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Transportation for Communities - Advancing Projects Through Partnerships


Applications - Performance Measures

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Performance measures are a valuable tool for building consistency, transparency, and accountability into the transportation decision-making process. Performance measures can be used within a decision making process as a type of evaluation criterion. After the completion of a plan or process, performance measures provide a way to monitor the effectiveness of implemented solutions. Transportation for Communities can assist decision-makers in determining how and when to use performance measures and to provide guidance on the types of measures that could be used.

The Transportation for Communities Approach
The goal of Transportation for Communities is to integrate collaborative practices into the standard transportation decision-making process that is driven by federal regulations. Supporting information is provided through a framework of key decisions, the Decision Guide. Several key decisions are directly related to the selection of appropriate performance measures. Performance measures are also used as an analysis tool that informs the decision making process at several points. For more about this approach, see Decision Guide.

There are several key decisions in each of the four main decision making phases that either deal with the selection of these measures or use the applied results as input for decision making. Click on the highlighted key decisions in the graphic below for further information on each, including information on how performance measures are used in that decision and the linkages between key decisions.

To get a snapshot of each Key Decision, roll over the Decision Guide graphic below. Click on any individual Key Decision to access detailed information including: purpose and anticipated outcomes; partner roles; integration with external planning processes; linkages across phases; questions to assist decision makers; and data, tools, technologies that support the decision.

Key Decisions that are grayed-out have no specific relevance to the individual Practical Application or topic area but are still accessible from this graphic.

Dg-darkgrey-titlebar-corner-left LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

LRP-1

The scoping key decision involves a broad assessment of the data, decisions, and relationships to consider, acquire, or make throughout the entire long range transportation plan (LRTP) process.

LRP-1 Approve Scope of LRTP Process
LRP-2

Selection of performance measurement factors, based on vision and goals of the long-range plan

LRP-2 Approve Vision and Goals
LRP-3

Selection of specific performance measures to be used in long-range planning

LRP-3 Approve Evaluation Criteria, Methods and Measures
LRP-4

Performance measures are used to identify deficiencies in transportation system

LRP-4 Approve Transportation Deficiencies
LRP-5

At this key decision information from the Programming / Fiscal Constraint Phase is introduced into the LRTP decision making process.

LRP-5 Approve Financial Assumptions
LRP-6

Performance measures are used in development and approval of long-range planning strategies

LRP-6 Approve Strategies
LRP-7

Scenarios are based on approved strategies and are compared using the evaluation criteria, methodology and performance measures.

LRP-7 Approve Plan Scenarios
LRP-8

Performance measures are used in selection of preferred plan scenario for adoption

LRP-8 Adopt Preferred Plan Scenario
LRP-9

Air Quality conformity analysis is done within the air quality process in order to validate that the preferred scenario meets current conformity requirements.

LRP-9 Adopt Finding of Conformity by MPO
LRP-10

At this key decision a final plan is adopted by the MPO board.

LRP-10 Adopt LRTP by MPO
LRP-11

This is a legally required decision consisting of the federal approval of conformity of the LRTP.

LRP-11 Approve Conformity Analysis

Dg-darkgrey-titlebar-corner-left PROGRAMMING

PRO-1

This key decision establishes the revenue basis for both the fiscal constraint of the long range plan as well as the funding sources for the TIP.

PRO-1 Approve Revenue Sources
PRO-2

Selection of specific performance measures to be used in prioritizing projects for funding

PRO-2 Approve Methodology for Identifying Project Costs and Criteria for Allocating Revenue
PRO-3

This key decision establishes the list of projects drawn from the long range plan or corridor planning process that will be considered for funding in the TIP.

PRO-3 Approve Project List Drawn from Adopted Plan Scenario or Solution Set
PRO-4

Performance measures are used to inform funding allocation decisions

PRO-4 Approve Project Prioritization
PRO-5

At this key decision project priorities are compared to available funding within program restrictions to select those projects to be included in the TIP.

PRO-5 Reach Consensus on Draft TIP
PRO-6

At this key decision, the MPO adopts the TIP. Before the MPO can do this, comments on the draft TIP must be addressed and a final TIP must be produced.

