Intelligent transport systems (ITS) are transport systems that apply information, communications and control technologies to help the operation of transport networks. Through improvement of operations, ITS tools are used to save time and lives, to enhance the quality of life and the environment, and to improve the productivity of commercial activities. Countries that have established ITS programmes in recent years have reached a consensus on the range of possible ITS applications, otherwise known as ITS user services. ITS users include the road network operator and the transport service provider, as well as the traveller and the fleet owner. For effective delivery of these services, road transport professionals need to build new alliances with other stakeholders in the transport scene, such as public transit operators, private sector information service providers, city planning authorities, fleet managers of commercial vehicles, and not least, the general travelling public. For ITS deployment anywhere in the world, institutional issues are almost always more challenging than technical issues. Three crucial institutional issues in ITS are: deployment planning; working with the private sector; and financing and procurement. Transportation professionals involved in ITS must become familiar with alternative and innovative ways to resolve these institutional issues. Many countries around the world have established ITS programmes at the national level and have funded ITS projects at the local level. Based on their experience, a number of case studies have been documented and a set of advice has been made available for the benefit of those transportation professionals who wish to launch new ITS activities. Many transitional countries, including those countries undergoing basic change of their economic systems and those with rapid economic development, have begun to invest in ITS. A survey has confirmed the serious interest in ITS among these countries in Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, and South America. The special needs and experience in these countries offer both challenges and opportunities for co-operation and mutual learning between the transitional countries and the industrial world. For the covering abstract see ITRD E118727.
Samenvatting