Abstract:
Targets and measures are key components of roadway performance management and are critical to communicating information about the transportation system to decision-makers, stakeholders, and the traveling public. Target setting for travel time-based measures has emerged as a challenge in transitioning to a performance management-based approach for making transportation investment and policy decisions, as mandated by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) and the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. This report provides potential approaches and resources to state departments of transportation and local agencies to help overcome those challenges. Approaches include technical options for developing the information to support target setting.

Authors:
Hallenbeck. M.E., Lindsey, C., Motamed, M., Margiotta, R.

Keywords:
Performance management , transportation investment, policy, target, target setting, stakeholders

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Abstract:
High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, also known as carpool lanes and diamond lanes, are designated for use by carpoolers, transit riders, ride sharers and motorcyclists that meet the occupancy requirement. By restricting access, the HOV lanes benefit users by allowing them to travel the freeway system at a faster speed, thus saving time, and experiencing greater time reliability in comparison to motorists on general purpose (GP) lanes. To accurately evaluate the system's effectiveness, a state policy requires an annual HOV system report to document system performance, examining the HOV lanes' person-carrying capability, travel time savings, and trip reliability benefits in comparison to adjacent GP lanes. HOV lane violation rates are also evaluated. This report describes the results of an extensive monitoring effort of HOV lane use and performance in the Puget Sound area in 2002. It presents an analysis of data collected to describe the number of people and vehicles that use HOV lanes, the reliability of the HOV lanes, the travel time savings in comparison to GP lanes, violation rates and public perceptions. This information is intended to serve as reliable input for transportation decision makers and planners in evaluating the impact and adequacy of the existing HOV lane system in the Puget sound area, and in planning for other HOV facilities. This is volume 1 of a two-volume set. Volume 2 provides an overview of major trends in HOV lane performance by comparing data presented in the 2000 HOV Performance Report.

Authors:
Nee,J., Ishimaru,J. M., Hallenbeck,M. E.

Keywords:
analysis, benefit, benefits, carpool, data, facilities, freeway, GP lanes, high occupancy, high occupancy vehicle, HOV, HOV facilities, HOV lanes, HOV performance, monitoring, occupancy, performance, performance monitoring, planning, policy, public, reliability, research, speed, transit, transportation, travel time, violation, volume

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External Links: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/research/reports/fullreports/584.2.pdf http://wsdot.wa.gov/Research/Reports/500/584.2.htm

Abstract:
The Seattle Wide-area Information for Travelers (SWIFT) project was a highly successful Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Field Operational Test (FOT) that was conducted over a four-year period from 1993 to 1997. The purpose of the project was to test the efficacy of a High Speed Data System (HSDS), or FM Sub-carrier, to disseminate incident, bus and speed congestion information via three different end-user devices: pager watch, portable computer and in-vehicle navigation device. Six hundred ninety (690) commuters, many with route- or mode-choice options, participated in the FOT and provided user-acceptance evaluations. Other evaluation components examined the system architecture, communications coverage, deployment cost and institutional issues that affected the project.The primary purpose of the SWIFT Institutional Issues Study evaluation was to collect information regarding the institutional issues (e.g., policies, jurisdictional issues, internal and external factors) that affected design, development, testing, deployment and conduct of the SWIFT Field Operational Test (FOT); determine how these issues were overcome and what lessons could be learned. A secondary purpose of the evaluation was to document the history of the SWIFT project.The methodology for the SWIFT Institutional Issues Study consisted of two sets of questionnairesand two sets of semi-structured interviews that were conducted with fourteen (14) SWIFT team memberrepresentatives at two different points during the conduct of the SWIFT FOT: about midway through the conduct of the test and after the test was completed. All SWIFT team member responses were independently collected and SWIFT institutional issues were primarily identified by determining which topics were addressed by two or more individuals. Historical information was collected from various sources throughout the project.SWIFT represents one of the first ATIS FOTs conducted in this country. Earlier tests were conducted in Orlando, FL (TravTek) and Minneapolis St. Paul (Genesis) among others, yet the SWIFT FOT appears to have extended considerably the available database of information regarding ATIS effectiveness and acceptance. The addition of real-time bus information, in particular, has set the SWIFT FOT apart from others already conducted.One of the significant aspects of the SWIFT teaming agreement was the long-term interest in ITS and commitment of the organizations involved. For instance, the majority of the SWIFT team members articulated a long-term interest in ITS deployments. In addition, three organizations-Seiko, Etak and Metro Traffic Control-+ommitted themselves to fielding a \"SWIFT-like\" system after the project was completed. This degree of interest and commitment resulted in all of the SWIFT team members working together in a very effective, cooperative fashion throughout the FOT.A critical organizational structure that was instituted to implement SWIFT was the weeklyteleconference. This simple, yet cost-effective method of managing and discussing the technicalissues involved with the project was attributed by many of the SWIFT team members to aprimary instrument of the project\'s success. In particular, the SWIFT teleconferences enabledthe representatives of each organization to keep abreast of the developmental status of theproject, to brainstorm solutions to encountered problems and to develop scheduling sense.

