Topic 1. Sub-regional impacts of congestion

PI: Dr. Roger Stough

There are various studies, for example those by the Texas Transportation Institute, of the impact of congestion on the whole National Capital Region, yet it is at the sub-regional level that economic, land use and transportation decision-making can most usefully adapt to the challenges of congestion.

This study identifies relevant sub-regions of the National Capital Region and analyzes current and projected congestion patterns in those sub-regions. With such forecasts in hand, the study reviews possible ITS technologies and other measures that could relieve congestion and evaluates the impact of these measures on economic performance in the sub-region.

Topic 2. Developing an ITS industry in the National Capital Region.

PI: Dr. Roger Stough

The National Capital Region has an immense pool of professional expertise and corporate investment in the production of information technologies, but at present only a handful of firms, mostly small, are actively involved in providing ITS goods and services. This study investigates the steps or measures that could be taken to encourage the development of the ITS sub-sector, including the role of entrepreneurship, education of the workforce, region marketing, development strategy and producer access to markets.

Topic 3. ITS and the Planning Process

PI: Drs. Roger Stough and Jonathan Gifford

This project studies the interrelationship between the transportation planning process and the use of intelligent transportation systems. On the one hand, it explores how the planning process can facilitate the deployment of appropriate transportation technologies, and, on the other hand, it will consider how ITS technologies can support transportation planning with, for example, continually improving real-time traffic information and continually improving transportation databases. In addition, ITS can facilitate planning by offering new options for addressing transportation needs.

Topic 4. Telecommunications and ITS infrastructure security

PI: Dr. Laurie Schintler

This study describes the level of dependence of various critical ITS technologies on telecommunications hubs and networks, taking both a functional and regional approach.
It then clarifies the role of various ITS technologies in homeland security plans and operations, with particular emphasis on post-terrorist attack evacuation and on preventive surveillance of critical transportation infrastructure. Finally, consistent with appropriate security guidelines, identify and rank in importance telecom hubs and networks in support of critical ITS deployments nationwide.

Topic 5. Homeland security applications of CapWIN

PI: Dr. Roger Stough

This study examines how CapWIN (Capital Area Wireless Integrated Network) could be utilized for specific security-related concerns, for examine, securing access to databases of information about terrorists, and securing connections to real-time surveillance systems aimed specifically at possible terrorist activity. The study will develop options for financing CapWIN. Possibilities include fee-for-service, pro rated assessments of participating jurisdictions, and local contributions to match continued federal support.
The study will also develop proposed adaptations of CapWIN's institutional structure to meet changing demands.

Topic 6. Pricing ITS

PI: Dr. Kenneth Button

This study will explore both the theoretical and the applied aspects of ITS pricing. At a theoretical level, there is the question of which elements of ITS are "public" goods and therefore should be supported through taxes, and which elements are "private" and can therefore be supported by user fees or else provided by for-profit private firms. At the practical level, there are important pricing issues regarding, for example, HOT lanes. There are also important pricing issues regarding real-time traffic information, including the appropriate relationship between for-profit vendors and public transportation authorities in setting the terms of sale.