2013 Session: 416

• Sketch-Level Approach to Incorporate Active Traffic Management into the Regional Planning Process
  Abstract: Active Traffic Management (ATM) investments, such as variable speed limits (VSLs), queue warning systems, hard shoulder running, and dynamic ramp metering offer mobility, safety, and environmental benefits. ATM differs from conventional capacity investments in a number of ways, such as lower capital costs, shorter planning horizons, reduced right of way requirements, and heightened need to consider longer term operations. As a result, agencies sometimes have difficulty determining how to incorporate ATM into the planning process. This paper develops a conceptual framework to enable consideration of ATM investments alongside traditional capacity investments in the regional transportation planning process.Although states and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) already consider operational initiatives to some degree, the proposed framework offers ten practices to strengthen regional planning for ATM initiatives. Practices include (1) linking ATM to the MPO’s Congestion Management Plan, (2) using operations-related performance measures such as delay and reliability, (3) using sketch planning techniques to estimate the safety and environmental aspects of ATM when detailed simulation studies are infeasible, (4) encouraging the inclusion of operations-related goals in local and regional plans, and (5) relating ATM to statewide policies. The framework uses a mixture of two strategies: translating ATM impacts into a planning-related narrative and modifying the planning process to be compatible with ATM. The rationale is not to promote ATM as more effective than other types of investments but rather to compare ATM objectively with such investments. The framework is demonstrated with a case study of VSLs on Interstate 66 in Virginia.
  Authors: Miller, John S.; Fontaine, Michael Daniel
  Authors: Miller, John S.; Fontaine, Michael Daniel
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-1189
  Practice-Ready: Yes
• Integrating the Military into the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Process: Hampton Roads, Virginia, Experience
  Abstract: According to the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Military Transportation Committee, most U.S. metropolitan planning areas with military installations currently have a disconnect between DoD military bases, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Department of Transportations (DOTs), and local communities. The Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO), however, has a long-standing relationship with the military community and has taken steps to increase related efforts in recent years. The HRTPO has advanced the cause of planning in Hampton Roads—and, by example, in the United States—through a coordinated approach to meeting the transportation needs of the military located in the Hampton Roads region. In response to military concerns regarding local traffic congestion and delays, the HRTPO Board placed greater emphasis on military transportation planning in the region by endorsing annual military briefings by military representatives to the MPO Board, and by including a military needs study in its work program. The Hampton Roads Military Transportation Needs Study, an on-going effort by the HRTPO, is reportedly the first and only attempt of an MPO to identify solutions to the transportation needs of local military. The purpose of this paper is to inform other metropolitan areas about the integration of the military into the transportation planning process in Hampton Roads and to provide a summary of key findings from the region’s Military Transportation Needs Study. Other MPOs can apply the methodologies, results, successes, and lessons learned from Hampton Roads to their respective regions.
  Authors: Belfield, Sam
  Authors: Belfield, Sam
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-2174
  Practice-Ready: Yes
• Future Transport Systems: Long-Term Visions and Sociotechnical Frames for Transitions
  Abstract: Long-term, system-level foresight is needed when grand challenges are addressed in the transport sector. This paper explores how socio-technical transitions can be anticipated and taken into account in strategic transport planning. Techniques to integrate long-term foresight and understanding of socio-technical change in the transport system to support long-term transport policy targets are introduced. The proposed approach extends and combines transport system vision building to analysis of system-level changes on a three-level framework. The case is demonstrated with a vision of a safe and secure Finnish transport system in 2100. First, a consistent transport system vision was created with transport experts and authorities using a structured vision building process. Second, key topics involved in the transition from the existing socio-technical system to the envisioned future were analysed using the three-level framework. The demonstration proved successful, and it has contributed to the understanding of importance of the shared long-term perspective in transport system decision-making and strategic planning. Discussion on transport system visions, desired futures paths and measures and changes required continues.
  Authors: Tuominen, Anu Helena; Auvinen, Heidi
  Authors: Tuominen, Anu Helena; Auvinen, Heidi
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-2473
• Transportation Problems and Metropolitan Planning in China: Insights from Latest Metropolitan Planning Abroad
  Abstract: Urban expansion in China is accelerating with fast motorization and rural-urban migration. Megacities are suffering from severe transport-relevant problems, such as, accidents, congestion, green space encroaching, air pollution and social inequity. The development of regional comprehensive transportation system is influencing land use intensity, housing and employment distribution. It is becoming increasingly urgent for Chinese cities to develop efficient and sustainable transportation systems within next decades by learning from the metropolitan planning practices in advanced economy. Aiming at sustainable development, this study investigates the latest comprehensive transportation plans¡¯ visions and goals of 35 international metropolitan areas, and compared them with four Chinese megacities. We recommend improvement for Chinese cities to follow, including traffic safety, environment protection, congestion management and operation optimization.
