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N o r t h C e n t r a l Tex a s C o u n c i l o f G ove r n m e n t s
Moving into the FutureUsing Innovative Transportation Technologies
Progress North Texas
Dear Neighbors,
Thank you for reading Progress North Texas 2017: Moving into the Future Using Innovative Transportation Technologies. This year, we areexamining how innovation will help planners meet the transportationneeds of the Dallas-Fort Worth area as it continues to grow. There arefew things in transportation more exciting than automated vehicles,smart traffic signals and guaranteed travel speeds. This past year, theNorth Central Texas Council of Governments established a new program area to study these topics.
And while there is tremendous momentum behind vehicle automation,there are many more examples of how we are using technology to reshape the future. The work to bring high-speed rail to Texas is movingahead, and NCTCOG is involved in efforts to connect local residents toother cities in Texas and beyond. Texas has embraced its role as aleader in transportation technology, and we are excited our region isplaying a part in helping move these concepts to reality.
The transportation industry has relied on innovation for a number ofyears to ensure adequate funding for roads, rail and bicycle-pedestriantrails. Those efforts continue, as does the use of technology to helpmake travel easier. For some, that means mobile apps, while othersmay benefit more by increased reliability on specific roadway corridors.We will cover these and other topics in this year’s annual report, which we hope informs and inspires you to become involved in the transportation planning process.
As chair of the Regional Transportation Council, I am fortunate to leadsome of the brightest transportation policymakers and planners in the nation. Together, we are working to continue developing a comprehensive transportation system that meets the diverse needs ofour residents. In a region of 7 million-plus residents, this is not a jobthat can be accomplished with a few people.
The best system is developed after consultation with the people whouse it every day. You have many opportunities to shape the debate, andwe are examining how we operate, with the goal of continued transparency so you can more easily communicate with us. I invite you to read this report and discuss it with your family, friends and colleagues. Please become part of the process. With your assistance,we can continue building a transportation system that is safer and morereliable, providing choices of how to move throughout the region and State.
Sincerely,Ron JensenMayor, City of Grand PrairieChair, Regional Transportation Council
From the Chair
Graphics are from NCTCOG, andphotos are from Getty Images, unless otherwise indicated.
Progress North Texas 2017:Moving into the Future
Using InnovativeTransportation Technologies
June 2017
Table of Contents
Our North Texas
Roadway Innovation
Funding
Vehicle Technologies
Moving People
Moving Goods
Safety
Livable Communities
Air Quality
Outreach & Education
2017 Art Contest Winners
About the Winner
469
111416182124272930
NCTCOG.org/OurRegion
12-county MetropolitanPlanning Area boundary:Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis,Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman,Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wise
16-county NCTCOG region:Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis,Erath, Hood, Hunt, Johnson,Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto,Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant, Wise
Definitions of terms used in this report
3
Population and job growth continueto define the Dallas-Fort Wortharea, and with large employersmoving to the region or expandingtheir operations, this trend is likelyto continue for years to come. The population of the 12-county metropolitan planning area hassurged past 7 million for the firsttime, and projections indicate thatby 2040, more than 10 million people will call North Texas home. New residents are coming to the region in search of well-paying jobsand a good quality of life. Between2010 and 2015, the region added
more than 680,000 jobs. The population in 2017 is 7.2 million.This growth is positive because itprovides a well-educated workforcefor employers as they look to expand operations further. However,the new residents add to traffic congestion. Average daily traffic hasincreased each year since 2009, following a brief dip during the recession. In 2016, average dailytraffic in the region increased morethan earlier in the decade.
The North Central Texas Council ofGovernments and its transportation
partners must find ways to meet theneeds of a growing region, regardless of how residents chooseto travel. Technology provides planners with the data necessary todetermine how best to programmoney. The National PerformanceManagement Research Data Setmakes it possible to create speedprofiles for more than 8,000 miles ofroads. For example, the data canshow changes by time of day andday of the week, resulting in a more complete picture of reliability.
1,400,000
1,450,000
1,500,000
1,550,000
1,600,000
1,650,000
1,700,000
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016
Average Daily Vehicle Traffic(at TxDOT permanent stations)
Average daily traffic in NorthTexas has climbed consistently since the end of the recession.
Source: Texas Department of Transportation
4
Travel Time Maps
The performance management datahas also allowed NCTCOG to create contour travel times for anylocation in the area at a specifictime and day. Travel time contoursare valuable for businesses in defining the area or population thatcan be reached in a given time interval from a specific location. For example, the map below showsthe area reached within an hour, at five-minute intervals, from DallasFort Worth International Airport atthe morning peak hour on a typicalweekday.
Traffic Congestion
Several companies collect traveltime data. INRIX, for example, usesthe data to measure vehicle congestion in cities around theworld. According to INRIX, Dallas-Fort Worth, the fourth-largest region in the US, is seventh in congestion.
Although the INRIX data shows anincrease in congestion in 2016,road construction is believed tohave played a significant role. Major improvements continue to InterstateHighways 35E and 35W, StateHighway 183, the Dallas mixmasterand other regionally significant
roadways. It is anticipated that thecongestion in Dallas-Fort Worth willlessen in the short run with thecompletion of upcoming construction projects.
Other data tells a slightly differentstory. According to TomTom, another company that collects andanalyzes traffic data, congestion inNorth Texas is less severe than inmany regions across the US. TomTom, which factors in the increases in travel times with respect to free-flow traffic, ratesDallas-Fort Worth traffic at No. 34nationally, better than Houston,Austin or San Antonio.
Travel Time from DFW Airport
0.00 to 6.006.00 to 12.0012.00 to 18.0018.00 to 24.0024.00 to 30.0030.00 to 36.0036.00 to 42.0042.00 to 48.0048.00 to 54.0054.00 to 60.00
Travel Time, minutes
This map shows the area reached within an hour, at five-minute intervals,from DFW Airport during peak morning traffic.
5
Source: The National Performance Management Research Data Set
NCTCOG strives to stay at the vanguard of transportation advancements, new technologiesand innovative programming.NCTCOG’s Travel Demand Management Program continues to market alternativeforms of transportation to the region’s commuters. TEXpressLanes and peak-period shoulder-use lanes are innovativeways that increase speeds and volume while reducing emissions.
Employer Trip Reduction
NCTCOG has continued to workclosely with regional businesses toeducate them on trip-reductionstrategies designed to reduce work-related solo commutes. TheEmployer Trip Reduction Programpromotes strategies such asridesharing (carpooling and vanpooling), telecommuting andflexible work scheduling, as well astransit, bicycling, and walking. Bothpublic and private employers are assisted with the formation of company-specific trip reductionstrategies. NCTCOG published atrip reduction guide in 2016 to
introduce employers to the multipleoptions available in the region.
Try ParkingIt.com
It has been a year since TryParkingIt.com relaunched. Theregion’s commuter ride-match andtrip-logging website helps users findcarpool and vanpool matches. It also pairs commuters with biking,walking or transit buddies to helpthem navigate the options available.Users can also receive an estimate of miles saved, trips and harmful emissions reduced, calories burned, andmoney saved as a result of theirchoices. Rewards partners, introduced as part of a 2015 website redesign, help North Texas
air quality and traffic congestion byproviding incentives to choose alternative commutes. Through itsG.R.E.E.N. Rewards Partners, TryParkingIt.com provides a varietyof rewards for active members towin. These businesses Giverewards, Receive recognition, Expand their customer base andhave a positive Effect on NorthTexas.
