SYSTEMS ENGINEERING REVIEW FORM (SERF)

(METRO I-55 Value Pricing Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) and

Violation Enforcement (VES) Project)

This form needs to be filled out for all ITS projects.  For all High Risk (Major) ITS projects, this completed form needs to be submitted to FHWA for review and approval prior to PE authorization (Phase 1 PE authorization). 

 

For all High Risk (Major) ITS projects, a Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP), which includes the seven items below, must be submitted to FHWA for review and approval, prior to PE authorization for component detailed design (Phase 2 PE authorization).  Required FHWA approvals are limited to High Risk (Major) ITS projects.

 

For guidance in filling out the seven items below, see last part of this exhibit.

 

1.       Identification of portions of the Regional ITS Architecture being implemented:

The Value Pricing Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) and Violation Enforcement System (VES) are not specifically referenced in the current regional architecture. The regional architecture will be updated in conjunction with the completion of designs for the electronic tolling and violation enforcement systems. METRO has established a schedule to complete the regional ITS architecture update by December, 2006.

 

2.       Identification of participating agencies roles and responsibilities:

METRO will manage the project with the support of Caltrans, FHWA and CHP. METRO will also seek the support and participation of the I-55 Corridor cities and other public agencies and community groups through a structured outreach process. Detailed roles and responsibilities will be defined during the development of the Concept of Operations.

 

3.       Requirements definitions:

The high level requirements as defined in the Regional Architecture are:

·         Support High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane management, enforcement and coordination RA, 6-63]

·         Develop road pricing and other demand management policies that can alleviate congestion and influence mode selection [RA, 6-63]

·         Develop toll/HOV enforcement policies and supporting systems that will enable METRO to accurately, reliably and equitably enforce toll and HOV provisions, while moving a large volume of traffic at freeway speeds.

·         Provide an ETC/VES system that incorporates the latest available, proven technologies and equipment to ensure chosen road pricing and enforcement strategies are successfully implemented.

·         Improve the violation rates on existing I-55 HOT lanes and ensure toll evasion vs. enforcement of toll violations is revenue positive.

·         Export/Integrate data to the comprehensive regional management system as necessary to support multi-modal corridor management and traveler information system.

We will identify detailed requirements during the project definition, systems requirements phase.

 

4.       Analysis of alternative system configurations and technology options to meet requirements:

There are two elements to the overall Value Pricing Project for the I-55 facility. These are: the electronic toll collection system (ETC) and the violations enforcement system (VES). The project will be structured to allow for the maximum technological flexibility to meet the identified system requirements. An RFP for the ETC system will be developed and proposals will be solicited that will also allow for alternative configurations and technologies that meet the identified requirements.

 

There will be a VES pilot project analysis phase that will include a review of alternative configuration and technology options for violation enforcement systems for high occupancy vehicle/toll enforcement. The goal of this analysis is to determine which technology or combinations of technology and strategies best meet requirements. A strategy analysis will be conducted that evaluates the impacts of various violation enforcement strategies and systems on the I-55 facility. This analysis will (1) examine various enforcement policies and available technologies; (2) evaluate a series of alternative strategies and systems, and (3) recommend a preferred alternative, with supporting policies and systems, including integration of the VES into the planned ETC system for the 1-55 Managed Lanes.

 

5.       Procurement options:

A consultant will be hired to perform the pre-implementation study portions of the VES project and define the system requirements. The consultant will also develop the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the ETC system which will also include the VES. A contractor will be selected to design, integrate, construct, install and test the selected system on the I-55 Managed Lanes. The consultant will oversee the work of the contractor including system design, development, testing and implementation.

 

6.       Identification of applicable ITS standards and testing procedures:

The consultant will assess, identify and recommend ITS standards during the project definition phase. The selected strategy (system) must integrate into portions of the existing ETC system. The project includes a VES prototype field test, as well as a program of factory testing, system integration tests and acceptance tests to verify that the installed project will meet requirements and project objectives.

 

7.       Procedures and resources necessary for operations and management of the system:

The project analysis will identify all requirements for operation and management of the selected and implemented ETC/VES technology. This will include any new administrative or legal procedures necessary for violation enforcement, changes in policy and procedures with the CHP, and new equipment maintenance procedures that must be incorporated into METRO’s I-55 standard operations. Full details regarding procedures and resources needed for operations and management of the system will be developed during the project definition. The HOT lane users (Paying SOV and HOV) will be educated on the use of the new technology through public outreach programs.