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A
AAsee Alternatives Analysis.
AASHTOsee American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
Access to the Region's Core (ARC)A project that had been proposed to build a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River between New Jersey and Manhattan. This project has been terminated.
Active Transportation(also known as Non-motorized Transportation) Includes walking, bicycling, small-wheeled transport (skates, skateboards, push scooters and hand carts) and wheelchair travel.
ADAsee Americans with Disabilities Act.
All-Electric Vehicle (AEV)Automobiles that rely solely on electric power with no gasoline assistance.
Alternatives Analysis (AA)Preliminary engineering and environmental studies of a wide range of transportation project alternatives. Alternatives are narrowed down, with some selected for more detailed study. Then, after substantial and detailed engineering and environmental studies, a preferred alternative is identified.
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)A nonprofit, nonpartisan association representing highway and transportation departments in the 50 states.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)A professional certification for planners requiring completing a set of courses and passing a test offered by the American Planning Association's professional institute.
American Public Transportation Association (APTA)An organization for the bus, rapid transit and commuter rail systems industry, based in Washington, DC that works to improve the accessibility and availability of public transportation.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)The economic stimulus package enacted by the federal government in 2009.
American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)The oldest national transportation construction-related advocacy association, ARTBA works to increase and protect funding for investment in transportation infrastructure.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Enacted in 1990, the ADA established that persons with disabilities have the same rights as other citizens to access services and facilities available to the public. In transportation terms, the ADA seeks to ensure that all Americans can meet their basic mobility needs.
AMPOsee Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
APTAsee American Public Transportation Association.
ARCsee Access to the Region's Core.
ARRAThe American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO)AMPO, of which the NJTPA is a member, is a nonprofit, membership organization established to serve the needs and interests of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) nationwide.
B
BCIsee Bicycle Compatibility Index.
Bicycle Compatibility Index (BCI)An analytical tool for assessing how well-suited a roadway is for bicycle travel.
BMSBridge Management System
BRTsee Bus Rapid Transit.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)A flexible, rubber-tired form of rapid transit using semi-dedicated or dedicated routes, ITS elements and specially branded vehicles to provide similar services as light rail systems with reduced capital costs.
BrownfieldsAbandoned, idle, or under-used industrial or commercial properties where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by environmental contamination that can make redevelopment financially or logistically prohibitive.
C
CAAAsee Clean Air Act Amendments.
CAFRACoastal Area Facility Review Act
Capital FundsFunding used to build or renovate transportation infrastructure.
Categorical Exclusion (CE)A CE applies to transportation projects that have minimal environmental impacts.
CDsee Concept Development.
CEsee Categorical Exclusion.
Central StaffThe support staff for the NJTPA.
CertificationA federally mandated process whose purpose is to certify that an MPO is legally qualified to receive and expend federal dollars. A certification review examines the planning process to ensure that it complies with all applicable federal regulations.
CFRsee Code of Federal Regulations.
Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA)Federal law that requires states to set budgets and timetables for reducing air pollution. The law requires the NJTPA to give priority funding to transportation projects which reduce vehicle emissions through travel pattern changes, travel mode options, and/or traffic flow improvements.
CMAQ Congestion Mitigation Air QualityThis program funds transportation projects or programs that will contribute to attainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), with a focus on reducing ozone and carbon monoxide. Funds are distributed to states based on each state's population level in air quality non-attainment areas weighted by the degree of air pollution (i.e. severe, moderate).
CMPsee Congestion Management Process.
CMSCongestion Management System (renamed Congestion Management Process).
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)A compilation of all regulations issued by the federal government's agencies and departments. Published annually.
Committee for a Smart New Jersey (CSNJ)A non-lobbying, non-profit, organization of public, private, and academic sector organizations having an interest in the research, deployment, and operation of Intelligent Transportation Systems in New Jersey. CSNJ is a State Chapter of ITS America, and provides ITS education and outreach to foster the understanding of ITS applications and technologies.
Commuter RailPassenger rail service between cities or job centers and their suburbs.
