Systems Planning for Capital Asset Management: Case Study of New Jersey Public Transportation Facilities and Equipment Management System

Abstract

The Public Transportation Facilities and Equipment Management System (PTMS) is a capital programming tool developed for NJ TRANSIT. It was one of six management systems formerly mandated by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) to manage transportation infrastructure. PTMS organizes pertinent information of physical assets (condition, performance, financial, functional, and descriptive) to assist decision makers; select cost-effective programs and projects; improve efficiency, serviceability, and safety of the infrastructure of NJ TRANSIT; and protect prior federal investments. Implementation of PTMS is now a voluntary program under the ISTEA. However, NJ TRANSIT remains committed to completion of the New Jersey PTMS. A team approach was used (design working group) to identify the specifications for the PTMS. The team participated in all phases of project development and implementation. The system is being tested with the introduction of the fiscal year 1998 capital program cycle. A problem analysis relating to the design and development of the New Jersey PTMS is presented. It is designed to show key issues, accomplishments compared with original objectives, output from the system, and lessons learned.