THE AZTECH MODEL DEPLOYMENT INITIATIVE: SOME CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS TOWARDS NEW HORIZONS

AZTech is a partnership of public agencies and private companies that used a $7.5 million federal grant to leverage a $35.5 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. The Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area is one of four metropolitan areas in the United States (U.S.) demonstrating how technology can improve travel conditions. AZTech's efforts come on-line during the summer 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. As a model deployment site, the Phoenix metropolitan area will provide a real-life showcase of how technology can improve the overall quality of life and set a worldwide standard of excellence for effective deployment of ITS in a large metropolitan region. Some key lessons, in systems, structure, and support, have already been learned as a result of mobilizing resources to deliver this model deployment project. For the covering abstract see IRRD E102946.