ITS deployment in TexasC innovative institutional arrangements

The successful development, implementation, and operation of ITS requires innovative institutional arrangements and new partnerships. Experience has shown that institutional issues are often more difficult to address than technical concerns in the deployment of ITS. The traditional relationships among public agencies and between the public and private sectors may inhibit the rapid development of ITS projects. Improved coordination and cooperation among public agencies and new approaches to dealing with the private sector will be needed to promote the rapid deployment of ITS. This paper examines the innovative institutional arrangements being used in Texas to plan, develop, fund, implement, and operate ITS. It includes an assessment of the new public sector partnerships established to deploy ITS projects throughout the state, as well as innovative public/private arrangements. Case study examples are provided on Transtar in Houston, TransGuide in San Antonio, the development of a multi-agency automatic vehicle location (AVL) system in Corpus Christi, and the development of an integrated traffic signal system in Dallas. Common themes from the case studies are summarized, along with the unique aspects associated with individual projects. Although not present in every case, common elements include a project champion, a lead agency, strong interagency cooperation, and new funding arrangements. The information provided in the paper should be of benefit to federal, state, and local agencies, and private sector groups interested in overcoming the institutional barriers that may limit the deployment of ITS.