Authors:
Wetherby,B.

Keywords:
ATIS, bus, computer, congestion, congestion information, cost, data, database, design, development, effectiveness, evaluation, incident, Institutional, Intelligent transportation system, interviews, Issues, ITS, methodology, mode choice, policy, portable computer, project, scheduling, seattle, speed, SWIFT, System, tests, traffic, transportation

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Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to provide the Washington State Department of Transportation, Aviation Division (WSDOT/AD) with the broad-based vision needed to apply new and emerging technology in geographic information systems (GIS) to aviation planning and reporting systems.The purpose of this study is to provide the Washington State Department of Transportation, Aviatior Division with the broad-based vision needed to apply new and emerging technology ir geographic information systems to aviation planning and systems. This is the second two reports. report documented the user needs, established data and application priorities, and presented a conceptual design for sharing geographic information pertaining to Washington\'s airports with airport sponsors, the Aviation Administration (FAA), and other WSDOT divisions. report provides an implementation plan. This report builds upon the conceptual design to provide a broad-based implementation plan. Three implementation activities are described in phases. Project organization and staffing requirements for policy, management, technical operations, and technical support are discussed in Section 3. Section 4 addresses the estimated resource requirements for WSDOT to make the implementation of WINGS a success. Included are requirements for personnel, data conversion from a manual to a computer-based system, and hardware. The of the report discusses issues and what next steps are required to begin the implementation of WINGS.

Authors:
Weston,R. F., Sandersen,J., Walker,L. A., Middleton,R.

Keywords:
airports, aviation, aviation planning, data, design, geographic information system, geographic information systems, GIS, implementation plan, information systems, management, manual, planning, policy, project, System, systems, technology, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WINGS, WSDOT

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Abstract:
This working paper, 'Travel Patterns in Mixed Use Neighborhoods,' summarizes Phase I of a research effort by the Innovations Unit of the Washington State Transportation Commission. The study is based on previous Innovations Unit research, described in the 1992 report, Land Use-Transportation Linkage (Kestle et al. 1992), the focus of which was the impact of land use policies on transportation systems. This working paper describes surveys conducted in four neighborhoods in the state of Washington (three in King County and one in Spokane) to gather data on travel behavior in neighborhoods that have a good mix of housing, shopping, and services; in other words, mixed use neighborhoods. The survey consisted of telephone interviews to determine household characteristics and the subsequent collection of travel diaries to assess household travel habits by mode and purpose. Preliminary results indicate the preponderance of trips for both family and personal business on both weekdays and weekends. Although auto is the dominant mode, results indicate the potential for shared rides in all neighborhoods and for the walk mode in the in-city neighborhoods. Directions for future research are suggested, including the study of the potential for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in mixed use neighborhoods; the relationships among mixed use development, household demographics, and travel behavior; the possibility of substituting walking for auto use; and methods for alleviating weekend traffic congestion based on a better understanding of the components of weekend travel.

