managing travel for planned special events - FHWA Operations ...

TRANSPORTATIONSYSTEM3Flow pattern also influences the transportationsystem (relationship #3), causing plannersto implement capacity improvements orchanges in transportation system operations.Simple changes include establishing temporaryregulations or revising monetarycharges (recouped from event organizers) toinfluence travel choice utility. Other infrastructureand operations mitigation measuresrequired to manage travel for a planned specialevent are developed by the event planningteam and specified in the traffic managementplan. Such measures, when analyzedor implemented, cause a flow patternchange.DEMANDFigure 6-3Fundamental Relationships inTransportation System OperationsIn Chapter 5, the feasibility study evaluatedthe flow pattern created by the transportationsystem and demand (relationship #1). Thetraffic management plan development processbegins with an assessment of this flowpattern. First, practitioners should recognizethat flow pattern influences travel choiceand, therefore, demand (relationship #2) aslong as other attractive (e.g., higher utility)travel alternatives exist. For instance, a feasibilitystudy may identify a roadway capacitydeficiency, but an effective traveler informationplan can alleviate the deficiencyby informing transportation system users ofother, underutilized travel alternatives (e.g.,alternate routes or modes). This effortachieves balanced transportation system operationsby equalizing the utility of all availabletravel choices and may succeed in providinga satisfactory level of service for allsystem users.12FLOWPATTERNThe most cost-effective and preferred set ofstrategies for planned special event travelmanagement utilizes the existing transportationsystem infrastructure and services. Thisrepresents the recommended initial focus ofthe event planning team; Achieve balancedtransportation system operations, thenevaluate system level of service.Planned Special Event Activity NetworksFigure 6-4 outlines the various activity networksthat may serve a planned specialevent venue. Each activity network describesthe inter-modal movements andtransfer points from origin to venue destination.Integration of the traffic managementplan components involves meeting the servicerequirements of these activity networks.For example:• A pedestrian access plan must accommodatepedestrian trips connecting variousmodes of travel.• A courtesy shuttle bus operation mayservice both public transit stations andsatellite parking areas within the venuesite area.• Traveler information plans must accountfor all activity networks.• Impacts to non-attendee transportationsystem users occur on the regional level,and activity network components withinthe site area level impact local residentsand businesses near the venue.For smaller planned special events, the eventplanning team may target one activity network,such as improving automobile accessto designated parking areas or improvingpublic transit usage. For larger events, theteam must coordinate and achieve seamlessoperation among several activity networks.6-6