/ Transportation / Changes at the Idaho Transportation Department Translate into Better Service, Improved Safety for Citizens

Changes at the Idaho Transportation Department Translate into Better Service, Improved Safety for Citizens

Parul Dubey on September 23, 2016 - in Transportation

BOISE – The findings of a recent survey of nearly 1,600 agency employees points to a significant change in the work and accountability culture at the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). This shift in positive and purposeful behaviors is already translating into better customer service, and improved safety standards for Idaho’s citizens.

“The cultural change leads to improved government with fewer layers of supervision and bureaucracy, a more dedicated and streamlined workforce, and improved performance across the board,” ITD Director Brian Ness explained.

The Idaho Legislature showed its confidence in the department by approving the first highway revenue increase in nearly 20 years, and ITD responded by starting on critical road and bridge projects almost immediately, and finishing some within just a few months of that allocation. In fact, the first 27 projects funded by the new revenue increase will all be finishing by this fall.

The users of the highway system are clearly noticing as well.

A senior conservation officer for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game applauded ITD’s efforts on Idaho 12 near Powell for doing a tremendous job this winter clearing the roads of snow and ice during storms. The officer said it was the best he has ever seen and could tell that the department’s maintenance crews cared for the roads as if their families drove on them every day.

“How much we care and are focused on constantly improving is clearly translating to the users of the system,” Ness said. “A constructive attitude of positive outlook and encouragement is permeating our organization, from maintenance operations to administration and DMV.”

The survey was performed by the Center for Health and Safety Culture at Montana State University’s Western Transportation Institute.

“This is great news, but it is not the end,” Ness noted. “Our constructive culture is making a big difference and we want it to continue to grow, to always strive to get better. Persistence is a key factor in success.”

“The latest survey results show we are another step closer to being the best transportation department in the country,” he added.

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