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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <language>en-us</language>
    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
    <image>
      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>Foundations in Energy Systems for Transportation Certificate</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2691662</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project supports the transformation of transportation systems through changes in energy systems management by preparing a managerial workforce with knowledge in both energy systems management and transportation systems management. A transformed transport system will run on both existing and new energy systems. As a result, effective management of the transport system will depend upon a workforce that also has foundational knowledge in traditional and emerging energy systems. This includes knowledge of energy sources, basic economics, and the regulatory and policy environment that either supports or hinders development of those systems. This project plans to develop a certificate program that introduces case studies focused on planned or in-process energy systems case studies within public transit, supply chain logistics, personal vehicle traffic, and active transportation that draw from Center for International Trade and Transportation (CITT) expertise and guest speakers from industry leaders in its network. The certificate and corresponding curriculum development are informed by an assessment of workforce needs related to freight and transit sectors and related energy systems. The needs assessment includes both surveys and focus group meetings and will provide insights into workforce needs related to freight and transit sectors and related energy systems. Following the survey completion, the CITT team will organize focus groups to discuss the survey results and form the Curriculum Advisory Board. Concurrently, the CITT team, in conjunction with the Curriculum Advisory Board, will conduct outreach to form a pilot cohort for the first iteration of the certificate program. Module 1 of the program would provide a general overview of: energy systems foundations; including fuel types; infrastructure priorities; economic development; project lifecycle management; data needs; policy and regulatory requirements; and workforce development. Module 2 would provide modal focuses on freight and transit. For the capstone project, participants will work in groups to address a topic within the modal focus chosen in Module 2, which will be presented as the final step of the program.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:19:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2691662</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Framework for Transportation Systems Management and Operations Curricula</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558371</link>
      <description><![CDATA[BACKGROUND: Transportation systems management and operations (TSMO) is a set of strategies focused on operational improvements that maintain and restore the performance of existing transportation systems before additional capacity is required. A wide range of careers falls under TSMO, including intelligent transportation system (ITS) engineers, traffic management control operators, and data scientists. Growing and developing the TSMO workforce requires multiple approaches and strategies, from educating students about TSMO careers to preparing existing professionals from other fields to transition into TSMO roles.

Several resources exist to advance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of TSMO practitioners. For example, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Transportation Operations Manual serves as a resource for transportation agencies to develop and sustain the operational capabilities and strategies needed to preserve and optimize system performance. The Operations Academy is a training program designed for mid- to high-level managers whose current or future responsibilities include TSMO. The National Operations Center of Excellence (NOCoE) TSMO Workforce Development website provides a variety of additional resources. However, few initiatives focus on individuals who have not yet entered, or are new to, the TSMO workforce.

Research is needed to help educational organizations develop and align curricula that introduce TSMO concepts, build relevant skills, and connect students with career opportunities in the field.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop a framework for educators to establish recruitment pipelines that expand the talent pool and enhance the competencies of candidates entering the TSMO workforce.

At a minimum, the framework must include: (1) Model curricula: (a) with defined learning objectives that address gaps in knowledge, skills, and abilities and remain adaptable to technological advancements, (b) with detailed descriptions of courses; degree programs; and certificate, associate, and vocational training opportunities mapped to existing programs, (c) for undergraduate and graduate students, certificate and associate program participants, vocational trainees, career changers, and current workers, (d) not designed for workforce development activities within agencies; (2) Recommended reference materials; (3) Prerequisites for program participants; (4) Measures of curriculum effectiveness. 

The primary audience includes colleges, universities, community colleges, associations, vocational schools, and other institutions that provide technical education and training. The secondary audience includes industry professionals, state departments of transportation, and other government agencies.

TASKS: Task 1: Literature Review. Task 2: Gap Analysis & Stakeholder Engagement. 
Task 3: TSMO Curriculum Framework Method Development. Task 4: Interim Report #1 & Panel Meeting #1. Task 5: TSMO Curriculum Design and Pathway Development. Task 6: TSMO Framework Supporting Materials. Task 7: Measures of Effectiveness. Task 8: Pilot Implementation - Part 1, Task 9. Interim Report #2 & Panel Meeting #2. Task 10: Pilot Implementation - Part 2. Task 11: Framework for TSMO Curriculum. Task 12: Conduct of Research Report and Presentation.

