Intelligent Transportation System

Advanced Application

An Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is a sophisticated application designed to offer a comprehensive suite of services across various modes of transport . Its primary objective is to enhance traffic management , providing users with more informed decision-making capabilities for safer, more coordinated, and ultimately, “smarter” utilization of transportation networks. This encompasses a range of technologies, from immediate responses to accidents, such as summoning emergency services, to the deployment of cameras for traffic law enforcement and dynamic signage that adjusts speed limits based on prevailing conditions.

While the term ITS can broadly apply to all forms of transportation, the European Union ’s directive 2010/40/EU, enacted on July 7, 2010, specifically delineates ITS as systems where information and communication technologies are applied to road transport . This includes advancements in infrastructure, vehicle technology, user interaction, and the overarching management of traffic and mobility. Crucially, it also addresses the interfaces between road transport and other modes of transport. The overarching goal of ITS is to bolster the efficiency and safety of transportation in numerous contexts, including road traffic, general traffic management, and overall mobility. The adoption of ITS technologies is a global phenomenon, driven by the need to augment the capacity of congested roads, reduce travel times, and, perhaps less altruistically, to facilitate the collection of data on unsuspecting road users.

Background

Governmental involvement in the realm of ITS is increasingly influenced by a heightened focus on homeland security . A significant number of proposed ITS systems incorporate roadway surveillance capabilities, a key priority for homeland security initiatives. Funding for many of these systems originates directly from homeland security organizations or is approved under their purview. Furthermore, ITS possesses the potential to play a critical role in the rapid mass evacuation of populations from urban centers in the aftermath of large-scale casualty events, whether triggered by natural disasters or deliberate threats. The infrastructure and strategic planning inherent in ITS development often run parallel to the requirements of homeland security systems.

In the developing world , the demographic shift from rural to urbanized habitats has unfolded with distinct characteristics. Many regions in the developing world have undergone urbanisation without a commensurate increase in motorisation or the widespread development of suburbs . While a small segment of the population may have the financial means to own automobiles , their proliferation exacerbates congestion within existing multimodal transportation systems. These vehicles also contribute significantly to air pollution , present substantial safety risks, and can intensify societal feelings of inequity. High population densities are, in principle, well-supported by a multimodal transport system that integrates walking, bicycle transportation, motorcycles , buses , and trains .

Conversely, other parts of the developing world, such as China , India , and Brazil , though still largely rural, are experiencing rapid urbanisation and industrialisation. In these areas, a motorized infrastructure is being developed in tandem with the increasing motorization of the populace. Significant disparities in wealth mean that only a fraction of the population can afford motorized transport, resulting in a transportation landscape where the highly dense multimodal transportation system catering to the less affluent is intersected by the highly motorized system serving the wealthy.

Intelligent Transportation Technologies

Intelligent transport systems are characterized by a broad spectrum of technologies, ranging from fundamental management systems such as car navigation , traffic signal control, and variable-message signs , to more sophisticated, interconnected applications. These technologies can be broadly categorized into several key domains:

A control room where operators diligently monitor GPS-based fleet tracking and traffic data displayed on expansive screens.

A core element of contemporary operations is the utilization of telematics systems, often incorporating GPS devices .

• Monitoring and Enforcement Systems: This category encompasses technologies like automatic number plate recognition , speed cameras , and security CCTV systems, all employed for traffic surveillance and the enforcement of regulations.

• Data Collection and Analysis Systems: These systems are responsible for gathering and processing information from a multitude of sources. Examples include parking guidance and information systems and Road Weather Information Systems . A particularly significant application is the provision of real-time passenger information, such as accurate predictions of public transport arrival times. This is achieved through the analysis of data collected from transit vehicles, often equipped with telematics and GPS tracking units . This data underpins vehicle tracking functionalities, emergency services like eCall , and the implementation of usage-based insurance policies. It’s important to distinguish these systems from in-vehicle infotainment systems, which are primarily focused on entertainment and smartphone integration.

• Management Applications: These applications leverage ITS data to facilitate operational control. Examples include sophisticated container management and intelligent fleet management systems, which utilize telematics to optimize routing, enhance fuel efficiency, and bolster the safety of logistics and public transport operations.

• Cooperative Systems: A pivotal development in ITS is the emergence of Cooperative ITS (C-ITS), which fosters interconnectedness between vehicles and infrastructure. Data is exchanged through vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication channels. This collaborative data sharing enables real-time hazard warnings and coordinated traffic flow, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency beyond the capabilities of standalone systems.

