Introduction
State transportation agencies successfully use performance measurement to solve complex management challenges. This report is illustrative of the use of performance-based management approaches in state DOTS. It is by no means inclusive of all that is done. The appendix cites more detailed reports and AASHTO will produce a more comprehensive report this Fall. It is hoped that this report will be informative to those who are not familiar with the use of performance measures and performance management systems. This report also reinforces the uniqueness of each state’s needs.
All state departments of transportation (DOTs) track asset condition and safety data and the majority of states provide comprehensive performance data to decision makers to both increase accountability to customers, and achieve the best possible transportation system performance with current investment programs. The primary challenge for many agencies is the lack of funding to maintain and expand the current transportation system. However, by using a performance-based management approach, DOTs can maximize existing resources and justify recommendations for additional funding.
States use performance measures for a variety of reasons to:
-
Support Investment Decision Making. DOTs use department-wide performance measurement programs to allocate resources, support performance driven investment decisions and enhance internal agency management of programs.
-
Provide a Solid Foundation for Statewide Planning. DOTs have demonstrated that robust data and performance monitoring, teamed with actionable goals and strategic business plans, can be used to fine-tune an organization and lay the ground work to achieve short-, medium- and long-range planning goals.
-
Ensure Accountability and Responsiveness to Stakeholders. Performance measurement can assist in communicating how tax dollars have been spent, and/or whether more funding is needed. This also supports “customer focus” and improved public relations and stakeholder involvement.
-
Support Quantification of Program Benefits. Infrastructure programs have a long history of documenting program impacts as embodied in pavement, bridge, and maintenance management systems.
-
Meet Federal and State Legislative Mandates. In some states, the legislatures require transportation agencies to engage in a formal performance measurement and reporting process. The federal government also requires certain transportation performance measures be reported by every state.
Photo courtesy of Missouri Department of Transportation.
There are many benefits to using performance measures. State DOTs use performance measures to enhance productivity and service delivery, and improve communication to customers. Transportation performance measures such as travel time, delay, or pavement conditions are easily understood concepts that can provide important ways to communicate system conditions. Consistent measurement and data tracking is useful in demonstrating program effectiveness and monitoring ongoing performance. In addition, Before-and-After performance case studies can further help identify the benefits and results of specific transportation management actions and strategies.
Every state is unique in its specific needs, funding levels and authorizing environment. Although state performance management programs and data vary, there is significant collaboration in the field. This collaboration has led to performance measurement exchanges and the sharing of best practices. Applications of performance measurement such as comparative performance measurement, customer surveys, state-to-state comparisons, and timeline reviews offer a variety of options for data collection, analysis and reporting.
This report will concentrate on three performance areas which illustrate the use of performance management systems, outcomes and measurement techniques based on a sample set of state DOTs that use a broad range of measures. The performance areas are 1) asset management, 2) congestion and system performance, and 3) safety. The departments of transportation in Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, and Washington were selected as case studies to illustrate how state DOTs utilize performance measurement.
Photo courtesy of Minnesota Department of Transportation.Traffi c congestion near St. Paul affects both the travel time and safety of commuters.