Concept Development (CD)The initial phase of project development that identifies and compares reasonable alternatives and strategies that address the purpose and need statement and selects a preliminary preferred alternative.
CONsee Construction.
ConformityA federally required analysis of transportation plans such as the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) used to demonstrate that funded projects, taken together, will not produce more air pollution than allowed by New Jersey's State Implementation Plan (SIP).
Congestion Management Process (CMP)A federally mandated CMP, formerly the Congestion Management System (CMS), takes a systematic approach to identifying and addressing congestion. It includes data collection, monitoring and measuring of transportation system performance and identifying alternative actions and strategies for particular locations.
Congestion Pricing (also Value Pricing)Transportation tolls, fares or other charges that vary with the level of travel demand (for example, by time of day). Congestion pricing is intended to help optimize the efficiency of the transportation system.
ConstrainedFunding for the first three years of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is fiscally constrained, meaning that the projected allocations must balance with assumed revenues.
Construction (CON)A final phase of work in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), involving actual construction.
Context Sensitive Design (CSD)A collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to designing transportation infrastructure that involves all stakeholders to develop a facility that is appropriate to its setting and preserves scenic, aesthetic, historic, and environmental resources, while maintaining safety and mobility.
Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan (CHSTP)A federally required plan to help guide the region in prioritizing and funding transportation services for disabled, elderly and low-income residents.
CorridorA broad geographical band that follows a general directional flow connecting major origins and destinations of trips, and which may contain a number of streets, highways, and transit alignments.
County Route (or County Road) (CR)A roadway designated and/or maintained by a county road department.
Cross County ConnectionThe TMA providing services to Burlington and Camden counties. A linmited number of services are also provided to Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Atlantic, and Cape May counties.
CSDsee Context-Sensitive Design.
CSHSPNew Jersey's Comprehensive Strategic Highway Safety Plan
CSNJsee Committee for a Smart New Jersey.
D
Database Number (DBNUM)A number given to each project and program in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for tracking purposes
DBEsee Disadvantaged-Owned Business Enterprise.
DBNUMsee Database Number.
DBOMsee Design Build Operate Maintain.
DEISDraft Environmental Impact Statement
Draft Environmental Impact Statement See EIS definition.
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC)The DVRPC is a bi-state Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Philadelphia area, including the New Jersey counties of Mercer, Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester.
Design Build Operate Maintain (DBOM)A term to indicate that the design, building, operation, and maintenance of a project are performed by a single agency or firm.
Disadvantaged-Owned Business Enterprise (DBE)This term includes both minority-owned (MBE) and women-owned (WBE) businesses. In transportation planning, DBE programs insure that eligible MBE and WBE businesses can compete fairly for government-funded projects and programs.
DMSDrainage Management System
DMUDiesel Multiple Units
DRJTBCDelaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission
DVRPCsee Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.
E
EAsee Environmental Assessment.
EarmarkA requirement placed in legislation by an elected official devoting revenues to a specific public expenditure. Mostly eliminated under the MAP-21 federal law.
ECsee Executive Committee.
EISsee Environmental Impact Statement.
EJsee Environmental Justice.
Electric Vehicle (EV)Automobiles that run on electric power but may rely on assistance from gasoline.
Environment and Public Works Committee (U.S. Senate)The committee of the U.S. Senate with jurisdiction over a variety of public infrastructure, including transportation systems.
Environmental Assessment (EA)A report that identifies the environmental impacts of project alternatives as a requirement of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EA can lead to a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or indicate that further study through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)An investigative report issued to comply with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that quantifies the environmental impacts of major proposed transportation projects. Also: Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).
Environmental Justice (EJ)In transportation planning, the principle that the benefits and burdens of transportation projects be equitably shared among all segments of the population. Regulations draw specific attention to low-income and minority persons; elderly and mobility impaired persons are sometimes of concern in this context.
EOCEmergency Operation Center
EPAU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EVsee Electric Vehicle.