PRO-6 Adopt TIP by MPO
PRO-7

The Governor or designee should ensure that the TIP meets other state and federal requirements so that the TIP can be incorporated into the STIP and be in agreement with the state document.

PRO-7 Approve TIP by Governor and Incorporate into Draft STIP
PRO-8

At this key decision the draft STIP is developed to release for public comment.

PRO-8 Reach Consensus on Draft STIP
PRO-9

In order to meet federal requirements, the STIP must meet conformity and fiscal constraint, where required.

PRO-9 Approve STIP with respect to Conformity and Fiscal Constraint

Dg-darkgrey-titlebar-corner-left CORRIDOR PLANNING

COR-1

This is a crucial first step of corridor planning.

COR-1 Approve Scope of Corridor Planning Process
COR-2

Selection of performance measurement factors, based on problems and opportunities identified in corridor

COR-2 Approve Problem Statements and Opportunities
COR-3

At this key decision a broad range of transportation, community, and environmental goals are considered which are specific to the corridor.

COR-3 Approve Goals for the Corridor
COR-4

In order to provide a clear linkage to the environmental review process, this key decision defines the acceptable level of detail for the corridor study analysis.

COR-4 Reach Consensus on Scope of Environmental Review and Analysis
COR-5

Selection of specific performance measures to be used in corridor planning

COR-5 Approve Evaluation Criteria, Methods and Measures
COR-6

Performance measures are used to identify range of solution sets to be studied

COR-6 Approve Range of Solution Sets
COR-7

Performance measures are used to inform selection of preferred solution set

COR-7 Adopt Preferred Solution Set
COR-8

At this key decision priorities for implementation of the individual solutions are established.

COR-8 Approve Evaluation Criteria, Methods and Measures for Prioritization of Projects
COR-9

Individual projects within the adopted preferred solution set are ranked in order to identify the appropriate sequencing for implementation.

COR-9 Adopt Priorities for Implementation

Dg-darkgrey-titlebar-corner-left ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW/NEPA MERGED WITH PERMITTING

ENV-1

Consensus is reached on the data, decisions and relationships that need to be considered, acquired or made throughout environmental review and permitting. The scope is informed by the adopted plans and current information from plans in process. Relationships with planning partners are formed.

ENV-1 Reach Consensus on Scope of Environmental Review
ENV-2

This key decision is required to satisfy the legal requirement of publishing a Notice of Intent (NOI) to inform partners and the public of the commencement of the environmental review phase.

ENV-2 Approve Notice of Intent
ENV-3

Selection of performance measurement factors, based on purpose and need

ENV-3 Approve Purpose and Need/Reach Consensus on Project Purpose
ENV-4

Consensus on an initial geographic area of study (the area within which any alternatives will fall) is reached. The study area is closely linked to the purpose and need and is informed by transportation and other planning processes.

ENV-4 Reach Consensus on Study Area
ENV-5

Selection of specific performance measures to be used in environmental review

ENV-5 Approve Evaluation Criteria, Methods and Measures
ENV-6

A full range of possible project alternatives to meet the purpose and need is identified. Information about both selected and eliminated scenarios and solution sets from long range transportation planning and corridor planning inform the range of alternatives approved at this step.

ENV-6 Approve Full Range of Alternatives
ENV-7

Performance measures are used to select alternatives to be carried forward for detailed review

ENV-7 Approve Alternatives to be Carried Forward
ENV-8

This is a formal approval point at which the Draft EIS with conceptual mitigation is approved and circulated for public review. Land use partners indicate their support of any land use policy changes that would be required to implement the recommendations in the Draft EIS.

ENV-8 Approve Draft EIS with Conceptual Mitigation
ENV-9

This key decision is required to satisfy the regulatory requirement for Section 404 permitting that the public receive notice of a permit application.

ENV-9 Approve Resource Agency Public Notice
ENV-10

Performance measures are used to inform selection of preferred alternative

ENV-10 Approve Preferred Alternative/
LEDPA
ENV-11

This decision is a required procedural step in the Section 404 permitting process. At this step, a final determination of jurisdictional waters of the United States in the project area is made.

