This paper was presented at the `Traffic management strategies for the future' session. The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (The Ministry) is focused on the preservation, optimization, and selective expansion of their highway system to ensure a safe driving environment for motorists in the Province. In keeping with this, the Ministry recently conducted a study to investigate the feasibility and need for a Public Reporting Program for the motorists in the Greater Toronto Area. This paper presents the findings and conclusions from the Feasibility Study for Greater Toronto Area Public Reporting Programs.The Ministry is currently developing an overall high occupancy vehicle (HOV) strategy as one measure to manage existing and future travel demands in the Greater Toronto Area. While this interest in HOV was the primary motivation for the Public Reporting Program study, the scope of the study was later expanded to consider other reporting and information needs of area motorists. A review of seven Public Reporting Programs currently operated throughout North America, including Ontario, was undertaken to better understand the need, evolution, operation, and success of existing programs. Several system models were developed from the results of this program review, and service as the basis for the recommended Public Reporting Program for the GTA. Three program bundles - Information, Safety/Emergency, and Congestion Management - were rationalized to organize the information/reporting services required. Recommendations were also developed relating to the overall system architecture, response scripting, and linkage needs between program bundles. The introduction of the GTA Public Reporting Program will support the Ontario Government's continued initiative to provide safe and efficient highways in the country's most important economic region. (A)
Abstract