MAG Regional ITS Architecture

In 2001, MAG created the first comprehensive ITS Strategic Plan for the Phoenix region, which also included the first definition of the Regional ITS Architecture (RIA). Since ITS is linked to system management and operations, MAG then developed the Regional Concept of Transportation Operations in 2003. MAG updated the MAG ITS Strategic Plan in 2012, developed the MAG Systems Management and Operations Plan in 2018, and is currently developing the MAG Regional Transportation Systems Management and Operations Plan, which is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026. These important strategic planning documents outline the vision and priorities in the MAG region, providing guidance for significant enhancements to the region's ITS infrastructure and transportation operations capabilities.

MAG maintains the RIA and updates it regularly to account for the growth in stakeholders and ITS infrastructure within the MAG region, ensuring consistency and conformance with the programs, standards, and guidelines provided in 23 CFR Part 940. The MAG RIA was last updated in 2019, reflecting enhancements to the region's systems that changed the functionality for some agencies, and used the National ITS Architecture framework, Architecture Reference for Cooperative and Intelligent Transportation (ARC-IT) v8.3.

The current update to the RIA began in July 2025. Through this effort, MAG aims to ensure the RIA captures the technological advancements and changes that have occurred in the region since 2019 and reflects the latest version of ARC-IT, v9.4. As part of this effort, MAG engaged a wide range of regional stakeholders to capture their perspectives and the impacts on the architecture. This updated RIA:

 

  • Reflects all ITS-related infrastructure in the MAG region, as well as infrastructure and connectivity that are programmed and planned for future projects;
  • Reflects changes and modifications that have been made to the National ITS Architecture since the last update in 2019;
  • Serves as the key reference for any ITS infrastructure development in the MAG region by member agencies and provides detailed information on how an ITS project can be broken into smaller functional pieces. An important goal for MAG with this RIA is to provide its members with a tool for project development and integration;
  • Includes a plan and process for maintaining and updating the RIA on a regular basis, so that it will remain current and serve as a valuable tool to support ongoing project development and implementation by MAG member agencies;
  • Complies with 23 CFR Part 940 by including existing and planned systems and interfaces that monitor travel and traffic conditions to provide that information to travelers and users of traveler information.

 

The MAG ITS Committee provides oversight, review and guidance to the RIA development process. In addition to this committee-led oversight, MAG values ongoing input from member agencies and stakeholders to ensure the RIA continues to reflect the evolving needs of the region.

Changes to the MAG Regional ITS Architecture may be requested by submitting them via email to [email protected].