Overview
Smart, connected communities enable those living, working, or traveling in these areas to realize improved quality of life by taking advantage of innovative technologies and collaborative institutional arrangements that facilitate extensive real-time data sharing, effective communications, and evidence-based decision making. These communities are “connected” because of extensive information networks and communications protocols that allow public and private entities to capture and share data in ways that go beyond single agencies, functions, or jurisdictions. Transportation systems management and operations (TSMO) can both leverage these arrangements and also provide a framework for expanded institutional and functional integration with other entities. This primer describes the key characteristics of smart, connected communities and how they can benefit from closer collaboration with TSMO and how TSMO can benefit from these collaborations. The primer explains TSMO and provides several examples of what TSMO might look like in a smart, connected community. The primer concludes with guidance for TSMO leaders who want to become more fully engaged in establishing and realizing the vision for a smart, connected community.