  Authors: Peng, Jian; Wang, Xuesong; Yang, Jiawen
  Authors: Peng, Jian; Wang, Xuesong; Yang, Jiawen
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-2656
• Local and Global Variation in Commute Behavior: Evidence of Scale Effects and Lessons for Theory and Practice
  Abstract: Using a random stratified sample of 40 U.S. urban areas, this study analyzes within- and across-city spatial variation in trip distance and travel time at the home and work ends of commute trips. Ordinary least squares regression models are constructed for each city for each commute behavior. The outputs of these models are then used to build four models that explain the spatial variation of commute distance and commute time as a function of city size. Model results suggest statistically significant patterns of spatial variation within cities as well as higher-level patterns of spatial variation across cities. Curiously, the direction of within-city variation may differ depending on city size. The global pattern of variation can increase, decrease, increase and decrease, or remain constant across all cities. Evidence of higher-level patterns based on city size suggests the existence of scale effects for urban travel. This finding carries potential theoretical significance for researchers and holds practical value for policy makers and practitioners. From a theoretical perspective, scale effects in the urban domain have been largely confined to static topics such as studies on the distribution of city size. This analysis suggests scale effects may also extend to spatio-temporal behaviors within cities. From a policy standpoint, knowledge that commute behavior manifests in opposite directions depending on city size would suggest that blanket approaches to urban transportation policy may be misguided.
  Authors: Blei, Alejandro Martin
  Authors: Blei, Alejandro Martin
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-4531
• Policy Options for Incorporating Life-Cycle Environmental Assessment into Transportation Planning
  Abstract: This paper examines the potential for incorporation of life cycle assessment (LCA) into transportation planning and policy, with a particular focus on California. The paper first summarizes a case study of transportation-system LCA in Los Angeles County, and briefly describes the existing structure of transportation policy, emissions regulation, and the existing partial precedents for the incorporation of life cycle assessment and decision criteria into transportation policy and planning. Using standard criteria for good policy, the paper then identifies and describes six possible policy mechanisms for incorporating life cycle assessment into the transportation planning process. These include legislative requirements for project planning, a preferential finance program, a planning standard for Regional Transportation Plans, an environmental impact assessment criterion for use under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a criterion for selection of Transportation Control Measures under regional Air Quality Management Plans, and a cap-and-trade system for transportation-related life cycle emissions modeled after California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are identified, with an ultimate recommendation to refine and pursue a blended approach focusing on the regional planning scale.
  Authors: Eisenstein, William; Chester, Mikhail; Pincetl, Stephanie
  Authors: Eisenstein, William; Chester, Mikhail; Pincetl, Stephanie
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-4892
• Supporting Greenhouse Gas Reduction with Metropolitan Planning and Discretion: Institutional Perspectives on California's SB 375
  Abstract: California’s Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008, known as SB375, establishes a new policy framework for the metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) that make planning and spending decisions for federally funded regional transportation investments. This new law asks MPOs and their member local governments and transportation agencies to reform land use and infrastructure plans and investments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector. The law acts on evidence suggesting that more compact or center-focused urban development can enable people to access desired destinations and activities by making shorter and less frequent automobile trips and by using other modes, reducing automobile reliance and resultant GHGs. This paper considers the ability of California MPOs to deliver on SB 375 aims, reflecting specifically on the institutional and funding constraints under which they operate. It intends to understand what structures might impede or advance a shift by MPOs and local governments to the performance-driven planning and decision making that SB375 demands. While MPOs are responsible for meeting the regional GHG reduction targets specified as a result of SB375, they will succeed only if their constituent local governments adopt supportive policies.
  Authors: Sciara, Gian-Claudia
  Authors: Sciara, Gian-Claudia
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-5259
• Stakeholder Engagement Creates Blueprint for a 21st Century Highway in the Chicago Area
  Abstract: The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, along with Lake County, IL, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and several other partners, recently concluded a stakeholder engagement process to develop the conceptual design for a highway project long stalled by local opposition and environmental concerns. The process is a case study with useful lessons for other highway projects to be guided by sustainability objectives with intense stakeholder involvement. The design concept explicitly trades off conventional mobility in favor of a “right-sizing” approach. Rather than a conventional utilitarian roadway, “place-making” principles led to a meandering boulevard situated below grade with earthen berms for sound and visual barriers, sculpted to match unique local landforms. The process took into account needs and opportunities well beyond the right-of-way. Environmental enhancements and future land use were a particular focus. The proposed concept includes significant commitments to land conservation, ecological restoration, and development of a corridor plan to manage land use changes and help spur economic development. Stringent water quality objectives were established to treat and store stormwater runoff within the right-of-way as well as to replace traditional deicing road salts with other techniques. Project features were designed to exceed federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. Conceptual plans and visions are only as good as the commitments to follow through with results. The challenges during the next steps include financing for the road, detailed ecological and engineering designs, and addressing regulatory needs.