Furthermore, predictive techniques are under continuous development to enable advanced modeling and comparison with historical baseline data. More specific technologies are detailed in the subsequent sections of this article.

Wireless Communications

Various forms of wireless communication technologies have been proposed and implemented for intelligent transportation systems.

Radio modem communication operating on UHF and VHF frequencies is extensively employed for both short-range and long-range communication within ITS deployments.

Short-range communications, extending up to approximately 350 meters, can be achieved using IEEE 802.11 protocols, specifically 802.11p (WAVE) or the dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) 802.11bd standard, which is actively promoted by organizations like the Intelligent Transportation Society of America and the United States Department of Transportation . Theoretically, the range of these protocols can be expanded through the implementation of mobile ad hoc networks or mesh networking architectures.

Longer-range communications typically rely on established infrastructure networks. While these methods are well-proven, they necessitate extensive and costly infrastructure deployment, a contrast to the more localized nature of short-range protocols.

A traffic monitoring gantry equipped with a wireless communication dish antenna .

Computational Technologies

Recent advancements in vehicle electronics have spurred a trend towards fewer, yet more powerful, computer processors integrated into vehicles. In the early 2000s, a typical vehicle might contain between 20 and 100 individual networked microcontroller /programmable logic controller modules running non-real-time operating systems . The current trajectory involves a reduction in the number of modules, favoring more sophisticated and costly microprocessor units equipped with hardware memory management and real-time operating systems . These new embedded system platforms facilitate the implementation of more complex software applications , including model-based process control , artificial intelligence , and ubiquitous computing . Arguably, artificial intelligence holds the most profound significance for intelligent transportation systems.

Floating Car Data / Floating Cellular Data

“Floating car” or “probe” data represents information collected from vehicles as they traverse various transport routes. Broadly, four primary methods are employed to obtain this raw data:

• Triangulation Method: In developed nations, a substantial percentage of vehicles are equipped with one or more mobile phones . These devices periodically transmit their presence information to the mobile network, even when no active voice connection is in use. During the mid-2000s, efforts were made to leverage these mobile phones as anonymous traffic probes. As a vehicle moves, the signal from any mobile phones within it also moves. By analyzing network data through triangulation , pattern matching, or cell-sector statistics (in an anonymized format), this information could be translated into traffic flow data. The principle is that increased congestion leads to more cars, more phones, and consequently, a greater number of probes. In metropolitan areas, the reduced distance between antennas theoretically enhances accuracy. A key advantage of this method is the absence of required roadside infrastructure; it relies solely on the existing mobile phone network. However, practical implementation can be complex, particularly in areas where the same mobile phone towers serve multiple parallel routes, such as a highway adjacent to a frontage road, a highway alongside a commuter rail line, two or more parallel streets, or a street that also functions as a bus route. By the early 2010s, the popularity of the triangulation method began to wane.

• Vehicle Re-identification: This technique necessitates the installation of detector sets along roadways. In this method, a unique serial number associated with a device within a vehicle is detected at one point and subsequently re-detected further along the route. Travel times and speeds are calculated by comparing the timestamps when a specific device is identified by pairs of sensors. This can be accomplished using the MAC addresses of Bluetooth devices or other broadcast signals, or by utilizing the RFID serial numbers from electronic toll collection (ETC) transponders, often referred to as “toll tags.”

• GPS-Based Methods: An increasing number of vehicles are now equipped with in-vehicle satellite navigation (satnav)/GPS systems that feature two-way communication capabilities with traffic data providers. Position readings from these vehicles are then utilized to compute vehicle speeds. Modern approaches may eschew dedicated hardware in favor of Smartphone -based solutions, often referred to as Telematics 2.0 approaches.

• Smartphone-Based Rich Monitoring: Smartphones, with their array of sensors, can be employed to monitor traffic speed and density. Accelerometer data from smartphones used by drivers can be analyzed to determine traffic speed and the condition of the road surface. Audio data, coupled with GPS tagging of smartphones, enables the identification of traffic density and the detection of potential traffic jams. This approach was notably implemented in Bangalore, India, as part of an experimental research system known as Nericell .

The technology behind floating car data offers distinct advantages over other traffic measurement methodologies:

• It is generally less expensive than deploying dedicated sensors or cameras.
• It provides broader coverage, potentially encompassing all locations and streets.
• It is quicker to set up and requires less ongoing maintenance.
• It functions effectively in all weather conditions, including heavy precipitation.

An active RFID tag, utilized for electronic toll collection.

