Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) provide the opportunity to maximise the capacity utilisation of existing transportation infrastructure. This synthesis of ITS benefit and cost information has been prepared in order to enable Canadian transportation authorities to make rational investment decisions when considering ITS and other more conventional approaches to congestion management. Within the broader ITS arena, Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) and Advanced Traveller Information Systems (ATIS) have the most direct impact on roadway capacity. There is a significant installed base for these types of application in North American urban centres. The experience of various agencies indicates opportunities to increase throughput up to 25% at one quarter the cost of traditional capacity expansion measures. The benefit/cost ratio for ATMS applications can range up to 7:1. When considering conventional congestion management measures such as adding capacity, increased passenger throughput, and demand management, transportation authorities should consider means by which ITS can help to support these applications. In some cases, the ITS program could serve as a cost-effective alternative to other measures, such as the construction of additional road infrastructure. (A)
Abstract