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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ................................................................3
Definition ...............................................................................5
Summary ...............................................................................5
Strategic Plan Overview ........................................................6
Introduction ...........................................................................9
Context: Current ITS Environment ....................................11
The Statewide ITS Planning Coordination Committee
(SIPCC) ................................................................................13
Partners versus Stakeholders..........................................13
SIPCC Structure ..............................................................14
Values ..................................................................................15
Challenges ...........................................................................16
Vision ...................................................................................17
Mission .................................................................................18
Overview of Goals ............................................................19
Goal 1: Implement solutions to improve inter-agency
communication and coordination. .......................................20
Goal 2: Provide a safe and secure transportation
environment for people and goods.......................................23
Goal 3: Improve the reliability and efficiency of the
transportation network through the use of technology. .....27
Goal 4: Use technology to create a more user-friendly
transportation experience regardless of mode choice. ........31
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MassDOT Registry of Motor Vehicles Division
Acknowledgements
This Intelligent Transportation Systems Strategic Plan was
led and completed by the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation Office of Transportation Planning. The plan
could not have been developed without the collaborative
input from MassDOT’s partner agencies.
Erin Deveney
MassDOT Office of Civil Rights
John Lozada
MassDOT Aeronautics Division
Thomas Mahoney
Partners:
Kathleen Mahoney
MassDOT Office of Transportation Planning
MassDOT Office of Information Technology
Peter Sutton, Project Manager
Frank Spada
Bob Frey
MassDOT Rail and Transit Division
Stephen Pepin
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Patrick McMahon
David Barker
MassDOT Highway Division
Robert Walsh
Jerry Allen – Operations and Maintenance
Patricia Hennigan
Leonard Walsh – Operations and Maintenance
Joseph McNall
Lorenzo Parra – Highway Operations Center
Mike Turcotte
Michael Fitzpatrick – Highway Operations Center
Massachusetts State Police
Michael Pizarek – Highway Operations Center
Lt. Daniel Griffin
Eric Podolsky – Highway Operations Center
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
Michelle Maffeo – ITS Programs
Erica Heidelberg
Stephen Collins – Tolling
Paul Holloway
MassDOT Highway Division – District Offices
Massachusetts Port Authority
Meryl Mandell –District 2
Kenneth Charlton –District 5
Paul Christner
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Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Gary Roux
Cape Cod Commision
Clay Schofield
City of Worcester
Joe Borbone
Worcester Regional Transit
Authority
Steve O’Neill
Boston Transportation
Department
Don Burgess
Federal Transit
Administration
Noah Berger
William Gordon
Federal Highway
Administration
Pamela Stephenson
Promise Otaluka
US Department of Transportation Volpe Center
Lee Biernbaum
Gary Ritter
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Definition
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
The application of advanced technologies to surface transportation problems, including traffic and transportation management,
travel demand management, advanced public transportation management, electronic payment, commercial vehicle operations,
emergency services management, and advanced vehicle control and safety systems. Previously known as intelligent vehicle
highway systems.
Summary
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is committed to partnering with all who plan, design,
implement, maintain and use intelligent transportation systems (ITS) across the Commonwealth to ensure the betterment of
the transportation experience and the continued sustainability of the system. Through the development of this ITS Strategic
Plan and accompanying Action and Implementation Plans, MassDOT has built internal and external relationships that will
enable coordinated, strategic ITS deployments across the Commonwealth. Based on input from the stakeholders and partners,
this plan sets the course for ITS investments in Massachusetts for the next 10 years. This plan was developed collaboratively
by the formation of the Statewide ITS Planning and Coordination Committee (SIPCC). Key members of the SIPCC have been
acknowledged on the previous page. The foundation of this plan is to enable the members of the SIPCC will work diligently
and methodically to achieve the most technologically advanced and user-friendly travel experience in the nation.
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Strategic Plan Overview
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The Massachusetts Statewide ITS Planning Coordination Committee
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Web Link
The Massachusetts ITS Strategic Plan was completed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and is housed on
their website for public viewing and download. The ITS Strategic Plan can be found at the following address:
PLACEHOLDER FOR MassDOT WEBSITE ADDRESS: Currently under development.
Interim WEB Site is being hosted by the consulting firm Gannett Fleming in a Share Point application at the following link:
http://collaborate.gfnet.com/sites/MassDOT/StrategicPlan/default.aspx
Note Regarding Strategic Plan Resource Allocation
The ITS Strategic Plan was developed to coordinate the implementation and use of technology throughout the
Commonwealth’s transportation network. While the contents of the Plan were developed as a collaborative effort among
transportation key stakeholders within Massachusetts, the strategies are not fiscally constrained. Responsibility to execute
and allocate resources to the strategies and completion of tasks will lie with the SIPCC Representative organization that is the
primary owner. Projects described herein are subject to the availability of funding within the owning organization, and any
independent arrangements made between organizations to support the project.
Timeframe
The Massachusetts ITS Strategic Plan has a ten year horizon. While the vision and mission may not be fully realized within
this time period, the strategies contained herein are considered to be reasonable steps toward achieving this mission by
furthering the Plan’s goals and objectives. Throughout the ten year period the strategic plan should be updated periodically to
reflect the dynamic needs of the Commonwealth. However, at the conclusion of the ten year period, a new Strategic Plan
should be developed to reflect the anticipated new and unique needs of the Commonwealth at that point in time.
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Introduction
Strategic planning for transportation is about linking
agency mission to actions. Demonstrating such links is
what enables the design and implementation of successful
projects; meeting the needs of travelers using a diversity of
modes with varying purposes. The advantages that
intelligent transportation systems (ITS) provide in
facilitating seamless travel are sometimes not immediately
clear. Unlike a new freeway segment that links point A to
B, understanding the benefits of implementing ITS requires
an understanding of what ITS has to offer and an
appreciation for its role in the overall transportation
network.
This strategic plan links the planned ITS activities in
Massachusetts to the mission of the agencies that
implement and support ITS, as well as to the travelers that
use it. By completing the strategic planning process, a
framework was developed that provides the opportunity for
an integrated transportation system through the use of
technology.
Technology by itself will not solve mobility concerns.
However, when combined with institutional changes and
performance-driven objectives that are consistently
measured and evaluated, technology can provide the proper
balance between investment and performance for all
transportation users. This plan sets forth a direction for
intelligent transportation in Massachusetts, coupling
foundational projects with consensus building. To this end,
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it is critically important to create implementable projects
within budget.
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Context: Current ITS Environment
Transportation organizations such as the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation and regional transit authorities have been implementing and
using Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) throughout the Commonwealth
for over 15 years. ITS has become an integral part of maintaining and
operating critical roadways, providing travelers with valuable information,
providing transit users with public transportation information, improving
public transportation vehicle operations, and enhancing the safety and security
of the greater transportation network. ITS has played an important role in
high profile, important construction projects and on critical corridors within
