public; and having a
durable communications framework with the ability to maintain communications during
emergencies; and
• Recovery is having the ability to reconfigure a transportation system to meet the needs of
an emergency, being able to utilize alternate modes due to emergency situations.
In all of these areas, ITS can help provide a transportation system that is more secure, better able to
respond to crises, and well­equipped to aid and support the many agencies that must be involved
with protecting the region.
The National ITS Program Plan offers additional discussion and perspective on the five key areas
above, with additional discussion about opportunities and approaches for enhancing security using
ITS.
097860000 SACOG ITS Strategic Deployment Plan
11 Final Report
September 2005