Background Information

Transportation Performance Management (TPM) is a strategic approach that uses system performance data to guide decision-making and optimize the planning, operation, and maintenance of transportation networks. As states, regions, and local governments increasingly face challenges like budget constraints, aging infrastructure, population growth, and the need for sustainability, effective performance management becomes essential in ensuring that transportation investments deliver maximum value.

In the United States, federal legislation, such as the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) and the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, has established a national framework for performance-based transportation management. These mandates have encouraged state departments of transportation (DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to adopt a performance-driven approach to managing transportation assets, reducing congestion, improving safety, and advancing environmental sustainability.

The Transportation Performance Management Blue Book is proposed as a comprehensive guide that will standardize and document best practices, metrics, methodologies, and case studies to help transportation agencies effectively implement TPM frameworks. This Blue Book will serve as a critical resource for state and local transportation agencies to benchmark their performance management efforts, identify gaps, and integrate performance management into long-term planning and investment strategies.

In addition to addressing current best practices, the Blue Book will explore emerging trends such as the integration of advanced data analytics, smart technologies, and real-time data collection systems that enhance TPM. It will also examine challenges faced by transportation agencies, such as data interoperability, funding limitations, and the need for cross-agency collaboration.

By creating this guide, the project aims to equip transportation agencies with a practical, user-friendly resource that will promote more consistent and effective transportation performance management nationwide. The Blue Book will ultimately support the development of more efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation systems.

Literature Search Summary

By creating this guide, the project aims to equip transportation agencies with a practical, user-friendly resource that will promote more consistent and effective transportation performance management nationwide. The Blue Book will ultimately support the development of more efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation systems.

Guidance, Documents, Research, and Resources:

NCHRP Report 1035: Guide to Effective Methods for Setting Transportation Performance Targets

• Designed to help state DOTs and metropolitan planning organizations identify effective methods for setting transportation performance targets based on established national measures.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) - Performance-Based Planning and Programming Guidebook (2013)

• This guide provides best practices for implementing TPM and the processes used to comply with federal requirements.

FHWA Transportation Performance Management (TPM) Toolbox

• An online resource containing tools, examples, and strategies for agencies to implement performance-based programs.

FHWA: Transportation System Performance Monitoring (2015)

• Addresses issues in performance data collection, data management, and interoperability challenges in transportation agencies.

AASHTO - Transportation Performance Management Portal

• A resource portal with tools and documents that support the implementation of performance-based transportation management across state DOTs.

FHWA Performance Management Guidebook (2016)

• A detailed guide that provides step-by-step instructions on how to design and implement a TPM system.

Transportation Research Board (TRB) Special Report 329: Adapting Transportation to Climate Change (2019)

• Discusses the integration of resilience and sustainability into transportation performance metrics, particularly in the context of climate adaptation.

NCHRP Synthesis 532: Emerging Trends in Transportation Performance Management (2019)

• Reviews the latest advancements in TPM, such as smart infrastructure and real-time data analytics.

National Academies Press: Improving Transportation Resilience through Performance Management (2020)

• Examines how performance management frameworks can be adapted to address transportation system resilience and climate change mitigation.

Urban Institute: Equity in Transportation Performance Management (2019)

• This study investigates how transportation performance measures can incorporate equity considerations, particularly in underserved communities.

World Resources Institute (WRI): Inclusive Transportation Planning and Performance Management (2020)

• Provides insights on how equity-focused metrics can be integrated into transportation performance measures, especially for transit services and accessibility.

NCHRP 08-127 Emerging Issues: Impact of New Disruptive Technologies on the Performance of DOTs

• Provides a guide for state departments of transportation (DOTs) and other transportation planning agencies to understand, predict, plan for, and adapt to the potential impacts of emerging disruptive technologies.

NCHRP Report 991: Guidelines for the Development and Application of Crash Modification Factors (2022)

• Guidance on provide transportation professionals with the kind of quantitative information they need to make decisions on where best to invest limited safety funds.

NCHRP Web-Only Document 335: A Guide to Computation and Use of System-Level Valuation of Transportation Assets (2021)

• Guidance on calculating the value of assets as an indicator of asset management needs.

Case Studies and Best Practices:

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Gray Notebook

• A quarterly performance report that tracks WSDOT’s progress in key performance areas.

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Smart Scale Program

• An initiative that prioritizes transportation projects based on performance metrics like congestion mitigation, safety, and economic development.

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) - Performance Dashboard

• A digital platform that provides real-time performance data related to traffic, safety, and infrastructure conditions.

Objectives

The objective of this research is to develop a comprehensive Transportation Performance Management (TPM) Blue Book that standardizes best practices, performance metrics, and methodologies for transportation agencies across the United States. This guide will provide actionable insights to help agencies effectively implement TPM frameworks, improve decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and align with federal requirements. By addressing challenges such as data management, funding constraints, and equity considerations, the TPM Blue Book aims to support the development of more efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation systems.

Keywords/Terms

Link to 2021-2026 AASHTO Strategic Plan

Urgency and Potential Benefits

Urgency:

The need for effective Transportation Performance Management (TPM) has never been more critical. With the increasing strain on transportation systems due to aging infrastructure, growing populations, and heightened demand for sustainable solutions, transportation agencies are under pressure to make more informed, data-driven decisions. Additionally, federal mandates such as MAP-21 and the FAST Act require transportation agencies to adopt performance-based management systems, adding urgency to the implementation of TPM frameworks. However, many agencies face challenges in developing standardized metrics, managing vast datasets, and aligning performance goals with long-term strategic plans. Without a comprehensive and accessible guide to TPM, agencies risk inefficient use of resources, missed performance targets, and delays in addressing critical infrastructure needs.

Potential Benefits:

The TPM Blue Book will provide transportation agencies with a standardized, user-friendly resource to guide the implementation of performance management frameworks. Key benefits of this research include:

1. Improved Decision-Making: By offering clear methodologies and best practices, the Blue Book will help agencies make informed, data-driven decisions that optimize resource allocation and improve system performance.
2. Increased Accountability and Transparency: The Blue Book will enable agencies to establish clear performance metrics and reporting processes, fostering greater accountability to stakeholders and the public.
3. Enhanced Safety and Efficiency: Prioritizing safety and congestion reduction as key performance measures will lead to safer, more efficient transportation systems.
4. Alignment with Federal Requirements: By synthesizing federal performance management mandates into a practical guide, the Blue Book will help agencies meet compliance requirements, reducing the risk of funding penalties or missed opportunities for federal aid.
5. Sustainability and Equity: The Blue Book will incorporate emerging trends in sustainable transportation and performance measures that address equity, ensuring that transportation investments benefit all communities and reduce environmental impact.

By equipping agencies with the tools to implement effective TPM systems, this research will contribute to the development of more resilient, sustainable, and responsive transportation networks.

Implementation Considerations

To successfully develop and implement the Transportation Performance Management (TPM) Blue Book, several key considerations need to be addressed throughout the research and dissemination phases:

1. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
2. Data Collection and Analysis
3. Customization and Adaptability
4. Technology Integration
5. Funding and Resource Allocation
6. Training and Capacity Building
7. Continuous Improvement and Updates
8. Equity and Sustainability Considerations

Note: More can be added to the above list.

By addressing these implementation considerations, the TPM Blue Book can be successfully developed, adopted, and utilized across diverse transportation agencies, ensuring it provides maximum value in improving transportation system performance.

Author(s)

Others Supporting Problem Statement

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