Vanpool Program DART FWTA DCTA Combined
Total Number of Vans 185 103 37 325
Average Number of Participants 1,452 699 399 2,550
Total Vehicle Miles of Travel Reduced (Annual)
21,389,968 12,620,986 7,601,720 41,612,674
Total Vehicle Trips Removed(Annual)
650,676 299,088 180,424 1,130,188
2016 Regional Vanpool Program Performance Update
Per Month
The Regional Vanpool Program is an important part of
North Texas’ strategy to improveair quality and system reliability.
In 2016, vanpools operated bythe three public transportation
providers saved participantsnearly 3.5 million miles
per month.
87TryParkingIt.com
G.R.E.E.NPartners
contributed over$68,000 in
rewards in 2016
6
Commuter Challenges
TryParkingIt.com hosted two commuter challenge competitionsin 2016. DART and TryParkingIt.com partnered on the region’sfirst Bike to Work Challenge in May, encouraging commuters inthe DART service area to incorporate bicycles into their worktrips. Residents were able to ride their bikes to any DART busor rail station and use one of more than 140 bike lids to storetheir bicycles. They could also take advantage of bike racks onevery bus and train to combine bicycles and transit. Bicyclesare permitted on any DART vehicle, all Trinity Railway Expresstrains and the Dallas Streetcar.
The I-30 Insider Commuter Challenge was hosted on TryParkingIt.com from October 1, 2016-April 28, 2017. The goalof this challenge, funded through the federal Value Pricing PilotProgram, was to test the effectiveness of incentives to positivelyaffect driver behavior. The challenge encouraged commutersalong the I-30 test corridor to use alternative commute modesinstead of driving alone. Participants were able to earn I-30 Insider points for each alternative commute trip during themorning and afternoon peak periods and use them to purchaseincentives.
TEXpress Lanes
TEXpress Lanes continue to allow drivers in North Texas thechoice to pay to bypass congestion in adjacent general-purposelanes. In addition to the TEXpress Lanes already operating, theregion was introduced to additional managed lanes in the IH 30corridor in Grand Prairie and western Dallas in 2016.
Data suggests that the TEXpress Lanes have provided significant congestion relief to travelers, including those on non-tolled, general-purpose lanes. For example, general-purpose congestion is down about 70 percent on the North Tarrant Express and 60 percent on the LBJ Express since 2010.
4 million+ different vehicles
have used theTEXpress Lanes
in the LBJExpress andNorth Tarrant
Express corridors
7
CAP-MAIN
NCTCOG continues to make stridestoward improving existing capitalprojects using the Capital/Maintenance process. Cap-Mainseeks to boost the performance ofroadways, especially freeways,through means other than widening.This can include restriping, intersection improvements, shoulder-use lanes and repavingexisting facilities. This approach focuses on performance improvements that maximize benefits and minimize costs.
The new 10-year plan initiatedthrough House Bill 20, passed bythe Texas Legislature in 2015, included several current and futureCap-Main projects. Among themwere a second phase of IH 35Enear Waxahachie and interchangesin Parker County. Transportation officials are also beginning to research improvement to lanes andinterchanges along IH 20.
US 75 Technology Lane
US Highway 75 is the primary corridor for drivers in Collin Countyinto northern Dallas County. With itswidening project scheduled to finishin spring 2017, NCTCOG andTxDOT are exploring use of the corridor’s high occupancy vehiclelane as a peak-period and incident-management lane with additionaltechnological assets and data-sharing applications. A similar useof the shoulders along a three-milestretch of SH 161 led to a 50 percent decline in peak-period congestion in 2015, and the strategy will remain in place through fiscal year 2019.
Travel demand modeling showscontinued congestion on US 75 and limitations on available right-of-wayfor future expansion. Therefore, shoulder use during peak periodsalong the corridor is a viable andfiscally responsible option.
NCTCOG and TxDOT are also examining how technologies alongthe roadway can be bolstered toprovide innovative transportationservices. This includes integratingdata from NCTCOG’s traveler information service, 511DFW. Theteam working on the TechnologyLane is considering safe and effective ways to communicatebreaking traffic and travel information along the corridor using dynamic message signs.
Traveler Information
The 511DFW Traveler InformationSystem is a regional source to helpimprove the reliability of the transportation system. It can be accessed via the internet and a newmobile app, available for Apple andAndroid devices. Users can receive personalized travel informationthrough the creation of a My511 account. Also available by dialing511, 511DFW provides informationon traffic, weather and transit,including a transit trip planner. Traffic information includes speedsand travel times for freeways and arterials. The website also provideslinks to rideshare and paratransit resources. The traffic and transitmap provides information on specialevents, messages posted on dynamic message signs over freeways and TxDOT camera images. The system is being updated. Once enhancements aremade, there will be a marketingcampaign to increase awareness of511DFW. For information on currentand future improvements, visitwww.511dfw.org or dial 511.
511DFW Planned Enhancements
• Additional trip-planning capabilities• Improved mobile app• More intuitive website and voice-response menu• Spanish version of 511DFW components• Access to additional information
The 511DFW appis available for
Apple and Androiddevices
8
Providing the public with transportation choices requires creative thinking. This approach has characterized the activity ofNCTCOG and its transportation policymaking body, the RegionalTransportation Council, for manyyears. Two current examples are theTEXpress Lanes on Interstate Highway 30 and the southern extension of SH 360.
IH 30 TEXpress Lanes
In August 2016, the first portion ofthe IH 30 TEXpress Lanes openedfrom SH 161 to Westmoreland Roadin Dallas County. The project wasfunded through the Texas Department of Transportation’sPass-Through Finance Program.This program was an agreementbetween the RTC and TxDOT in which the RTC was required topay costs up front and receive Statereimbursement for approximately 80percent of the project costs.
The region began receiving Regional Toll Revenues from thispartnership, which will be used to fund projects within Dallasand Tarrant counties. Constructionon this project is approximately $61 million, with an anticipated$240 million return in toll revenueover 25 years. The remaining portions of the TEXpress Lanes areset to open in the summer of 2017and in 2020.
SH 360 South
Construction on the 9.7 mile SH360 South project began in the fallof 2015. To finance the project, theRTC entered into a financial
backstop agreement with TxDOTand the North Texas Tollway Authority. TxDOT is constructing thefacility and advancing approximately$300 million in construction costs.Upon substantial completion, theproject will be transferred to NTTA,which will operate it. If tolls from thefacility are insufficient to cover the operations, maintenance and debtservice on the TxDOT loan for theproject, the RTC financial backstopmay be triggered. Once the TxDOTloan is retired, excess revenue isshared 50/50 between TxDOT/RTCand NTTA.
Accountability is another essentialpart of the equation required withthe spending of billions of dollars ofpublic funds. To this end, a newperformance-driven planningprocess was initiated in 2016 in theRegional 10-Year Plan.
Regional 10-Year Plan
In approving House Bill 20 in 2015,the Texas Legislature requiredTxDOT and NCTCOG to develop a10-year plan for the region that considers performance-based planning and project-selection criteria. In August 2016, the TexasTransportation Commission announced new funding allocationsfor fiscal years 2017-2026 to address urban mobility, statewideconnectivity and strategic priorities.
