Lesson
Consider how implementing an ATIS system will impact staffing and training requirements.
Washington's experience in deploying five Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) projects and developing a standardized approach for evaluating ATIS projects.
5/1/2005
Washington,United States
Background (Show)
Lesson Learned
- When developing staffing plans, consider any additional workload anticipated by the use of new ATIS devices. While ATIS devices can reduce some staff activities by automating data collection and device updating procedures, other activities can expand. Staffing for all components of the device operation process should be reviewed when new ATIS devices are being planned; this includes device operations staff, hardware and software support staff, and staff that manage field communications with maintenance and public safety agencies. For example, some participants noted increase in Internet usage and general communications (both person-to-person and person-to-device) following implementation. This required the hiring of additional technical personnel to handle both the communications themselves (e.g., radio and computer operators) and maintenance support for communications devices and networks. Note also that changing staff needs can arise from inherent changes in staffing requirements (e.g., a shift from manual device updating by maintenance staff to remote device updating by operators) and/or from increased demand for traveler information services produced by the new ATIS devices.
- When developing staff training programs, consider both present and future training requirements. While vendors might offer training after first installing equipment, there is also a need to consider future training needs as staff turnover occurs, additional staff is hired, or device use expands (e.g., initial weekday peak period use expands to become a responsibility of weekend or night crews). This is often managed on an informal basis but can also be performed with vendor support.
- Consider prior baseline conditions when assessing staffing and training requirements. Most of the comments received regarding staffing and training were associated with one of the rural ATIS projects, in which the new systems implemented represented a significant upgrade in traveler information capabilities. In those situations, there was a significant increase in technology deployment from the baseline system (and therefore a growth in associated staff and support needs). This is in contrast to the support and staffing changes associated with an upgrade to an urban system in which the baseline situation might already offer significant levels of staffing and support.
These experiences show that it is important to consider how implementing an ATIS system will impact staffing and training requirements. Due to the use of new ATIS devices, additional staff hours and the potential need for new staff needs to be taken into account, and staff training may be needed at both the beginning of and during ATIS implementation. Furthermore, additional staffing and training may depend on an agency's baseline conditions prior to ATIS implantation. With proper and timely staff training, staff should be more productive and efficient in their work. With vendor support of staff training, the transportation agency is the satisfied customer.
Application Areas
Intelligent Transportation Systems > Freeway Management > Information Dissemination > Dynamic Message Signs
Intelligent Transportation Systems > Freeway Management > Information Dissemination > Highway Advisory Radio
Intelligent Transportation Systems > Traffic Incident Management > Information Dissemination > Dynamic Message Signs
Intelligent Transportation Systems > Traffic Incident Management > Information Dissemination > Highway Advisory Radio
Intelligent Transportation Systems > Traveler Information > Pre-Trip Information > TV/Radio
Intelligent Transportation Systems > Traveler Information > En Route Information > Radio
Intelligent Transportation Systems > Roadway Operations & Maintenance > Information Dissemination > Dynamic Message Signs
Intelligent Transportation Systems > Roadway Operations & Maintenance > Information Dissemination > Highway Advisory Radio
Intelligent Transportation Systems > Road Weather Management > Information Dissemination > Dynamic Message Signs
Intelligent Transportation Systems > Road Weather Management > Information Dissemination > Highway Advisory Radio
States
Countries
Focus Areas
Major Initiatives > Mobility Services for All Americans
Major Initiatives > Integrated Corridor Management Systems
Major Initiatives > Nationwide Surface Transportation Weather Observing and Forecasting System - Clarus
Major Initiatives > Emergency Transportation Operations
Other Program Activities > Amber Alert
Other Program Activities > Public Safety
Other Program Activities > Real Time Traveler Information
Other Program Activities > Rural ITS Deployment
Goal Areas
Keywords
DMS, CMS, VMS, Changeable Message Signs, Variable Message Signs, HAR
Lesson Comments
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