Glossary of Acronyms
Glossary of Transportation Planning Acronyms and Terms
The transportation arena has a language all its own. Navigating your way through the complex web of transportation terminology can be a challenge. So, we’ve put together this list of acronyms and commonly used words in transportation planning.
Accessibility
The extent to which facilities are barrier free and useable by persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users. Examples of facilities are sidewalks, buses, trains, etc.
Activity center
Locations within urban areas where there are a concentration of business, commercial and other uses that draw a large number of people from the region on a daily basis.
ADA - Americans With Disabilities Act
Federal civil rights legislation for disabled persons passed in 1990; calls on public transit systems to make their services more fully accessible as well as to underwrite a parallel network of paratransit service.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Low-polluting fuels which are used to propel a vehicle instead of high-sulfur diesel or gasoline. Examples include methanol, ethanol, propane or compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid natural gas (LNG), low-sulfur or "clean" diesel and electricity.
Annual Element
Transportation projects, included in the TIP, that are proposed for implementation in the current year. The annual element is submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) as part of the required planning process.
Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL)
A system that senses, at intervals, the location of vehicles such as buses or subways. These vehicles are equipped with special electronic equipment that communicates a signal back to a central control facility. 
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BRT – Bus Rapid Transit
Bus service that is, at a minimum, faster than traditional local bus service and, at a maximum, includes dedicated lanes just for BRT operations. To reduce travel time and to provide faster service, BRT may incorporate ITS technologies that provide off vehicle payment, rapid boarding, and/or route divergences.
BRTP- Baltimore Regional Transportation Plan
A master plan to guide the region’s transportation investments for a 20-year period. Updated every three years, it is based on projections of growth in population and jobs and the ensuing travel demand. Required by federal law, it includes programs to better maintain, operate and expand transportation. >> Learn about the most recent BRTP: Transportation Outlook 2035 back to top
Capital Funds
Moneys to cover one-time costs for construction of new projects — such as roads, bridges, bicycle/pedestrian paths, transit lines and transit facilities — to expand the capacity of the transportation system, or to cover the purchase of buses and rail cars.
CBD - Central Business District
The downtown retail trade and commercial area of a city or an area of very high land valuation, traffic flow, and concentration of retail business offices, theaters, hotels and services.
Census Data
Information used by transportation planners to make projections about future Bay Area travel patterns, housing needs and the like. Required by the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Census is a complete listing of the population conducted every 10 years by the U.S. Census Bureau (the last one was completed in 2000).
CMAQ - Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program
A federal source of funding for projects and activities that reduce congestion and improve air quality, both in regions not yet attaining federal air quality standards and those engaged in efforts to preserve their attainment status.
Conformity
A process in which transportation plans and spending programs are reviewed to ensure they are consistent with federal clean air requirements; transportation projects collectively must not worsen air quality. back to top
Environmental Justice
This term stems from a Presidential Executive Order to promote equity for disadvantaged communities and promote the inclusion of racial and ethnic populations and low-income communities in decision-making. Local and regional transportation agencies must ensure that services and benefits, as well as burdens, are fairly distributed to avoid discrimination.
Equity Analysis
Consistent with federal requirements for environmental justice, the BRTB conducts an equity analysis covering the 20-year regional transportation plan to determine how the benefits and burdens of the plan’s investment strategy affect minority and low-income communities. back to top
FHWA - Federal Highway Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation agency responsible for administering the federal highway aid program to individual states, and helping to plan, develop and coordinate construction of federally funded highway projects. FHWA also governs the safety of hazardous cargo on the nation’s highways.
Financial Constraint
A federal requirement that long-range transportation plans include only projects that have a reasonable expectation of being funded, based upon anticipated revenues. In other words, long-range transportation plans cannot be pie-in-the-sky wish lists of projects. They must reflect realistic assumptions about revenues that will likely be available during the 25 years covered in the plan.
