Port Authority Launches Agency Operations Center

On Nov 13, 2015

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced the launch of its new Agency Operations Center (AOC) in Jersey City to enhance traveler safety and help reduce congestion by increasing the efficiency of operations and incident responses across the agency’s entire cross-Hudson transportation network.

Located within the Port Authority’s Ernesto L. Butcher Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the Port Authority Technical Center in Jersey City, the Port Authority’s new AOC is staffed around-the-clock by specialists who use camera feeds, travel- time detectors and other equipment to monitor traffic at all Port Authority facilities.

The center monitors real-time information on traffic levels at the agency’s tunnels, bridges, bus terminals, airports and seaports, as well as ridership on the PATH rail system. When traffic incidents or rail system problems occur, AOC representatives work with staff at the impacted Port Authority facility and regional partners – including state and city transportation departments and transit authorities — to redirect travelers and manage congestion.

“A key Port Authority objective is to enhance the regional transportation network for goods and people.  Our transportation network faces greater demands than ever before, and this operational improvement will help us achieve this goal,” said Port Authority Acting Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Dawson.  “We launched the AOC to monitor operational traffic conditions across the region and communicate them effectively in order to keep New York and New Jersey moving.  The AOC is expected to help the Port Authority achieve speedier incident response times, resulting in reduced traffic delays and safer conditions for the traveling public.”

Port Authority Chief Security Officer Thomas Belfiore said, “The AOC serves as an important addition to day-to-day operations across our system of roadways and cross-Hudson connections.  It enhances our ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies, which  we believe will result in safer and more timely travel for commuters.”

The AOC utilizes video and traffic monitoring screens and other technology to monitor the flow of passengers and good at the agency’s facilities.

The centralized information and technology enables AOC staff to manage traffic with variable message signs and traffic signals, as well as helping to speed incident response times where possible. This enables the Port Authority’s on-scene staff to focus directly on the more immediate tasks of maintaining and restoring safe conditions, and clearing the traffic obstruction.

Additionally, the AOC will coordinate the Port Authority’s logistical and public alert planning related to events that are expected to impact traffic regionally, such as long-term road construction projects or events like the recent visit by Pope Francis.

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