MEETING 21ST CENTURY CHALLENGES OF SYSTEM PERFORMANCE THROUGH BETTER OPERATIONS

Meeting the nation's mobility needs in the 21st century requires moving from a construction-based focus to an emphasis on system operations across all transportation modes. The Federal Highway Administration, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and National Cooperative Highway Research Program sponsored a scanning study of Germany, France, England, and the Netherlands to investigate current and planned strategies for sustaining good system performance and operational practices in those countries. The U.S. delegation observed that reducing congestion and integrating transportation systems and services are national commitments in each country, and that funding for these activities is higher than in the United States. Governments base both strategic investment and tactical operations decisions on the priorities of safety and customer service. The scanning team's recommendations for U.S. application include making a long-term national commitment to reducing congestion and integrating surface transportation systems and services. The team also recommends actions that can be taken at State and local levels, including focusing on safety and customer service, balancing passenger and freight operations, and contracting for management and operations activities.