The 10-year plan uses performance measures to account for:
1. Improvements to congestion and safety
2. Effects on economic development
3. Available funding
4. Air quality and environmental effects
5. Socioeconomic, health, or environmental effects on minority or low-income neighborhoods
Using this performance-based planning and project-selectionprocess, the RTC approved $6.9 billion in projects, submitting the listto TxDOT in December 2016.
Roadways
$435,511,295
Transit
$105,026,174
Bicycle & Pedestrian
$27,718,326
Total$568,255,795
www.nctcog.org/trans/tip/
documents/FY2016ANNUAL
PROJECTLISTING-DFWMPO.pdf
Annual Project Listing
Accounting of federal fundsobligated for Dallas-Fort Worth transportationprojects in fiscal year 2016.
9
2017-2020 Transportation Improvement Program
The 2017-2020 Transportation Improvement Program was approved by Federal Highway Administration and the FederalTransit Administration in December2016. The 2017-2020 TIP outlines$4.02 billion to be spent on 875 active roadway and transit projectsfrom 71 implementing agencies.
The TIP is a required inventory of transportation projects covering fouryears of local, State and federalfunding. The TIP is updated quarterly and redeveloped at two-year intervals.
American Recovery andReinvestment Act
It is important to be ready when opportunities to improve mobilitypresent themselves, as was thecase when the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law in 2009. By
fiscal year 2016, all $885.71 millionawarded to NCTCOG and the RTChad been spent on surface transportation projects. Several significant roadway and rail projects received funding and were accelerated by ARRA.
Project FundingAwarded
DFW Connector $260.8 million
Chisholm Trail Parkway at IH 20 $116.6 million
DART Green Line $86.2 million
DART Orange Line $60.6 million
Dallas Streetcar $26.0 million
PGBT/SH161 TIFIA Loan $20.0 million
Top DFW Projects Benefiting from ARRA
For t W orth CBD
Dallas CBD
County BoundaryOther Highways / RoadwaysMajor Highways / Roadways
Legend
Status
Recently Completed
Under Construction
!. Scheduled
!.
2016 DFW Road and Rail Improvements (over $10 million)
The region added 27.72 miles to its freeway-tollway system and 3.52 miles of passenger rail in 2016.
10
Vehicle technologies are some ofthe most visible examples of innovation in transportation. Theyimprove mobility by creating moretravel options, while keeping NorthTexans safer and helping the environment. In fact, 44 percent ofozone forming emissions (nitrogenoxides and volatile organic compounds) in the Dallas-FortWorth area come from on-road vehicles such as passenger cars,buses and trucks.
NCTCOG promotes air quality funding opportunities and occasionally distributes funding directly. From 2006-2016, nearly2,000 activities were funded andgrants worth more than $56.6 million were awarded. These activities have reduced NOx by anestimated 1,300 tons and CO2 byover 636,300 tons. The Air Quality Funding Opportunities webpage, www.nctcog.org/AQfunding,contains regional funding
opportunities and promotes the useof incentives available from otheragencies for activities that improveair quality.
Innovative and advanced vehicletechnologies are nothing new toNCTCOG. Since the 1990s, initiatives aimed at reducing emissions have been a cornerstoneof NCTCOG’s air quality program.The agency also engages local governments, vehicle and equipment manufacturers, fuelproviders, and other interested parties through education and outreach programs.
Clean Cities
The Dallas-Fort Worth Clean CitiesCoalition, part of the US Department of Energy’s CleanCities program, has encouraged theadoption of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles since
its inception in 1995. Alternative fuelvehicles have specialized engines,tanks and other components thatallow them to run on fuels such asnatural gas, propane and ethanol(E85).
As automobile manufacturers beganresponding to increasing fuel economy standards by introducinghybrid and electric vehicles,NCTCOG formed Electric VehiclesNorth Texas, a subcommittee ofClean Cities. EVNT seeks to advance EV adoption by providingtechnical resources and educationto workplaces, fleets and the general public.
Alternative Fuel Infrastructure
Construction
Heavy-Duty (Other)
Idle Reduction
Light-Duty (Other) Locomotive
Refuse Hauler
School Bus
Taxi SmartWay Fuel
Efficiency Technologies
TOTAL = 1,952 Activities
Vehicle/Equipment/Technology Activities Competitively Awarded (2006-2016)
NCTCOG awarded $56.6million in grants from2006-2016 for air qualityimprovements. This chartshows the activitiesfunded with the money.
25.45 milliongallons of petroleum
saved by DFW Clean Citiesstakeholders in 2016
11
In 2016, DFWCC stakeholders wereresponsible for reducing 25.45 million gallons of petroleum. That is approximately 2,800 tanker trucks.NCTCOG’s National Drive ElectricWeek event, held annually in September, has set Texas recordsfor the largest gathering of EVs.Last year, nearly 130 vehicles were available for displays and test drives.
Automated Vehicles
North Texas is working to move autonomous vehicles from thedrawing board to the streets. In2016, NCTCOG established an automated vehicle program area to explore the benefits of this emerging technology.
Some 94 percent of crashes are attributed to human error or thechoices drivers make, according tothe National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration. Automation couldimprove safety, efficiency and access to transportation. There arealso potential environmental benefits since greater system efficiency could result in the needfor fewer vehicles. Automated carsand trucks could follow one anothermore closely, increasing the capacity of existing roadways. With
fewer opportunities for human error,there likely will be fewer crashes ina world with more automation. Additionally, most automated vehicles are electric; more relianceon this type of technology could improve the environment.
There is a continuing effort acrossthe country to use data to improve mobility. Recent developmentsdemonstrate how important NorthTexas will be in the delivery of automation.
• Fort Worth became the first city in Texas to join the Waze Connected Citizens Program. Waze shares user reports with local officials, and officials provide information on road closures and events, leading to a more efficient system.
• Frisco demonstrated an in-vehicle application from Audi that indicates to drivers when a light will turn green, how long a red light will last and what speed they could drive to optimize their chances of getting green lights atintersections. This was the first demonstration in Texas of how traffic-signal data can be used topower vehicles.
Coming Soon
2017 is shaping up to be a landmark year for vehicle automation in Dallas-Fort Worth. In February, the Autonomous Vehicle Road Trip stopped in Arlington to allow residents andleaders to ride in a vehicle without asteering wheel. EasyMile’s EZ10shuttle is an example of a vehiclethat could be used at universitiesand business parks as a last-mileconnection.
Autonomous vehicles are being tested by governments and universities across the US, including in Texas, which was recently named an Automated Vehicle Proving Ground by the US Department of Transportation. As part of this designation, the technology will be examined in North Texas beginning in 2017– at the University of Texas at Arlington, on Arlington streets and the IH 30 TEXpress lanes.
NCTCOG has issued requests for applications from public partners interested in transportation datasharing. This would advance automated vehicles and acceleratetheir integration into the transportation system.
Residents caught asneak peek at driverless technologywhen the EZ10 shuttlestopped in Arlington ona cross-country tour.
Pho
to: N
CT
CO
G
12
Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Unmanned aircraft are growingmore popular for hobbyists, commercial users and agencies interested in using their video capabilities for planning and rescueoperations. No longer are these aircraft limited to military operations.
With lower costs, the opportunity forgrowth in governmental, recreational and commercial UASusage is at an all-time high. Thereare approximately 710,000 unmanned aircraft systems registered in the US, according tothe Federal Aviation Administration.The FAA predicts an increase to almost 4 million by 2021, a projected growth rate of nearly 500 percent.
