In Japan, the national standardization of ITS is currently progressing, and with the November 1999 establishment of system architecture and application of highway standards as a base, the tendency for the introduction and development of ITS services (Regional ITS) corresponding to actual conditions in each region is increasing. Against this background, in December 1999 the Matsue urban area was designated the first traffic improvement urban area in Japan. In order to promote improved traffic conditions in the area, a general plan incorporating three main elements: expansion of traffic capacity, Traffic Demand Management (TDM) and Multi-modal Measures was created, and is being actively pursued. Coinciding with the opening in March 2001 of National Highway Route 9 (Matsue Highway, Yasugi Highway) and the 50 th anniversary of the enactment of the Matsue International Cultural Sightseeing City Construction Act, area transportation agencies (the Matsue National Highway Office, the Japan Highway Public Corporation, Shimane Prefecture, City of Matsue) held the Shimane Prefecture Highway Information Conference at the Matsue National Highway Office in April 2000 in order to consider specific plans for the introduction of ITS in the Matsue urban area. The City of Matsue, which is in charge of area tourism, and public bus service, which have implemented an Omnibus Town Plan, are working together to plan and set up ITS.
Samenvatting