Authors:
Zemotel,L., Nielsen,K., Rutherford,G. S., Ishimaru,J. M.

Keywords:
mixed use, research, innovation, Washington, Washington state, transportation, linkage, land use, land-use, policy, systems, survey, counties, data, travel behavior, behavior, development, walking, traffic, traffic congestion, congestion

Abstract:
Increasing traffic is a major problem in the Puget Sound region of Washington state. In March 1990, the Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 6358, enabling local jurisdictions to impose a commercial parking tax. This paper analyses Senate Bill 6358. During the course of the evaluation, several alternative tax structures were developed and redesigned to work within the Bill's legal requirements. The alternatives were evaluated on the basis of public opinion, revenue generation, and administrative efficiency.

Authors:
Ulberg,C., Etchart,G., Whitaker,B.

Keywords:
policy, parking, parking tax, commercial parking

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Abstract:
Methods of disseminating public information by seven Washington State agencies and services* are reviewed and evaluated in light of cost effectiveness and public information dissemination purposes and objectives. Alternative procedures and technologies are reviewed with a view toward determining if changes can be made that will enhance agency opportunities to meet the public information dissemination purposes and objectives. Conclusions point to the need for emphasis changes, effort consolidation, and adoption of automated systems to increase information output and effectiveness without increasing labor intensive operations. In arriving at those conclusions, public and agency needs are examined, objectives are defined relative to those needs, and criteria are established for evaluating alternatives. The report includes descriptions of individual and multiagency benefits, and means to coordinate information processing among the agencies and services. An analysis is presented, indicating areas and types of potential operating cost savings, improved informational usage, potential travel related energy efficiencies and better use of state's resources. The report concludes with a recommendation for a pilot project that could be the prototype for a statewide multiagency electronic information dissemination system. The project would include representative components of the statewide concept. Steps leading to its implementation are also identified. *Included are: Department of Transportation, Department of commerce and Economic Development, Department of Fisheries, Department of Game, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, State Patrol and Emergency Services

Authors:
Batland,R. M., Garretson,D. E., Anderson,G. H., Anderson,C. P.

Keywords:
policy, public information, visitor, motorist information, information dissemination, information consolidation, multi-agency, energy efficiency, state resources, recreation, automated systems, electronic systems

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Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to develop a performance monitoring system for tracking the implementation of the Washington State Transportation Policy Plan. Performance monitoring is the periodic measurement of progress towards goals and objectives. A performance monitoring system uses information and action to provide a dynamic view of a program's progress. Background on the use of the performance monitoring was obtained from a literature review and a survey of other state agencies. The development of indicators to track progress towards the goals in the plan was based upon interviews with key individuals involved in the creation of the goal of statements. The report identifies data sources for indicators for which existing data are available and makes recommendations for filling gaps. Major findings: *Performance monitoring can be useful for tracking progress towards goals. *Other states have little experience monitoring transportation policy * Where possible, conventional indicators are recommended to track progress towards goals. In other cases less conventional indicators are required to accurately track progress towards goals. *Existing data can be utilized, thus avoiding the need for primary data collection. This was possible for about half of the indicators. For the remaining indicators, gaps in data can be filled with local government data and primary collection data.

Authors:
Pivo,G., Frank,L. D.

Keywords:
policy, performance monitoring, transportation policy, indicators, data sources, program

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Abstract:
Bridge expansion joints pose a special problem in the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) bridge deck management system. These devices are subject to repeated heavy dynamic loading, and premature failure has occurred in many cases. It is WSDOT policy, as part of the Bridge Deck Management System, to make expansion joints watertight in order to reduce the potential of substructure corrosion induced by roadway deicing salts and other contaminants.Expansion joint seals play an important role in keeping expansion joints watertight. A relatively new material, Evazote 50, looks promising in its performance characteristics as an expansion joint seal. It is able to accommodate considerable joint movement, its durability and corrosion resistant properties are excellent, and it is resistant to absorption of oils and greases. The purpose of this experimental project is to gain knowledge about the material\'s effectiveness over time and to gain knowledge about field installation techniques. It was very beneficial to have the manufacturer\'s representative on the job during installation. This was required by special provision and is a practice that should be continued on future projects.In-place performance will determine acceptance of Evazote 50 for general use.

