Overview
This study was conducted to explore the current state-of-the-practice of Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSM&O) in the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and determine what would be required to mainstream TSM&O throughout the project development process. A comprehensive review of existing FDOT guidelines, two statewide surveys, and a review of projects that may serve as case studies, where a TSM&O strategy was identified as the preferred alternative or solution to address a capacity or safety issue, were studied to determine the extent to which TSM&O is currently being incorporated in FDOT projects. An additional survey was also conducted to explore TSM&O best practices used by other state DOTs. Alternative project development, procurement, and budgeting options for ITS and TSM&O projects were also explored. Based on the information gathered from the aforementioned efforts, suggested recommendations to mainstream TSM&O throughout the project development process incude:
- provide education and understanding of TSM&O in all disciplines
- require communication and coordination with TSM&O staff in all project phases
- develop a formalized process and procedure for TSM&O inclusion
- provide support TSM&O language in Department guidelines.
Suggested recommendations to consider while procuring, budgeting, and developing software-related ITS and TSM&O projects include:
- consider adopting the Agile method for developing applicable TSM&O/ITS projects
- consider a two-phase development process using the Agile approach for PHase I and the Waterfall approach for Phase II
- include end users of the system throughout the project development process
- incorporate TSM&O/ITS best practices into contract templates
- train applicable FDOT staff in Agile principles