What are intelligent transportation systems (ITS)?

Intelligent transportation systems are defined as applications of information and technologies to improve the movement of people and goods. These applications rely upon automated and communication technologies, and are designed to increase the safety, efficiency, mobility and convenience of transportation systems.

What is On-Track^SM?

On-Track^SM is the Iowa Department of Transportation's ITS initiative. It is designed to "Improve Transportation through Technology" and it's built upon the U.S. DOT's four core principles to ITS development.

1. Promote the implementation of a technically integrated and jurisdictionally coordinated transportation system across the country.
2. Support ongoing applied research and technology transfer.
3. Ensure that newly developed ITS technologies and services are safe and cost-effective.
4. Create a new industry by involving and emphasizing the private sector in all aspects of the program.

What are the benefits of ITS?

According to the U.S. DOT, intelligent transportation systems represent the next step in the evolution of the nation's entire transportation system. As information technologies and advances in electronics continue to revolutionize all aspects of our modern-day world, from our homes and offices to our schools and even recreation, they also are being applied to our transportation network.

Who benefits from ITS technology?

Intelligent infrastructure is geared to satisfying the transportation needs of metropolitan areas, rural areas and the trucking industry. Intelligent vehicles, on the other hand, complement the ITS infrastructure by focusing on safety and information systems for cars, trucks, buses, and trains.

Where can ITS technologies be applied?

ITS technologies can be applied to our vast transportation infrastructure of highways, streets and bridges, as well as to a growing number of vehicles - including cars, buses, trucks and trains. The information and communication technologies can also be used to better manage and improve how transportation providers, such as government, transit agencies and private haulers offer services to the public.

For more ITS related questions and answers click on the following link.

www.its.dot.gov/faqs.htm

Automatic Incident Detection and Management Systems

With the use of pavement sensors and video cameras, these systems alert the traffic management centers of stalled vehicles, crashes, stopped traffic, etc. With early notification, authorities can respond quickly to events allowing traffic to return to normal sooner.