the Boston region and throughout the Commonwealth. Notable systems are
deployed in the following locations and corridors:
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I-93 Corridor – including Boston’s Central Artery/Tunnel Project
I-95 Corridor – Metropolitan Boston
I-91 Corridor – Western Massachusetts
I-90 Massachusetts Turnpike – including the Ted Williams Tunnel
MBTA – System Wide
MassPort – Aviation and Seaports
Springfield, MA – Pioneer Valley Transit Authority
Boston, MA – Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Worcester, MA – Worcester Regional Transit Authority
While the types of systems deployed vary based on the needs of the
location or corridor, they are primary comprised of several typical
combined subsystems. These subsystems include the following
technologies:
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Variable Message Signs (VMS) – Used to disseminate
information to users
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Closed-Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) – Used for incident
management monitoring and surveillance
Real-Time Travel Monitoring (RTTM) – Used to monitor roadway
usage. Currently using Bluetooth© technology, replacing
traditional loop sensors to more accurately report drive times to
motorists (using portable VMS)
Electronic Tolling Systems – Used to collect tolls on the Mass.
Pike, Sumner and Ted Williams Tunnels and the Tobin Bridge
Next Arrival Systems – Used to relay transit schedule
information to riders
Transit Signal Priority Systems (TSP) – Used to facilitate
improved transit vehicle operations
Weigh-in-Motion Scales – Used to monitor and enforce truck
weight restrictions
Roadway Weather Information Systems (RWIS) – Used to
monitor roadway weather conditions
For further details of the ITS subsystems deployed in each region, refer to
the MassDOT ITS Architecture link below:
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/regionalitsarchitecture/index.html
These subsystems are all connected to a control center that is operated by the respective owning organization.
Several prominent control centers within Massachusetts include MassDOT’s Highway Operations Center, MEMA’s
Command Center, Boston’s Operations Control Center, MBTA’s subway and
bus Operations Control Centers, and Springfield’s Traffic Management
Center. While these systems and subsystems have all successfully fulfilled
their goals, the ITS implementations have now reached a level of maturity
where the lifecycle costs can be effectively measured and analyzed. The ITS
Strategic Plan incorporates this wisdom gained over the past two decades of
ITS development, and incorporates these valuable lessons learned within the
strategies identified.
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The Statewide ITS Planning
Coordination Committee (SIPCC)
In a new world that requires unprecedented fiscal
responsibility, all organizations responsible for
transportation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
understand the importance and benefit of continuous
coordination of efforts. To promote a team-oriented
environment, MassDOT created the Statewide ITS
Planning and Coordination Committee (SIPCC). The
SIPCC was established to guide the development and
execution of this Strategic Plan and will provide ongoing
guidance for ITS in Massachusetts.
The SIPCC represents the views, perspectives and needs of
stakeholders covering the entirety of the Commonwealth,
including all aspects of transportation services. The SIPCC
will guide the planning and implementation of the ITS
system to ensure that it meets stakeholder needs and
promotes MassDOT’s mission to deliver excellent customer
service to people who travel in the Commonwealth, and to
provide a safe and reliable transportation system that
strengthens the economy and quality of life for all citizens
in the Commonwealth.
SIPCC coordinates efforts across all transportation
organizations to improve the transportation network, and
links efforts together to maximize fiscal efficiency and
minimize duplication and redundancy. Input obtained at
the SIPCC meetings will guide the planning and
deployment of an integrated transportation system
throughout the Commonwealth.
Partners versus Stakeholders
By establishing the SIPCC, MassDOT implemented the
principle that all who are affected by ITS projects in the
Commonwealth should have a voice regarding the direction
of the program and ultimately the implementation of
projects that benefit transportation system users. In this
way, the Department-through the SIPCC-invites
participants to be more than simply stakeholders that
review progress at pre-established milestones. A
continuous and consistent dialog among knowledgeable ITS
experts, those responsible for implementing technology
projects, and those affected by the implementation will
result in a better and more responsive transportation
system.
The SIPCC members are shown in the summary of this
plan on page 6.
The objective of the SIPCC is to create a forum where
agencies and organizations can raise issues, identify needs,
exchange ideas, discuss existing practices, and assist in the
prioritization of operational enhancements for the
Massachusetts transportation system. Ultimately, the
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SIPCC Structure
Regional ITS Planning and Coordination Committees
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Values
MassDOT and its partners believe that Intelligent
Transportation Systems are essential to both the shortterm and long-term success of the transportation system in
Massachusetts. In order to define and achieve success, all
partners agreed on the overarching values shown below.
These values represent the basis for all activities that will
be completed as part of the Massachusetts ITS Program.
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Coordination – Promote the coordinated uses of
existing resources and planning efforts for future
needs
Traceability – Link initiatives to a documented
transportation operation need
Public Safety – Uphold the safety of the traveling
public
Information Quality – Promote meaningful,
accurate, and up-to-date traveler information
Efficiency
o Practical Efficiency – Promote MassDOT’s
goal to implement efficient travel across all
modes of transportation
o Fiscal Efficiency – Avoid duplication of efforts
across transportation organizations within
the Commonwealth
Customer Service – Promote initiatives that align
with and satisfy customer needs. Consistently
validate initiatives against customer feedback
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Protection of Life, Safety and the Environment
– Utilize ITS and operations to protect the public,
where possible, which includes supporting incident
response, first responder safety, evacuations and
emission reduction
Equity – Promote shared, equal, access to traveler
and operations information for people of all
backgrounds and education levels
Open Access – Promote open access and exchange
of information between transportation organizations,
and to the traveling public
Flexibility – Implement adaptable, scalable and
interoperable transportation operations solutions
Education and Outreach
o Internal Education – Promote the education
and retention of qualified ITS staff to
implement, operate and maintain systems
o External Education – Promote the education
of the traveling public regarding available
transportation operations resources
Cost Effective – Implement efficient and cost
effective transportation operations solutions that
consider lifecycle costs
Local Vision – Improve outreach to local
government to increase awareness of available
transportation operations tools.
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Challenges
Challenges represent potential barriers or roadblocks,
which, if not addressed, could hamper or prevent the
possibility of successfully implementing projects that reflect
the ITS program values. Challenges also help identify
limitations that exist so that strategies can be developed
within frameworks that promote success. By
understanding boundaries associated with economics, time
and resources, the program can be appropriately planned.
Five challenge themes were defined and developed by the
SIPCC.
Financial Constraints
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Funding of capital projects may take precedence
Resources for critical positions may be unavailable
Operations and maintenance are unique and
unanticipated costs for ongoing operational efforts
have to be evaluated
Unfunded mandates continue to be imposed
Lack of Clear and Consistent Project Parameters
 Realistic and meaningful timeframes are not always
a part of project execution
 The right stakeholders are not always identified
 Accessibility for users with disabilities is not always
provided
 Geographic ITS subdivisions exist around the
Commonwealth
 Responsibilities for collaborative projects are not
always defined
Technical Deficiencies during Implementation
 Future integration needs are not always considered
 Timeliness and quality of information is not always
considered as part of project execution
 Experienced implementation personnel unavailable
 Emerging technology awareness is difficult to plan
for and accomplish
 Conformity to standards is lacking
Data and Resource Sharing
 There are inconsistencies between shared
information
 Unplanned event coordination is difficult and
sometimes not done at all
 Evaluation of the benefits of activities is often
difficult
End User Education
 Raising awareness of available resources is difficult
 Visibility can be difficult to achieve among
competing interests and information.
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Vision
