In January 2024, the RM3P Executive Committee approved the RM3P Sustainability Plan to guide the program’s transition to permanent stewardship over the next several years. RM3P Sustainability focuses on establishing the framework, resources, and leadership required to ensure the program’s continued success. A Sustainability Orientation Workshop, held in May 2024, introduced future stewards to the objectives, milestones, and timelines for transitioning to permanent stewardship. After approval of the overarching Sustainability Plan, detailed transition plans were prepared for each program element. Planning sessions have also been held with senior staff from VDOT’s Traffic Operations Division (TOD) and DRPT in September and November 2024, respectively, to define the skills and resources required to support the permanent stewardship.
To gain further insights into the stewardship process, TOD requested a benchmark analysis of programs similar to RM3P in scope and magnitude. Consequently, the RM3P Management Team identified comparable programs across the U.S. and has conducted interviews to explore staffing structures and private-sector participation. A follow-up, summary analysis of the effort will provide an overview of how these comparable programs have leveraged consulting staff and in-house resources. In general, consultants and vendors have tended to perform much of the technical work, whereas in-house agency staff have focused on oversight, management, and governance.
Looking ahead on Sustainability, Breakout Working Group Meetings are being scheduled for August 2025. Additionally, a Full-Group Round-Up Session is planned for November 2025. These efforts will ensure the transition process is informed by comprehensive data and best practices, preparing RM3P for sustainable, long-term operational success.