Houston-Galveston Area Council Transportation Systems Management & Operations Clearinghouse
Houston-Galveston Area Council Transportation Systems Management & Operations Clearinghouse
Several transportation agencies (Iowa DOT, Florida DOT, TxDOT) have initiated and/or completed TSMO planning. These TSMO plans generally consist of three components: a strategic plan, program plan, and individual strategy plans based on the selected Regional ITS Architecture Service Packages.
In order to facilitate additional TSMO program planning a high-level strategic plan was developed including the development of a regional TSMO vision and mission as well as regional goals and objectives.
Past efforts in ITS strategic planning (2003 and 2008) and more recent efforts (2010) produced regional guidance for ITS implementation, and methods which transportation and emergency management agencies can use for TSMO. The development of this website and TSMO Program content encourages the further development of TSMO in the region that is consistent with the following newly constructed vision, goals, and objectives.
These newly developed goals (2017) and objectives for regional TSMO are consistent with core stakeholder’s strategies and those priorities as set forward in the HGAC long-range Regional Transportation Plan. The general goals and objectives are:
Improve safety, including traveler security, by reducing crashes and fatalities through continuous improvement of traffic management systems and procedures.
Safety is a top regional priority. Although motorists are the largest group of system users injured or killed in crashes, pedestrians and cyclists are also at risk. Addressing this goal will not only benefit regional health, but the community’s quality of life, and economic competitiveness. A safe regional transportation system operates reliably, delivers goods and services on time, and returns users home at the end of their trip.
Manage and mitigate congestion to maintain consistent travel times on transportation systems in critical corridors to ensure travelers are reaching their destinations in the amount of time they expected for the journey.
Enhance mobility, including through active management of both recurrent and non-recurrent congestion. Economic growth, especially in freight-intensive sectors such as energy and manufacturing, is increasing traffic and overall travel demand on the roadway and rail system. The ability to manage and reduce congestion will help sustain the regional economy—and better position us to maintain our status in the future. Successful implementation of this goal will ensure that residents will be able to travel and work reliably via whichever mode of transportation they desire.
Implement, manage, and operate transportation assets that optimize existing transportation system capacity and alleviate congestion.
In light of declining resource availability, the region must ensure optimal system performance, maintain an acceptable state of repair for system assets, and consider replacement costs for aging facilities. Promoting and sustaining asset management and operations activities can expedite the movement of people and goods by accelerating project completion, reducing regulatory delays in project delivery, and promoting a state of good repair for our region’s transportation assets.
Reduce environmental impacts, prepare for changing weather and improve system user health.
Conserve and protect natural and cultural resources. Significant impacts to natural and cultural resources are often a consequence of economic growth and travel demand such as those experienced in our region. Identifying these potential impacts and supporting the conservation and enhancement of natural and cultural resources will promote a higher quality of life and help reduce project development delays and costs. This goal also addresses the need of individuals to lead a healthy lifestyle, enjoying clean air and water by promoting opportunities for active transportation.
Increase economic productivity and strengthen regional economic competitiveness through reliable and enhanced mobility.
An efficient, reliable, and safe system is critical to ensuring the region’s economic competitiveness. Addressing freight mobility needs and allowing the region to remain attractive to a high-skilled workforce will ensure that the region continues to remain an attractive place for businesses to thrive.
Proactively manage and operate an integrated transportation system through multijurisdictional coordination, and cooperation between core stakeholders.
Prioritize TSMO as a core objective in the regional planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance activities.
Utilize technology and innovation to facilitate TSMO with aim at making Houston-Galveston the most advanced and forward-thinking region in the United States.
HGAC stakeholders and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute have initiated much of the program planning components with the development of this project and website.
In order to connect TSMO planning efforts and the ITS Architecture, it is common (Iowa and TxDOT) for the next step in the planning process is to develop plans for each RITSA Service Layer selected. HGAC will make Service Layer Plans available if and when they are developed.