A systematic process that provides information on transportation system performance to decision makers for selecting and implementing cost-effective strategies to manage new and existing facilities so that traffic congestion is alleviated and the mobility of persons and goods is enhanced.

ISTEA requires that each Transportation Management Area (see definition of TMA) develop a CMS that provides for effective management of new and existing transportation facilities through the use of travel demand reduction and operational management strategies. Unless a part of a CMS, future highway projects that significantly increase capacity for single occupant vehicles (SOVs) may be ineligible for federal funding.

Provides information on transportation system performance and finds alternative ways to alleviate congestion and enhance the mobility of people and goods to levels that meet state, regional and local needs. TEA-21 requires each Transportation Management Area (TMA) to develop a CMS that is a systematic process for managing congestion. Through the use of travel demand reduction and operational management strategies, the CMS provides information on transportation systems performance and identifies alternative ways to alleviate congestion and enhance the mobility of people and goods, to levels that meet state and regional/local needs.