USDOT Congestion Mitigation Initiative

Walter Kulyk, P.E.

Director, Office of Mobility InnovationFederal Transit Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation

APEC TPT WG 29

Intermodal & ITS Experts Group Meeting

July 11, 2007

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Overview

The National Strategy to Reduce Congestion

Congestion Mitigation Initiative Funding

Congestion Mitigate Initiative (Four “Ts”)

Transit’s Role in the Congestion Mitigation Initiative

Schedule

Preliminary Urban Partners

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The National Strategy to Reduce Congestion

Execute “Urban Partnership Agreements” (Congestion Mitigation Initiative)

Encourage States to enact public private partnership laws

Support deployment of real-time traffic information nationwide

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The National Strategy to Reduce Congestion (Continued)

Develop new interstate highway and rail capacity

Engage major freight stakeholders on policy reforms

Make major improvements to the air transportation system

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Potential Funding for Urban Partnerships

Federal Transit Administration – 3 Programs

Federal Highway Administration – 8 Programs

Research and Innovative Technology Administration – 1 Program

Up to $1.2 Billion Potentially Available

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Congestion Mitigation Initiative Goal

Demonstrate integrated strategies to reduce traffic congestion using the Four “Ts”:

Tolling (Congestion Pricing)

Transit

Telecommuting

Technology and Operations

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Tolling

Goal Maintain free-flow conditions on highways

through a system-wide congestion pricing demonstration

Key elements Direct user charge based on use of facility Charge varies based on level of congestion Toll collection via electronic means (no toll

booths) Specifics determined by State and local

leaders

Many potential configurations Pricing of individual facilities Network of high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes Cordon pricing

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TransitGoal

Provide a convenient, comfortable, and cost-effective alternative to solo driving during peak travel periods

Key elements High-quality bus service operating in free-flow lanes High-frequency service during peak periods

New technologies and amenities Improved station design Rapid fare collection Cleaner and quieter vehicles Guided vehicles Improved schedule reliability and increased ridership,

courtesy of congestion pricing

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TelecommutingGoal

Reduce peak period commuting

Key elements Commitment by major employers to

expand telecommuting and flexible work scheduling options

Removal of regulatory impediments to telecommuting

Different options Employees work from home Use of telework centers Alternate work schedules

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Technology and Operations

Goal Employ congestion-reducing cutting-edge operational & technological improvements

Key elements USDOT outreach to locals on operational & technological issues Emphasis on congestion mitigation by local and State transportation operations departments

Sample technologies and policies Adaptive control software for coordinating traffic signal timing More complete real-time traffic information for travelers Movable barriers to augment the number of peak period lanes “Quick clearance” laws and teams

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Transit’s Role in the Congestion Mitigation Initiative

Service Modifications to Accommodate Demand

Improved Traveler Information

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Transit’s Role in the Congestion Mitigation Initiative (continued)

Universal Electronic Payment

Park-and-Ride Improvements

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Schedule

USDOT Selects Preliminary Urban Partners - 6/7/07

Discussions between USDOT and Preliminary Partners – June to July 2007

USDOT Announces Final Urban Partner(s) - Selections by 8/8/07

Signature of Urban Partnership Agreement(s) – August to October 2007

UPA Implementation - ASAP (post-signature)

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Preliminary Urban Partners

Minneapolis, MN

New York,

NY

San Diego, CA

San Francisco, CA

Seattle, WA

Miami, FL

Denver, CO

Dallas, TX

Atlanta, GA

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Thank You

Walter Kulyk, P.E.Director, Office of Mobility Innovation

Federal Transit Administration

Washington, D.C.

(202) 366-4991

walter.kulyk@dot.gov