Deliverables: (1) Interim Report No. 1 and Interim Meeting No. 1 with the NCHRP project panel; (2) Interim Report No. 2 and Interim Meeting No. 2 with the NCHRP project panel; 
(3) Final deliverables. These deliverables shall include: (a) the framework in a practitioner-ready format (the framework is due in draft form at least 6 months before subaward end date); (b) a conduct of research report documenting the entire research effort and findings; (c) a PowerPoint presentation with speaker notes summarizing the project and illustrating how the results can be applied; (d) a technical memorandum titled “Implementation of Research Findings and Products”.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2025 13:03:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558371</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Advancing Cyber Resilience of Transportation System Management and Operation Programs </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558388</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Transportation systems and technology across the United States are becoming increasingly interconnected, spanning local, state, and national borders. This integration supports safe and efficient transportation networks but introduces cybersecurity challenges. Many transportation system management and operation (TSMO) strategies rely on real-time data sharing, integrated traffic management centers (TMC), and interoperable technologies, all of which create new threat vectors for cyber incidents. The potential for severe injuries and fatalities, data loss, service disruptions, and other failures necessitate a more resilient approach to cybersecurity, shifting the focus from merely preventing attacks to ensuring the ability to recover and maintain essential functions during an incident. Research is needed to develop coordinated, cross-jurisdictional frameworks and methodologies to assess, manage, and enhance cyber resilience within integrated transportation systems. 

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to develop a guide for incorporating cyber resiliency into state and local TSMO programs. At a minimum, the guide will address: 
(1) Build the foundation for future TSMO projects involving system integrations; (2) Evaluate and enhance cyber resilience in TSMO programs; (3) Identify cross-jurisdictional TSMO program stakeholders; (4) Improve intra-agency and interagency coordination;
(5) Reduce impacts in the event of cyber incidents; (6) Establish clear responsibilities and recovery processes; and (7) Support risk management through strategic planning. 

Accomplishment of the objective will require at least the following tasks.
TASKS: Task descriptions are intended to provide a framework for conducting the research. The National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) is seeking the insights of proposers on how best to achieve the research objective. Proposers are expected to describe research plans that can realistically be accomplished within the constraints of available funds and subaward time. Proposals must present the proposers' current thinking in sufficient detail to demonstrate their understanding of the issues and the soundness of their approach to meeting the research objective.

PHASE I: (Task 1) Perform a literature review on relevant resources, frameworks, generally accepted industry standards and practices, and reports published by U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NCHRP, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation System Protocol (NTCIP), National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), etc. Conduct a national cross-jurisdictional scan (surveys and interviews with the majority of state DOTs and at least one representative municipality from each covered state with TSMO system integration needs) to cover the following topics: (1) Multimodal cybersecurity risks for TSMO projects and programs, including those related to data sharing, interoperability, connected infrastructure, cyber-physical systems (CPS) and multimodal operations. This assessment shall include the potential for failures and data loss across jurisdictional boundaries and transportation modes; (2) Reference materials to integrate cyber resilience and cyber security checkpoints into the systems engineering analysis process and support security by design for pre-procurement, procurement, deployment, implementation, system integration, maintenance and operation, intra-agency and interagency collaboration, and workforce development; (3) Possible threat vectors and mechanisms that would impact TSMO system availability; (4) Methods to map the flow of data, whether it is from a roadside device, such as an automatic traffic recorder, dynamic message sign, or traffic signal controller box, referencing the intelligent transportation system (ITS) system architecture, to detect anomalies in the data, and to devote immediate attention. (5) Near-term risks evolved by emerging technologies, including but not limited to vehicle-to-everything (V2X), digital twins, and artificial intelligence (AI); (6) Tools and noteworthy practices for coordinating cyber resiliency efforts and modes that focus on incident response incorporating identify, protect, detect, respond and recover; (7) Example narratives about how cyber resiliency/security must be embedded into the culture of infrastructure owner operators (IOOs) and across partner agencies; (8) Methods to incorporate ITS cybersecurity training into workforce development for TSMO staff and embedded information technology (IT) supporting staff; and (9) Defined roles and responsibilities for ITS network communications development and support between TSMO staff and IT supporting staff. Conduct gap analysis to identify synergy and conflicts of these topics, and areas for improvement.