EWRIATA code for Newark Liberty International Airport
Executive Committee (EC)Consists of the NJTPA's Chairman, First Vice-Chairman, Second Vice-Chairman, Third Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. Provides oversight and direction on administrative, personnel, and financial matters; coordinates issues of priority attention; and acts on behalf of the NJTPA Board of Trustees when not in session. Meets as needed.
F
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)The FHWA is the agency of the USDOT that administers federal funding for highways and bridges. Along with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), FHWA oversees the planning process administered by the NJTPA.
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)The FRA is the agency of the USDOT that issues and enforces rail safety regulations; administers railroad assistance programs; conducts research and development in support of improved railroad safety and national rail transportation policy; provides for the rehabilitation of Northeast Corridor rail passenger service; and consolidates government support of rail transportation activities.
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)The FTA is the agency of the USDOT that administers federal funding for public transit. Along with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the FTA oversees the planning process administered by the NJTPA.
FHWAsee Federal Highway Administration.
FICsee Freight Initiatives Committee.
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)A determination of an Environmental Assessment (EA) indicating that a potential project will have no significant environmental impact.
FIREFinance, Insurance and Real Estate Sector
Fiscal Year (FY)The New Jersey state fiscal year is July 1 through June 30. The federal fiscal year is October 1 through September 30.
FONSIsee Finding of No Significant Impact.
FRAsee Federal Railroad Administration.
Freight Initiatives Committee (FIC)A standing committee of the NJTPA. It supports the region's economically vital goods movement industry and works to fashion a transportation agenda for truck, rail, air, and waterborne commerce in the region. Meets bi-monthly.
FTAsee Federal Transit Administration.
FYsee Fiscal Year.
G
GARVEEsee Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles.
GDPGross Domestic Product
Geographic Information System (GIS)A computer system that can spatially manage, analyze, and present geographic data. With it, electronic and printed maps can be generated.
GHGGreenhouse Gas
GISsee Geographic Information System.
Global Positioning System (GPS)A navigation system made up of a network of satellites that allows land, sea, and airborne users to determine their exact location.
Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE)A GARVEE is any bond or other form of debt repayable, either exclusively or primarily, with future federal highway funds.
Greater Mercer TMAA TMA serving Ocean Mercer and a portion of Somerset County.
H
HART Commuter Information ServicesA TMA serving Hunterdon County
HAWKHigh-Intensity Activated Crosswalk Signal
HBLRTsee Hudson Bergen Light Rail Transit.
Heavy RailHigh-volume passenger rail systems that run in separate rights-of-way from all other vehicular and foot traffic.
High Occupancy Toll (HOT) LanesUnder some road pricing systems, motorists in single-occupant vehicles can pay a premium toll to travel in these lanes, which otherwise are reserved for high-occupancy vehicles lanes (see HOV lanes).
High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (HOV Lanes)Highway lanes designated for high occupancy vehicles such as buses and carpools.
HOT Lanessee High Occupancy Toll Lanes.
HOV Lanessee High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes.
HRRRPHigh Risk Rural Roads Program
Hudson Bergen Light Rail Transit (HBLRT)A light rail system that became operational in 2000. It provides travel along the Hudson County waterfront (with an extension planned into Bergen County) serving residents of Hudson and Bergen counties.
Hudson TMAA TMA serving Hudson County.
HyperbuildThis NJDOT strategy is designed to accelerate a project's schedule by condensing any or all phases of its development.
I
IATAInternational Air Transport Association
Implementing AgenciesAgencies responsible for maintenance, construction, and operation of the state highway and public transit systems. Also known as operating agencies, these include NJDOT, NJ Transit, and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)Technology to better manage traffic and transit resources, enhance safety and reduce accidents, inform the public about travel conditions, and more effectively handle toll collection, safety inspection, log maintenance, licensing and vehicle registration.
IntermodalIntermodal facilities are equipped to serve and connect two or more modes of transportation. For example, Newark Penn Station features commuter rail, light rail, and buses. Freight intermodal terminals move goods among modes, including trucks, ship, rail, and air.
