5. Summary of Findings

The experiences of SMART, R.Y.D.E., and NDinfo.org provide unique insights that may aid others involved in the design and implementation of ITS. In each case, the organizations view themselves as mobility managers, as opposed to managers of agencies that provide transportation for their communities. As a result, coordination of transportation services was an integral part of the service design.

Both the ability to coordinate and the benefits from doing so are enhanced with ITS. ITS technologies provide the capability needed to manage the more complex system. Agencies that are already coordinating their services with others may see further gains in efficiency arise following the adoption of additional ITS technologies.

There are significant benefits to implementing ITS at the regional level, many of which coincide with the benefits of coordination in general. Centralization of ITS technologies and increased connectivity are primary among these. The design of an intelligent transportation system provides an excellent opportunity to bring people to the table. Designing a successful intelligent system requires that all potential stakeholders participate in order to allow them to be able to communicate their needs and describe their assets.

SMART's initial motivation to become a mobility manager to southeast Michigan began during its struggle for survival. From this period of adversity came innovation in service design and ITS that has proven to be a model nationwide. Though the cost of innovation in ITS was high, SMART is now home to a group of individuals well-versed in the technologies and processes that allow for the operation of a complex system that involves a number of local transportation providers.

Rapid growth in ridership and knowledge of further unsatisfied demand for mobility led R.Y.D.E. to consider ITS. As part of its ITS implementation, R.Y.D.E. was required to design a regional ITS architecture. Though the cost of doing so was considerable, it provided a number of benefits. In addition to considerable planning, it also required that interested parties participate in its design.

Realizing that there was significant need but limited local funds, organizations in North Dakota decided that a statewide solution would best meet its residents' mobility needs. The resulting website, NDinfo.org, aims to provide a statewide user-friendly mobility solution based on identified needs. The importance of system sustainability and the ability of the site to be maintained by non-technical individuals were identified.

Every community and its transportation needs are unique. The same is true for the barriers to coordination that they face. Without an intimate knowledge of existing institutions, individuals, and relationships, improving a community's transportation system is difficult. Providing solutions to nonexistent or relatively unimportant issues can result in continued inefficiency and the misuse of public funds. At the same time, the solutions that ITS can bring to a local community must be accepted and used in order for them to be successful.

Though demanding, going through the process of designing a regional ITS architecture has many benefits including becoming intimately knowledgeable about one's transportation system and what roles various agencies, technologies, and processes can and will play. When deciding upon which ITS technologies to adopt it is important to stay focused on outcomes and not become enamored with the technologies themselves. To ensure the use of ITS once implemented, user friendliness should emphasized during the design phase. Efficiencies in ITS arise because of the benefits from centralization and the scalability of many technologies. System reliability is very important when designing intelligent transportation systems in human service transportation because system failure may affect the well-being of those who rely on it.

It is important to note that high costs are often placed on innovators in any field, including ITS. Having a technologically adept manager at a single agency may provide significant assistance during the implementation of ITS, though in many cases outside help may be necessary. The probability of success increases if implementing agencies adopt generic technology, consider long-term costs, and take steps to ensure that the new system can be managed once it is in place.

References

• Burkhardt, J.E., D. Koffman, and G. Murray. Economic Benefits of Coordinating Human Service Transportation and Transit Services, TCRP 91, (2003).
• Federal Transit Administration, Mobility Management, Washington, D.C. (2004).
• Murray, G., D. Koffman, C. Chambers, and P. Webb. Strategies to Assist Local Transportation Agencies in Becoming Mobility Managers, TCRP 21, (1997).
• National ITS Architecture Team, U.S. Department of Transportation. Regional ITS Architecture Guidance, Washington, D.C. (2001).
• Hegland, G., J. Mielke, J. Miller, and J. Hough. A Plan for Transportation Coordination in North Dakota. Small Urban & Rural Transit Center, Fargo, N.D. (2004).
• Burkhardt, J.E., C.A. Nelson, G. Murray, and D. Koffman. Toolkit for Rural Community Coordinated Transportation Services, TCRP 100, (2004).
• Institute for Transportation Research and Education, KFH Group, and TransCore, Guidebook for Selecting Appropriate Technology Systems for Small Urban and Rural Public Transportation Operators, TCRP 76, (2002).