(Task 2) Prepare an annotated outline that will serve as the basis for guide development in Task 4. This annotated outline is intended to provide the context for the subject matter in the guide, which will include key technical topics and associated issues, major concepts, current trends, state of the practice, illustrative case studies, and recommendations. The annotated outline shall clearly describe: (a) intended structure of the guide; (b) key topics and supporting issues to be presented in each chapter, using the topics in Task 1 as starting point; and (c) any other items to be included in the guide (e.g., appendix, figures, tables). (Task 3) Prepare Interim Report No. 1 documenting the findings of Tasks 1 and 2 and provide an updated work plan for the remainder of the research no later than 8 months after the subaward is awarded. The updated work plan must describe the methodology and rationale for the work proposed for Phase II. Note: Following a 1-month review of Interim Report No. 1 by the NCHRP panel, the research team will be required to meet with the NCHRP project panel via a virtual meeting to discuss the interim report. Work on Phase II of the project will not begin until authorized by the NCHRP. 

PHASE II: (Task 4) Execute the work plan according to the approved Interim Report No. 1. (Task 5) Prepare Interim Report No. 2 that includes a draft guide based on the final annotated outline and an updated work plan for the remainder of the research no later than 6 months before the subaward end date. The updated plan must describe the process and rationale for the work proposed for Phase III. Note: Following a 1-month review of Interim Report No. 2 by the NCHRP, the research team will be required to meet in person in Washington, DC with the NCHRP project panel to discuss the interim report. Work on Phase III of the project will not begin until authorized by the NCHRP. 

PHASE III: (Task 6) Present the research findings to appropriate technical committees of AASHTO for comments and any proposed revisions. Note: The research team should anticipate making two virtual presentations during the period of performance to appropriate technical committees at AASHTO meetings. Revise the draft guide after consideration of review comments. (Task 7) Prepare the final deliverables, including: (1) Guide. (2) Conduct of research report that documents the entire research effort. (3) Two-pager flyer of outreach materials to increase practitioner awareness and understanding of the guide. (4) Presentation with speaker notes summarizing the research results. The presentation shall specify the research purpose, objective, issues addressed, research product developed, and benefits identified in the guide. (5) Stand-alone technical memorandum titled “Implementation of Research Findings and Products.” 