This growth rate can lead to morejobs and business opportunities. Italso has potential negative effects,including an increase in the numberof reckless users. Data shows the Dallas-Fort Worth area is third nationally in the number of recklessUAS sightings.
Since Dallas-Fort Worth has themost registrants in the state at approximately 15,000 (Texas is second nationally to California in
the number of registered UAS), considerable effort is being made to improve safe operation of unmanned aircraft.
NCTCOG’s Air Transportation Advisory Committee and regionalpartners are discussing how tomanage this increase in demand.ATAC’s UAS subcommittee is working on a draft ordinance intended to help cities better understand the rules for operatingunmanned aircraft and ensure theyare used safely, consistently and responsibly. The ordinance could becompleted by summer 2017.
Reckless UAS Sightings
Region 2015 2016
New York 92 75Los Angeles 52 52Dallas-Fort Worth 47 49Chicago 26 39San Diego 29 30
13
15,000Approximate number of unmanned aircraftsystems registered
in DFW
Advances in technology continue tochange the way people get around.The Federal Transit Administrationis funding projects throughout thenation to improve the efficiency oftransportation by integrating
transit services with innovative technologies. Dallas Area RapidTransit was awarded $1.2million to upgrade GoPass into anintegrated, multimodal mobile application. The goal is to leverage ride-sharing services to improve access to DART stations, particularly in non-walkable areasunderserved by transit. This projectwill identify opportunities for innovative transit services and partnerships that maintain federalcompliance.
Part of DART’s project includes creating a reloadable transit card tomake the system more accessibleto low-income individuals who maynot have a credit card or mobile device.
Additionally, NCTCOG formed theMobility on Demand Working Groupin January 2017. The working groupcan discuss, coordinate and promote the demonstration of Mobility on Demand concepts andsolutions. It also provides a forumfor transit agencies, local governments and other interestedparties. For more information, visitwww.nctcog.org/mod.
NCTCOG is updating Access NorthTexas, which aims to improve publictransportation for older adults, people with disabilities, low-incomeindividuals and others who rely ontransit. This plan includes prioritizedstrategies to make the most of theregion’s public transit services.
DART Blue Line
DART opened new stations atCamp Wisdom and the University ofNorth Texas at Dallas as part of athree-mile Blue Line expansion inOctober. This allowed DART to connect an area known as the Education Corridor to downtownDallas. More people are now able todiscover the academic programs offered not only at UNT Dallas, butalso at Paul Quinn College andCedar Valley College.
In November 2016, the first fullmonth of operation of the extension,the average weekday ridership atthe UNT Dallas Station and the Camp Wisdom Station was over1,000 passengers each weekday.
192,12576,011
63,19255,817
38,258
STAR TransitPublic Transit Services (PTS)
Span Inc.Community Transit Services (CTS)
City/County Transportation
2016 Annual Passenger Trips for Smaller Systems
$1.2Mawarded to DARTfor GoPass app
upgrades
The region’s small and medium-sized public transportation providers completed 425,403 trips in 2016. Access NorthTexas identifies additional ways that providers can meet local transit needs.
14
Daily FlightsDFW Airport
1,843
Love Field614
TEX Rail
The TEX Rail commuter rail projectbetween Fort Worth and DFW Airport is on schedule to beginserving customers in late 2018. The$1.034 billion project is under construction and is now fully fundedafter the Fort Worth TransportationAuthority received a $499 milliongrant from the FTA in December2016. The project will provide passenger rail service to two stations in downtown Fort Worth before moving across TarrantCounty, through North Richland
Hills and Grapevine, and concludingat Terminal B at DFW Airport. DARTplans to add connecting commuterrail service from DFW Airport toPlano along the Cotton Belt at alater time. For more information onTEX Rail, visit www.texrail.com.
Love Field Surveys
Aviation is also an important part ofconnecting people. NCTCOG andDallas Love Field surveyed passengers in 2014 and 2015 togauge how the expiration of the
Wright Amendment affected travel.The amendment had limited long-haul flights from the airport.
Business and vacation travel fromLove Field experienced the mostsignificant impact. Before the restrictions were lifted, 57 percentof passengers took work-relatedtrips. The following year, 48 percentdid so, according to the survey data.There was a 7 percent increase invacation/pleasure trips from 2014 to 2015.
High-Speed Rail
The proposed DFW Core Express between Dallas and FortWorth could connect the proposed Dallas-to-Houston high-speed rail to another corridor that would serve Oklahoma andSouth Texas. NCTCOG has selected firms for three station-areastudies as part of the Core Express project.
• Fort Worth Station
• Arlington Station
• Dallas Station
Activity at the region’s two major commercialairports remained strong in 2016. Statisticsshow adequate room for growth at DFW Airport and Love Field. DFW can handle 4,080flights per day, according to the FAA. LoveField can accommodate 1,024 daily flights.
15
NCTCOG has worked with theTexas Department of Public Safetyto develop a data exchange system,where Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers will be able tomore quickly and securely obtaindriver history information while onthe side of the road. This systemhas entered the testing phase andis expected to be available soon.
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Update
North Texas is one of the busiest inland ports in the nation wherefreight is moved, transferred anddistributed to destinations aroundthe world. Increasing truck traffic inthe region means planners havemade safety an area of emphasisas they look to improve the movement of freight on the roadways. To help address safetyconcerns, NCTCOG hosted theCommercial Motor Vehicle Violations Training for 47 areajudges, prosecutors and Commercial Vehicle Enforcementofficers in 2016.
The goal of this training was to reduce the number of safety violations by increasing convictionrates and decreasing the number ofcourt cases that receive reduced penalties.
NCTCOG will also initiate the CVEequipment and training program in2017. The program will allow CVEofficers to obtain weight scales andtraining free of charge.
Truck Traffic Counts
In November 2016, NCTCOG issued a request for proposals fromfirms interested in conducting trafficcounts for the region. Having amore complete picture of wheretruck traffic is most heavily concentrated throughout the day willhelp planners continue to refine thetransportation system. The datafrom this project will enableNCTCOG to develop better trafficmodels, leading to improved mobility, system reliability and emissions forecasts.
Planners will use the data to support:
• Goods movement performance-based planning in compliance with new federal performance measures for truck travel time reliability
• The calibration and validation of the NCTCOG travel demand model and the commercial vehicle model
• Identification of corridors frequently used by heavy-duty vehicles
67
55
46
58
44
54 55
40 40 38 41 47
33 39
35
45 40
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016
Nu
mb
er o
f In
cid
ents
Year
At-Grade Railroad Crossing Incidents(12-County MPO)
40 %decline in
at-grade railcrossing incidents
since 2000.
16
Incidents at the region’s 2,900
at-grade rail crossings have
declined substantially since 2000.
Crossing Incidents
Railroad facilities are located acrossthe region, moving large amounts offreight to and from North Texas.When railroad tracks intersect aroadway, it is called an at-gradecrossing. There are over 2,900 at-grade railroad crossings in the region, and it is important for residents to follow safety precautions around them. Sometimes there are incidents involving cars and trains at thesecrossings. Since 2000, the numberof incidents has been trendingdownward. In 2016, there were 40.To continue this improvement, drivers and pedestrians should heedsafety signals and warnings.
