Rural Data Collection Technology - FHWA Operations - U.S. ...

5 ConclusionReal-time travel time information can be valuable toboth motorists and transportation agencies. Whiletravel time practices are relatively well-establishedon major freeways, rural highways pose uniquechallenges, and few practitioners have experiencecollecting travel time data on rural roads. This reportprovides practitioners with information on the currentand emerging technologies available for RTT datacollection, summarizes current practice, and providesa set of key considerations and questions to ask whenplanning and operating an RTT program.Although RTT data collection is a relatively newand rapidly evolving area, RTT can be successfullyimplemented when a project is properly plannedand executed. The importance of proper planningcannot be overstated. Successful implementers havecarefully considered project objectives and haveprovided detailed implementation plans. Regardlessof the latest specific data collection technologyreleased, asking the right questions is paramount,beginning with planning, continuing to the selectionstage, and culminating with execution and evaluation.Practitioners who focus on asking the right questionsand heed the lessons learned by colleagues willgreatly increase the chances of a successfulimplementation.Rural Data Collection TechnologyFederal Highway Administration42