Study Synthesizes Advisory Plan for Regional Coalition of Eight MPOs in Central Florida on Collaboration to Advance TSMO in the Planning Process.
Florida, United States
Feasibility of a Regional Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) Program
Summary Information
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), required by federal mandate, are responsible for developing and maintaining transportation plans and programs in metropolitan planning areas. This study aimed to explore the potential of establishing and sustaining a regional entity in Central Florida, dedicated to enhancing Transportation Systems Management & Operations (TSMO). The study also developed a recommended framework for the regional TSMO program for a working group that contains eight MPOs responsible for transportation planning in Central Florida. In addition, the study identified methods to integrate equity into a regional TSMO program, such as providing crucial lessons and strategies for promoting equity and including principles into foundational organizational documents.
- Coordinate long-term planning schedules and goals to enhance collaborative efforts. Beginning with manageable projects and tracking their progress and results in a transparent fashion helps demonstrate a long-term commitment towards good faith partnership.
- Secure sustainable funding by developing priorities which can be incorporated into planning documents. Because TSMO funding tends to be more limited, the scope of the planning also tends to be limited. By elevating TSMO with “critical processes and institutional arrangements”, it can become more comprehensive and cohesive.
- Align priorities for regional agencies to build bottom-up solutions to regional issues. Local agencies might not have the capacity to work towards megaregion issues independently from their own, but by coordinating planning, scheduling, and data, MPO coalitions can determine shared funding opportunities based upon shared goals.
- Identify a well-defined coordination plan to opt-in all agencies. Having stakeholder buy-in and coordination as well as pre-identified individuals who are passionate about a project can help shepherd it through the various phases.
- Formalize authority through agreements and working groups. Documents such as intergovernmental agreements and MOUs can establish a shared governance structure. High level steering committees and councils can also help to define roles and responsibilities for participating agencies.