Sensing

Significant technological advancements in telecommunications and information technology, coupled with the development of state-of-the-art microchips, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), and inexpensive intelligent beacon sensing technologies, have substantially enhanced the technical capabilities available for ITS. These improvements directly contribute to improved motorist safety on a globally integrated scale. Sensing systems for ITS are designed as networked systems, incorporating both vehicle-based and infrastructure-based components, essentially forming intelligent vehicle technologies. Infrastructure sensors are designed for durability, such as in-road reflectors, and are installed or embedded within the road surface or in the immediate vicinity (e.g., on buildings, posts, and signs). Their deployment can occur during routine road maintenance or via rapid deployment machinery. Vehicle-sensing systems include the use of electronic beacons for communication between infrastructure and vehicles (I2V) and vice versa (V2I). Additionally, they may employ video-based automatic number plate recognition or vehicle magnetic signature detection technologies at strategic intervals to ensure continuous monitoring of vehicles operating within critical zones.

Inductive Loop Detection

Inductive loops are installed within the roadbed and are capable of detecting vehicles as they pass over the loop’s magnetic field. The most basic detectors simply count the number of vehicles passing over the loop within a defined time interval (typically 60 seconds in the United States ). More advanced sensors can estimate vehicle speed, length, and classification, as well as the spacing between vehicles. Loops can be configured to cover single lanes or multiple lanes, and they function accurately for vehicles moving at high speeds, as well as those moving very slowly or at a complete stop.

Saw-cut loop detectors, designed for vehicle detection, are visible as sealed rectangular shapes at the bottom of this image, embedded in the pavement at an intersection.

Video Vehicle Detection

The measurement of traffic flow and automatic incident detection using video cameras represents another method of vehicle detection. Because video detection systems, such as those used in automatic number plate recognition , do not require the installation of any components directly into the road surface or roadbed, this approach is categorized as a “non-intrusive” traffic detection method. Video feeds from cameras are processed by specialized units that analyze the dynamic changes in the video image as vehicles pass. These cameras are typically mounted on poles or elevated structures positioned above or alongside the roadway. Most video detection systems require an initial setup phase to “teach” the processor the baseline background image. This usually involves inputting known measurements, such as the distance between lane lines or the height of the camera relative to the roadway. A single video detection processor has the capability to monitor traffic from one to eight cameras concurrently, depending on the specific brand and model. The standard output from a video detection system includes lane-by-lane vehicle speeds, counts, and lane occupancy readings. Some systems offer additional outputs, such as gap and headway measurements, detection of stopped vehicles, and alarms for vehicles traveling in the wrong direction.

Bluetooth Detection

Bluetooth technology offers an accurate and cost-effective means of transmitting position data from a moving vehicle. Sensors deployed along the roadside detect Bluetooth devices present in passing vehicles. When these sensors are interconnected, they can calculate travel times and generate data for origin-destination matrices. Compared to other traffic measurement technologies, Bluetooth detection presents several distinct characteristics:

• It provides precise measurement points, enabling second-accurate travel time calculations.
• It is a non-intrusive method, potentially leading to lower installation costs for both permanent and temporary sites.
• Its effectiveness is contingent on the number of Bluetooth devices actively broadcasting within a vehicle, which can limit its utility for vehicle counting and certain other applications.
• Systems are generally rapid to deploy and require minimal to no calibration.

As Bluetooth devices become more ubiquitous in vehicles and portable electronics continue to broadcast signals, the volume and accuracy of collected data for travel time estimation purposes are expected to increase.

It is also feasible to measure traffic density on a road by analyzing the audio signal generated by the cumulative sounds of tire noise, engine noise, engine idling, honks, and air turbulence . A roadside microphone captures this ambient noise, and audio signal processing techniques can then be applied to estimate the traffic state. The accuracy of such a system is reported to be comparable to other established methods.

Radar Detection

Radars are strategically mounted on the roadside to monitor traffic flow and to detect stopped or stranded vehicles. Similar to video systems, radar units learn their operational environment during the setup phase, enabling them to differentiate between vehicles and other objects. Radar technology also possesses the capability to function effectively in conditions of low visibility.

Traffic flow radar typically employs a “side-fire” technique, scanning across all traffic lanes within a narrow band to count passing vehicles and estimate traffic density.

For the specific purpose of detecting stopped vehicles (SVD) and automatic incident detection, 360-degree radar systems are utilized. These systems scan all lanes across extensive stretches of road. Radar technology is reported to offer superior performance over longer ranges compared to other detection methods. SVD radar is slated for installation on all Smart motorways in the United Kingdom.

