A managed lane facility is one that increases freeway efficiency by packaging various operational and design actions. Operating agencies may adjust lane management operations at any time to better match regional goals. However, as a new concept in operating freeways, managed lanes has a limited experience base, creating a knowledge vacuum in emerging key areas that are critical for effective implementation. The potential complexities associated with user groups and operational options will require agencies to have an appropriate number of qualified staff to ensure adequate oversight of operations and to ensure satisfactory customer service to the users. Thus, the task documented in this report identifies those staffing needs related to operational options and training that might be required to ensure those staff are fully prepared to perform their duties to the satisfaction of both the agency and the customer. Other issues addressed are the roles of job positions within the framework of managed lanes, the competencies required of those positions, and accessibility to appropriate training, education, and technical assistance to ensure these needs are met.

The objectives of this project are to investigate the complex and interrelated issues surrounding the safe and efficient operation of managed lanes using various operating strategies and to develop a managed lanes manual to help the Texas Department of Transportation make informed planning, design, and operational decisions when considering these facilities for its jurisdiction. This document summarizes the activities of the first three years of this multiyear project, highlights the accomplishments to date, provides a status report of efforts underway, and outlines planned activities for the coming year.

This adaptation provides hard-to-find and well-researched China cases that offer insights while covering a wide variety of contexts, spanning international companies operating in China to Chinese companies that are beginning to venture overseas.