Knowledge Resources

Provide data visualization and analysis applications to build support for data archiving and transportation ITS and Operations overall.
The Regional Integrated Transportation Information System in the Maryland, Washington DC region gains support through the visualization tools and easy access they provide to their users.

Develop a plan for the continued maintenance and sustainment of new mobile transit applications utilizing transit open data, to minimize the risk that application developers will stop supporting the applications.
Experience from Government Open Data Applications Contests

Design a trip planning website to capture and convey real-world factors such as gas prices and congestion information.
Evaluation of a Multimodal Trip Planning System (MMTPS) in Northeastern Illinois

Allow one agency to be in charge of the procurement process when implementing ITS technologies designed to coordinate services between urban and rural transit systems.
A rural ITS demonstration in Poinciana, Florida.

Provide at least the recommended minimum distance between a GPS antenna and a radio antenna on a transit vehicle.
A rural ITS demonstration in Poinciana, Florida.

When developing transit signal priority (TSP) systems, consider using traffic simulation models as a cost-effective means of comparing the impacts of different TSP strategies on transit and non-transit vehicle travel time.
Guidance emerging from a TSP literature review and from an evaluation of TSP in Burlington, Vermont.

Prepare agency staff for implementation of new ITS technologies and involve maintenance and information technology (IT) staff in the installation process.
Washoe County’s experience implementing a comprehensive transit ITS program.

Be prepared to use local resources to service mission critical system components, and provide ongoing O&M training to maximize system benefits.
Washoe County’s experience implementing a comprehensive transit ITS program.

Consider procuring computer and network hardware independently when feasible and procure right-sized systems.
Washoe County’s experience implementing a comprehensive transit ITS program.

Do not expect to see significant operations staff reductions due to implementing ITS technologies, but do expect service improvements using the same staff levels.
Washoe County’s experience implementing a comprehensive transit ITS program.

Identify champions early to facilitate communications, project management, and staff ownership for successful deployment of a comprehensive transit ITS program.
Washoe County’s experience implementing a comprehensive transit ITS program.

For a comprehensive transit ITS deployment program, select an agency project manager with skills in planning, information technology, and communications.
Washoe County’s experience implementing a comprehensive transit ITS program.

Encourage staff to find creative and efficient uses of ITS to improve operations through better communications.
Washoe County’s experience implementing a comprehensive transit ITS program.

Weigh in the advantages of procuring new information technology (IT) assets, and maintain an asset management system that details new IT inventory.
Washoe County’s experience implementing a comprehensive transit ITS program.

To avoid surprises after implementation of a comprehensive transit ITS program, perform a detailed analysis of costs for operations and maintenance during the project planning phase.
Washoe County’s experience implementing a comprehensive transit ITS program.

In deploying a comprehensive transit ITS program, develop strategies and requirements for planning, procurement, implementation, and ongoing operations.
Washoe County’s experience implementing a comprehensive transit ITS program.

Expect agency's information technology (IT) operations and maintenance budget to increase in order to train qualified IT staff to maintain a new suite of hardware and software.
Washoe County's experience implementing a comprehensive transit ITS program.

Ensure that the management responsible for transit ITS planning is knowledgeable on agency’s labor contracts and how labor contracts affect effective utilization of ITS tools.
Washoe County’s experience implementing a comprehensive transit ITS program.

Understand that the contractor’s availability to remain on site after the deployment of a comprehensive transit ITS is important, so is the contractor’s ability to work with the original equipment manufacturer.
Washoe County’s experience implementing a comprehensive transit ITS program.

Designate the agency project manager as the single point of contact with the contractor and evaluate track record of contractor’s project management.
Washoe County’s experience implementing a comprehensive transit ITS program.

