Synthesis of TxDOT Uses of Real-Time Commercial Traffic Data (0-6659-1)

Traditionally, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and its districts have collected traffic operations data through a system of fixed-location traffic sensors, supplemented with probe vehicles using transponders where such tags are already being used primarily for tolling purposes and where their numbers are sufficient. In recent years, private providers of traffic data have entered the scene, offering traveler information. The question that this research project answered was the following: Whether TxDOT could and should utilize the data offerings by private sector providers to supplement its own data collection efforts and, if so, how. The research also determined the following:

• What data are available from private providers (either free of for purchase).
• What other states are doing with data from private providers.
• Opinions of TxDOT decision makers on the utility of these data sources.
• How the data should be normalized, combined, and delivered for TxDOT or other public sector partner agency use.
• A recommedned path for implementing the TxDOT response.