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA)Enacted in 1991 by Congress, ISTEA inaugurated a new approach to transportation planning that emphasizes the interdependence and connections among major components of the national transportation system. It strengthen the role of MPOs in planning and approving investments.
ISTEAsee Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act.
ITSsee Intelligent Transportation Systems.
J
JARCsee Job Access Reverse Commute.
JitneyA small bus that travels on a fixed or semi-fixed route, on a flexible schedule, and can pick up and drop off riders along the way. The term comes from an old-time name for the nickel.
Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC)A Federal Transit Administration (FTA) program providing funding for selected counties and municipalities to increase job accessibility for the most disadvantaged members of the population, including facilitating urban to suburban commuting.
Journey to Work (JTW)A classification of data used in transportation planning; it describes the mode used by an individual to travel from home to work, as well as the time that it takes to do so. This data is collected in travel surveys and through the U.S. Census.
L
Level of Service (LOS)A set of characteristics—based on travel mode—that indicate the quality and quantity of transportation service provided. A facility’s LOS is often given as a numerical rating.
Liberty CorridorA congressionally designated economic and development zone that extends along the I-95 corridor, encompassing port facilities in Newark/Elizabeth and Camden. It combines road and rail improvements, harbor and terminal upgrades, freight movement strategies, brownfields redevelopment, and incentives to spur the continued growth in the research and development sector.
Light RailAn urban Transit system that generally has a lower capacity and lower speed than heavy rail systems, but higher capacity and higher speed than systems such as street cars, trolleys or cable cars.
Local Capital Project Delivery ProgramA competitive program that provides funding to the NJTPA's 15 subregions to conduct concept development and prelinminary engineering on proposed transportation projects, preparing them for eventual federal funding and construction.
LOSsee Level of Service.
M
Management SystemSystem designed to generate strategies or actions related to transportation system performance and/or the physical condition of transportation system assets (examples include the Bridge and Pavement Management Systems, as well as the Congestion Management Process).
MAP-21see Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century.
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21)– The current federal surface transportation law which was signed into law July 6, 2012. It expires October 2014. It governs MPO planning, including new requirements for performance based planning.
MeadowlinkA TMA serving Bergen County and portions of Hudson, Passaic, Union, Essex and Monmouth counties.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)An official agreement designed to ensure consistency in the administration of programs or projects.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)An official agreement establishing the principles that will guide the implementation of programs or projects.
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)Under federal legislation (see MAP-21), MPOs plan all federally funded transportation investments and serve as a forum where local officials, public transportation providers and state agency representatives can come together and cooperatively plan to meet a region’s current and future transportation needs.
Minimum Operable Segment (MOS)The initial section or operating component of a transportation project.
MitigationAny action taken or not taken to offset environmental or other impacts of proposed transportation improvements.
MOAsee Memorandum of Agreement.
Modelsee Travel Demand Model.
MOMsee Monmouth Ocean Middlesex [Commuter Rail Extension].
Monmouth Ocean Middlesex (MOM)A proposed commuter rail extension that would connect parts of Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex counties with NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor and/or North Jersey Coast Line.
MOSsee Major Operating Segment.
MOUsee Memorandum of Understanding.
MPOsee Metropolitan Planning Organization.
MUTCDManual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
N
NAAQSsee National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
NACOsee National Association of Counties.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)These standards apply to pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment.
National Association of Counties (NACO)An organization representing the nation's county governments in Washington, D.C.
National Association of Regional Councils (NARC)NARC is a nonprofit membership organization serving the interests of regional councils and Metropolitan Planning Organizations nationwide. Regional councils are organizations with state and locally-defined boundaries that deliver a variety of government programs, yet still function as a planning organizations and technical assistance providers.
NARCsee National Association of Regional Councils.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)NEPA aims to help public officials and citizens understand the environmental consequences of major projects and actions. It seeks to protect, restore, and enhance the environment. NEPA requires planners to develop an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and consider alternatives and mitigations steps for major construction projects.