The Massachusetts ITS Program strives to deliver services
and solutions that create a welcoming environment to users
of the Commonwealth’s transportation system. The term
user-friendly reflects the values of equity, ease of use, openaccess and information quality. By providing user-friendly
ITS, all partners will work to ensure that the economy, the
integrated transportation network and the social fabric of
Massachusetts can operate at the optimal and safest level.
The vision statement is the message that the SIPCC wants
to deliver to those outside of the program about what this
program hopes to achieve. It is the belief of the SIPCC that
ITS technologies and initiatives will create a more userfriendly experience for all travelers in Massachusetts.
The vision statement also serves as the link between the
ITS program and the more broad themes identified as part
of YouMoveMassachusetts. The YouMoveMassachusetts
initiative identified 10 themes that were important to
travelers. The ITS strategic plan vision is shown in bold at
the top right of this page and the circles represent
YouMoveMassachusetts themes that connect to the vision.
Read more about the themes at
http://youmovemassachusetts.org/themes.html.
As the next phase of YouMoveMassachusetts, known as
weMove Massachusetts, becomes more defined, this
strategic plan will be coordinated with those efforts by the
SIPCC.
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Mission
A Mission Statement is inward focused. It is intended to inspire
people within the program to meet identified goals and form a sense
of cohesiveness for the program. The Massachusetts ITS Strategic
Plan mission statement is designed to be in alignment with the
mission statements from the agencies represented in the SIPCC. The
mission will help improve the visibility and importance of a robust ITS Program, and links the mission of stakeholder agencies
to it’s the SIPCC’s core activities . The SIPCC Member Agency Mission Statements are shown below.
Deliver excellent customer
service to people who travel in the Commonwealth,
and to provide our nation's safest and most reliable
transportation system in a way that strengthens our
economy and quality of life.
The
MBTA is a dedicated world class transit system
built upon customer service excellence, accessibility,
reliability, state-of-the-art technology, and a diverse
workforce that reflects our commitment to the
communities we serve
Massport owns and operates an
integrated world-class transportation network that
promotes economic growth and opportunity,
enhances the quality of life of New England
residents and protects the freedom to travel safely,
securely, efficiently and cost-effectively.
Statements among the SIPCC members have similar themes that are
fueled by the values of the organization. The themes that crosscut all these
efforts include:
•
Quality of Life
•
Customer Service
•
Safety
•
Economic Growth
•
Security
•
Coordination
•
Accessibility
The strategic plan Mission Statement reflects the missions and values of all
the SIPCC member organizations and the needs established by the
youMoveMassachusetts outreach program. The Mission Statement guided
the development of this strategic plan and will be used to guide future ITS
planning efforts.
As strategies and actions are implemented, they will be compared against
the Mission Statement to ensure that they are furthering the greater
initiative to “implement transportation technologies that promote a
seamless system to safely, quickly, and reliably move people, goods and
services throughout the Commonwealth.”
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Overview of Goals
The goals of the Massachusetts ITS Program outline what
will be accomplished by 2022, how it will be accomplished,
and who the responsible parties will be.
The ITS Program mission statement identifies four goal
areas in addition to the emphasis on user-friendliness from
the vision statement:
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Each of these goals will succeed or fail based on the ability
to satisfy specific critical success factors. These critical
success factors represent governance, institutional
conditions, or support that must be sustained in order to
achieve the goal. These success factors are indicated for
each of the four goals.
Coordination – based on the desire to create a
seamless system, coordination of activities among
partner organizations is essential.
Safety and Security – a core function of
government and transportation organizations is to
ensure public safety and to secure the total system
against natural and man-made catastrophes.
Reliability and Efficiency – A transportation
system should be transparent. This goal will help
focus attention on developing and deploying devices
and systems that enable both business and travel
reliability and efficiency.
User-friendly – As described in the vision
statement, equity, access, and quality are essential
to providing a user-friendly transportation
experience to enhance life in Massachusetts.
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Goal 1: Implement solutions to improve
inter-agency communication and
coordination.
The purpose of this goal is to maintain the momentum that
was realized by the creation of the SIPCC and to ensure
that all agencies realize fiscal efficiency by taking
advantage of shared resources and coordinated ITS
deployment.
The ultimate goal of forming committees and groups to
discuss issues and needs is to achieve the cooperation
needed to implement projects. The task of building cohesive
groups capable of executing projects that provide services to
travelers in Massachusetts requires close coordination and
communication. Technology projects especially benefit from
this process because they usually are highly complex, cross
multiple institutional and jurisdictional boundaries, and
have uniquely high demand for ongoing management
throughout the development process.
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Performance Measures
Reduced implementation administrative costs
Increased quantity of projects coordinated across agencies
Minimized or eliminated duplication in projects
Increased rate of projects that fulfill their goals
Decreased duration of the ITS project development and
execution process
Critical Success Factors
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The commitment to participate in coordination
meetings and activities is fulfilled.
Business efficiencies are linked to program
performance.
All stakeholders are satisfied with project outcomes.
Funding available for projects is increased and
flexibility to adapt based on available funding is
considered.
Awareness and positive opinion of ITS within SIPCC
agencies is increased.
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Goal 1: Implement solutions to improve inter-agency communication and coordination.
Objective
Strategies
Next Steps
Improve effectiveness of ITS implementation
 Develop statewide policies
by educating stakeholders and end users.
and procedures for increased
 Conduct SIPCC meetings and Regional
coordination and buy-in
ITS Planning and Coordination
It is the belief of the SIPCC that focusing on
from MassDOT divisions as
Committee (RIPCC) meetings in each
this objective will help enable the successful
well as other agencies.
region on a quarterly basis.
completion of the rest of this strategic plan, the
 Establish a SIPCC
 Conduct awareness campaign to
action plan and the program in general.
legislative and executive
increase positive opinion of ITS among
Through the creation of this objective the
outreach working group.
the public, legislators and traffic
SIPCC has demonstrated a proactive approach
engineers.
 Develop ITS education
to improving the implementation of ITS
 Electronically disseminate ITS
campaigns for the public,
through coordination.
legislators and traffic
outreach newsletters annually.
engineers.
Use a consensus-based, strategically planned,
decision-based approach to implement ITS
initiatives.
Throughout the strategic planning process the
SIPCC reiterated the importance of
coordination and fostering an environment of
openness and inclusion as ITS is planned and
implemented. This objective embodies that
that desire. Once memorandums of agreement
are established between the multimodal
agencies it will be important to make sure a
consensus is developed that allows all
stakeholders to have input and to ensure that
the projects that benefit the most people and
make the best use of available funds are
prioritized. This will help with the
sustainability of the SIPCC and will contribute
to executing this strategic plan.
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Develop a common platform
to enable resource sharing.
Develop a standardized
project execution process for
ITS Projects.
Streamline the planning
and consensus process for
ITS deployments across the
Commonwealth.
Revise the procurement
process and contracts to be
more suitable for ITS
projects.
Improve the project
acceptance process to ensure
that all stakeholders are
satisfied that all systems
are fully functional.
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Define requirements for resource
sharing platforms.
Develop plan to coordinate all ITS
implementations within the
Commonwealth through the SIPCC.
Develop a project completion and
satisfaction checklist for completed ITS
projects.
Streamline the systems engineering
approach to ITS projects.
Systems engineering is not only a requirement
of projects that include Federal funding, it is a
common sense approach to implementing
projects that will provide the most benefit over
time and help ensure open and fair
competition. Systems engineering additionally

