Evaluating Alternative Operations Strategies to Improve Travel Time ...

SHRP 2 L11: Final Report
Figure 7.3 Value and Effect of Pricing Information
Technology
As noted before, the key for managing the transportation system for reliability and, therefore,
making the concept of operations of the future possible, is by implementing technology through
integrated transportation operations. In turn, the key for making integrated transportation
operations possible requires two systems: a data collection system and a communication system.
Data are essential to know the performance of the transportation system and to support informed
decisions about system management and investments. The communications system is necessary to
exchange that data and to communicate guidance to users. To properly manage for reliability,
transportation agencies will need to find cost-effective ways to perform these data collection and
communications tasks. Potential ways for dealing with this challenge are discussed below.
Data Collection
Transportation agencies and the private sector will install data collection systems for operational,
traveler information, and logistics purposes. Agencies will use a variety of data collection
technologies including loops, radar, automated vehicle identification, automatic vehicle location
(GPS), road weather information systems, pattern recognition technology, and data entered into
fixed and mobile computers. Collectively, data regarding travel time and its variability, incidents,
weather, work zones, special events, changes in traffic control systems, and variations in demand
and supply will be available to systems operators and managers, private suppliers of traffic data
and road users. Toll collection systems are a good source of traffic management data since they
can supply a wealth of real-time probe vehicle data, for:
• Pricing/Congestion Management
• Traveler information
• Telecommuting decisions based on traffic and weather information
A CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS Page 119