Truck Lane Restrictions
Truck lane restrictions are animportant element of the region'stransportation network. These restrictions prohibit freight trafficfrom traveling in the left lane except
to pass other vehicles. The restrictions, in place for about 10 years, have been shown to reduce serious truck- and passenger vehicle-related accidents. Most of these corridorsare located in Dallas and Tarrantcounties, but they have also beenimplemented in parts of Collin, Ellis,Parker and Rockwall counties. There are plans to add truck lane restrictions to approximately 15more corridors by 2040. Also, threenew corridors will be added as construction is completed on IH 30,IH 635 and SH 114.
Texas Freight Plan
Last year, TxDOT completed thefirst Texas Freight Mobility Plan andis updating the plan to bring it intoconformity with the Fixing America’sSurface Transportation (FAST) Act.This is a requirement for Texas andthe region to receive freight-specificfunds.
Work is continuing this year. To helpwith this update, TxDOT held aworkshop in February 2017 that focused on trends, challenges andopportunities for freight in Texas andfreight system designation. In June,TxDOT will hold a second workshop,this one focusing on freight projectrecommendations and the freight investment plan. TxDOT hopes tohave a draft of the new plan for public review in August.
Air Cargo
Trucks are the most popular way tomove goods, as 77 percent areshipped in this fashion. For expensive freight that needs to arrive at its destination quickly, however, airplanes are often thepreferred option. The volume ofgoods shipped by air from the region’s three air cargo facilitiesgrew substantially last year, led bythe 14.5 percent increase at Alliance Airport.
For information on the Texas Freight Mobility Plan visitwww.movetexasfreight.com.
DFW Alliance Love Field
2015 737,812 119,444 80,438
2016 829,019 136,765 86,078
Air Cargo Tonnage
Year
Air cargo activity increased at the region’s major airports last year.
17
NCTCOG and its partner agenciescontinue their commitment to improving regional traffic safety forall users by supporting and coordinating planning efforts to develop safety policies, programs,and projects.
Working with the four E’s oftransportation safety – Engineering, Enforcement, Education and Emergency Response – NCTCOG is initiatingprojects to address traffic safetyconcerns from all sides.
Regional Crashes and Fatalities
Each year, NCTCOG receives crashdata from the TxDOT CrashRecords Information System, orCRIS, the State’s depository forcrash records. Crash data from allroadway types in Texas is reportedin the CRIS. NCTCOG uses crashdata to:
• Identify high-crash corridors, intersections and hot spots
• Determine types and severity of crashes
• Identify contributing factors for serious-injury and fatality crashes
• Develop county, regional and corridor-level crash rates for limited-access facilities
NCTCOG uses the crash data forprojects throughout the Transportation Department, including those aimed at making theroads safer for drivers, as well as bicyclists and pedestrians.
In 2016, the 12-county metropolitanplanning area experienced 129,803
crashes, 20,250 of which resulted in serious injuries and 679 of whichwere fatal. Nearly 90 percent ofcrashes occurred in the four urbancore counties of Dallas County (43percent), Tarrant County (27 percent), Collin County (11 percent)and Denton County (9 percent). Historically, the vast majority ofcrashes happened in these urbancounties.
Traffic Incident Management Training
About 50 percent of the congestionin the region is caused by non-recurring traffic incidents andcrashes. To address this congestionand improve safety for motoristsand emergency responders, in 2003NCTCOG became the first agencyin the nation to formalize a Traffic Incident Management Training Program for all responders in theregion. The goal of the NCTCOGTIM Training Program is to initiate acommon, coordinated response totraffic incidents that will build partnerships, enhance safety foremergency personnel and motorists, reduce upstream traffic
crashes, improve the efficiency ofthe transportation system, and improve air quality in the region.NCTCOG has offered 98 classes atthe first responder level to over2,720 regional fire, police, towing,EMS, Mobility Assistance Patrol,and transportation agencies. Additionally, since February 2005,23 classes have been offered at theexecutive level to 810 decision- andpolicymakers.
In 2007, NCTCOG began offering aPhotogrammetry Training Workshopas a complement to the region'sTIM Training Program. The Photogrammetry system, used forcrash reconstruction and forensic measurements, helps alleviate congestion and reduce secondarycollisions.
The Photogrammetry software reconstructs accident scenes fromdigital images, allowing police andfire departments to clear roadwayincidents much more quickly andconduct accident investigationsfrom their offices. Since 2007, 204police officers have been trainedthrough the NCTCOG-hosted Photogrammetry Training Workshops.
2016 Regional Crashes
County Total
Crashes Fatal
Crashes
Collin 13,865 42 Dallas 55,642 290 Denton 12,182 42 Ellis 2,595 25 Hood 795 14 Hunt 1,396 25 Johnson 2,269 23 Kaufman 2,011 21 Parker 2,175 19 Rockwall 1,362 9 Tarrant 34,596 152 Wise 915 17
Total 129,803 679
2,720+attendees at
NCTCOG TrafficIncident
Management Trainingfor first responders
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Intersection Safety Plan
Intersections are a small part of theTexas highway system, but eachyear roughly 50 percent of crashesoccur at or near them. To addressthis issue, in 2015 TxDOT, the Federal Highway Administration andthe five largest metropolitan planning organizations acrossTexas, initiated the Texas Intersection Safety ImplementationPlan, or ISIP. The goal of this plan isto implement effective, low-costcountermeasures at intersections toincrease visibility and driver awareness, and improve intersection design and operation.The Texas ISIP focuses on the Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, El Paso,Houston and San Antonio areas.
The NCTCOG ISIP, completed in2013, was the catalyst for the development of the Texas ISIP. Theregional plan identified 1,047 candidate signalized intersection locations throughout North Texas.NCTCOG, FHWA and members ofthe Regional Safety Advisory Committee identified the followingsystemic countermeasures to improve safety at similar locations:
1. Re-time traffic signals for better coordination and proper red and yellow change intervals.
2. Install an additional signal head per approach.
3. Change permitted and protected/permitted left-turn phasing to protected.
4. Install basic pavement marking and sign improvements.
5. Install advanced signal-ahead warning signs.
In 2016, NCTCOG surveyed thecities identified in the regional ISIP
to determine the progress of improvements. Here is a snapshot:
• 262 total improvements at ISIP intersections
• 178 total intersections with improvements
Wrong-Way Driving Projects
NCTCOG continues to work withTxDOT and local cities in Dallasand Tarrant counties to implementintersection, roadway and technology improvements that willreduce the likelihood of wrong-waycrashes.
NCTCOG, TxDOT and nine DallasCounty cities initiated Phase I of theWrong-Way Driving Pilot MitigationProject in 2014. Phase I focused on350 diamond interchanges throughout Dallas County. Improvement strategies includedthe replacement of conflicting laneand arrow markings, signal enhancements and other intersection-related improvements.Eight cities (Carrollton, FarmersBranch, Garland, Grand Prairie, Irving, Mesquite, Richardson and
Rowlett) have completed the PhaseI countermeasures. The project hasalso been expanded into Collin and Denton counties, where improvements are in either the design or construction phase inAllen, McKinney, Plano, Carrollton (Denton County), and Lewisville.The City of Dallas has 19 intersections under constructionand an additional 42 in the designphase.
