Intelligent Transportation Systems Deployment Research Articles

Evolving Interoperability with National Transportation Communication for Intelligent Transportation Systems Protocols

One of the most exciting developments in the intelligent transportation systems (ITS) industry—one that holds so much promise for the future—is the National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocols (NTCIP). NTCIP will help lead the way to achieve a cost-effective deployment and management of ITS applications. It will also influence the design and manufacturing process and should cause changes in the way system integrators do their work. The resulting interoperability of core functionality between transportation devices will be an enabling service for ITS deployment. Developmental efforts, the implications of NTCIP, and the resulting interoperability for transportation applications are reported. The framework of the NTCIP is described and device level interoperability is discussed. NTCIP makes an effort to fulfill the initial needs for interoperable and interchangeable field devices. Current developments of the NTCIP effort are described and interoperability features are identified.

Regional Intelligent Transportation Systems Architectures and the Competitive Region

The role of an architecture for deploying intelligent transportation systems in finding solutions to regional transportation problems is analyzed. The concept of a competitive region, a region with changing economic interests, stakeholders, and borders, is reviewed. The competitive region motivates finding solutions to transportation problems of regional scope. The concept of a regional system architecture is then introduced as a catalyst for reaching coordinated regional solutions. The regional architecture’s flexibility and ability to bring different stakeholders together make it an ideal tool for planning for intelligent transportation systems deployment in the competitive region while strengthening the traditional transportation planning process. The province of Mendoza, Argentina, is presented as a research case study for using an architecture for shaping a regional transportation system. The research shows that the fundamental issues to address in ITS deployment are institutional in nature and that a system architecture can become a strategic tool for developing transportation improvements in the context of regional coordination.

Contributions of Traffic Theory Toward Deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems

A discussion is given of certain contributions which traffic theory can make toward deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). They include contributions toward improved surveillance of traffic systems through proper attention to the detection and analysis of shock waves in traffic; improved control of congested traffic networks using a store-and-forward approach; and considerations of stability of traffic movement in an Automated Highway System taking into account changes in grade and curvature of roadways., Finally some thoughts are presented on the possible use of the internet in order to accelerate ITS deployment without requiring substantial investment in new hardware by the user community.

Implementing Regional Transportation Planning

The typical metropolitan transportation system focused on the interests of individual jurisdictions rather than cooperatively with regional partners. By overcoming typical barriers and working as a strategic team focused on regional interests, transportation planning can be improved to better serve a region. This article focuses on a recent Federal Highway Authority (FHWA) initiative for early deployment of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology in Hampton Roads, Virginia, and reveals lessons learned. Issues include identification of stakeholders, team building, soliciting customer input, constructing a regional information architecture, andpromoting potentialpublic-private partnerships. Specific suggestions on methods for enhancing regional transportation system planning and implementation are provided. Data was gathered while the authors were under contract to conduct an evaluation of the regional transportation-planning initiative. Methods included participant observations, case studies, surveys, and document review. Results of the study validate the strength of strategic planning, evaluation of planning processes, and customerfocus.

Framework for Developing a Regional System Architecture for Intelligent Transportation Systems

Defining an architecture for intelligent transportation systems (ITS) at the regional level, where most ITS deployment occurs, is constrained by jurisdictional, institutional, financial, political, and regulatory factors. These constraints provide opportunities for the architecture that go beyond its traditional role as a guiding tool for technology implementation to a newer role of reorienting institutional relationships. An architecture development approach is proposed that considers regional transportation needs and characteristics so as to increase the benefits from implementing ITS locally. It also provides a new way of thinking about the importance of the National ITS System Architecture in the context of regional ITS deployments. The development approach was tested by considering how regional architectures in New York, Boston, and Houston address regional needs. Findings and implications of the regional ITS architectures of the case study areas are presented.

Guidelines for Funding Operations and Maintenance of Intelligent Transportation Systems/Advanced Traffic Management Systems

As the deployment of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technologies moves forward, the issue of sustaining and supporting traffic management systems after they have been constructed becomes increasingly critical. In the midst of limited funding, undocumented costs, competing maintenance needs, aging systems, and institutional barriers, the systems already under operation are struggling to meet the expectations conveyed during implementation. Planning for day-to-day performance and upkeep, despite the necessity, has been an unglamourous and apparently secondary consideration in the ITS implementation process. A well-run and well-maintained system not only serves the transportation system users as intended, but boosts the credibility of the program with the public. Conversely, systems that are plagued with inadequate staffing, persistent software bugs, and inoperable field devices will fail to provide high-performance services and will certainly tarnish the ITS initiative and the credibility of all transportation service providers. Quantifying and securing the funding necessary to operate and maintain ITS and advanced traffic management systems adequately is the first step, yet very little documentation is available to assist system operators. First, a mechanism is provided for estimating the costs required to operate and maintain ITS elements adequately; second, the funding issues are examined and guidelines are provided to address the obstacles that prevent adequate funding of traffic management operations and maintenance. Although the Texas Department of Transportation costs and procedures are examined, the research and recommendations will be useful to other state agencies.

Declaration of the SEE-ITS Project Partners for Increased Cooperation and Deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in South-East Europe

Declaration of the SEE-ITS Project Partners for Increased Cooperation and Deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in South-East Europe