STATE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: OVERVIEW OF ISTEA REQUIREMENTS AND CURRENT IMPLEMENTATION

The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) requires the development and implementation by the states of the following six management systems: (1) Pavement Management System (PMS); (2) Bridge Management System (BMS); (3) Safety Management System (SMS); (4) Congestion Management System (CMS); (5) Public Transportation Facilities and Equipment Management System (PTMS); and (6) Intermodal Management System (IMS). In addition to the management systems, states are required to develop, establish, implement, and operate on a continuous basis a traffic-monitoring system (TMS). This article discusses: the Interim Final Rule, issued jointly by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to provide a common framework for all six management systems; the elements that should be included in each management system; and the states' progress on the implementation of the management systems.