For immediate release May 16, 2007

Contact: Sue Stetler 313-961-4266

National Transportation Week is May 13-19;
Efficiencies in Southeast Michigan's transportation system save taxpayer dollars

Keeping Southeast Michigan's transportation system running efficiently can save scarce taxpayer dollars at a time when there isn't enough money to make needed improvements. During National Transportation Week, May 13-19, 2007, SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, outlines some of the programs in place that help the transportation system operate efficiently.

Asset management — Michigan's Asset Management Council promotes an ongoing process of maintaining, upgrading, and operating physical assets cost effectively, based on a continuous physical inventory and condition assessment. This enables transportation officials to monitor pavement conditions and make better decisions on when to invest in maintaining our pavement and bridges. Pavement condition data has been collected annually for the last four years. Based on this information, decisions can then be made about which roads will be improved.

Regional operations — Southeast Michigan will never be able to build its way out of congestion. We can, however, operate the system more efficiently. That may mean timing the traffic signals on corridors to improve the flow of traffic. That could also mean using technology — Intelligent Transportation Systems, or ITS, — to improve the safety and efficiency of our transportation system. Examples currently in use are the changeable freeway message signs, coordinated signal system of the Road Commission for Oakland County, and automated toll collection for commercial vehicles at the American and Canadian border crossings.

RideShare — Since 1980, SEMCOG has promoted RideShare as a way to reduce road congestion. At the same time, those who share a ride to work also save money on fuel and other vehicle operating costs, experience less stress associated with traffic, have a more predictable and productive commute, improve air quality, and enjoy the social and safety aspects of commuting with others. With gas prices currently at an all-time high, commuters can find more information about the RideShare program at www.semcog.org.

This news release is the third in a five-part series to be released this week addressing the importance of our transportation system and the steps needed to overcome current and future challenges.

National Transportation Week (NTW), May 13-19, 2007, provides an opportunity for the transportation community to join together on a national level to demonstrate the importance of transportation to our economy and society as a whole. The Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau is proud to host NTW 2007 in Detroit. Established in 1962 by President Kennedy, NTW celebrates the historical significance of transportation in the United States and focuses on its future impact in our country. For more information, please visit www.ntweek.org.

SEMCOG is a regional planning partnership of governmental units serving the seven-county region of Southeast Michigan, striving to enhance the region's quality of life.

Local Governments Advancing Southeast Michigan

Read recent SEMCOG news releases

 

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