Update of MAG Plan the "Intelligent" Way to Go

• The development of ITS systems in the Maricopa region is a top priority of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG). Therefore, MAG has begun a comprehensive update of the region's ITS Strategic Plan.
• The first ITS Strategic Plan was developed in 1995. The primary purpose of the update will be to develop ITS strategies that will become part of the region's Long Term Transportation Plan as well as future Transportation Improvement Programs.
• According to MAG ITS Program Manager Sarath Joshua, a number of ITS infrastructure elements have already been implemented in the Maricopa region.
• "These elements provide a substantial foundation upon which to build the regional system," said Dr. Joshua. "We now want to identify ITS strategies that establish links between arterial, transit bicycle and pedestrian travel. The MAG ITS Strategic Plan update will guide Intelligent Transportation Systems development and help make our future transportation system safer and more efficient," he said.
• Key elements of the MAG ITS Strategic Plan include an extensive stakeholder outreach effort, identification of technologies, a regional ITS architecture, a telecommunications plan to support regional ITS deployment, and implementation as well as operations strategies. The Update is scheduled to be completed by November, 2000.
• The Maricopa Association of Governments is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Phoenix urban area, as well as one of six Councils of Governments in Arizona. The region encompasses metropolitan Phoenix and includes the many cities, towns and Indian communities within Maricopa County. The MAG Regional Council includes 24 city mayors as well as representatives from two Indian Communities, Maricopa County, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the Citizen's Transportation Oversight Committee. The region has three representative on the ITS America Board, including Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano, who is also Chairman of the MAG Regional Council.
• A Regional ITS Stakeholders Group with members from both the public and private sectors will play a key role in the ongoing development of the Plan. The consultant team, led by Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., also includes TranSmart Technologies, Cambridge Systematics and RH & Associates. For more information, visit the project Web site at www.mag.maricopa.gov/ITS/index.html.

CONTACT: Sarath Joshua
Intelligent Transportation System
Program Manager
(602) 254-6300