National Highway System (NHS)The national system consisting of interstate highways and other key links such as major state highways.
NECNortheast Corridor
NEPAsee National Environmental Policy Act.
New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC)Advocacy group for New Jersey's 21 county governments.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)The cabinet-level agency that leads the state's environmental science, regulatory, research, education and assessment efforts.
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)The state agency responsible for maintenance, construction, and operation of state and interstate highways.
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)A public technology and science university located in Newark. NJIT is the host agency of the NJTPA.
New Jersey Short Line Railroad Association (NJSLRRA)An organization that addresses issues facing short line railroads serving New Jersey.
New Jersey Transit (NJT)The state agency responsible for maintenance, construction, and operation of public transit facilities.
New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA)The agency that maintains, operates, and plans the NJ Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. NJTA facilities do not fall under the jurisdiction of the NJTPA, but its projects are included in determining air quality conformity (see Conformity).
New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC)The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for New York City, Long Island, and Rockland, Putnam, and Westchester counties. The NJTPA has a non-voting seat on the NYMTC Board.
New York Susquehanna & Western (NYS&W)An existing, privately owned rail freight line that was rehabilitated in the mid-1980s to allow low speed freight operations and is now used by several long distance and local freight trains.
NHSsee National Highway System.
NJACsee New Jersey Association of Counties.
NJDEPsee New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
NJDOTsee New Jersey Department of Transportation.
NJITsee New Jersey Institute of Technology.
NJRTMsee North Jersey Regional Transportation Model.
NJTsee New Jersey Transit.
NJTAsee New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
NJTPAsee North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.
NJTPA Online Transportation Information System (NOTIS)An interactive text and map-based online tool that displays transportation project information.
Norfolk Southern (NS)Norfolk, VA-based transportation company which includes the Norfolk Southern Railway (21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serving every major container port in the eastern U.S.
North Jersey Regional Transportation Model–Enhanced (NJRTM)This federally required computer model of the region’s transportation system and travel patterns guides the NJTPA’s transportation planning efforts and its major products. The enhanced version of this model now comprehensively forecasts roadway and public transit trips for northern New Jersey and surrounding counties.
North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA)The federally authorized Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the 6.6 million people in the 13-county northern New Jersey region.
Northeast Corridor (NEC)The rail corridor from Washington, D.C. to Boston. It is the busiest passenger rail corridor in the U.S.
NOTISsee NJTPA Online Transportation Information System.
NYMTCsee New York Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
NYS&Wsee New York Susquehanna & Western.
O
Office of Planning Advocacy (OPA)Oversees implementation of New Jersey’s State Development and Redevelopment Plan. It is located in the Business Action Center in the Department of State.
OHSPOffice of Homeland Security and Preparedness
OPAsee Office of Planning Advocacy.
Operating AgencyAgencies responsible for maintenance, construction, and operation of the state highway and public transit systems. Also known as implementing agencies, these include NJDOT, NJ Transit and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.
P
PANYNJsee Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Park-and-RideDesignated parking areas for automobile drivers who then board buses or trains from these locations.
PATHPort Authority Trans-Hudson
PDWPsee Project Development Work Program.
PEEngineering
PEDCsee Planning & Economic Development Committee.
Phase of WorkThe stage of activity in a project's development within the Project Development Work Program (PDWP) or Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
PLsee Planning Funds.
Plan 2040The update of the NJTPA’s federally mandated Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). Plan 2040 sets out a vision for development of the transportation system over the next 25 years and serves as an investment guide for the region.
Planning & Economic Development Committee (PEDC)A standing committee of the NJTPA. It oversees the content of and provides policy direction for future Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) updates and other planning-related matters. Meets bi-monthly.
Planning Funds (PL)Federal funds provided for planning projects and programs derived from a 1.25% set-aside from the federal transportation funding provided to states. PL funds are the principal revenue source for the NJTPA’s Central Staff operation and other components of the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).
