Mainstreaming Intelligent Transportation Systems: Survey of California Leaders

Abstract

Factors affecting the implementation of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) as a "mainstream" transportation planning activity are investigated. Interviews with 51 leaders from a cross section of jurisdictions and agencies in California are drawn upon. The interviews revealed that the vast majority of elected officials and senior staff are familiar with ITS but are irritated by ITS literature, which they view as heavily promotional and full of jargon. Many believe that ITS is being implemented fairly quickly overall and that ITS elements that are not proceeding well suffer from institutional problems or market weaknesses. Respondents do not see a problem in fitting ITS projects into mainstream transportation planning processes, but they complain of a lack of good information on ITS benefits and costs. Many are concerned that ITS evaluations have not been conducted objectively and focus too heavily on system benefits rather than traveler benefits. Many believe that the private sector should be left to implement some ITS applications while they agree that earmarking funds for ITS applications would speed their implementation. Respondents suggest that the state department of transportation should lead by example and implement ready-to-go technologies on its own facilities and within its own agency. Respondents also recommend building stronger partnerships with local government and other state agencies and developing mutually beneficial, multipurpose applications. Finally, respondents urge that future ITS work should pay more attention to legal and institutional issues and provide a clearer sense of "next steps." The findings should be of use to state and local organizations with an interest in encouraging ITS implementation.