• Regional Concept for Transportation Operations
• The How: Case Studies Advancing Planning for Operations
• Congestion Management Process
• Regional ITS Architecture
• Regional Transportation Systems Management and Operations

 

• Data Collection and Sharing
• Funding and Resource Sharing
• Institutional Arrangements
• Performance Measurement

 

• Glossary
• Analysis Tools
• Policy and Guidance
• Publications
• Training

Data Collection and Sharing Examples

The examples on this page illustrate how some states and regions are collecting and sharing data. If you have an example that you'd like to share, please send an email describing what your state or region is doing to p4o@dot.gov.

Data Sharing Between Agencies in the Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Region

In the Portland Metropolitan Area, several agencies have collected transportation operations data for many years. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) uses loop detectors at ramp meters and along freeways to measure freeway volumes. The City of Portland determines traffic volumes from loop detectors placed within the City. Tri-Met, Portland's transit agency, collects extensive transit data using automatic vehicle location (AVL), global positioning systems (GPS), and other advanced technologies. Technological advances have increased data sharing and planning for future collaboration. A fiber optic cable connecting Metro (Portland region's MPO), ODOT, City of Portland, and Tri-Met facilities has enabled Metro to receive data from each agency. Tri-Met's bus movement data is being used by ODOT, the City of Portland, and Metro to detect corridor congestion. In the future, ODOT hopes to use the data to evaluate the efficiency of traffic signal timing. Metro has used the operations data in planning and programming processes to quantify the benefits of ITS and compare operations projects with traditional roadway expansion projects.

For more information about this example, contact Peter Beaulieu: pbeaulieu@psrc.org.

Salt Lake City's Olympics Games Leads to Continued Data Sharing

Commuter Link is a web-based traveler information system for the Salt Lake City region. The system components include closed-circuit television cameras, electronic roadway signs, a 511 travel information line, coordinated traffic signals, ramp meters, traffic speed and volume sensors, pavement sensors, and weather sensors. Transportation officials demonstrated a new willingness to devote attention to this coordinated data service in preparation for the 2002 Winter Olympics. During the Olympics, the system worked extremely well. Since the Olympics, this data sharing has continued and has proven to be useful in coordinating traffic management centers across jurisdictions.

For more information about this example, contact Doug Hattery: dhattery@wfrc.org.

Washington State DOT Uses Archived Data for Improved Performance Measurement

In the late 1990s, Washington State DOT engaged the University of Washington to use years of archived traffic data to explore benefits of operational improvements such as ramp metering and incident response programs. Based on these historic performance data, the University built analytical tools to demonstrate benefits from the proposed operations investments. The University now provides ongoing support for operations investments.

For more information about this example, contact Toby Rickman: Rickman@wsdot.wa.gov.