What does it take to make Rural ITS work? It takes technical excellence across a variety of skill areas. It takes creativity. It also helps to learn from the experiences of others. The challenges in making Rural ITS work are significant. Therefore, it’s important for ITS technology practitioners to be able to meet in order to share what they’ve learned and help advance the state-of-the-practice.

Starting in 2006, the Western States Rural Transportation Technology Implementers Forum has provided ITS implementers and engineers from the western states region with valuable opportunities for detailed dialogue about some innovative engineering and communications projects designed to support the rural transportation system. The Forum is valuable, not only for the detailed and knowledgeable presentations and demonstrations, but also for the times outside of sessions where participants can network with their peers from other districts and states.

The Western States Forum is unique. Speakers are given an extended amount of time to really delve into the nuts and bolts of how a project works, whether it relates to equations, source code, component-level discussion, or lessons learned. Questions and discussion are encouraged throughout and not just at the end of a presentation or demonstration. High quality technical content, discussion, transparency and trust are the main goals of the Forum.