Phase II of the project was initiatedin 2015 and focused on 54.2 milesof seven freeway corridors in TarrantCounty. The Phase II pilot project isnearing completion. It includes installation of wrong-way pavementmarkings in the travel lanes, enhanced signage with active-detection units, optimized signplacement and use of technologyfor wrong-way driving incident notifications.
NTTA is also working to combatwrong-way driving by implementingsimilar countermeasures includingintelligent transportation systemstechnologies. A pilot program usingtraffic cameras and specialized software to detect vehicles movingin the wrong direction has been implemented in Dallas County.
The Mobility Assistance Patrol Programhelps motorists stranded on freeways seven
days a week in Dallas County, Tarrant County,and portions of Collin and Denton counties.NTTA assists stranded motorist on tollways.
Motorists assisted in 2016:
MAPP 92,179 NTTA 22,942
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Airbag Recall
Did you know that nearly 70 millionairbag inflators are or will be underrecall by 2019? More than a half-million defective airbags are inNorth Texas alone. NCTCOG hasjoined with the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration andseveral local partners to urge drivers to check their Vehicle Identification Numbers to make suretheir airbags are not under recall.
The North Texas climate makes thesituation particularly urgent locally.
Prolonged exposure to high heatand humidity degrades the chemicalpropellant in a defective airbag inflator over time, which makes itmore explosive and increases riskof serious injury or death. Even aminor fender bender can cause thedefective airbag inflators to rupture,spraying metal into drivers and passengers. To date, there havebeen 11 deaths due to defectiveairbags. Two occurred in Texas.
The NHTSA is prioritizing the recallbased on the risk of injury or deathto vehicle occupants. The recallsare phased by vehicle location and
age. Recall zones have been established based on regional temperature and humidity. Texashas been assigned to Zone A,which has been given top priority.
For information on affected vehicles, visit www.safercar.gov or www.airbagrecall.com, and enterthe VIN, located on the driver’s sideof the front windshield. Airbagsunder recall can be replaced free ofcharge. Additionally, vehicles notcurrently under a recall could be affected in the future. Sign up foremail alerts at www.nhtsa.gov.
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Just as technology is being used toimprove the efficiency of the transportation system, communitiesare embracing it to improve qualityof life. Cities are becoming “smart,”integrating innovative elements that improve parking, lighting and efficiency. These elements focus ondata collection, resource optimization and connectivity.
The Dallas Innovation Alliance, anonprofit public-private partnership,has launched a multi-phase smartcity strategy for Dallas’ West End.The “living lab” aims to encourage acity where technology and social infrastructure accelerate sustainableeconomic development while conserving resources and improving quality of life. DIA is taking a multifaceted approach thatwill allow it to analyze and measurethe collective impact.
Here are examples of the workbeing done:
• Lighting along Market Street will be converted to LED and equipped with sensors that can measure air quality, crowd noise and other environmental factors.
• Interactive kiosks are intended to serve as a focal point for community engagement, providing such things as public Wi-Fi, USB charging stations andwayfinding/transit options.
• Connectivity will be aided by thepresence of fiber and cellular networks.
• Smart parking will monitor lots and garages for available spaces, which could allow driversto locate and reserve parking ahead of time. Not only would thisimprove the parking experience, but it could also increase parking utilization rates and decreased traffic congestion/carbon dioxide emissions.
Light poles are an important pieceof the strategy because they havemany potential uses and are already in the public right-of-way. Inthe West End, they can help reachconnectivity goals by being equipped with monitors and smartcells that will enable Wi-Fi.
The City of Arlington is also takingadvantage of lighting infrastructure
to achieve a variety of benefits. In2014, the City began an effort to upgrade its 21,478 high-pressuresodium light bulbs to low-wattageLEDs to reduce costs and its carbon footprint. Thus far, the Cityhas converted more than 11,000 streetlights in two phases. Arlington’s streetlight conversionhas led to a 47 percent reduction inenergy costs and helped financeprojects at 21 city buildings.
PHASE I (2015): Retrofit approximately 10,500 150- to 200-watt light fixtures to 95-watt LED.
PHASE II (2016): Retrofit approximately 320 EntertainmentDistrict lights, 310 250-watt lightsand 210 high-mast fixtures.
The upgrade project has yieldedgreater benefits than expected, allowing Arlington’s streetlight crewto focus on priorities besides constant maintenance. The crewcan now focus on upgrading wiringto make the system more reliable.
Smart parking initiatives will improve the parking experienceand make the process more efficient. 21
Regional Trail Use
Technology is assisting planners onbicycle-pedestrian facilities throughout North Texas. The Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Traffic Count Program isrecording data with equipment installed on trails throughout the region. In 2016, there were 39equipment count locations on trailsrecording the number of pedestrians and bicyclists for transportation planning purposes.Equipment was also installed on astreet with bike lanes to count thenumber of bicyclists using the roadway.
A snapshot of findings from the datacollection effort includes:
• In 2016 the proportion of pedestrian traffic at the trail countlocations was 58 percent, with bicyclists representing 42 percentof the trail traffic in those locations.
• On some trails, usually near more populated areas, most users are pedestrians. In less- developed locations, bicyclists are the primary users. For example, pedestrians account forover 80 percent of traffic on the Katy Trail. By contrast, bicyclists
represent over 80 percent of trafficon White Rock Trail.
• While weather does affect the overall use of trails, usage is generally greater during warmer months.
More information and annual datacollected at the count stations is included in the 2016 Annual Report, available at www.nctcog.org/trans/sustdev.
Corridor Studies
NCTCOG led two planning studiesin 2016 using innovative technologies to find solutions: theRiver Oaks Boulevard (SH 183)Corridor Master Plan and the Northwest Highway and PrestonRoad Area Plan. Information aboutthese planning studies can be found at www.nctcog.org/planningstudies.
The River Oaks Boulevard projectsought to produce a vision and recommendation for transportationimprovements along River OaksBoulevard from SH 199 on the northand the West Fork Branch of TrinityRiver on the south. The plan balanced mobility and accessibilityimprovements with economic development. The recommended
improvements included shared-usepaths, sidewalks, enhanced pedestrian amenities, landscapingand on-street parking.
Among the recommended innovative solutions to enhance the boulevard were contra-flow lanes.The contra-flow lane design simplifies traffic movement patternsby limiting automobiles to rightturns. This decreases the number of potential bicycle and pedestrianconflict points with automobiles.
The Northwest Highway and Preston Road project examined existing conditions and future needsin the north Dallas study area. It resulted in a preferred communityvision. The study’s approach included integration of transportation operational improvements, land-use intensity and mix, and context-sensitivestreet design.
One of the elements was a week-long study within the Preston Center commercial area parkinggarages. License plate reader technology was used to gather information related to occupancyand the time vehicles spent in eachparking space.
Recommended improvements in the River Oaks Boulevard Corridor include shared-use paths, sidewalks, enhanced pedestrian amenities, landscaping and on-street parking.
