PACIFIC RIM TRANSTECH CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS. VOLUME I. SIMULATION-BASED TRAINING FOR TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT CENTER (TMC) OPERATORS

The California Polytechnic State University has developed a Transportation Management Center (TMC) Simulator and Training Program for the Calfiornia Department of Transportation and the California Highway Patrol. The TMC facility provides a controlled environment in which Caltrans, CHP, and Cal Poly transportation specialists can evaluate traffic management and operations alternatives and conduct effective operator training exercises. The TMC Training Program features simulation-based training exercises that are used to train personnel from around the state to make the best use of their own TMCs. Training scenarios depicting different situations are supported by telephone, radio, and computer-based communication between trainees in the simulation room and instructors in the control room. The instruction focuses on standard operating procedures, advanced technologies, basic traffic flow theory, deploying resources in response to emergency situations, managing the flow of information, and communicating with media representatives.