PMSPavement Management System
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ)The bi-state agency responsible for overseeing port operations, major airports, and for operating the Hudson River crossings, including the PATH rail system, tunnels and bridges. PANYNJ facilities do not fall under the jurisdiction of the NJTPA, but its projects are included in determining air quality conformity (see Conformity).
PONYNJPort of New York and New Jersey
PPCsee Project Prioritization Committee.
Preliminary Engineering (PE)The phase of project development in which the preferred alternative identified in concept development is further developed and refined to a level of detail necessary to secure the approval of the environmental document, also known as the NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) document.
Project Development Work Program (PDWP)The PDWP is an NJTPA program for planning projects through various stages of project development, including Concept Development (CD) and Preliminary Engineering (PE). Preparation through the PDWP is normally required before projects can be included in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
Project PipelineThe project pipeline is the multi-step project development process from problem statement through construction and completion. The steps can differ depending on the size and complexity of a particular project.
Project PoolAll projects or programs eligible for inclusion in the TIP in any given year.
Project Prioritization Committee (PPC)A standing committee of the NJTPA. It develops the four-year, fiscally constrained Transportation Capital Program (TCP), Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and other capital programming activities. Meets bi-monthly.
PSEG (or PSE&G)Public Service Electric & Gas Company, one division of PSEG
R
RCISsee Regional Capital Investment Strategy.
Record of Decision (ROD)The official record resulting from an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Regional Capital Investment Strategy (RCIS)The NJTPA’s policy on how transportation funds should be spent, centered on eight broad principles. Among these principles: promoting smart growth, making travel safer, improving the existing transportation system first, expanding public transit, limiting construction of new roads, applying transportation technology, supporting walking and biking, and moving freight more efficiently.
Regional Plan for Sustainable Development (RPSD)Being developed by the Together North Jersey consortium, the RPSD will establish a regional framework for sustainable community development in the NJTPA region.
Regional Transportation Advisory Committee (RTAC)A group of planners and engineers from NJTPA member agencies that meets bimonthly to review regional issues related to transportation planning. Members of the RTAC also serve as advisers to members of the Board of Trustees.
Regional Transportation Plan (RTP)The federally mandated long-range transportation plan for the region. It sets out a vision for development of the transportation system over the next twenty to twenty-five years and serves as an investment guide for the region. Updated every four years.
Request for Proposals (RFP)Invitation—often issued as part of a competitive bidding process—for consultants, suppliers, vendors, etc. to submit a proposal on a specific service or commodity.
RidewiseA TMA serving Somerset County.
Right-of-Way (ROW)Property on which a transportation project is built. Also regularly used to refer to the phase of work during which such property is acquired.
RODsee Record of Decision.
ROWsee Right-of-Way.
RRFBRectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon
RQIRoad Quality Index
RTACsee Regional Transportation Advisory Committee.
RTPsee Regional Transportation Plan.
S
SAFETEA-LUsee Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users.
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU)The nation’s principal federal transportation law in effect from 2005-2009. It was succeeded by MAP-21 in July 2012.
SCISState Capital Investment Strategy
S&Dsee Study & Development.
SDISurface Distress Index
SDRPsee State Development and Redevelopment Plan .
Short-Line RailroadsSmall railroads that provide links between major rail freight companies and industries.
Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV)Refers to motor vehicles occupied by the driver only (excludes motorcycles).
SIPsee State Implementation Plan.
SJTPOsee South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization.
Smart GrowthWell-planned and well-managed growth that adds new homes and creates new jobs, while preserving open space, farmland, and environmental resources. Smart Growth supports livable neighborhoods with a variety of housing types, price ranges and multi-modal forms of transportation.
South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO)SJTPO is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) serving Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties in South Jersey.
South Western Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (SWRMPO)The SWRMPO is the federally mandated organization designated as the forum for cooperative transportation decision making in lower Fairfield County, Connecticut. It consists of the chief elected officials of eight municipalities and the directors of the region’s transit districts. The chairman serves as a non-voting member.
