MODEL DEPLOYMENT OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS: THE AZTECH EXPERIENCE

The Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area is one of four Model Deployment Initiative projects in the United States. Known as AZTech, it is a new partnership of public agencies and private companies using a $7.5 million federal grant to leverage a $34.5 million Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) program. AZTech is deploying advanced technologies throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan area to reduce travel time and costs, improve traveler safety and air quality; thereby improving the overall quality of life. AZTech's efforts will culminate when the technology comes on-line during the spring of 1998. Better traveler information, more accurate transit operations and integrated transportation systems will improve the commute for the millions of residents and visitors traveling in the Valley of the Sun. AZTech will also serve as a showcase to encourage key local decision makers from other urban areas to pursue ITS technologies as a tool for solving their transportation problems. This paper describes the technology elements of the Phonix Model Deployment, funding, and private sector participation. Eight Traffic Operations Centers will be linked together. Eight high priority arterial corridors totaling 256 km (160 miles) will be instrumented with detection and closed circuit television cameras to provide for surface street traffic management. A privatized integrated traveler information system will be created.