Temple/KTMPO Policies and Programs

Temple Mobility Master Plan Scenario Planning Technical Memo

Temple/KTMPO Policies and Programs

City of Temple

Interest in Emerging Technologies and TSMO was expressed in the City of Temple’s Comprehensive Plan 2020. Two of the stated principles of the plan are as follows:

2.2.7. Evaluate opportunities to invest in transportation demand management and smart city technologies to improve transportation efficiency.

For a growing city the size of Temple, a greater focus may be to establish a proactive set of land use policies that reduce the need for travel through transportation-efficient land uses (e.g., neighborhood services near residential areas, higher intensity mixed-use activity centers, etc.) and a focus on maximizing the use of smart city technologies to improve transportation efficiency. Some of these smart city technologies may include real-time weather monitoring systems to enhance traffic safety, intelligent and adaptive traffic control devices that react to changing traffic patterns and public safety emergency needs, effective parking management, enhanced transit services, etc.

2.2.8. Proactively monitor predicted changes to the transportation system stemming from the onset of autonomous vehicle technologies.

As autonomous vehicle technology slowly begins to improve and become accepted in the public eye, street design and driving habits will need to evolve as well. Whether autonomous vehicles will have the disruptive impact that some predict is unknown, but this technology has the ability to change commuting decisions, peak driving times, intersection design, pedestrian facilities and other key components of the traditional transportation system. Driver-less vehicle technologies is an evolutionary impact like many other tech improvements but has the potential to change mindsets and social decisions based on proximity and timeframes.

Recent initiatives

The city also recently implemented the following initiatives that will help with congestion, mobility and safety strategies:

• New Parking Garage Policy • Additional Midblock Crossing – the crossings will provide a reduced walking distance for pedestrians when crossing busy roadways improving safety and mobility.

KTMPO

Consideration of Emerging Technologies and TSMO by KTMPO was also evident in their Congestion Management Process (CMP) where there was acknowledgment of the value of improving the safety and mobility through a variety of Emerging Technologies and TSMO strategies. The CMP states -

Technological efficiency improvement strategies utilize modern technology and computing capabilities to improve efficiency and operations in the existing transportation system. These strategies typically involve using sensors to collect and process data about traffic conditions. Information about traffic conditions can be directly presented to commuters in the form of electronic signage so that they can make travel decisions based on current conditions. The information can also be used to manipulate traffic operations based on current demands. Technological efficiency improvement strategies can effectively increase a transportation system’s capacity without requiring costly and time‐consuming construction.

KTMPO’s CMP identifies a set of strategies that can be part of a toolbox for management of congestion including the following:

• Ramp Metering: Ramp metering maintains incoming and outgoing traffic flows to and from highways and can help manage high‐traffic areas efficiently. • Traveler Information and Rerouting Systems: Through a system of communication means, such as electronic signs, traffic can be directed along alternative corridors when other corridors become congested.