THE TEXAS FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 2055

10 August 2015

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

Developing framework for Texas’ freight transportation system in 2055–Future role of Texas Department of Transportation

•Explore freight strategies

•Explore opportunities (including, critical investments)

•Highlight constraints that will need to be overcome

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WHY ARE WE DOING IT?

Complement the work done as part of Texas’s Freight Mobility Plan

Continue the dialogue with public and private stakeholders to develop a freight transportation system that facilitates business competitiveness

Provide TxDOT with a framework that facilitates proactive freight planning

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HOW ARE WE DOING IT?

Identify factors/trends impacting business models

Engage/interview– Major Texas businesses (Fortune

500)

– Major Mexican manufacturers

Host Roundtable Discussion

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WHAT DID WE DO AT THE FREIGHT ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION?

Global trade patterns Socio-demographic trends Environmental trends Technology trends

Major factors/trends:– What are the major trends that will

impact Texas’s businesses?

– How will these trends impact how businesses move freight?

– What will be the impact on

Texas’s transportation system?

– What is the role of TxDOT?

(How should the agency prepare?)

Roundtable Discussion:– Discuss TxDOT’s role

• Expectations of state transportation planning agency

• Role, strategies,

investments,

constraints?

WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME?

A facilitator/manager of Texas’s freight transportation system

Pilot innovative freight projects/approaches

Freight data clearinghouseEducate and outreach to public, legislator, and freight stakeholders

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A facilitator/manager of Texas’s freight transportation system–Multimodal (not only highways)•Advocate for all modes–Funding for all modes•Public private partnerships and TIGER Grants•Support more private infrastructure investments

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A facilitator/manager of Texas’s freight transportation system–Focus on connectivity projects (not only congestion)–Facilitate among different agencies and public and private sector•FHWA, Army Corps of Engineers, private sector

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Pilot innovative freight projects/approaches–Follow Florida’s example “Invitation to Innovation”–Pilot policy changes (user fees, incentivizing off-hour deliveries, barge transportation, OS/OW urban corridors)–Pilot new technologies (truck only lanes for truck platoons, drones)

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Freight data clearinghouse–Data clearinghouse for freight activity data•Big data/mega data to better plan for freight transportation/congestion•Analyze freight trends and develop robust models•Develop mobile applications (text alerts involving trucks)

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Educate and reach out to public, legislator, and freight stakeholders–Necessary for public to understand the importance of freight and the need to invest in all modes–Informed decisions

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Jolanda Prozzij-prozzi@ttimail.tamu.edu

(512) 467 0946