Authors:
Roper,T. H., Henley,E. H. Jr

Keywords:
absorption, bridge, bridge deck, bridge deck rehabilitation, corrosion, Deck, durability, effectiveness, expansion joints, experimental, in-place, ITS, Joints, management, management system, performance, policy, roadway, salt, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:
The reported study was used to investigate clear zone practices, policies and standards that are employed both within Washington State and throughout the United State. Emphasis was placed on those standards or guidelines that apply to local city and county roadways which are predominately low volume and low speed facilities.The review of nationwide clear zone practices pointed to a need for a set of clear zone guidelines or standards that apply specifically to low volume, low speed facilities. The research also pointed to the need for guidelines or standards that could be easily applied by city or county agencies with limited staff and limited budgets.One of the findings of the research is a step by step format for agencies to use in establishing a program to address existing clear zone deficiencies.

Authors:
Carr,D. H., Curtin,J. J., Dorvel,P. E.

Keywords:
agencies, Clear zone, control zone, counties, facilities, policy, program, recovery area, research, review, roadway, speed, volume, Washington, Washington state

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Abstract:
A job-satisfaction and morale survey was administered to all journey-level engineering technicians and transportation engineers of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). No fewer than 745 of the 837 employees (89%) who received the questionnaires, responded. This unusually high response rate testifies to the salience of the issues covered by this survey, and this conclusion is further supported by the care with which the overwhelming majority of the questionnaires were completed.Comments about various job-related concerns were obtained in interviews with 15 supervisors, engineers, and engineering technicians in four WSDOT districts and incorporated in a 21-item questionnaire. The questionnaire also asked employees why they might consider leaving WSDOT, and how much longer they planned to stay with WSDOT. Employees were classified on the basis of their tenure, age, district, job classification, ethic identification, work assignment, and college major.The questionnaire led to the identification of six areas of satisfaction factors. These are General Satisfaction, Satisfaction with Supervisor, Satisfaction with Personnel Practices, Satisfaction with Work Environment, Satisfaction with Equity of Work Conditions, and Involvement with the Department.

Authors:
Fiedler,F. E., Murphy,S. E.

Keywords:
condition, environment, equity, interviews, job satisfaction, policy, sex, survey, transportation, Washington, Washington state, WSDOT

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Abstract:


Authors:
Fiedler,F. E.

Keywords:
policy, job satisfaction, survey

Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to establish guidelines and procedures for the measurement of the social effects of transportation systems and facilities on both a regional and community or neighborhood level. This coincides with the increased emphasis on human factors in the planning and design of transportation systems and facilities, which has necessitated the development of a systematic approach to gathering social data and developing normative standards. In part of this increased emphasis has been mandated by Federal statutes such as the National Environmental Policy Act o f 1969 and the Intergovernmental Act of 1968.A detailed examination of the seven-fold classification scheme of social factors and an emphasis on the methodologies used to evaluate social impacts is discussed. Emphasis is placed on the analytical framework utilizing the major phases of inventing existing social conditions, identifying potential changes and measurement of probable impacts. From this analysis a systematic approach to identifying and measuring social impact in transportation planning is put forth, for use by those assigned this responsibility.

Authors:
Social and Econonomic Planning Section of the WA State Department of Highways

Keywords:
analysis, condition, data, design, development, environmental, facilities, framework, human factors, impact, impacts, Measurement of Social Impact, social factors, community identity, community values and desires, community cohesion, disruption, displacement, relocation, minority interest, methodology, planning, policy, systems, transportation, transportation planning

