To better understand the benefits produced by investments in the transportation system, the NJTPA has begun a Project Performance Results study. The study is examining about a dozen northern New Jersey transportation projects implemented in recent years, including various roadway, public transit, pedestrian/bicycle, freight and other types of improvements.
The study will help decision makers learn more about how such projects can help the traveling public and serve the region’s communities. Where possible, before and after data will be used to quantify project impacts. These impacts will be measured against performance indicators specifically related to NJTPA planning goals. This information will support future planning at the NJTPA and partner agencies.
The study involves seven main tasks:
- Task 1 – Interagency Coordination and Stakeholder Outreach: including development of an Interagency Coordination and Stakeholder Plan, regular meetings with a study Technical Advisory Committee, and ongoing consultation with the NJTPA’s partner agencies. This is an integral part of all other tasks in the study.
- Task 2 - Review Project Impact Evaluation Activities and Available Technical Data: summarizing the state of the practice with regard to project impact evaluation and related data and analysis requirements
- Task 3 – Select Performance Indicators and Associated Measures: identifying potential performance measures for the before and after analyses. Indicators and measures may be adapted in the future to support planning and project prioritization.
- Task 4 – Select Potential Projects for Evaluation: identifying a candidate set of previously implemented transportation projects for examination.
- Task 5 - Compile Relevant Data and Finalize List of Projects for Case Studies: finalizing an appropriate list of candidate projects to be examined and compiling data to support the evaluation of performance measures for each project.
- Task 6 – Perform Analysis and Interpret Results for Each Project Selected for Case Studies: analysis of the selected case study projects and drawing conclusions about the findings—making appropriate generalizations for future planning decisions, understanding special circumstances, and identifying keys to maximizing project benefits.
- Task 7 - Make Recommendations on How Data Can Be Collected and Maintained for Future Performance Monitoring: developing recommendations regarding enhancement of performance monitoring activities and on appropriate applications of performance results findings.
Anson Gock, the NJTPA’s Principal Planner for Performance Planning, is managing the Performance Results study, which is supported by a consultant team comprised of Cambridge Systematics, Inc., Dewberry-Goodkind, Inc. and Fitzgerald and Halliday, Inc. The study's Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) includes representatives from NJDOT, New Jersey Transit, NJ Turnpike Authority, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the NJTPA Regional Transportation Advisory Committee. A final report will be issued at the conclusion of the study.
For more information, contact Mr. Gock at (973) 639-8439 or agock@njtpa.org.