Note: Following receipt of the draft final deliverables, the remaining 3 months shall be for NCHRP review and comment and for research agency preparation of the final deliverables. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2025 13:35:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558388</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Utilizing Digital Twining Technologies for Addressing FDOT Priorities</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2550951</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project has the following objectives: • The primary objective of this project is to establish a comprehensive understanding of digital twin (DT) technology in the context of transportation. This involves providing an overview, conducting a thorough literature review, and exploring practical use cases that create a foundation for further applications. • Proposing a prototype DT framework tailored to the specific needs of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This involves addressing technical considerations such as data integration, interoperability, and scalability to lay the groundwork for practical implementation. • Developing comprehensive and practical DT frameworks for selective sub-domain in transportation and transportation systems management and operations (TSMO) applications, such as utilizing the SunTrax testing facility as a real-world testing ground. This involves simulating scenarios, integrating diverse data sources, and showcasing the potential of DT technology in enhancing decision-making, infrastructure planning, and testing various intelligent transportation systems (ITS) applications.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2025 12:29:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2550951</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Integrating Personalized Incentives and Virtual Reality Tools for Enhanced Transportation System Management</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2458998</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The proposed project employs a modeling approach to mitigate traffic congestion and enhance disaster management using personalized incentives and virtual reality (VR) tools. The main objectives include integrating personalized incentives with an existing multimodal trip planner, developing behavioral models to predict user responses, and using simulations to inform the design of incentive systems. The novelty of this work lies in modeling sequential choice-making behavior of travelers. Additionally, the project will create VR participatory tools to evaluate the effectiveness and user experience of these integrated systems. This research addresses bottlenecks by exploring behavioral models influenced by personalized incentives and real-time information, aiming to provide dynamic incentives that encourage positive traveler behaviors and effectively reduce congestion.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:08:17 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2458998</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Implementing the ATSPM-In-The-Loop Simulation Solution with the TxDOT State-Wide ATSPM System Deployment Plan</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420080</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project will introduce automated traffic signal performance measures or ATSPM systems to all stages of traffic signal projects in Texas. The benefits of ATSPM systems have been broadly recognized by agencies. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is also in the process of state-wide ATSPM deployment. Nonetheless, the ATSPM system is poised to evaluate the traffic signal data generated by controllers. Therefore, access to the real ATSPM systems is limited to a small portion of traffic signal stakeholders, and these stakeholders may not take advantage of ATSPM during traffic signal planning and design due to a lack of data. In a research project sponsored by TxDOT, the research team demonstrated the use of a microscopic traffic simulation engine to generate the needed traffic signal data for real-world ATSPM systems to generate performance measures. With the developed insights and software tools from that project, the research team will assist and facilitate TxDOT to implement the delivered ATSPM-in-the-loop simulation engine toward a regular task for ATSPM-enhanced traffic signal planning and design. This project will also expand the developed ATSPM-in-the-loop simulation platform to meet all the practical needs for TxDOT's ATSPM deployment effort. This project will increase the TRL from 7 to 9 by assisting TxDOT to develop a practical solution to increase stakeholders' access to and acceptance of the ATSPM concept in various types of traffic signal projects.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:19:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2420080</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Mobility Analysis and System Transportation Efficiency Research (MASTER)</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2397880</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Over the past 25 years, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has participated in a mobility analysis and research pooled fund along with a combination of state departments of transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.  The Principal Investigator, the Texas A & M Transportation Institute, has been providing valuable research related to performance measures and tools for monitoring mobility conditions to its state department of transportation (DOT) partners. Mobility Analysis and System Transportation Efficiency Research (MASTER) members contribute annually to the pooled fund and are reimbursed for travel to the annual meeting that rotates locations among State DOTs. A work plan is developed and approved annually by the State DOT members. The most recent work plans were funded through TPF-5(440) – Support for Urban Mobility Analyses (SUMA). That project number was closed out on August 31, 2023. To view recent work plans and project results, visit the program website at: https://tti.tamu.edu/documents/umi/data/suma/files.htm. OBJECTIVE: The pooled fund study scope focuses on mobility and reliability performance measures, data and issues. New emphasis areas include emerging data sources, freight movement, arterial street mobility issues, reliability performance measures, and addressing the agency challenges for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requirements.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 26 Jun 2024 09:52:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2397880</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Strategies for Transportation System Management and Operational Enhancement of Arterial Roadways</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2366296</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The overall goal of this research project is to develop guidance materials for characterizing a corridor and its needs for enhancement, describing all arterial transportation systems management and operations (TSM&O) strategies for implementations, and developing performance reporting goals on safety an(d mobility.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:40:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2366296</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Exploring Hybrid Architecture for Data Processing/Storage Needs of FDOT</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2384742</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Objective 1: The first step towards moving to a hybrid cloud architecture is to understand the basics of the cloud technology, encompassing operational mechanisms, key characteristics, and diverse service models. The research team will study and document different cloud services, explore mixed storage architectures, data localization per Cloud Procurement and Contractual Elements, Rule 60GG-4.002(6), Florida Administrative Code, and analyze the potential benefits in terms of efficiency, security, and feasibility. The goal is to provide useful insights and knowledge to help Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSM&O) choose the best cloud services and storage setups for its needs. With this detailed documentation, FDOT will be better equipped to make informed decisions and use cloud technologies to improve its operations. Objective 2: The second objective is to thoroughly examine and analyze other DOTs’ practices regarding migration to cloud-based services. This will result in valuable insights that can guide FDOT TSM&O’s move to cloud-based services. By closely studying the experiences, best practices, challenges, and lessons learned from these agencies, the research team aims to enhance the efficiency, security, and effectiveness of FDOT TSM&O’s cloud-based initiatives. The primary aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of cloud adoption strategies, service models, deployment scales, security considerations, and associated challenges, ultimately informing and enriching FDOT’s cloud migration endeavor. Objective 3: This objective aims to develop a holistic framework that facilitates the successful migration of applications to cloud-based environments. The informed decision-making in transitioning legacy and new applications to the cloud environment should consider various aspects, including cost analysis for both importing and exporting for each cloud provider, technology compatibility, functionality, latency, recoverability, exit strategies, and security. This objective encompasses the creation of a hybrid cloud migration decision framework tailored to evaluate applications for cloud migration suitability. Furthermore, this involves designing a cloud migration and change management plan, outlining phased processes, from data migration to testing and validation. The training guidelines will empower existing personnel, bridging the knowledge gap while transitioning from legacy platforms to cloud technology and ensuring efficient and effective utilization of the newly adopted cloud-based services.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:13:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2384742</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Highway Practices. Topic 56-09. Staffing Models for Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO)



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2384697</link>
      <description><![CDATA[State DOTs have an increasing need for TSMO staff with a unique combination of information technology (IT) and operation technology (OT) expertise. Staffing for TSMO in this context supports the planning, design, maintenance, and operations for TSMO strategies, such as: network infrastructure and communications, intelligent transportation systems, and traffic management center operations.