South Western Regional Planning Agency (SWRPA)SWRPA is the official regional planning organization for eight municipalities in lower Fairfield County, Connecticut. SWRPA is one of fifteen planning regions in Connecticut and brings together its member municipalities to coordinate planning for the region’s future.
SOVsee Single Occupancy Vehicle.
SPCsee State Planning Commission.
SprawlThe unlimited outward expansion of suburbs characterized by low-density residential and commercial development, unchecked land development, and dominance of transportation by autos.
SPRsee State Planning & Research.
SRTSSafe Routes to School
StakeholdersGroups—including communities, government officials, MPOs, and other organizations—affected by decisions regarding transportation projects, studies, and initiatives.
State Development and Redevelopment Plan (SDRP)Developed and updated periodically based on a 1986 state law, the SDRP is intended to control the unplanned ”suburban sprawl” overtaking many parts of the state by influencing the intensities and locations of development and redevelopment. In 2012, a draft “State Strategic Plan” was released by the NJ Office of Planning Advocacy as a potential update to the 2001 SDRP.
State Implementation Plan (SIP)The federally required plan for bringing the state into compliance with federal air quality goals as mandated by the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA).
State Planning & Research (SPR)A federal funding category that provides operating funds for planning and research projects and programs administered by the NJDOT.
State Strategic PlanUpdate of the State Development and Redevelopment Plan (SDRP), a draft of which was released by the Office of Planning Advocacy in 2012.
State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)The state’s five-year agenda of transportation improvement projects that is made up of the TIPs approved by the state’s three Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs).
STBsee Surface Transportation Board.
STIPsee State Transportation Improvement Program.
STPNJsee Surface Transportation Program.
Strategy EvaluationThe NJTPA Strategy Evaluation is conducted periodically to assess how well the region's transportation system meets residents’ needs. The project also generates recommendations for specific transportation strategies and programs to benefit particular areas.
SubregionA politically- and geographically-defined area—such as a county or municipality—for coordinated planning activities. In the NJTPA region, there are 15 subregions: 13 counties and two major cities.
Subregional Transportation Program (STP)Consists of the program of planning tasks carried out by the NJTPA's 15 subregions (13 counties and two cities).
Surface Transportation Board (STB)The STB is a federal agency that adjudicates disputes and regulates federal interstate surface transportation including trucking, rail freight, ocean shipping, interstate buses, and other modes.
Surface Transportation Program (STPNJ)Provides flexible federal funding that may be used by States and localities for projects to preserve and improve the conditions and performance on any Federal-aid highway, bridge and tunnel projects on any public road, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and transit capital projects, including intercity bus terminals.
SWRMPOsee South Western Region Metropolitan Planning Organization.
SWRPAsee South Western Regional Planning Agency.
System ExpansionInfrastructure projects that will physically add capacity to the existing transportation network.
System ManagementProjects and programs that optimize the performance of the existing transportation network.
System PreservationProjects and programs that rehabilitate or replacing aging infrastructure without expanding the system.
T
T&I Committeesee Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
TCAMssee Transportation Clean Air Measures.
TCMssee Transportation Control Measures.
TCPsee Transportation Capital Program.
TDMsee Transportation Demand Management.
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)A committee formed to provide feedback, guidance, and technical input regarding a project, program, or product. May include partner organizations and agencies, stakeholders, and representatives of other relevant groups.
TEUssee Twenty-foot Equivalent Units.
TIFIAsee Trans Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act.
TIPsee Transportation Improvement Program.
TMA [Federal Designation]see Transportation Management Area.
TMAssee Transportation Management Associations.
TMSsee Transportation Management Strategies.
TODsee Transit Oriented Development.
Together North JerseyA consortium of public and private organizations developing a Regional Plan for Sustainable Development (RPSD) for the 13-county NJTPA region with funding from a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Traffic CalmingTraffic calming involves changes in street alignments, installation of barriers, and other physical measures to reduce traffic speeds and/or cut-through volumes to improve street safety and livability.