Develop modular and
scalable concept of
operations templates to
describe the relationship
between stakeholders for
ITS projects.
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Identify the focus areas to develop 21
Concepts of Operations for and a plan
to integrate the Concepts of Operations
into the execution process.
Develop draft systems engineering
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process and contracts to be
 Develop a project completion and
consensus is developed that allows all
more suitable for ITS
satisfaction checklist for completed ITS
stakeholders to have input and to ensure that
projects.
projects.
the projects that benefit the most people and
 Improve the project
make the best use of available funds are
acceptance process to ensure
prioritized. This will help with the
that all stakeholders are
sustainability of the SIPCC and will contribute
satisfied that all systems
Goal 1: Implement
solutions to improve
inter-agency
to executing this strategic
plan.
are fully
functional.communication and coordination.
Objective
Strategies
Next Steps
Streamline
the systemsofengineering
Improve
effectiveness
ITS implementation
 Develop statewide policies
approach
to ITS
projects. and end users.
by
educating
stakeholders
and procedures for increased
 Conduct SIPCC meetings and Regional
coordination and buy-in
ITS Planning and Coordination
 Develop modular and
It
is the belief
of the SIPCC
thatafocusing
on
Systems
engineering
is not only
requirement
from MassDOT divisions as
Committee (RIPCC) meetings in each
scalable concept of
this
objective
will
help enable
successful
 region
Identifyonthe
focus areas
to develop
of projects
that
include
Federalthe
funding,
it is a
well as other agencies.
a quarterly
basis.
operations templates to
completion
of the
rest of this
strategic plan, the
common sense
approach
to implementing
Conceptsawareness
of Operations
for andtoa plan
 Establish a SIPCC
 Conduct
campaign
describe the relationship
action
plan
program
general.
projects
thatand
willthe
provide
the in
most
benefit over
to integrate
the Concepts
of ITS
Operations
legislative and executive
increase
positive
opinion of
among
between stakeholders for
Through
thisand
objective
outreach working group.
the
legislators
and traffic
time and the
helpcreation
ensure of
open
fair the
intopublic,
the execution
process.
ITS projects.
SIPCC
has demonstrated
a proactive
approach
 Develop ITS education
competition.
Systems engineering
additionally
 engineers.
Develop draft systems engineering
 Develop a systems
to
improving
implementation
ITS
 Electronically
disseminate
campaigns for the public,
helps
agenciesthe
avoid
re-work and of
lost
efforts by
checklist and identify
itemsITS
within the
engineering checklist and
through
legislators and traffic
outreach
newsletters
annually.
providingcoordination.
a mechanism to develop projects in
list to include
in the toolkit.
toolkit to facilitate project
engineers.
modular format. FHWA conducted a systems
planning and funding.
engineering workshop that many SIPCC
members attended during the strategic
planning process that led to this plan.
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Performance Measures
Goal 2: Provide a safe and secure
transportation environment for people
and goods.
The purpose of this goal is to ensure that the system can
continue to operate at its full capacity and that traveler
confidence is as high as possible.
In the context of the Massachusetts ITS Program, safe is
defined as the ability to move about the transportation
system without the fear or likelihood of being involved in a
collision or system failure resulting in personal injury or
economic loss. Secure is defined as presence of facilities
and protocols that are intended to mitigate potential
malevolent attacks from forces outside of the transportation
system. These forces can be natural or manmade.
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Reduction in the number of roadway crashes
Reduction in the number of secondary crashes
Reduction in incident clearance time
Reduction in crime at transit stations
Reduction in commercial vehicle screening time.
The implementation of an automated traffic management
system (ATMS) at the Highway Operations Center (HOC)
that is interoperable with the Massachusetts State Police
Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) will simplify incident
detection, verification and response, help reduce risk to
motorists and emergency responders associated with
incident clearance, and creating a common operating
picture between response agencies.
The SIPCC understands the role that ITS plays for both
safety and security in the lives of Massachusetts travelers.
It is dedicated to helping provide the safest and most secure
transportation system in the nation.
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Critical Success Factors
All agencies make a conscience effort to work
together to avoid emergency responder injuries and
fatalities.
Performance measures to track trends in incident
and roadway clearance times are implemented
across the Commonwealth.
A commitment by all agencies to reduce crime at
transit stations is maintained.
Adequate and qualified staffing is provided to
monitor and respond to situations.
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Goal 2: Provide a safe and secure transportation environment for people and goods.
Objective
Strategies
Implement the ITS components of the Highway Safety Improvement
 Develop a multi-modal
Program (HSIP) to support traffic and incident management activities.
emergency
management ITS
In 2006 the Massachusetts Highway Department (now MassDOT) entered
support plan.
into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) relating to the Massachusetts
 Implement
Statewide Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). The mission of this joint
interoperable ATMS
group is to develop, promote, implement, and evaluate data-driven, multisoftware and computer
disciplinary strategies to maximize safety for users of the roadway system.
aided dispatch that
The SHSP is the primary deliverable of the Highway Safety Improvement
provides a common
Plan (HSIP) and is used to guide the program. In the 2006 plan there were 46
operating picture and
tier one and tier two strategies identified. The purpose of this objective is to
is shared with all
identify how ITS can help achieve those strategies.
operations centers.
 Maintain and enhance
the traffic
The implementation of interoperable strategies of the National
management working
Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management will provide a common
group.
operating picture for MassDOT traffic management centers and the

