AWARD-WINNING AZTECH - LESSONS LEARNED, NEW INITIATIVES

AZTech, a partnership of more than 30 public agencies and private companies formed by the Arizona and Maricopa County Departments of Transportation, is one of four national showcases using intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to improve travel in metropolitan areas. The partnership, supported by a $7.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, expanded the advanced traffic management system and established an advanced traveler information system. In the process it reduced congestion and costs and improved safety. Those efforts were recognized through ITS America's award to AZTech for "Outstanding Achievement in Regional and Corridor Programs" and the FHWA award for "Excellence in ITS". This article focuses on those achievements, reviews lessons learned and identifies further ITS initiatives to enhance the safety and well being of Arizona motorists.