Flexible Funding
Unlike funding that flows only to highways or only to transit by a rigid formula, this is money that can be invested in a range of transportation projects. Examples of flexible funding categories include the Surface Transportation Program (STP) and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program.
FTA - Federal Transit Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation agency that provides financial and planning assistance to help plan, build and operate rail, bus and paratransit systems. The agency also assists in the development of local and regional traffic reduction programs.
FY - Fiscal Year
An annual schedule for keeping financial records and for budgeting transportation funds. Maryland’s fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30, while the federal fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30. back to top
GIS - Geographic Information System
A system of computer hardware, software and data for collecting, storing, analyzing and issuing information about areas of the earth. GIS can display attributes and analyze results electronically in a map form. For example, BMC uses GIS to create maps that visually show things like congestion, minority populations in relation to transportation projects, growth patterns, etc.
GPS - Global Positioning System
A system that uses satellite signals to track the location or position of vehicles or vessels on earth. In the Baltimore region, BMC uses GPS in cars to track and monitor traffic congestion on area highways. back to top
Intermodal
The term “mode” is used to refer to a means of transportation, such as automobile, bus, train, ship, bicycle and walking. Intermodal refers specifically to the connections between modes.
ITS - Intelligent Transportation Systems
A broad range of diverse technologies such as information processing, communications, control, and electronics which can help transportation systems in many ways, including congestion management. back to top
LOS - Level of Service
A report card that rates traffic flow from A (excellent) through F (flunks), and compares actual or projected traffic volume with the maximum capacity of the intersection or road in question.
MPO - Metropolitan Planning Organization
A federally required planning body responsible for the transportation planning and project selection in its region; the governor designates an MPO in every urbanized area with a population of over 50,000. The BRTB is the Baltimore region’s designated MPO.
Maglev
Magnetic levitation: A rail transportation system with exclusive right-of-way which is propelled along a fixed guideway system by the use of magnets on the rails and under the rail cars. The Baltimore and Washington regions are studying the possible use of Maglev between the two metropolitan areas. See http://www.bwmaglev.com/ for more information.
Mixed Use
In land-use and transportation planning, generally refers to different compatible land uses located within a single structure or in close proximity to each other. An example is buildings that host stores on the bottom level and offices or residences above it.
Mode
The types of transportation available for use, such as rail, bus, personal vehicle or bicycle. Also includes air and water travel. back to top
Nonattainment Area
Any geographic region of the United States that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated as not attaining the federal air quality standards for one or more air pollutants, such as ozone and carbon monoxide.
Ozone
Ground-level ozone is an air pollutant that causes human health problems, and damages crops and other vegetation. It is a key ingredient of urban smog. The Baltimore region is a nonattainment area for Ozone. Learn more and find out how to protect yourself… back to top
Particulate Matter
Also known as particle pollution or PM, is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets found in the air. By themselves, these particles and droplets are invisible to the naked eye. But together, they can aappear asclouds or a fog-like haze. PM is a serious concern. Because of their small size, they can get into sensitive areas of the lung and heart, causing major health problems. Learn more and find out how to protect yourself…
Paratransit
Door-to-door bus, van and taxi services used to transport elderly and disabled riders. Paratransit is sometimes referred to as dial-a-ride service, since trips are made according to demand instead of along a fixed route or according to a fixed schedule.
Pedestrian-Oriented Development
Development that is designed with an emphasis primarily on the street sidewalk and on pedestrian access to the site and building(s), rather than emphasizing personal-vehicle access and parking. Buildings generally are placed close to the street and the main entrance is oriented to the street's sidewalk. Although parking areas may be provided, they are generally limited in size and are located at the side or rear of the buildings. This type of development also is characterized by the mix of uses within walking distance of one another, allowing people to move easily among many destinations.
