This article describes how the metropolitan planning organization for theOrlando, Florida, area, METROPLAN ORLANDO, is linking its planning and operations functions. During the past few years, METROPLAN ORLANDO has evolved from an agency with a mandate on capital planning to an organization that also has an interest in reducing the effects of nonrecurring congestion. In meeting this challenge, the agency has established a structure thatenables planners and operators within the region to consider management and operations strategies for reducing congestion and delay and improving air quality. Linking planning and operations came of age at the agency during the recent update of its long range transportation plan. Measuring the benefits of using technology to manage and operate a transportation system enabled funding for management and operations strategies. The agency is using operations data to better understand the performance of the transportation system. METROPLAN ORLANDO also is developing partnering opportunities outside of the traditional transportation planning arena to meet regional transportation goals.
Abstract