The TSMO roles and responsibilities have historically blended IT and OT staff in multiple ways. Increasingly, IT and OT spheres are expanding and converging due to several developments including: (1) Increased utilization of shared communication networks;
(2) Use of more cloud-based software and services; (3) Expanded cybersecurity needs requirements; (4) Requirements for connected and automated vehicles and digital infrastructure; (5) Increased need for remote access and control of TSMO software and field devices; and (6) Greater inter-agency operations-related data sharing and data governance.

State DOTs have addressed the convergence of IT and OT staff support in various ways. For example, some agencies dedicate IT staff for TSMO and may embed them within traffic operations or TSMO units. At the other end of the spectrum, TSMO programs may be required to work through a separate IT agency which may have responsibility over multiple state business areas, with transportation being only one of many.

The objective of this synthesis is to document state DOT staffing models for TSMOs, including organizational structure, classification, funding sources, and skill sets.
Information to be gathered includes (but is not limited to): (1) Required staff knowledge, skills, and abilities; (2) Staffing models, including 24/7 staffing needs; (3) Program funding source for staff; (4) Authority for system operation between IT and OT responsibilities;
(5) Staff to evaluate emerging innovation; (6) Staffing use of consultants/vendors; and
(7) Staffing for TSMO project phases (e.g., technology procurement, implementation, management, maintenance, and sunsetting).

Information will be gathered through a literature review, a survey of state DOTs, and follow-up interviews with selected DOTs for the development of case examples. Information gaps and suggestions for research to address those gaps will be identified.

Information Sources (Partial): (1) FHWA IT-TSMO resources https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/plan4ops/focus_areas/integrating/it.htm (2) National Operations Center of Excellence Peer Exchange Summary (December 2023); (3) 2024 TRB Annual Meeting IT-OT Workshop co-sponsored by several TRB Committees; (4) Upcoming NOCoE Peer exchange on IT and TSMO; (5) FHWA Traffic Management Pooled Fund Study underway on Staffing for Traffic Management Systems (report not yet available).

TRB Staff (consultant): Sandra Q. Larson, Phone: 515-971-6329, Email: slarson@nas.edu.

Meeting Dates: First Panel Meeting: February 25, 2025; Teleconference with Consultant: June 12, 2025, 3-4 pm eastern; Second Panel Meeting: January 29, 2026; Washington D.C. Keck Center.

Topic Panel: Xiaoyu Skye Guo, District Department of Transportation, Susan Klasen, New Hampshire Department of Transportation, Zhongren Wang, California Department of Transportation, Stephen Wardle, North Carolina Department of Transportation, Justin Aaron Yoh, Ohio Department of Transportation, Scott Zeller, Washington State Department of Transportation, Richard Denney, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
 ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 31 May 2024 20:51:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2384697</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Developing a Data Repository to Help with TSMO Strategies Evaluations



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2381698</link>
      <description><![CDATA[As agencies seek to improve transportation safety and mobility, effectively operating transportation facilities and networks is critically important. There are dozens of Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) strategies that a facility or network could use. Knowing which TSMO strategies are more likely to be effective at addressing safety and operations issues enables agencies and practitioners to make data-driven decisions to effectively use limited funding. 

The evaluation of TSMO strategies is often complicated by unique characteristics of TSMO strategies, such as deployment of two or more strategies at once, intermittent or flexible use based on prevailing conditions, and widespread effects across a network. Access to better evaluation methods will support agencies in assessing their own use of TSMO strategies. A lack of a central repository that enables sharing of strategy effectiveness data and information impedes the efficiency of agencies and their decision-making for more effective and efficient investments in TSMO strategies. 

Research is needed to help state departments of transportation (DOTs) develop tools to evaluate TSMO strategies, compile results, and make them available to practitioners.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this project are (1) to develop evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness of TSMO strategies and (2) to create a web-based central repository to share information, data, and evaluation methods and results for DOTs and other agencies.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2024 21:18:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2381698</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Advancing TSMO Knowledge Management with Generative AI



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2381707</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The innovation of generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) tools offers new opportunities in curating, synthesizing, managing, and transferring knowledge. Gen AI tools have potential for leveraging state departments of transportation’s (DOTs) resources to assist with tasks such as producing an initial draft of a literature review, generating executive summaries, and responding to user prompts and questions with detailed insightful feedback from the library of existing resources. Gen AI tools are poised to revolutionize accessing knowledge by reducing the time and effort for retrieving relevant information, using and synthesizing information, enhancing decision-making, facilitating best practice exchange, and providing engaging personalized user experiences. 

