What is ITS?
The Yakima Regional ITS Architecture is a roadmap for transportation systems integration. So what is an ITS Architecture? To begin, ITS stands for “Intelligent Transportation Systems.” ITS includes everything from automatic traffic signals and variable message signs; to road-weather control stations and GPS directions in cell phones. The Architecture is the regional plan that encompasses anything and everything related to ITS in the Yakima valley.
The architecture was developed through a cooperative effort by the region’s transportation agencies – local Cities, Yakima County, WSDOT, Yakima Transit, People For People, and YVCOG – covering all modes and all roads in the region. It represents a shared vision of how each agency’s systems will work together in the future, sharing information and resources to provide a safer, more efficient, and more effective transportation system for travelers in the region. The architecture provides an overarching framework that spans all of the region’s transportation organizations and individual transportation projects. Using the architecture, each transportation project can be viewed as an element of the overall transportation system. This provides a visual example of how individual projects can be integrated into the transportation system over time.
The purpose of this web site is to encourage use of the regional ITS architecture and gather feedback so that the plan is used and continues to reflect the overall ITS vision for the region. Information provided includes a list of stakeholders, an inventory of ITS systems in the region, the transportation-related functions that are envisioned, and the existing and planned integration opportunities in the region.
PLAN SCOPE
The time frame for the ITS is now through 2044 with a focus on the next 10 years.
GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE
The geographic scope includes all of Yakima County, which coincides with the RTPO boundary and encompasses the MPO planning area. Note that this region is also covered by the broader South Central Regional and Washington State ITS Architectures. These two architectures focus on WSDOT ITS infrastructure, projects, and initiatives. The Yakima Valley Regional ITS Architecture focuses on local agencies and organizations in Yakima Valley, the interfaces between these agencies, and specific local interfaces to the WSDOT South Central Region and other state agencies.
The Yakima Valley Regional ITS Architecture coincides with the current MPO/RTPO Long Range Transportation Plan 2020-2045, and will focus on a 10 year timeframe.
SERVICE SCOPE
The Yakima Valley Regional ITS Architecture focuses on traffic management, transit, traveler information, and public safety/emergency management oriented services within Yakima County. Broader state-wide services such as commercial vehicle operations are covered by the Washington State and South Central Regional ITS Architectures.