  Authors: Elam, Jesse
  Authors: Elam, Jesse
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-3998
• Impact of Suburbanization of Employment on Transit Modal Share: Case Study of Toronto Region, Canada
  Abstract: This paper examines the impact that the suburbanization of employment has on transit mode share by focusing on the case of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The regional transportation planning agency Metrolinx has outlined its objectives as ‘Vision in Numbers’ in the regional transportation plan The Big Move. It is their vision that by 2031, on average one third of trips to work will be taken by transit. According to 2006 Transportation Tomorrow Survey data, the transit modal share for work-related trips for the Region is 19.5%. A business-as-usual scenario developed using Growth Plan projection for employment growth and transit-modal shares for work-related trips, forecasts that in twenty-five years the transit-modal share for work-related trips will be 14.5%, down from the 2006 figure of 19.5%. Therefore, two alternative scenarios are presented to counteract the negative impact that the suburbanization of employment will have on the transit-modal share for work-related trips, which are: (1) implement policies to influence the location of future employment development; and (2) provide ‘rapid transit’ to existing areas of employment growth. Both scenarios will have a positive impact on the transit-modal share for work-related trips; however, these scenarios must be pursued in tandem, as neither is sufficient by itself to achieve the work-trip transit mode share of the Metrolinx vision.
  Authors: Jewell, Pamela; Wyatt, Eve
  Authors: Jewell, Pamela; Wyatt, Eve
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-4261
  Practice-Ready: Yes
• Linking Transportation and Land Use Goals Through Scenario Planning: Case Study of Metropolitan Washington Region
  Abstract: The federal MAP-21 transportation legislation provides Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) with a framework for developing and evaluating scenarios for consideration in metropolitan transportation planning. Scenario planning will be an important tool as the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB), the MPO for the Metropolitan Washington region, works to develop a Regional Transportation Priorities Plan. The TPB has a long history of scenario planning work. This paper discusses the TPB’s “CLRP Aspirations Scenario Study,” completed in October 2011, which combines, for the first time, significant changes in land use with an extensive network of variably priced lanes (VPL) and high quality bus rapid transit (BRT) service into an integrated scenario. Two variations of this scenario were developed as sensitivity tests: (1) to analyze the impact of land use changes without the VPL and BRT components; and (2) to analyze a variation of the scenario that included a lower-cost “streamlined” VPL network that would require less new construction and more conversion of general purpose lanes to VPLs. This paper describes the development and results of the analysis of the three scenarios with respect to future baseline forecasts for land use and transportation. Additionally, this paper compares the CLRP Aspirations Scenario Study to the recommendations outlined in the MAP-21 legislation for scenario development and analysis to evaluate how well the current TPB scenario planning process aligns with the new legislation and how the process can be improved in the future.
  Authors: Morrow, Erin M.; Park, Jinchul; Randall, Eric; Sivasailam, Daivamani; Son, Daniel Hojun
  Authors: Morrow, Erin M.; Park, Jinchul; Randall, Eric; Sivasailam, Daivamani; Son, Daniel Hojun
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-4116
  Practice-Ready: Yes
• Future Transport Systems: Long-Term Visions and Sociotechnical Frames for Transitions
  Authors: Auvinen, Heidi
  Authors: Auvinen, Heidi
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-2473
• Transportation Problems and Metropolitan Planning in China: Insights from Latest Metropolitan Planning Abroad
  Authors: Wang, Xuesong
  Authors: Wang, Xuesong
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-2656
• Stakeholder Engagement Creates Blueprint for a 21st Century Highway in the Chicago Area
  Authors: Elam, Jesse
  Authors: Elam, Jesse
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-3998
• Linking Transportation and Land Use Goals Through Scenario Planning: Case Study of Metropolitan Washington Region
  Authors: Morrow, Erin
  Authors: Morrow, Erin
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-4116
• Impact of Suburbanization of Employment on Transit Modal Share: Case Study of Toronto Region, Canada
  Authors: Jewell, Pamela
  Authors: Jewell, Pamela
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-4261
• Impact of Suburbanization of Employment on Transit Modal Share: Case Study of Toronto Region, Canada
  Authors: Wyatt, Eve
  Authors: Wyatt, Eve
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-4261
• Integrating the Military into the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Process: Hampton Roads, Virginia, Experience
  Authors: Belfield, Sam
  Authors: Belfield, Sam
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-2174
• Local and Global Variation in Commute Behavior: Evidence of Scale Effects and Lessons for Theory and Practice
  Authors: Blei, Alejandro
  Keywords: scientific; research; template; custom; poster; presentation; symposium; printing; PowerPoint; create; design; example; sample; download
  Authors: Blei, Alejandro
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-4531
• Sketch-Level Approach to Incorporate Active Traffic Management into the Regional Planning Process
  Authors: Miller, John
  Authors: Miller, John
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: International Activities; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting
  Session: 416
  Paper Number: 13-1189