This paper was presented at the session titled `Reducing the environmental effects of transportation through technology'. The Canadian Transportation Table is evaluating a wide range of possible measures for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transport sector. This work is part of the National Climate Change Process to develop a national strategy for meeting Canada's commitment, under the Kyoto Protocol, to reduce GHG emissions by 6% by the years 2008 to 2012, relative to 1990 levels. This paper reports the findings of a study to investigate specific Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) measures which might be used to reduce GHG emissions on Canada's road/highway transportation network. A variety of ITS market packages have been analysed with respect to demonstrated environmental benefits, and applicability within the Canadian context. The ITS market packages which provide significant GHG reduction benefits, and should be considered for widespread deployment in Canada include: Incident Management, Traffic Control, Traveller Information, Electronic Payment Systems, Commercial Vehicle Electronic Clearance, and Advanced Vehicle Safety Systems. If all the ITS market packages are deployed the total annual GHG reduction in year 2010 is estimated to be 770 kt. This figure represents 0.5% of the total GHG output attributed to transportation in 1990, and 2% of the total transportation GHG reduction target for 2010. The ITS market packages provide a range of ancillary benefits such as reduced fuel consumption and emissions, reduced collisions, reduced delay and improved operating efficiencies. The cost savings associated with these benefits offset the direct costs, resulting in a lifetime net benefit per tonne of GHG reduction of $100. (A)
Abstract