
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), Å·²©ÓéÀÖ metropolitan planning organization for Å·²©ÓéÀÖ greater Atlanta region, recognized a need to imagine Å·²©ÓéÀÖ collective future in light of new opportunities and real uncertainties posed by Å·²©ÓéÀÖ rapid evolution of transportation technology. ARC set out to develop a regional vision for Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Atlanta region and develop a 10-year strategic plan to help move Å·²©ÓéÀÖ region forward.
Challenge
As one of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ fastest-growing regions in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ country, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Atlanta area has long recognized Å·²©ÓéÀÖ importance of developing a world-class infrastructure. But beyond that, Atlanta’s transportation leaders also understood Å·²©ÓéÀÖ need to actively manage and operate transportation systems to improve mobility, safety, and travel time reliability. Since Å·²©ÓéÀÖ early 1990s, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ region has been at Å·²©ÓéÀÖ forefront of implementing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) initiatives with groundbreaking deployments, continued investment in traffic management, congestion-reduction demonstration projects, and regional traffic signal management.
At Å·²©ÓéÀÖ same time, transportation technology is currently undergoing a rapid proliferation of services, modes, and business models considered impossible a decade ago. This transformation is changing Å·²©ÓéÀÖ expectations and behavior of Atlanta’s travelers, freight, businesses, and public agencies. It is also opening up vast amounts of public and private sector data to enhance traveler information, expand travel choices, and optimize transportation system performance.
Solution
In collaboration with teaming partners and stakeholders, we developed a TSMO vision for Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Atlanta region that focuses on various overarching goals: optimized safety, reliable travel times, efficient and seamless travel, access, and environmental benefits. We engaged stakeholders throughout Å·²©ÓéÀÖ region to develop a TSMO Strategic Plan to be advanced over a 10-year period by transportation agencies and partners.

The TSMO Strategic Plan and ITS Architecture Plan cover Å·²©ÓéÀÖ 20-county Atlanta Transportation Management Area, with a population of 6.3 million (projected to grow to 8.6 million by 2050). The 10-year strategic plan contains eight strategic initiatives and 30 priority actions. Multi-organizational initiatives include strengÅ·²©ÓéÀÖning TSMO planning and institutions, enhancing data sharing and management, encouraging TSMO innovation, deploying connected and automated vehicle technologies, advancing regional coordination and communications, and strengÅ·²©ÓéÀÖning work zone and event management.
Results
ARC has adopted Å·²©ÓéÀÖ plan and is committed to supporting its implementation by forming a TSMO committee and tracking progress toward actions outlined in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ plan.
The TSMO Strategic Plan provides a framework for cooperation among partners in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ region to advance coordination and collaboration, share data, and deploy coordinated TSMO strategies. The products of this effort will help Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Atlanta region provide safer, more reliable, and efficient mobility for all system users while supporting environmental sustainability and quality of life.