Develop a long-term ITS vision and use systems engineering processes to successfully manage ITS deployments.
Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority's experience in deploying transit ITS

Develop long-term vision and goals for agency’s ITS program and ensure timely completion of long lead-time activities to support future ITS initiatives.
Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority's experience in deploying transit ITS

Commit to testing the new systems thoroughly, develop an acceptance matrix to document status of testing, and perform verification and validation before introducing them to support agency’s transportation operations.
Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority's experience in deploying transit ITS

Consider developing a data warehouse early on to simplify the integration of subsequent ITS deployments and to efficiently manage operations of interdependent applications.
Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority's experience in deploying transit ITS

Tailor the standard systems engineering process model to suit an agency’s ITS deployment scale and needs.
Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority's experience in deploying transit ITS

Ensure proper sequencing of ITS deployments with careful consideration to dependencies among projects and utilize a data warehouse to lessen complexity in ITS integration.
Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority's experience in deploying transit ITS

Consider using virtual servers and ensure that all applications use a single database engine in order to reduce time and human capital required to maintain the additional IT infrastructure warranted for ITS.
Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority's experience in deploying transit ITS

Reach out to a broad range of stakeholders and deploy early the projects that demonstrate easy-to-see benefits to build momentum for agency’s ITS program.
Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority's experience in deploying transit ITS

Resolve conflicts between traditional data sources by using archived data.
Results from the Planning for Operations Case Study from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in San Francisco California

Beware of accuracy and privacy issues in using truck transponder data for developing real-time traveler information applications.
An Oregon Department of Transportation Experience

Incorporate diagnostic tools to identify and verify problems in the transmission of video in a transit bus security system.
Experience from iFlorida Model Deployment

When implementing traveler information systems that promote voluntary changes in travel behavior, incorporate functions for feedback, advice, and action-planning.
Experience with Mobility Management in Japan.

Use Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation (AMS) to identify gaps, determine constraints, and invest in the best combination of Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) strategies.
Experience with the AMS framework on the ICM Test Corridor, San Francisco.

Expect non-custom hardware and software to have technology limitations that may affect operational capabilities.
The Chicago, Illinois and Montgomery County, Maryland experience in procuring and developing advanced parking information system hardware and software.

Secure high level management support and broad participation throughout an organization during the implementation and operation of transit automatic vehicle location systems.
A synthesis of transit agency experience with bus AVL systems

Plan for cellular communications to evolve and transition to new communication technologies every few years.
A synthesis of transit agency experience with bus AVL systems

Examine route-specific opportunities and constraints, and assess corridor market potential for transit services prior to implementing BRT running way improvements.
National experience developing BRT

Training is important for Archived Data User Service (ADUS) acceptance and increased use.
Experience from Caifornia's training program for the PeMS Freeway Archive provide in the 2007 ADUS TRB Workshop

Draw on the strengths of complementary relationships between the public and private sectors for successful implementation of ITS projects.
The E-470 Public Highway Authority’s experience in forging public-private partnerships for design, construction, operations, and maintenance of an electronic toll highway facility.

Anticipate, understand, address and manage the risks associated with fare card technologies and the vendor relationship.
Experience of seven partner public transportation agencies in the Central Puget Sound region of Washington in setting up a regional fare card program.

Understand the issues, strategies and trade-offs that motivate agencies to join in a regional partnership and provide appropriate support.
Experience of seven partner public transportation agencies in the Central Puget Sound region of Washington in setting up a regional fare card program.

Plan for greater time and project complexity than expected.
Experience of seven partner public transportation agencies in the Central Puget Sound region of Washington in setting up a regional fare card program.

Understand user and usability issues surrounding the development and deployment of kiosks and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems.
Experience from the Lake Tahoe Coordinated Transit System.

Consider a consensus organizational model to help assure support and participation of partners in a regional fare card project.
Experience of seven partner public transportation agencies in the Central Puget Sound region of Washington in setting up a regional fare card program.

Provide for appropriate legal support services to address the many significant legal issues faced in implementing a regional fare card project.
Experience of seven partner public transportation agencies in the Central Puget Sound region of Washington in setting up a regional fare card program.

Be aware of operational issues regarding the development of coordinated transit systems
Experience from the Lake Tahoe Coordinated Transit System.

Establish a coordinated fare structure to effectively accommodate differences in fare structures across participating agencies.
Experience of seven partner public transportation agencies in the Central Puget Sound region of Washington in setting up a regional fare card program.

Consider the implications of ITS transit technologies on operational efficiencies.
Experience from the Lake Tahoe Coordinated Transit System.

Examine the contextual factors and carefully manage the associated issues that will determine the success or failure of a regional fare card project.
Experience of seven partner public transportation agencies in the Central Puget Sound region of Washington in setting up a regional fare card program.

