TSM-A FEDERAL VIEWPOINT

The concept of Transportation Systems Management (TSM) is essentially that all elements of the urban transportation scene will be treated as members of a single transportation system and that emphasis will be put on maximizing the efficiency of existing transportation facilities and resources. The institutional framework for TSM is essentially coordinating traffic engineers, planners and transit operators. Traditionally, little thought had been given to broadening the scope of this mutal assistance to take in a large area or to attack a problem on a systems basis. The author believes that the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) can play a critical role as conveyor and coordinator. Hopefully within the forum of the MPO, the various groups will sit down together and discuss their problems. Developing a constituency for TSM is essential for certain TSM strategies are likely to be controversial. Bringing these diverse groups together in the early phases of TSM planning can help identify and build rapport for further TSM actions. More cooperation must also be developed in the way projects are actually implemented. The author identifies two major areas of concern. The first is the relatively large unobligated balance of urban funds that is rapidly being built up. The second area of concern is the apparent lack of activity in exercising the funding flexibility that exists in the urban system program. The author concludes the paper with a discussion of the activities at the Federal level related to the urban system program. These include clarifying for State and local officials the options and flexibility available with respect to Federal-aid programs. Streamlining the planning and project development processes. Lastly, FHWA has developed in cooperation with the states an extensive and effective procedures for dealing with project development.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • MORGAN, R D
• Publication Date: 1977-7

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 27-28
• Serial:
  • AASHTO QUARTERLY
  • Volume: 56
  • Issue Number: 3

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Federal aid; Federal government; Implementation; Metropolitan government; State government; Traffic engineers; Transportation planning; Transportation system management; Urban transportation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Fund allocations
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Research;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00167463
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 16 1981 12:00AM