Information Fusion from Multiple Traffic Sensing Modalities

The data gathered from various sensing technologies can be intelligently combined to achieve a highly accurate determination of the traffic state. A data fusion approach, which integrates acoustic, image, and sensor data collected from the roadside, has demonstrated the ability to leverage the strengths of individual methods.

Intelligent Transportation Applications

Emergency Vehicle Notification Systems

In 2015, the European Union mandated that all new automobiles be equipped with eCall , a pan-European initiative designed to provide assistance to motorists in the event of a collision. The in-vehicle eCall system can be activated manually by the vehicle’s occupants or automatically through the deployment of in-vehicle sensors following an accident. Upon activation, the eCall device automatically establishes an emergency call, transmitting both voice and data directly to the nearest emergency response center, typically a public safety answering point (PSAP) that handles the 1-1-2 emergency number. The voice communication allows vehicle occupants to interact with a trained eCall operator. Concurrently, a minimum data set is transmitted to the receiving operator, containing crucial information about the incident, including the time, precise location, the vehicle’s direction of travel, and its identification details. The pan-European eCall system is intended to be a standard feature in all newly type-approved vehicles. Depending on the manufacturer’s system design, eCall functionality might be integrated with mobile phones (via Bluetooth connection to an in-vehicle interface), incorporated into a dedicated eCall device, or function as part of a broader system such as navigation, telematics, or tolling devices. The rollout of eCall was anticipated to commence by the end of 2010, pending standardization by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute and commitments from major EU member states like France and the United Kingdom.

A congestion pricing gantry located at North Bridge Road in Singapore .

The EU-funded project SafeTRIP is engaged in the development of an open ITS system aimed at enhancing road safety and ensuring resilient communication through the utilization of S-band satellite communication. This platform is expected to provide expanded coverage for the Emergency Call Service across the EU.

Public Transportation

ITS plays a pivotal role in the digitalization of public transportation, leading to significant improvements in operational efficiency and an enhanced passenger experience. Key applications are primarily focused on delivering superior information to users and streamlining operational processes.

One of the most prevalent applications is the provision of real-time passenger information (RTPI). These systems employ GPS tracking devices installed on public transport vehicles to continuously monitor their location and speed. This data is then processed to generate and disseminate accurate predictions of arrival and departure times to passengers via mobile applications or digital displays at bus stops.

Another area undergoing substantial transformation is electronic ticketing . Digital payment and validation systems, often utilizing smart cards or mobile applications, contribute to a more convenient travel experience for passengers. These systems can evolve into integrated ticketing platforms, facilitating seamless travel across different modes of transport (such as buses, trains, and ferries) and even across distinct cities or regions, exemplified by national systems like that in Estonia. The data collected through these ITS applications also empowers transport authorities to conduct more effective analyses of travel patterns, optimize routes, and refine overall service planning.

Automatic Road Enforcement

• Main article: Traffic enforcement camera

An automatic speed enforcement gantry, also known as a “lombada eletrônica,” equipped with ground sensors, is shown in Brasília .

A traffic enforcement camera system, comprising a camera and a vehicle-monitoring device, is utilized to detect and identify vehicles that violate speed limits or other traffic regulations. Offenders are automatically ticketed based on their license plate number, with the tickets typically mailed to the registered owner. Applications of this technology include:

• Speed cameras: These devices identify vehicles exceeding the legal speed limit . Many such systems employ radar to measure vehicle speed or utilize electromagnetic loops embedded in each lane of the road.
• Red light cameras : These cameras detect vehicles that cross a stop line or a designated stopping area while a red traffic light is displayed.
• Bus lane cameras: These cameras identify vehicles traveling in lanes designated exclusively for buses . In certain jurisdictions, these lanes may also be accessible to taxis or vehicles engaged in carpooling .
• Level crossing cameras: These cameras detect vehicles that illegally cross railways at grade .
• Double white line cameras: These identify vehicles that cross double white lines, which typically indicate no overtaking.
• High-occupancy vehicle lane cameras: These cameras enforce regulations for HOV lanes, identifying vehicles that do not meet the occupancy requirements.

Variable Speed Limits

• Further information: Speed limit § Variable speed limits

This image displays an example of a variable speed limit sign used in the United States.