Implement technology
Massachusetts State Police will be critical in the achievement of this
to achieve the National
goal.
Unified Goal (NUG) for
traffic incident
MassDOT – Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) Link:
management to ensure
responder safety, quick
incident clearance and
http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/default.asp?pgid=content/traffic/shsp&si
reliable interoperable
d=level2
communications.
 Coordinate with HSIP
developers to
determine how to
standardize reporting
through technology.
 Develop a plan for
collecting, predicting,
and distributing road
weather conditions.
Next Steps
 Conduct
workshop to
gather needs for
a multi-modal
emergency
management
ITS support
plan.
 Enhance
membership
and
participation in
the Traffic
Management
Working Group.
Include
members
knowledgeable
of traffic
incident
management
operations.
 Prioritize SHSP
strategies.
 Develop plan to
achieve GIS
system
interoperability
between SIPCC
organizations by
2015.
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24
Goal 2: Provide a safe and secure transportation environment for people and goods.
Objective
Strategies
Use ITS to improve security of people and freight on the roadways and
public transportation infrastructure.
Consumer and traveler confidence are two hallmarks of a successful society.
The SIPCC recognizes the role of ITS in both of those areas as well as that
improved traveler confidence will lead to greater consumer confidence.
Manufacturers, suppliers, shippers, and retailers rely on the transportation
system. Therefore the purpose of this objective is to deploy surveillance
technology to help increase surveillance of critical points of the
Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure, and improve security for all
residents that use these facilities.


