Module 3: Application of ITS to Transportation Management Systems

Purpose The purpose of this module is (a) to review the application of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in the management of transportation facilities during recurrent and nonrecurrent conditions, (b) to identify the benefits of those applications, and (c) to highlight associated challenges and lessons learned. Transportation management systems (TMS) have a lot in common with transportation system management and operations (TSM&O), which is discussed in Module 4, “Traffic Operations.” This module focuses on the tools used in transportation management systems, whereas Module 4 focuses on operations and management strategies that use those tools to improve the performance of transportation systems. Simply put, this module describes the tools and the systems; Module 4 explains how to apply those tools and systems to get the best results. Therefore studying Modules 3 and 4 together will help practitioners gain a full appreciation of the tools and systems and get the best results from their use.