Modernization

Evaluating what we do and how we do it, and improving
technologies and processes where change makes sense, is
essential to the long term financial viability of transportation.  It is also fundamental to customer service and maximizing the value of our current investment.  In many cases PennDOT’s methods or technologies were implemented decades ago, under a different set of circumstances.  Through rigorous evaluation, a number of
modernization opportunities internal to PennDOT were identified, from business processes to managements systems that will
support future project decision making.  As a result of strategic modernization, we can better meet customer needs and save money in the process for us and our customers.

 

Most modernization options involve some element of technology combined with improved processes.  Investing in the right technology while also updating how that technology is implemented, managed, and maintained can yield broad benefits that ultimately far outweigh the initial cost of modernization.  Far reaching benefits include a better performing transportation system, important steps toward a long term sustainable energy policy and cost savings at all levels.

 

Cohesive and cost effective modernization depends upon strong leadership by PennDOT as the overseer of Pennsylvania’s
transportation system, and close working relationships with all transportation partners and the private sector.

 

A few of the modernization options PennDOT has focused their efforts on include:

 

New Highway Occupancy Permit Process

Converting the Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP) process from
paper to a web-based system has cut the processing and review time from an average of 60 days, to only 9 days since the system was activated in October of 2011. HOP’s are issued for driveways, local roads and for utility construction activities. The new online system also allows applicants to easily check the progress of their permit application. Other Pennsylvania state agencies and even some other state governments are considering adopting a similar system because of PennDOT’s success in developing the new HOP

process.

 

IdeaLink

IdeaLink, an online suggestion box, was a modernization item
developed to make it easier for employees to submit their ideas directly to the Secretary of Transportation. The Secretary and his staff evaluate every submission to determine what positive changes can be implemented. Of about 650 ideas submitted since August of last year, approximately 140 have been implemented with others still under review.

 

The ideas have been wide ranging and innovative. For instance, an employee submitted an idea to consolidate four Driver License forms, into one form.  A team (including the employee) was formed to review the four licensing forms.  Following the review process, the team created one form that combines the features of all four, with the new form being approved by upper management. It’s estimated that the Bureau of Driver Licensing will see a cost savings of about $14,000 per year, plus there’s the environmental benefit of using less paper as well.

 

A suggestion by an employee has also resulted in a time-saving change at the PennDOT Driver License Centers. The employee
recommended the creation of one computer location that covers all forms and transactions performed at the Driver License Centers. Consequently, a new icon was created on computer desktops at the centers that enable employees to more quickly access documents and help customers save time in completing their business.  

 

Another employee suggested adding installation dates on all the overhead, green highway guide signs. Having the installation date readily available will make it easier to measure the life of highway signs and will assist in knowing when it’s time to replace it because an older sign can have reduced visibility to motorists at night.
Because of the employee suggestion, publications that list all
overhead guide sign requirements now include that the date of

fabrication must be on the face of the sign. 

 

Expansion of Inter-Agency Cooperation

PennDOT has expanded agility agreements and other measures

with various agencies to save money and time. The agency’s
relationship with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is
becoming more diversified with information sharing in areas
ranging from dump truck maintenance to facilities design and
construction.  PennDOT is working with the turnpike in helping to
design its Somerset maintenance building based upon earlier
PennDOT designs.  The project involves a maintenance garage and
administrative office, truck and equipment shelter, salt storage facility, a state police area, fencing, and lighting and paving. By
using the PennDOT provided facility design the turnpike could save about $12 million dollars.

 

For details on the above items and to check on the status of all modernization ideas, go to www.state.pa.us and click on Modern PennDOT.

 

Mobility Plan

PennDOT is leading the effort to update to the statewide long range transportation plan which will include a comprehensive freight movement plan for Pennsylvania.   The expected outcome to the plan is a stronger linkage between the statewide and regional long range transportation plans; the elevation of freight movement as a transportation planning consideration; illustration of linkages of freight activity to community considerations such as employment, safety, and air quality and the connection of land use patterns and decisions to freight demand; quantified needs across modes; identification, prioritization, and recommendation of projects; identification of benefits of investments supported by data and scenario analysis; evaluation and implementation of an ongoing freight data collection program; identification of performance measures; and a communication and implementation plan.

 

The plan update will begin in September of 2012 and is expected to be completed during the summer of 2014.  The current statewide long range plan, Pennsylvania Mobility Plan, is available online at www.pamobilityplan.com.

 

The following link contains more information about PennDOT’s ongoing modernization efforts, titled “PennDOT: Next Generation.”

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