​​Transportation Systems Management & Operations (TSMO)

What is TSMO?

It is widely accepted that we do not have the funds to completely address congestion issues through capacity-adding projects. As a result, transportation agencies across the country have implemented Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) programs as a way to increase the reliability and mobility of our roadways by using a wide range of strategies to help manage congestion. In Pennsylvania, PennDOT is committed to identifying operations activities and projects necessary to meet the adopted mission, vision, and goals of the program.

How Do We Effectively Implement TSMO Strategies?

To better integrate TSMO solutions into the project-planning process, PennDOT recognized the need to develop comprehensive planning documents that identify future operations-focused projects and performance measures in harmony with regional, state, and federal policies. As a result, Regional Operations Plans (ROPs) have been developed that align with each of the four PennDOT Regional Traffic Management Centers (RTMCs) and play an important role in Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) processes to secure future capital funding for projects incorporating TSMO solutions.

Additionally, a better understanding of the sources of congestion and benefits of operations solutions is needed to address changing system demands, provide flexibility to address a wide range of conditions, and ensure that dedicated funding is used most effectively. To that end, PennDOT has been developing congestion pie charts on a statewide, regional, and corridor level to better understand the sources of congestion and assist in the planning of transportation solutions.

The blue reference boxes below provide access to resources that form the foundation of PennDOT's approach to TSMO.