Organizing for TSMO
Case Study 9: State Department of Transportation Examples 1 of 2

Executive Summary

Transportation systems management and operations (TSMO) provides tools for transportation managers to address safety, system performance, and reliability. TSMO is "an integrated set of strategies to optimize the performance of existing infrastructure through the implementation of multimodal and intermodal, cross-jurisdictional systems, services, and projects designed to preserve capacity and improve security, safety, and reliability of the transportation system."¹ Through participation in the second Strategic Highway Research Program workshops, transportation agencies are working to better support TSMO programs. Deploying intelligent transportation systems (ITS), hiring internal information technology staff, and using performance measures for data-driven decisions are just a few examples of the many opportunities that a TSMO program can support.

Given the varying stages of TSMO adoption and advancement, the Federal Highway Administration identified the need for case studies to provide examples of common challenges and best practices for transportation agencies to learn from each other. This is one of 12 case studies developed to support organizing for TSMO. This case study focuses on how TSMO activities were implemented at two State agencies, including:

• Developing formal organization and structure for a TSMO program.
• Incorporating TSMO into planning documents and ITS architecture.
• Implementing safety and mobility strategies.
• Collaborating with stakeholders across the State.
• Identifying funding for TSMO activities and strategies.

Two State departments of transportation were identified for a holistic view of their TSMO programs: Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). Each agency provided information on how they engaged stakeholders and implemented TSMO activities, lessons learned, and the next steps to continually improve these efforts. Some of the best practices identified include:

• MDOT SHA's integration of TSMO into planning.
• MDOT SHA's TSMO training and outreach efforts.
• TDOT's use of performance measures to track progress.
• TDOT's collaboration with regional partners.