Transportation management center data capture for performance and mobility measures guidebook.

The Guide to Transportation Management Center (TMC) Data Capture for Performance and Mobility Measures is a two-volume document consisting of this summary Guidebook and a Reference Manual. These documents provide technical guidance and recommended practices regarding concepts, methods, techniques, and procedures for collecting, analyzing, and archiving TMC operations data to develop measures of roadway and TMC performance, as well as documenting the benefits of TMC activities for a variety of stakeholders. This guide is designed to be used by TMC technical and management staff involved in developing, implementing, and/or refining a TMC performance monitoring program. Effective performance monitoring efforts can assist the user in a variety of tasks including traffic performance monitoring, asset management, evaluation of TMC activities and strategies, and planning and decision-making. They can also provide persuasive data in support of continued or enhanced TMC programs; conversely, a lack of available data regarding the value of TMC programs can make agencies more vulnerable to budget reductions when resources are constrained and the remaining budgets are being allocated. The contents of this guide are based on a literature survey, a survey of TMC Pooled-Fund Study (PFS) members, follow-up interviews, and the project study team’s experience and judgment. The study team began with a literature survey of publications regarding TMC data, performance data, performance measures, performance analysis, and reporting. Next, a survey of the PFS members was performed to gain an understanding of the current state of the practice and to determine PFS member needs. The team conducted follow-up discussions with members as needed and then selected a core set of performance measures that would form the basis for this guide.