River Oaks Boulevard (State Highway 183) Corridor Master Plan
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Kiest
Cedars
MorrellHampton
Illinois
Cityplace
Park LaneWhite Rock
Dallas Zoo
Parker Road
Mockingbird
Lovers Lane
Walnut Hill
Forest Lane
LBJ/Central
Galatyn Park
LBJ/Skillman
Westmoreland
Tyler/Vernon
CityLine/Bush
Spring Valley
8th & Corinth
Arapaho Center
Downtown Plano
Forest/JupiterDowntown Garland
VA Medical Center
ConventionCenter
Dallas
Plano
Garland
Richardson
/0 3 61.5
Miles
! Project DART Stations
DART Blue Line
DART Red Line
Project Study Areas
DART Station (not in project)
DART Rail
TRE Commuter Rail
FTA Transit-Oriented Development Planning Grant
NCTCOG led a regional partnership to advancetransit-oriented development when it won a $1.4 million grant from the FTA for a TOD planning pilot study. Dallas, Garland, Plano,Richardson and DART are partners in the effort,aided by $350,000 of local money. The planningstudy will use innovative technologies to prioritize infrastructure improvements for
pedestrian and bicycle connections to DARTRed Line and Blue Line light-rail stations. It willalso leverage the latest techniques used to studyparking, reduce labor cost and improve efficiency.
By studying these existing corridors and data, insights generated in this pilot study will moveNorth Texas TOD policies into a better future forall the region’s rail stations.
Transit-Oriented Development
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Clean air is easy to take for granted.Yet, it is important to know that many federal, State and local efforts are underway to protect thisprecious resource.
Since 1991, North Texas countieshave been in nonattainment forozone, and have been engaged inefforts to reduce emissions, protecthealth and comply with federal airquality requirements. These effortshave helped reduce ozone concentration levels from 102 partsper billion in 1998 to 80 ppb in2016, as seen in the chart below.
Although progress is being made,continued efforts and innovationsare needed to keep up with the recently revised ozone standardand rapid population growth.
Ozone Standards
Under the Clean Air Act, the US Environmental Protection Agencyestablished the National AmbientAir Quality Standards, or NAAQS,designed to protect human and environmental health. Six criteriapollutants – lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate
matter and sulfur dioxide – are regulated under the NAAQS. NorthTexas meets the federal standardfor all except ozone.
The EPA is periodically required toreview and revise ozone standardsto ensure they protect humanhealth. In 2015, after a full review ofthe available scientific literature onhealth and welfare effects of ozone,the EPA released the 2015 ozonestandard. Notable changes include:
• Reducing the ozone standard from 75 ppb to 70 ppb
• Extending the ozone monitoring season for North Texas by one month (now from March 1 through November 30)
• Updating requirements to modernize and streamline the Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations network, which helps provide information on ozone formation and transport
Currently, 10 counties in NorthTexas are designated as nonattainment for ozone. HoodCounty could join Dallas, Collin,
Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman,Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wisecounties to form the new nonattainment area under the 2015 designation.
Role of NCTCOG
Serving as the metropolitan planning organization for the 12-county region, NCTCOG and theRTC are required to ensure transportation planning and development activities conform tothe “emissions budgets” set for theregion in the State ImplementationPlan. The SIP is a regional air quality plan outlining how ozoneconcentrations will be reduced inthe nonattainment area.
In North Texas, the RTC takes anactive role in assisting with development of SIP revisions. Thisincludes help with air quality technical planning and implementation of strategies at thelocal level to enhance federal andstate efforts. Numerous other regional stakeholders, includinglocal governments and business coalitions, also support this processand facilitate implementation.
102101
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9596
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81 83
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -2015 Revised Standard ≤ 70 ppb (attainment deadline TBD; Marginal by 2020)
2008 Standard ≤ 75 ppb (attainment deadline of 2017)
Ozone Progress(8-Hour Ozone Historical Trends)
98-0
0
99-0
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Consecutive Three-Year Periods
According to the EPA, ozone attainment is reached when, ateach monitor, the Design Value(three-year average of the annualfourth-highest daily maximum 8-hour average ozone concentration) is less than orequal to 70 parts per billion (ppb).
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As a result of these efforts and improved vehicle technologies,ozone levels in the region continueto improve. Even though there aremore people living, working andcommuting in the area, resulting inmore miles being driven, the levelsof ozone-creating pollutants continue to decline.
Ozone and Health
Unlike many pollutants, ground-levelozone is not produced directly by anemission source. It does not comedirectly out of a vehicle tailpipe orfrom a smokestack. Instead, it is the result of a reaction of other pollutants – nitrogen oxides (NOx)and volatile organic compounds(VOC) – that mix in the presence ofsunlight and heat.
Clinical studies indicate prolongedexposure to elevated concentrationsof ground-level ozone may reducelung function, increase the frequency of asthma episodes andreduce the body’s ability to resistrespiratory infections. High ozone
concentrations also pose a risk tothe environment, wildlife and agriculture. Monitors are placed instrategic locations around the region and provide ongoing feedback about ozone concentrations.
Ozone in the Region
NCTCOG and the RTC are focusingon reducing NOx and VOCs, whichare called precursor pollutants, inorder to reduce ozone.
In 2017, most NOx emissions (67percent) are expected to come frommobile transportation sources.Therefore, air quality initiatives inthe region are focused on reducingpollution from this sector, especiallyfrom cars and trucks.
Air Quality Programs
NCTCOG staff administers many airquality programs, makes policy recommendations, participates inpartnerships and supports otherstakeholders in their own
emissions-reducing activities.NCTCOG programs help individuals, fleet operators andfreight companies contribute tocleaner air. Programs concentrateon light- and heavy-duty vehiclesand equipment. NCTCOG workswith local governments, the Texas Commission on EnvironmentalQuality, the EPA and DOE to improve air quality.
AirCheckTexas
The region’s air quality also benefitsfrom efforts to repair and replaceolder vehicles. Older vehicles typically pollute more, but not everyone can afford to replace theirvehicles with cleaner-burning ones.Administered locally by NCTCOG,AirCheckTexas Drive a Clean Machine provides qualifying motorists vouchers worth up to$3,000 toward vehicle replacement($3,500 for hybrids and some otherfuel efficient models) or repairvouchers of up to $600.
Mobile sources account for67 percent of NOxemissions in North Texas.The remaining 33 percentcomes from area and pointsources, including powerplants, cement kilns, oil andgas, and smaller sourcessuch as dry cleaners.
44%On-Road(Cars &Trucks)
8%Off-Road
(Locomotives,Aircraft, etc.)
15%Non-Road
(Construction,Agriculture,
etc.)
NOx Contributions from Mobile Sources
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North Texans whose vehicles havefailed the emissions portion of theState inspection or are at least 10years old are encouraged to applyfor assistance if they meet the income criteria.
Since the program’s creation,AirCheckTexas has helped repair or replace more than 66,000 vehicles.Additionally, the program helped toreduce emissions of approximately90.51 tons of NOx and 24.47 tonsof VOCs during FY 2016 alone.More than $31 million is availablethrough the program. This is one ofmany programs designed to improve the region’s air quality. For more information on NCTCOGair quality programs, visitwww.nctcog.org/airquality.
Volkswagen Settlement
In 2016, courts determined Volkswagen had violated the CleanAir Act by selling diesel vehicles equipped with “defeat devices.” These devices allowed vehicles to emit levels of NOx
beyond what federal standards permit. This ruling resulted in a settlement of over $20 billion, including two different portions thatcould bring substantial investmentin clean vehicle projects to NorthTexas, where more than 10,000 vehicles were affected by the settlement.
