DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE CALGARY REGION

In the past few years the City of Calgary has enjoyed an extensive growth period, however, the City's transportation infrastructure is under added strain. Several initiatives are underway to address these mobility problems, but the cost of satisfying the increased demand solely through additional infrastructure exceeds the available funding. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are being considered as part of the solution. Intelligent Transportation Systems or ITS is the application of technology to better manage traffic and maximize the utilization of our existing transportation infrastructure. The technologies are potential tools that will help to manage congestion, improve emergency vehicle response, optimize the operational effectiveness of transit systems and provide travellers with real-time information. ITS is seen as an integral component of Calgary's Transportation Plan, supporting many of the City’s key policies and directions to achieve a well balanced, efficient and safe transportation network. As such, Calgary recognizes the importance of ITS technologies and supports their deployment where and when it is shown to be a cost-effective solution in achieving an interoperable, seamless, multi-modal transportation network. The City of Calgary is committed to the development of an ITS Strategic Plan. The primary purpose of this strategic plan is to develop a comprehensive “roadmap” setting the direction and pace of ITS investments within the City over the next ten years and beyond. The objective of this ITS Strategic plan is to develop, program and communicate strategies for the development and deployment of a broad-based ITS program within the City of Calgary and the Calgary Region that: • supports, enables and enhances a seamless, multi-modal transportation network • helps ensure the competitive position of the City of Calgary in national and international markets while addressing social and environmental objectives, and • is supported by major stakeholders. The process for development of the strategic plan includes six steps: • Coalition Building Plan • Establishment of Needs • Opportunities Analysis • Define ITS Program • Develop Architecture to Support Program • Define Deployment Program This paper will report on the success and outcomes of the development of the ITS Strategic Plan for the Calgary Region. Conclusions and recommendations will be made on lessons learned that could be considered by other medium sized jurisdictions undertaking similar initiatives.