ENV-11 Approve Final Jurisdictional Determination
ENV-12

Following selection of the preferred alternative/LEDPA, partners reach consensus on additional avoidance and minimization measures not included in the preliminary design.

ENV-12 Reach Consensus on Avoidance and Minimization for the LEDPA
ENV-13

A final EIS is approved that meets all legal requirements and addresses comments received on the Draft EIS.

ENV-13 Approve Final EIS
ENV-14

At this step in the environmental review phase, the Record of Decision is issued.

ENV-14 Approve the Record of Decision
ENV-15

At this final step in the environmental review phase, the final permit decision is rendered.

ENV-15 Render Permit Decision and Approve Avoidance and Minimization
 
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Selection of Appropriate Performance Measures
The report Performance Measurement Framework for Highway Capacity Decision Making provides in-depth information and case study examples on a wide variety of specific performance measures. The tables below were developed using this resource and are intended to serve as a guide for selecting performance measures that are appropriate for the type of study that is being conducted. This list is not all-inclusive, but is intended to serve as a starting point for practitioners who are in the process of developing performance measures for planning purposes.

Transportation Factors
  Long Range Planning Programming Corridor Planning Environmental Review
Mobility
Recurring Delay O   O O
Trip Travel Time O   O O
Travel Time Index O   O O
Volume-to-capacity Ratio O   O O
Level of Service     O O
Vehicle Miles Traveled O   O O
Mode Share O O O O
Reliability
Reliability Index     O O
On-time Trip Reliability     O O
Incident Duration       O
Crash Analysis O     O
Accessibility
Job Accessibility     O O
Destination Accessibility O   O O
Labor Force Accessibility O   O O
Market Accessibility     O O
Environmental Justice Accessibility Impact O   O O
Safety
Safety     O O
Crashes     O O
Environmental Factors
  Long Range Planning Programming Corridor Planning Environmental Review
Ecosystem, Habitat, and Biodiversity
Loss of Habitat O   O O
Natural Resource Plan Consistency O     O
Animal-vehicle Collisions       O
Loss of Native Plants     O O
Water Quality
Water Quality Protection Areas     O O
Hydromodification       O
Loss of Riparian and Floodplain Areas O   O O
Water Resource Plan Consistency O   O O
Construction-related Water Quality Impacts       O
Water Quality Standards Compliance O   O O
Highway Runoff       O
Impervious Surface     O O
Wetlands
Ratio of Wetland Acres Taken and Replaced O     O
Loss of High-quality Wetlands     O O
Wetlands Plan Consistency O   O O
Air Quality
Transportation Conformity O O O O
Carbon Monoxide and Particulate Matter Concentrations O   O O
Climate Change
Greenhouse Gas Emissions O     O
Infrastructure Vulnerability     O O
Carbon Sequestration     O O
Environmental Health
Air Toxics Concentrations     O O
Air Toxics Exposure     O O
Economic Factors
  Long Range Planning Programming Corridor Planning Environmental Review
Economic Impacts
Economic Impacts   O O O
Economic Development
Economic Development O   O O
Community Factors
  Long Range Planning Programming Corridor Planning Environmental Review
Land Use
Transportation Land Consumption O   O O
Induced Development Land Consumption     O O
Consistency of Induced Land Consumption with Land Use Plan O   O O
Support of Project for Growth Centers O   O O
Local-regional Plan Consistency O   O  
Archaeological and Historic Resources
Site Location     O O
Artifact Location     O O
Social
Community Cohesion     O O
Noise       O
Visual Quality     O O
Emergency Response Time       O
Citizens' Concerns O   O O
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice O   O O
Cost Factors
  Long Range Planning Programming Corridor Planning Environmental Review
Cost
Cost Stability   O   O
Construction Cost Escalation Factor   O   O
Cost-effectiveness
Benefit/cost Analysis O O O  
Project Unit Cost   O    
Qualitative Cost-effectiveness   O    
Construction Productivity Index   O    
Local/regional Match O O O  
Private Investment   O    

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