Increase the use of ITS
to improve
surveillance of critical
infrastructure, supply
chain routes, and
public transit routes.
Develop mobile
applications that allow
the public to easily and
safely report
suspicious activity.
Next Steps
 Develop plan
to improve
remote
surveillance
capabilities
on critical
supply chain
routes.
 Develop
agreements
between
member
agencies
regarding
how to fund
and
implement
mobile
security
applications.
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Goal 2: Provide a safe and secure transportation environment for people and goods.
Objective
Strategies
Implement the ITS components of a commercial vehicle operations
program to enforce regulations and enhance the security of freight
traveling on the roadway and the public transit system.

Massachusetts is participating in the national Commercial Vehicle
Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) program in order to improve
safety, mobility, and productivity, as well as to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the State agencies that are responsible for regulating the
commercial vehicle industry. The CVISN plan includes these goals:
1

Enhance highway safety, public safety, and public health

Promote efficiencies in
administrative functions

Improve coordination among CVO agencies

Develop and deploy information systems that will support new capabilities
in three areas.1
Commercial
Vehicle
Operations

(CVO)
Create a Technology
Working Group to
integrate commercial
vehicle operations into
the planning process.
Improve the efficiency
and effectiveness of
commercial vehicle
screening at high
traffic corridors and
bottlenecks.
Next Steps


