4-5: Feasibility of a Regional Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) Program

Abstract

Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are federally mandated transportation planning organizations comprised of representatives from local governments and transportation authorities. MPOs develop and maintain the required transportation plans and programs for a metropolitan planning area in order to ensure that federal funds support local priorities. Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) is the application of multimodal transportation strategies and technologies intended to maximize the efficiency, safety, and reliability of the transportation network. Seven MPOs are responsible for transportation planning for a large swath of Central Florida that includes several international airports, seaports, military bases, universities, intermodal logistic centers and a variety of heavy trip attractors like Disney World and Busch Gardens. Millions of commuter, freight and recreational trips are made each year on the region’s transportation network which includes, I-4, I-95, I-75, I-275, several tolled facilities, and miles of supporting arterials. Central Florida qualifies as part of a Megaregion according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) report, Defining U.S. Megaregions. 1 This research, completed through a collaboration of NICR Researchers and a Regional TSMO Working Group, will explore the potential of establishing and sustaining an entity comprised of seven MPOs in Central Florida to advance TSMO. The proposal will explore the potential and characteristics of such a collaboration in Phase 1, and result with a recommended framework or alternative frameworks for a regional TSMO program or conclude that additional work on this effort has no merit. Potentially, Phase II will implement the framework, including governance, staffing, funding and organizational structure, or legislation. This framework will serve as a model for other Megaregions similar to Central Florida where several planning agencies are aligned to share economies and travel.