TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT CENTER (TMC) OPERATORS SIMULATION TRAINING

The I-95 Corridor Coalition recognized there was a growing need for training of Transportation Managament Center (TMC) operators, given both the rapid expansion of the I-95 Corridor Coalition and the possibility of increasingly severe and complex incidents.  As a result of this recognition, the Coalition developed simulation training for TMC operators.  The purpose of the training is to disseminate simulation-based training materials that can help operators respond if and when regional incidents occur. It is to help operators respond quickly, accurately and consistently to the requirements of a variety of different major incidents under stressful conditions.

In the TMC Simulation Program, you act as a TMC operator. Due to the variety of technologies used in different Traffic Management Centers, there are two different simulation areas. The operator in the High-Tech TMC uses a Traffic Monitoring System (TMS), like Maryland's CHART System, to manage resources like a computer automated dispatch (CAD) System, CCTV, pager system, dynamic or variable message signs (DMS or VMS), pavement weather sensors, traffic detectors, etc. The operator in the Basic TMC uses telephones, computers, fax machines, and log books or log files to manage resources.

In addition to the two types of simulations, there are two modes of operation within each area: a Directed Practice Exercise and a Simulation Exercise. In Directed Practice mode, operators are provided with guidance on events and their responses to those events as they proceed through the exercise. Once the operators enter the Simulation Exercise, they receive no feedback until the very end of the exercise. It is recommended that operators complete the Directed Practice Exercise for each scenario before moving on to the Simulation Exercise.

Upon completing the Directed Practice and Simulation Exercises, operators are able to determine and apply the best procedures necessary to successfully manage a severe incident with a multi-state impact.