Conduct at
least two
Technology
Working
Group
meetings
annually.
Develop
approach to
CVO
planning
process.
Massachusetts CVISN Program Plan and Top-Level Design – Final Report, August 2011
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Goal 3: Improve the reliability and
efficiency of the transportation network
through the use of technology.
The bottom line for many travelers is that they need a
transportation system that they can trust. The use of
technology that recognizes the value of time spent by
travelers is a key to successful ITS implementation and
user acceptance. The purpose of this goal is to ensure that
all ITS in Massachusetts be designed with the principles of
trust in mind.
Efficiency is a measurement that analyzes trip durations.
Within a multimodal context, it can be used to evaluate the
ability or likelihood that a traveler will be willing to change
modes of travel during the trip planning phase or once the
trip has begun.
Information can become powerful when enough access is
provided to persuade behavior change. There is a theory
behind providing accurate, reliable information both
passively and actively in a widely available and accessible
manner. The theory is that if a traveler becomes aware of
an impending disruption to their travel plans and a
convenient alternative is available, the traveler will modify
their behavior and choose an alternate. Therefore, it is
critical that decision points be identified, good data be
gathered, and strategies be employed to make reliable
information available to allow for decision making.
Confidence of the traveling public is built on performance,
which can be achieved by implementing a Traffic Incident
Management (TIM) process consisting of a planned and
coordinated multi-disciplinary process to detect, respond to,
and clear traffic incidents so that traffic flow may be
restored as safely and quickly as possible. Effective TIM
reduces the duration and impacts of traffic incidents and
improves the safety of motorists, crash victims and
emergency responders.
Performance Measures











Increase the availability of ITS devices
Improve travel time reliability of roadway trips
Increase on-time arrivals of transit vehicles
Increase the accessibility of next-vehicle arrival
time information for transit vehicles
Increase accuracy of next-vehicle arrival times for
transit vehicles
Reduction in incident clearance times and
secondary accidents
Critical Success Factors
ITS Standards are implemented and adhered to.
Travel times and transit arrival times need to be
98 percent accurate.
ITS devices and systems need to be available 97
percent of the time.
Law enforcement compliment and training
allowing 50 percent of all crashes to be reported
electronically.
Creation of a statewide TIM outreach program
and coordinated partnership.
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Goal 3: Improve the reliability and efficiency of the transportation network through the use of technology.
Objective
Strategies
Next Steps
Leverage and implement the most current ITS
technologies to improve travel time reliability of
roadways and transit.
 Develop a work zone ITS
deployment strategy and
 Establish working group
In 2010 the MassDOT Highway Division completed a
standard procedure.
to identify feasible
strategic plan that was intended to help that division
 Develop a seasonal and special
methodologies to
achieve four goals:
events ITS deployment strategy
mitigating recurring and
and procedure.
non-recurring roadway
 Improve incident management
congestion.
 Develop a data warehouse with
 Improve congestion management
 Assemble requirements
a visual component to compile
 Improve safety and security management
and display congestion data.
for a data warehouse that
 Improve operations and maintenance cost
will enable all
 Create a baseline and annual
effectiveness
performance measures
congestion performance
identified within the
measure report for key
This objective will help implement those strategies for
strategic plan.
corridors.
the Highway Division and across the entire
transportation network. Travel time reliability is one
cross-cutting area that can benefit from joint
coordination and implementation.
Standardize the technological environment of
roadway and transit ITS.
Efficiency and standardization are related terms in ITS
and this objective aims to start the process of viewing
standardization in terms of efficiency. The reduction of
design costs, custom integration, and maintenance costs
will lead to more efficient ITS. Meeting and integrating
standards for ITS will not only allow ITS stakeholders to
work together more easily and perform their jobs
successfully; it will also allow the ITS community to take
advantage of the best technology available on the
market.


Implement design, construction,
integration and communication
standards for ITS field devices.
Implement an electronic crash
reporting system to reduce the
amount of time required to
investigate crashes.


Conduct existing
conditions survey of
current ITS technologies.
Begin ITS standards
working group to remain
current on national and
international ITS
standards.
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28
Goal 3: Improve the reliability and efficiency of the transportation network through the use of technology.
Objective
Strategies
Next Steps
Improve efficiency of ITS and business processes that
 Develop ITS design checklists
support it.
for incorporation into the
development process for all
To deliver the most technologically enhanced
projects.
transportation possible for travelers, ITS agencies must
 Develop a standard lifecycle cost
operate their business as efficiently as possible. This
 Conduct survey of the
analysis template that includes
objective will help MassDOT and its partners formalize
current ITS project
an evaluation of replacement
and standardize all aspects of project development and
design process.
costs and when the item will
delivery.
 Conduct survey of typical
become obsolete.
lifecycle ITS costs.
 Develop a process to improve
early planning for operations
and maintenance budgets
associated with ITS use.
Implement performance measures of the ITS program
in order to document and track the benefits of ITS
implementations and validate legacy and future
systems.