As DOTs' interest in adopting gen AI tools for knowledge management grows, research is needed to create suitable knowledge management gen AI tools for transportation agencies.  

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to explore gen AI's potential for enhancing knowledge management at transportation agencies by (1) developing a scalable framework to use gen AI tools for improved knowledge management, (2) designing a trustworthy human-AI collaboration prototype that leverages DOTs' resources to address common transportation systems management and operations (TSMO) scenarios within the established framework, and (3) implementing a pilot deploying the identified prototype to demonstrate its efficiency and effectiveness. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2024 20:03:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2381707</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Understanding Travel Behavior Impacts of Transportation Systems Management and Operations Strategies



</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2286617</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Transportation systems management and operations (TSMO) strategies (e.g., 511, work zone speed management, smart work zones, ramp metering, managed lanes, real-time travel information, etc.) are playing an increasing role in supporting transportation agencies’ strategic goals of improved equity, mobility, reliability, safety, and sustainability. Many evaluations of the effectiveness of TSMO deployments have been performed over the last few decades, but most have focused on the system performance outcomes, namely the impacts on performance metrics such as travel speed, travel time, delay reduction, and crash rates. The impacts of TSMO strategies on traveler behavior, such as mode choice, departure time, and route choice, are not well known. In addition, the impact of traveler behavior (due to TSMO deployments) on the overall transportation network performance is not well established. By better understanding how deployed TSMO strategies affect both the tactical and strategic behavior of travelers, more effective combinations of TSMO approaches can be designed to help agencies meet their goals.

Research is needed to evaluate the impacts of TSMO deployment on traveler behavior and corresponding network performance using data from active TSMO deployments. There are typically five stages in an immediate trip chain where travelers make choices. These include destination choice, time of day choice, mode choice, route choice, and lane/facility choice. When comprehensively applied, TSMO strategies can influence many stages of the trip chain and thus influence both the supply and demand sides of transportation management. Different TSMO strategies can influence different parts of the trip chain, and the focus is more on the influence of TSMO in making short-term, real-time changes to traveler behavior based on prevailing conditions than on long-term, habitual, and static changes to traveler behavior. Understanding how deployed TSMO strategies affect the dynamic decisions travelers make and how network performance changes because of these choices is key. 

The objective of this research is to develop a guide to help public agencies evaluate how various TSMO strategies affect traveler behaviors (pretrip, en route, or holistically) and how these behavior changes affect transportation system performance. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:29:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2286617</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>TSMO Strategies and Automation in Work Zones</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2240250</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In a time when there is a workforce shortage in the area of highway construction and an increase in distracted driving, speeding, and work zone crashes, there is a need to identify strategies that can benefit both areas.  This research project is requested to identify implementable Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) strategies that benefit both areas of workforce shortage and safety to be incorporated into Missouri work zones on and off system. The goal of this research is to identify TSMO strategies available, examples of their use, demonstration in Missouri work zones, determination of their effectiveness, and a final list of recommended strategies with construction ready language to be incorporated into future projects. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:14:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2240250</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Playbook for Communicating Benefits of Transportation Systems Management and Operations Strategies Using System Performance Data</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2219026</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The widespread adoption of Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) strategies by agencies marks a notable advancement in transportation operations. Despite the multi-perspective benefits identified from various TSMO strategies, agencies face challenges in effectively communicating these advantages to diverse stakeholders. The surge in data from various sources and emerging technologies further complicates the communication of these benefits. 

Research efforts have improved data handling and developed new performance metrics, such as freeway and arterial reliability measures. However, linking system performance to TSMO strategies and consistently conveying their broader benefits remains a significant challenge. This indicates a gap between understanding the comprehensive impact of TSMO strategies and effectively communicating their benefits.

Research is critically needed to identify system performance measures to quantify TSMO benefits, utilize data to illustrate these benefits clearly, and provide recommendations to bridge any communication gaps to intended audiences. 

The research shall encompass defining what and how to effectively communicate TSMO benefits to whom and when in a timely, relevant, and accessible manner. The research shall also provide methods to assess the efficacy of the communications.

The objective of this research is to develop a playbook with practices for leveraging data and system performance measures to effectively communicate the benefits of TSMO to inter- and intra-agency practitioners/stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Jul 2023 08:56:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2219026</guid>
    </item>
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