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I-27 With the rapid advances in technologies and their applications in transportation in the last few years it has become apparent that (1) public agencies have less control than they used to over the transportation system, and (2) agencies cannot let 5 years go by between updates to their plans and procedures. Public agencies need current, accurate information about what the commercial sector and the general public are doing with the land use and transportation system. Agencies also need to develop their capacity to respond nimbly to changes in commercially offered transportation services and public/private usage patterns. Four key phrases describe themes that will guide agenciesâ planning in an era of rapidly evolv- ing technology: self assess, get data, get smart, and be nimble (Exhibit I-9): ⢠Self Assess. An agency will frequently self assess to determine where there might be gaps in the agencyâs ability to address the implications of new technologies in its planning processes and tools. ⢠Get Data. Agencies need to get data on a continuous basis to become and stay informed about changing usage trends. Continuous data collection about an agencyâs infrastructure and monitoring of public travel patterns and land uses are critical for the agency to keep up with evolving technology trends. A notable challenge is that the data an agency needs to monitor its operations is the same data the private sector wants to monetize. ⢠Get Smart. Agencies need to get smart about the technologies affecting transportation, land use, and the services it provides. ⢠Be Nimble. Finally, agencies must be nimble, adopting flexible policies, plans, and regulations that can be adapted as technology changes. The agency should be prepared to adapt its plans, regulations, and procedures to rapidly changing conditions quickly and frequently. The days when an agency could safely wait 10 years to update its long-range comprehensive plan are gone. At the very least, an agency needs to monitor current trends and update its plans, policies, codes, and ordinances every few years as new technologies enter the marketplace and others drop out. The remaining chapters in Part I of this report explore these themes in more detail. C H A P T E R 4 A New Mindset for Planning Exhibit I-9. A new mindset for planning.
