THE TEXAS FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 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 3
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 5
HOW ARE WE DOING IT?
Identify factors/trends impacting business models Engage/interview – Major Texas businesses (Fortune 500) – Major Mexican manufacturers Host Roundtable Discussion 7
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 clearinghouse Educate and outreach to public, legislator, and freight stakeholders 13
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 14
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 15
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) 16
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) 17
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 18
Jolanda Prozzi (512)