Project. Application of U.S. DOT evaluation guidelines   Completed

Principal investigator: Dr. Michael J. Demetsky, University of Virginia, 804-982-2325, mjd@virginia.edu

External contact. Catherine McGhee, VTRC, 530 Edgemont Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22903, 804-293-1973

Project objective. To suggest an ITS evaluation methodology consistent with U.S. DOT guidelines

Project abstract. Evaluation is the reasoned consideration of how well project goals are being achieved. Evaluation of ITS deployments and operational tests can be used to recommend changes in the project so that it eventually meets or exceeds ITS goals and objectives. Evaluations can be qualitative and quantitative. The U.S. DOT has issued Guidelines for the Evaluation of Operational Tests and Deployment Projects for ITS. This evaluation was required by TEA - 21 and published in Federal Register; September 20, 1999 (Vol. 64, No. 181). This project seeks to identify the best available ITS evaluation methodology consistent with U.S. DOT guidelines.

Tasks. 1) formulate a general understanding of the ITS evaluation process as defined by US DOT, and interpreted in a project/conference by GMU as part of this program. 2) identify a completed ITS project, and using the DOT Guidelines, collect appropriate data for established measures of effectiveness, and develop an evaluation matrix. 3) apply the IDAS model and evaluate its appropriateness in meeting U.S. DOT evaluation goals. 4) consider a proposed ITS project and apply the methods already identified as appropriate. 5) recommend an evaluation procedure for future ITS projects based on the research findings.

Milestones. The first task will be completed by Dec. 31, 2000. At that point, milestones for the subsequent tasks will be developed.

Student involvement. Two full-effort GRAs will be utilized throughout the project.

Budget.  $126,000

Relationship to other research projects. This project will be carried out in conjunction with the Evaluation Conference (Dr. Brien Benson, George Mason) described below.

Technology transfer. This will be accomplished through publication of findings in professional journals, and thru transmittal to U.S. DOT and other interested parties of any new model that might be developed.

Potential benefits. Acceptance of ITS is being hampered by the absence of agreed-upon methods and standards of evaluation. This project has the potential of filling this gap.

TRB keywords. ITS, evaluation.