Seek a variety of funding sources to support a regional fare card project, and offer a finance plan that encourages participation.
Experience of seven partner public transportation agencies in the Central Puget Sound region of Washington in setting up a regional fare card program.

Consider the value of implementing a limited fare pass system initially to serve as an interim experience base for a comprehensive region-wide electronic fare card system.
Experience of seven partner public transportation agencies in the Central Puget Sound region of Washington in setting up a regional fare card program.

Enhance transit safety and security systems by integrating voice and data technologies and by leveraging video-based systems.
Experience with emerging transit ITS technologies and trends.

Consider the pros and cons of performance bonds as they may not be appropriate for all types of procurements.
The Riverside Transit Agency experience with the terms and conditions for procuring equipment and software for automatic vehicle location (AVL) and computer-aided dispatch (CAD).

Exercise careful planning in preparation for issuing an RFP to help mitigate cost, schedule, and performance risks.
The Riverside Transit Agency experience with the methods of award and terms and conditions used to procure equipment and software for automatic vehicle location (AVL) and computer-aided dispatch (CAD).

Consider issuing separate awards for specific project components when procuring divergent technologies, equipment, or services.
The Riverside Transit Agency experience with the methods used to procure equipment and software for automatic vehicle location (AVL) and computer-aided dispatch (CAD).

Consider requirements definition and system design Issues for Archived Data Management Systems.
Experience from six Archived Data Management Systems case studies.

Install an electronic transit card system to enhance rural transit agency performance and coordinate human service transportation between agencies to achieve more efficient services.
New Mexico's experience with the implementation of Intelligent Coordinated Transit Smart Card Technology

Anticipate challenges in planning and deploying smart card technology in a rural environment.
New Mexico's experience with the implementation of Intelligent Coordinated Transit Smart Card Technology.

Involve and collaborate with a broad range of users during software design, development, testing, and deployment to increase the return on investment.
New Mexico Department of Transportation's experience in designing and deploying a web-based software application to simplify the increasing complexity of coordinating rural transit funding.

Use transit intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technologies in rural areas to save agency staff time and create a more user-friendly system.
The experience of several states in the implementation of ITS to rural transit.

Develop a detailed cardholder recruitment plan in the planning phase of the project, to provide guidance on processes to set pricing, and to ensure high user involvement and loyalty.
Orlando, Florida's experience with a Field Operational Test (FOT) on using a single smart card for transportation payments at facilities operated by multiple regional agencies.

Seek assurances from your suppliers and sub-contractors, that their production and manufacturing schedules will meet your project schedule and inventory requirements throughout the lifecycle of the project.
Orlando, Florida's experience with a Field Operational Test (FOT) on using a single smart card for transportation payments at facilities operated by multiple regional agencies.

Establish a forum for decision-makers and project managers to come together to receive project updates, work through critical project issues, make decisions, and support successful institutional collaboration in a project involving multiple agencies.
Orlando, Florida's experience with a Field Operational Test (FOT) on using a single smart card for transportation payments at facilities operated by multiple regional agencies.

Provide for large sample sizes when conducting before/after data collection efforts, to avoid impacting the ability to reveal statistically significant differences during the evaluation's statistical analysis.
Orlando, Florida's experience with a Field Operational Test (FOT) on using a single smart card for transportation payments at facilities operated by multiple regional agencies.

Include significant planning and development time in the overall project schedule to accommodate identifying and addressing the various compatibility issues, to integrate existing legacy system equipment across multiple agencies.
Orlando, Florida's experience with a Field Operational Test (FOT) on using a single smart card for transportation payments at facilities operated by multiple regional agencies.

Establish a clear understanding among all partners on the level of technical support to be provided by suppliers and integrators, as equipment provided in-kind or at a reduced cost is often provided with minimal technical support.
Orlando, Florida's experience with a Field Operational Test (FOT) on using a single smart card for transportation payments at facilities operated by multiple regional agencies.

Build support for operations and management activities by using data collected and archived to demonstrate data archival benefits.
National experience using archived traffic detector data for monitoring highway performance.

Gather information on activities and events that can affect system performance.
National experience using archived traffic detector data for monitoring highway performance.

Encourage agencies collecting data to use the collected data to improve their own agency functions.
National experience using archived traffic detector data for monitoring highway performance.