Performance Measures
Indicators of how well the transportation system or specific transportation projects will improve transportation conditions. back to top
Ridesharing
A form of public transportation, other than public transit, in which more than one person shares the use of the vehicle, such as a van or car, to make a trip. Also known as "carpooling," "buspooling" or "vanpooling." Learn more about ridesharing in the Baltimore region…
SAFETEA-LU - Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users
Signed into law on August 10, 2005, this $286.4 billion federal transportation bill reauthorizes federal surface transportation programs for six years (2003-2009) and significantly increases overall funding for transportation. It expanded upon many of the programs created in the 1992 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). This bill is expired as of September 30, 2009. Congress is expected to begin working on a replacement bill for the next six-year period during its 2009 session.
STP - Surface Transportation Program
One of the key funding programs in TEA-21. STP moneys are “flexible,” meaning they can be spent on mass transit, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, as well as on roads and highways. back to top
TCM - Transportation Control Measure
A strategy to reduce driving or smooth traffic flows in order to cut auto emissions and resulting air pollution. Examples of TCMs include carpool lanes, new or increased transit service, and ridesharing services to get people into carpools and vanpools.
TEA-21 - Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century
Passed by Congress in May 1998, this federal transportation legislation retains and expands many of the programs created in 1991 under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). Reauthorizes federal surface transportation programs for six years (1998–2003) and significantly increases overall funding for transportation.
Telecommuting/Teleworking
Refers to employees who work at an alternative site, such as at home, usually one or more days per month, thereby reducing their commutes. Learn more…
Title VI
Refers to Title VI of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, and requires that transportation planning and programming be nondiscriminatory on the basis of race, color and national origin. Integral to Title VI is the concept of environmental justice.
TIP - Transportation Improvement Program
A short-term (covering three years) program of transportation projects that will be funded with all federal funds expected to flow to the region; the projects contained in the TIP are drawn from, and consistent with, the long-range transportation plan.
TOD – Transit Oriented Development
A type of development that links land use and transit facilities to support the transit system and help reduce sprawl, traffic congestion and air pollution. It includes housing, along with complementary public uses (jobs, retail and services), located at a strategic point along a regional transit system, such as a rail hub.
Traffic Count
A record of the number of vehicles, people aboard vehicles or both that pass a given checkpoint during a given time period.
TDM - Transportation Demand Management
Programs designed to reduce demand by automobiles on the transportation system. Examples are the promotion and use of transit, alternative work hours, ridesharing, etc. Land-use planning also plays a role in providing alternate travel options.
Travel Demand Model
Used by transportation planners for simulating current travel conditions and for forecasting future travel patterns and conditions. Models help planners and policy-makers analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of alternative transportation investments in terms of mobility, accessibility, and environmental and equity impacts. back to top
U.S. DOT - United States Department of Transportation
The federal cabinet-level agency with responsibility for highways, public transportation, aviation and ports; it is headed by the Secretary of Transportation. The DOT includes the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, among others.
Value Pricing
The concept of assessing higher prices for using certain transportation facilities during the most congested times of the day, in the same way that airlines offer off-peak discounts and hotel rooms cost more during prime tourist seasons. Also known as congestion pricing and peak-period pricing, examples of this concept include higher bridge tolls during peak periods or charging single-occupant vehicles that want to use carpool lanes.
VMT - Vehicle Miles Traveled
One vehicle (whether a car carrying one passenger or a bus carrying 30 people) traveling one mile constitutes a vehicle mile. This number is used in transportation models because reducing VMT can help ease traffic congestion and improve air quality. back to top
Walkable
Refers to a single route, or a system of routes, between points that is relatively short, barrier-free, interesting, safe, well-lighted and comfortable, inviting pedestrian travel. Walkable Communities are areas that incorporate these kinds of principles (See also pedestrian-oriented development).
Questions?
If you have any comments about this glossary or just can’t find the word you are looking for, please contact Monica Haines Benkhedda at 410-732-0500 x1047 or mhaines@baltometro.org.
Last Updated: 11/04/2009