First, the Environmental Mitigation Trust consists of $2.9 billion. Texascould receive up to $209 million tobe used on NOx mitigation efforts.Eligible actions could include projects aimed at doing the following:
• Reducing NOx from heavy-duty diesel sources near population centers
• Replacing or repowering olderengines for newer engines at a rail switchyard
• Replacing older transit buses with new electric-powered buses
Second, through the Zero Emission Vehicle Investment, $1.2 billion willbe available to states other thanCalifornia to support the increaseduse of zero-emissions vehicle technologies, including development and maintenance ofrelated infrastructure. NCTCOG hassubmitted a proposal to ElectrifyAmerica — the organization established by Volkswagen to manage the ZEV Investment program — outlining the region’splans to address key electric vehicleinfrastructure gaps and build awareness of EVs. Proposed actions include developing a high-speed, intercity EV charging network and identifying multi-familyproperties and workplaces bestsuited to support EV charginggoals.
NCTCOG is engaged with otherstakeholders to provide commentson potential investments. For moreinformation about the settlement,visit www.nctcog.org/airquality.
Featured Air Quality Initiatives
AirCheckTexas Drive a Clean MachineDallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Coalition
Clean Fleet PolicyEngine Off North Texas
Electric Vehicles North TexasSmartWay Transport Partnership
Regional Smoking Vehicle ProgramRegional Emissions Enforcement Program
Car Care ClinicsSaving Money and Reducing Truck Emissions (SMARTE)
Go Solar Texas
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To continue to meet the diversetransportation needs of NorthTexas, NCTCOG must listen intentlyto residents and businesses. Withrapid advances in communication,the Transportation Department is rethinking the distribution of information.
Many people’s schedules preventthem from driving across town foran afternoon or evening meeting,even when they may have a compelling reason to attend. Maybetheir neighborhood is going to be affected by a proposed roadwayproject, and they want more information on the constructionphase. Perhaps a sidewalk theyneed to get from home to the railstation down the street is up for discussion. The RTC discussessuch issues on a regular basis. Withlive streaming, anyone, anywherecan watch as these and other crucial transportation decisions aremade. Recordings of RTC sessions, public meetings and other meetings are also available for residents to watch atwww.nctcog.org/video when convenient.
Since September 2015, RTC meetings have been streamed liveon the internet. This option, available by clicking the ”live” tab, is growing in popularity. Data showsapproximately 61 percent more people per month watched the livestreaming in 2016.
Public meetings are also undergoing changes in an effort toeffectively deliver information to stakeholders. An analysis of public
meeting attendance indicated thatfor some topics, a full series ofmeetings is not necessary. In suchcases, it may be more effective tohold one public meeting and post arecording online.
In other instances, it is more effective to provide the public withopportunities to comment online.When major policy changes, such as a new Metropolitan Transportation Plan, are under consideration, residents will stillhave numerous opportunities to attend public meetings and comment. The goal of this approachis to foster a continuing dialoguewith residents and ensure the right tools are being used to communicate information to busy people.
Social Media
The department also interacts withresidents on social media, maintaining a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,YouTube and Vimeo.
Facebook and Twitter are the department’s primary social media channels, and they continue to expand substantially. In 2016,NCTCOG’s Facebook audiencegrew 19 percent, while its Twitter following increased by 24 percent.Understanding that people respondwell to visualization, the departmentis using more graphics in socialmedia posts. And the results can beseen in increased reach and engagement. Advertising is also animportant part of the department’ssocial media strategy.
Education and Outreach
The department is also focused oninspiring young people to becomeinvolved in planning and other aspects of transportation. One ofthe best ways NCTCOG has foundto reach people of all ages hasbeen through involvement in
YouTube
51% 41%
4% 3%
Social MediaAudience
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Twitter and Facebook are themost popular social media platforms used by the NCTCOG Transportation Department, andboth experienced double-digit audience growth in 2016.
community events. In 2016, the Transportation Department participated in 12 community fairs, celebrations and back-to-schoolevents attended by more than140,000 people of all ages.
Reaching Students
Through its involvement in STEMprograms, the NCTCOG AviationEducation Program seeks to inspireyoung people to pursue careers inthe fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. WithNorth Texas school districts’ highparticipation rate in STEM programs, students are likely well-prepared to meet the aviation industry’s demand for a skilled laborforce.
The demand for aviation will continue to grow in North Texas andwith it a workforce willing and ableto fly planes and keep them operating safely and efficiently. Inaddition to STEM, which also prepares students with an interestin becoming pilots, air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics oraviation economists, NCTCOG isusing technology to reach students.It partnered with aviation and aerospace companies, as well as educational institutions last year todevelop FLYBY DFW, a mobilecomputer game available for Appleand Android devices.
The Transportation Department alsoreaches the public through educational campaigns such asLook Out Texans, which uses 21tips to encourage residents to bike, walk and drive safely. Targeted
outreach occurred through socialmedia, online videos, videos airing on local government cable channels and safety tip announcements on digital displayboards at strategic locations.
Packets of bicycle and pedestriansafety information were also distributed to elementary and middle schools.
NCTCOG will continue to identifynew ways to reach the public withthe ultimate goal of inspiring moreparticipation in transportation planning and program development.More informed participants meansbetter decisions. And better decisions will lead to safer, more efficient travel. For more informationor to become involved, visitwww.nctcog.org/input.
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0.0%
1.0%
2.0%
3.0%
4.0%
5.0%
6.0%
Jan-16 Feb-16 Mar-16 Apr-16 May-16 Jun-16 Jul-16 Aug-16 Sep-16 Oct-16 Nov-16 Dec-16
Facebook Engagement Rate
The TransportationDepartment isusing more graphics in an effort to connectwith its socialmedia audience.The Facebook engagement rateaveraged about4.5 percent in2016, peaking inJune at 5.1 percent.
First PlaceBryce Charles7th gradeGrand Prairie Fine Arts AcademyTeacher: Sharon Miller
Second PlaceSean Martin7th gradeGrand Prairie Fine Arts AcademyTeacher: Sharon Miller
2017 Art Contest WinnersGrand Prairie Independent School District
To see all entries, visit nctcog.org/ourregion.
Third PlaceValere Martinez 6th gradeYoung Women’s Leadership AcademyTeacher: Taylor Denney
Honorable MentionMaritza Pineda Gonzalez6th gradeYoung Women’s Leadership AcademyTeacher: Taylor Denney
Honorable MentionGavin Morales7th gradeTruman Middle SchoolTeacher: Mary Malone
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Bryce Charles (age 12) has been astudent at Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy, under the tutelage of SharonMiller, since 2015. Bryce loves art andparticularly enjoys drawing futuristic buildings and cars. Bryce also enjoys playing video games in his spare time.
The inspiration for his piece was throughthe study of architectural and automobilemagazines. He imagined a streamlinedtransit system to relieve the heavy trafficsituation that his parents must endureeach day. Thus, Bryce created the tunnelroad over the Trinity River and the ergonomically shaped cars for better gas mileage.
Bryce hopes to become an architect whenhe grows up and feels that his art trainingwill prepare him to create new and innovative designs in the future.
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About the Winner
North Central Texas Council of GovernmentsP. O. Box 5888Arlington, TX 76005-5888
Progress North Texas 2017Moving into the Future Using Innovative Transportation Technologies
The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors who are responsible for the opinions,findings and conclusions presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies
of the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration or the Texas Department of Transportation. This document was prepared in cooperation with the Texas Department of
Transportation and the US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration andFederal Transit Administration.