Measuring the outcome of ITS program efforts will help
document and track the benefits of implementation as
well as validate legacy and future systems. This
objective is designed to ensure that performance
measurement and evaluation is a part of all ITS
activities in the Commonwealth.
Leverage sustainable applications of technology.

The impact of technology on environmental and fiscal
sustainability is significant. The challenge of agencies
implementing ITS is to remain aware of the most
advanced technologies available and to be able to
integrate them into the operational environment
successfully. This objective is designed to begin thinking
about how to accomplish that task.



Implement data collection and
storage processes to protect the
integrity of ITS and
transportation data to enable its
tracking, review, and analysis.
Develop criteria to measure and
evaluate the performance of ITS
deployments.
Establish an ITS Performance
Measurement Working Group.



Implement technologies that
collect revenues efficiently.
Identify measurable
environmental benefits of ITS
projects.

Conduct a minimum of
three working group
meetings annually.
Use performance
measurement goals to
guide future ITS projects.
Conduct feasibility study
to determine conversion
of existing toll facilities to
electronic tolls.
Conduct environmental
impacts study to quantify
benefits of existing and
future ITS deployments.
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29
Goal 3: Improve the reliability and efficiency of the transportation network through the use of technology.
Objective
Strategies
Next Steps
Expand Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Activities
 Expand the traffic management
coordination group to include
transit operations.
 Develop a statewide
Traffic incidents are a primary source of non Include Relevant Transit
implementation plan for the
recurring congestion and the effect on travel time
Projects on Working
“Roadmap for National TIM
reliability and network efficiency has been
Group Agenda.
Leadership and Innovation.”
documented at a national level. TIM can be a
 Further Institutionalize
 Develop TIM performance
primary driver when determining the correct
TIM.
measures as a capability of
location of ITS devices and can also be used to
ATMS.
 Revise the ATMS
determine mode shift points from a multi-modal
 Develop local TIM Teams as
ConOps.
perspective.
method for improving the ITS
 Identify Multi-modal
Planning process.
opportunities.
 Link activities of the traffic
management group to the
SIPCC and the ITS Strategic
Plan.
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30
Goal 4: Use technology to create a more
user-friendly transportation experience
regardless of mode choice.
The purpose of this goal is to implement ITS projects that
create a successful and rewarding travel experience for the
most users possible, including the diverse populace within
the Commonwealth.
One of the most important functions of traveler information
is to improve customer satisfaction with the transportation
system. Studies have shown that even when traveler
information does not improve travel time, it has a
measurable effect on customer satisfaction1. Traveler
information is a vital component of improving userfriendliness of the Commonwealth’s transportation system.
In the context of ITS for Massachusetts, user-friendly is
defined based on the following values:




Critical Success Factors
The public has a positive opinion of the
Massachusetts Transportation System.
A reliable traveler information system is
implemented and maintained.
Transit arrival time availability is increased.



Performance Measures
Increase usage of traveler information
Increase customer satisfaction
Reduce the number of customer complaints


Customer Service – Promote initiatives that align
with and satisfy customer needs. Consistently
validate initiatives against customer feedback.
Equity – Promote shared, equal, access to traveler
and operations information for people of all
backgrounds and education levels.
Information Quality – Promote meaningful,
accurate, and up-to-date traveler information.
Watkins, Keri and Brian Ferris. Location-Based Services for
Public Transport. ITS World Congress, Orlando, Florida, October
2011
1
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31
Goal 4: Use technology to create a more user-friendly transportation experience regardless of mode choice
Objective
Strategies
Next Steps
Implement a traveler information program to improve
 Expand the availability
connections between all modes of transportation,
of transit arrival and
enabling seamless travel throughout the
departure information.
Commonwealth.
 Assemble a working group to
 Expand and implement
identify potential future
intermodal electronic
A multi-modal traveler information program will help
electronic payment systems.
payment systems.
increase the number of people that are willing to change
 Facilitate mode-sharing
 Develop requirements for mode
modes of transportation during a single trip. A more
sharing traveler information
information between
robust program that highlights where mode connection
roadway vehicles,
program.
points are and what type of additional delay should be
airports, and public
expected during the transfer will help offset roadway
transportation.
congestion and improve public transportation ridership.
Increase accessibility to real-time traveler
information.
Developing traveler information cannot be the final
activity in an efficient program. Proactively increasing
access and use of the system can help with many
performance measures that address reliability and
congestion. The SIPCC recognizes the value of a good
traveler information system and will use this objective to
make sure that the usage continues to expand.
Use technology to improve the transportation
experience for travelers.
The SIPCC wants to ensure that the traveling public has
a voice in determining what works best. This objective
and strategy will help maintain the customer focus on all
ITS activities for the Commonwealth.



Provide data to the public
through various sources
and platforms, including
mobile applications.
Increase media outlet
access to traveler
information, including
people with disabilities
and Limited English
proficiency (LEP).
Implement a centralized
traveler feedback system
and database.



Develop approach to convert
existing and future traveler
information to LEP format.
Identify methods to improve
presentation of traveler
information on existing
organization websites.
Develop traveler and user
satisfaction survey.
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