Transit Oriented Development (TOD)Compact, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development near bus and rail stations that serves housing, transportation, and neighborhood goals.
Transit VillageA predominantly residential development with some nearby retail activities planned around a transportation hub, such as a train station. NJDOT and NJ Transit sponsor a Transit Village Initiative to help municipalities pursue this development.
TransOptionsA TMA serving Morris, Sussex, Warren and portions of Passaic and Essex counties.
Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) CommitteeThe committee of the House of Representatives with jurisdiction over all modes of transportation, aviation, maritime and waterborne transportation, roads, bridges, mass transit, and railroads.
Transportation Clean Air Measures (TCAMs)Measures intended to reduce transportation-related emissions. TCAMs could include clean vehicle technology and diesel retrofits, anti-idling strategies, vehicle travel reduction, and public outreach programs.
Transportation Capital Program (TCP)The TCP is a listing of NJDOT and NJ Transit projects and programs to be submitted to the state Legislature for approval and to be considered for inclusion in the draft Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
Transportation Control Measures (TCMs)Projects or programs that will reduce transportation-related emissions by reducing vehicle use or improving traffic flow. In the context of transportation conformity, TCMs refer to actions that are specifically identified and committed to in the State Implementation Plan (see SIP).
Transportation Demand Management (TDM)Actions to reduce transportation demand, such as telecommuting, ridesharing, transit service improvements, commuter incentives, access management, and parking management.
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)A four-year, fiscally constrained agenda of improvement projects drawn from the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). To be eligible for federal funds, proposed projects must be approved by the NJTPA Board for inclusion in the TIP. Updated every two years.
Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation ActLegislation that created a program to provide federal credit assistance in the form of direct loans, loan guarantees, and standby lines of credit to finance surface transportation projects of national and regional significance.
Transportation Management Area [federal designation] (TMA)By federal designation, an urbanized area with a population over 200,000 (such as northern New Jersey) that is required by USDOT to carry out special congestion reduction and transportation planning activities.
Transportation Management Associations (TMAs)Organizations established to work with employers to help provide more effective transportation options. They promote ridesharing and transit use, among other activities
Transportation Research Board (TRB)The TRB is a division of the National Research Council, which serves as an independent adviser to the federal government and others on scientific and technical questions of national importance.
Transportation System Management (TSM)Initiatives designed to create the more efficient use of existing transportation facilities through improved infrastructure management and operation.
Transportation Trust Fund (TTF)The account established by state law for funding transportation programs and initiatives, with revenues from fuel taxes and other sources.
Travel Demand ModelA computer-based simulation of the transportation network that generates travel pattern forecasts. Used by the NJTPA in its transportation planning activities. Also see NJRTM.
TRBsee Transportation Research Board.
Tri-State Transportation CampaignNon-profit advocacy group dedicated to reducing car dependency in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
TTFsee Transportation Trust Fund.
Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU)TEU is the standardized unit for measuring container capacity on ships, railcars, etc.
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Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)Summarizes the transportation planning activities of the NJTPA staff, the subregions and other transportation agencies in the region. Updated annually.
United States Department of Transportation (USDOT)The USDOT is the main federal agency that develops and coordinates policies pertaining to the national transportation system. It includes the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)The EPA is a cabinet-level federal regulatory agency that leads the nation's environmental science, research, education and assessment efforts.
UPWPsee Unified Planning Work Program.
USDOTsee United States Department of Transportation.
USEPAsee United States Environmental Protection Agency.
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Variable Message Sign (VMS)An electronic traffic sign often used to give travelers information about emergencies, special events, construction, speed limits, etc.
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)One vehicle traveling the distance of one mile equals one VMT. This measure is used to estimate congestion, fuel consumption and a host of other key transportation-related factors.
Value Pricingsee Congestion Pricing.
VHTVehicle Hours Traveled
VMTsee Vehicle Miles Traveled.
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XBLLincoln Tunnel Exclusive Bus Lane
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YOEYear of Expenditure
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