Evaluating Alternative Operations Strategies to Improve Travel Time ...

SHRP 2 L11: Final Report
• Infrastructure Improvements and Demand Optimization
• Technology Innovations
Table 6.1 provides an outline of the organization of strategies (sorted among the first five
categories) that could improve travel-time reliability. The sixth category – Technological
Innovations – is discussed at the end of this chapter.
Table 6.1 Organization of Strategies
Category
Agency Management,
Organization, and Resource
Allocation
Information Collection and
Dissemination
Vehicle Technologies
Incident and Special Event
Management
Infrastructure Improvements and
Demand Optimization
Strategy
Systems Operations and Management (SO&M) Awareness
SO&M Structure
SO&M as High Priority Budget Item
Public and private Partnerships
Surveillance and Detection (Remote Verification (CCTV)
Probe Vehicles and Point Detection (GPS, Video Detection,
Microwave Radar, Transponders, Bluetooth MAC Readers)
Pre-trip Information
Real-time Information
Roadside Messages
Vehicle Infrastructure Integration
Driver Assistance Products
Pre-event Strategies
Post-event Strategies
Geometric Design Treatments
Access Management
Signal Timing/ ITS
Traffic Demand Metering
Variable Speed Limits
Congestion Pricing
Lane Treatments
Multimodal Travel
Travel Reduction
Each category in Table 6.1 is further subdivided into strategies and treatments. This chapter
provides detailed information regarding key strategies and treatments that can be applied to
improve travel-time reliability.
Appendix E describes a framework for strategies that are related to agency management,
organization, and resource allocation.
Appendix F provides additional description and quantitative benefits for the strategies listed in
Table 6.1 (excluding agency management). It should be noted that no quantitative benefits
specific to travel-time reliability were identified. However, information related to other
performance measures such as reduced delay, travel-time savings, increased safety, and increased
capacity that could have an indirect impact on travel-time reliability are quantified in Appendix F.
Appendix G presents information on capital and operational costs for the strategies that exclude
the agency management strategies. General cost information highlighting some example
applications in the U.S. is also presented in the Appendix G.
Agency Management, Organization, and Resource Allocation
It is important for public agencies to re-assess internal procedures, management, and resource
allocation to manage the transportation system in terms of travel-time reliability. Best practice
indicates that important improvements in system reliability depend largely on the non-capital, non-
OPERATIONS STRATEGIES AND TREATMENTS TO IMPROVE TRAVEL-TIME RELIABILITY Page 64