This article summarizes some of the presentations and conclusions from the planning track of the Institute of Transportation Engineers 2009 Technical Conference and Exhibit. Four topics were considered during the seven sessions that made up this track: data gathering and analysis, performancemeasures, institutional coordination and culture, and financial support for operations. New opportunities for improving transportation operations are being provided by extensive and robust data gathering and analysis. Taking full advantage of these opportunities requires greater attention to forming and communicating performance measures to assess the benefits and costs of existing and proposed operations strategies. Internal and external institutional, cultural and financial barriers make operations challenging to plan and implement. Although cooperation with other agencies oftenappears to be limited to specific projects or events, continued viabilityand success of coordinated activities depends on sustained institutional and financial support.
Abstract