In recent years, several jurisdictions have begun experimenting with variable speed limits, which are adjusted based on factors such as road congestion and other environmental conditions. Typically, these speed limits are lowered during adverse conditions rather than being increased during favorable ones. An illustrative example can be found on Britain’s M25 motorway , a major ring road encircling London. On a particularly heavily trafficked 14-mile (23 km) section of the M25 (junctions 10 to 16), variable speed limits, coupled with automated enforcement, have been in operation since 1995. Initial assessments indicated improvements in journey times, smoother traffic flow, and a reduction in accident rates, leading to the permanent implementation of the system in 1997. Subsequent trials on the M25 have yielded inconclusive results thus far.

Collision Avoidance Systems

Japan has implemented sensors on its highways designed to alert motorists about stalled vehicles ahead.

Cooperative Systems on the Road

Cooperative systems facilitate communication on the road, encompassing vehicle-to-vehicle (car-to-car), vehicle-to-infrastructure, and vice versa. Data acquired from vehicles is transmitted to a central server for integrated processing and analysis. This data can be instrumental in detecting events such as rain (indicated by wiper activity) and congestion (signified by frequent braking). The server then generates driving recommendations tailored to individual drivers or specific groups, transmitting them wirelessly back to the vehicles. The fundamental objective of cooperative systems is to leverage and strategically plan communication and sensor infrastructure to enhance road safety.

According to the European Commission , the definition of cooperative systems in road traffic is as follows:

“Road operators, infrastructure, vehicles, their drivers and other road users will cooperate to deliver the most efficient, safe, secure and comfortable journey. The vehicle-vehicle and vehicle-infrastructure co-operative systems will contribute to these objectives beyond the improvements achievable with stand-alone systems.”

The World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS World Congress) is an annual trade exhibition dedicated to promoting ITS technologies. ERTICO– ITS Europe, ITS America , and ITS AsiaPacific jointly sponsor the annual ITS World Congress and exhibition. The event rotates its location annually among Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region. The inaugural ITS World Congress was held in Paris in 1994.

Smart Transportation – New Business Models

Globally, new models for mobility and smart transportation are emerging. Schemes such as bike sharing , car sharing , and scooter sharing , exemplified by services like Lime and Bird , continue to grow in popularity. Electric vehicle charging schemes are gaining traction in numerous cities. The connected car represents a rapidly expanding market segment, while new, intelligent parking solutions are being adopted by commuters and shoppers worldwide. All these novel models offer potential solutions for addressing “last-mile” challenges in urban areas .

ITS in the Connected World

Mobile operators are increasingly becoming significant stakeholders in these value chains, extending their role beyond merely providing connectivity. Dedicated mobile applications can facilitate mobile payments , offer valuable data insights and navigation tools, provide incentives and discounts, and serve as a platform for digital commerce .

Payments and Billing Flexibility

These emerging mobility models necessitate a high degree of monetization agility and robust partner management capabilities. A flexible platform for settlements and billing enables swift and effortless revenue sharing and contributes to an overall improved customer experience . Beyond enhanced service, users can also be rewarded with discounts, loyalty points , and other incentives, fostering engagement through direct marketing .

Europe

The Network of National ITS Associations serves as a collective body for national ITS interests. Its official announcement occurred on October 7, 2004, in London. The secretariat for this network is located at ERTICO – ITS Europe.

ERTICO – ITS Europe operates as a public-private partnership committed to advancing the development and deployment of ITS. It fosters collaboration among public authorities, industry stakeholders, infrastructure operators, users, national ITS associations, and other relevant organizations. The work program of ERTICO is centered on initiatives aimed at enhancing transport safety, security, and network efficiency, while also considering measures to mitigate environmental impact.

United States

Within the United States, each state maintains its own ITS chapter, which convenes an annual conference to promote and showcase ITS technologies and innovative concepts. Representatives from each state’s Department of Transportation (encompassing state, city, town, and county agencies) participate in these conferences.

Latin America

Colombia

In the intermediate-sized cities of Colombia, particularly those implementing Strategic Public Transportation Systems, urban transportation networks are required to operate under parameters that elevate the quality of service provision. Several significant challenges confronting the transportation systems in these cities revolve around increasing passenger volume and the adoption of technology essential for the management and control of public transportation fleets. Achieving these objectives necessitates strategic systems that integrate solutions based on intelligent transportation systems and information and communication technologies to optimize fleet control and management, implement electronic fare collection, enhance road safety, and ensure the effective delivery of information to users. The technological functionalities required for these transportation systems encompass: fleet scheduling; vehicle location and traceability; cloud-based storage of operational data; interoperability with other information systems; centralization of operations; passenger counting; and data control and visualization.