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Abstract:
The objective of this study was to present criteria and procedures for evaluation of Joint Development (JD) above, below, or beside s t a t e highways. Application of the procedures a re-illustrated over a wide range of joint development situations, both (1) for establishing state or local J D policy, and (2) for making decisions about JD projects in a more timely and comprehensive manner, and in a way that will contribute toward improving the quality or urban life or the enhancement of rural environments. The approach taken in the Guidelines is sequential, systematic, and interdisciplinary; that is, it uses a series of successively more detailed and comprehensive planning and evaluation procedures for JD decision-making, relying on a wide range of specified physical, economic, social, and legal criteria. In use, the Guidelines envision a three- stage planning and evaluation process:(1) identification of the need or potential for J D projects, (2) comparison of project proposals against policies, criteria and standards designed t o avoid or minimize negative impacts and increase favorable impacts; and (3) refined definition of costs and benefits when warranted.

Authors:
Van Zandt,E. Jack

Keywords:
benefit, benefits, cost, costs, criteria, development, Enviromental impact, environment, evaluation, highway, Highway planning, Highways, impact, impacts, joint development, Multiple use, planning, policy, quality, rural, urban

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Abstract:
The objective of this study was to present criteria and procedures for evaluation of Joint Development (JD) above, below, or beside state highways. Application of the procedures are illustrated over a wide range of joint development situations, both (1) for establishing state or local JD policy, and (2) for making decisions about JD projects in a more timely and comprehensive manner, and in a way that will contribute toward iwro;ing the quality of urban life or the enhancement of rural environments. The approach taken in the Guidelines is sequential, systematic, and interdisciplinary; that is, it uses a series of successively more detailed and comprehensive planning and evaluation procedures for JD decision making relying on a wide range of specified physical, economic, social and legal criteria. In use, the Guidelines envision a three-stage planning and evaluation process:(1) identification of the need or potential for JD projects; (2) comparison of project proposals against policies, criteria, and standards designed to avoid or minimize negative impacts and increase favorable impacts; and (3) refined definition of costs and benefits when warranted. This supplement to the Guidelines report (described above) presents the results of analyzing seven actual JD proposals, located along Interstate 5 in the State of Washington, according to the procedures suggested in the Guidelines,

Authors:
Van Zandt,E. Jack

Keywords:
benefit, benefits, cost, costs, criteria, development, environment, evaluation, highway, Highways, impact, impacts, joint development, Joint Development, Multiple Use, Highway Planning, Enviromental Impact, planning, policy, quality, research, rural, transportation, urban, Washington

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Abstract:
The ProblemThe growth of population in metropolitan areas and the increasing affluence and leisure time of that population is exerting ever-increasing pressure on recreational resources and the transportation facilitiesconnecting the metropolitan areas with the recreation areas. Historically, travel for recreational purposes has grown more rapidly than that for other purposes and if forecasted increases in real income andleisure time materialize this trend will continue. There is increasing concern that proper attention has not been given to recreational travel as a factor in transportation planning either at the state or urban area level. Recreational travel occurs primarily on weekends and holidays whereas the urban transportation studies, almost without exception, are concerned with weekday travel. Recreational travel serves both as a means to an end and as an end in itself. Access to a variety of recreational activities is an importanthuman need and is presumed to be an agreed-upon objective of-public policy. In addition travel has an intrinsic recreational value, the extent of which depends on place and circumstances. This study proposes a concept far long-range planning of transportation facilities needed to serve the weekend travel demands of a metropolitan area. The planning concept is proposed as a means of achieving more effective utilization of resources in providing for recreational needs. Where data have been used in this study to support conclusions, they have been extracted from surveys conducted by agencies in the state of Washington and from selected studies undertaken elsewhere. Despite the limited availability of certain data, the method of analysis and the planning process presented in this report are considered to have general applicability.

Authors:
Karlfritz,L.

Keywords:
agencies, analysis, availability, data, demand, development, facilities, planning, policy, population, pressure, recreation, Recreational travel, survey, Surveys, transportation, transportation planning, travel, urban, Washington

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Abstract:


Authors:
Rutherford,G. S., Ishimaru,J. M.

Keywords:
transportation, policy

Abstract:


Authors:
Hinze,J.

Keywords:
policy