Promote local use of archived data for performance monitoring as a means of improving the interpretation of system performance at the national level.
National experience using archived traffic detector data for monitoring highway performance.

Use available datasets that can eventually capture the benefits of improved or ideal data, instead of waiting for a silver bullet dataset.
National experience using archived traffic detector data for monitoring highway performance.

Establish and thoroughly document accurate data collection and management procedures with the involvement of traffic managers.
National experience using archived traffic detector data for monitoring highway performance.

Assure accurate late train arrival forecasts in support of a Connection Protection system.
Experience of the Utah Transit Authority in implementing a Connection Protection program for rail-to-bus passenger transfers in Salt Lake City.

Incorporate real-time bus and train location information in the Connection Protection algorithm.
Experience of the Utah Transit Authority in implementing a Connection Protection program for rail-to-bus passenger transfers in Salt Lake City.

Adjust bus schedules to assure adequate time to accomplish rail-to-bus connections, given the risk of late train arrivals at connecting stations.
Experience of the Utah Transit Authority in implementing a Connection Protection program for rail-to-bus passenger transfers in Salt Lake City.

Minimize technical issues encountered with integrating ITS components by planning for issues and developing solutions prior to project implementation.
TriMet’s experience with the deployment of Transit Tracker in Portland Oregon.

Recognize the value of other agencies' experiences when planning an ITS project.
TriMet's experience with the deployment of Transit Tracker in Portland Oregon.

Recognize potential institutional issues when deploying an ITS system.
TriMet’s experience with the deployment of Transit Tracker in Portland Oregon.

Provide ITS training for transit systems managers, operators, and maintenance personnel when deploying Advanced Public Transportation Systems.
Recommendations for deploying ITS for transit in Birmingham, Alabama.

Develop ways to raise awareness among businesses to promote advanced traveler information sources to their customers.
An Acadia National Park experience in ITS deployment.

Consider various technical applications and processes, such as using GIS, evaluating systems compatibility and the facility for upgrades, when deploying ITS.
Five rural transit agencies' experiences in applying ITS to rural transit.

Provide ITS data at different aggregation levels as well as unaggregated data to satisfy diverse user needs.
National experience with ITS data archiving, sharing and usage.

Improve ITS data quality to achieve better analysis standards.
National experience with ITS data archiving, sharing and usage.

Provide easy and low-cost access to ITS data to facilitate data usage.
National experience with ITS data archiving, sharing and usage.

Design the system to withstand the demands of the physical environment in which it will be deployed.
Virginia's experience implementing a pilot automatic vehicle location (AVL) system in an urban winter maintenance operations setting.

Design and tailor system technology to deliver information of useful quality and quantity, that the user can reasonably absorb.
Virginia's experience implementing a pilot automatic vehicle location (AVL) system in an urban winter maintenance operations setting

When deploying ITS for transit service, perform a technology assessment during the planning phase, gather technology operator input, and designate a project manager with adequate decision-making authority.
Experience deploying ITS for transit service in a suburban area

When deploying ITS for transit service, perform a technology assessment during the planning phase, gather technology operator input, and designate a project manager with adequate decision-making authority.
Experience deploying ITS for transit service in a suburban area

Develop a formal ITS data sharing policy for your agency
A survey of transportation agencies and private firms involved in providing traveler information services.

Do not count on revenue generation from data sharing to subsidize the operation and maintenance expenses of advanced traveler information systems.
A survey of transportation agencies and private firms involved in providing traveler information services.

Establish a champion and open communication among stakeholders to help enable regional smart card programs.
Ventura County’s experience with the deployment of an automated transit fare collection system.

Establish a pricing structure for the new fare media that makes them competitive with other available fare media.
Ventura County’s experience with an automated transit fare collection system.

Ensure customer acceptance of new technology.
Ventura County’s experience with an automated transit fare collection system.

Develop written policies that delimit the use and distribution of data.
A national experience with resolving the issues regarding the collection, distribution, and retention of transportation data.

Install Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology to greatly enhance transit agency performance.
Different transit agencies’ experience with AVL.

Improve demand response transit using ITS technology, including CAD/AVL, with Mobile Data Terminals (MDT), electronic ID cards, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Different paratransit agency experiences with CAD/AVL, Mobile Data Terminals, electronic ID cards and GIS, all to accomplish improved operational goals, is outlined.