• ITS is a comprehensive system which can prepare safe smooth and pleasant environment for road traffic.

• The fundamental element for ITS is communication technology between road infrastructure and vehicle.

• ITS comprises of broad range wireless and wireline communication based information.

• ITS utilize existing roadways more efficiently to reduce congestion, delay, minimize accidents and improve air quality.

• ITS provide tools for skilled transportation professionals to collect and analyze the data about the performance of the system during peak hours.

• Thus ITS is an international program intended to improve surface transportation system through advanced technologies.

BENEFITS OF ITS

• Reduced rush hour congestion and delay.

• Increased safety and personal security.

• Time savings and operation efficiencies.

• Reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

• Improved customer service and reduced frustration.

• Reduced road accidents and enhanced economic productivity.

TRAFFIC PROBLEMS

• Traffic congestion and delay.

• Inadequate public transportation facilities, which run behind scheduled, causing inconvenience to public.

• Shortage of man power.

• Increase in air and noise pollution due to increase in number of vehicles.

• Acute parking problem in urban areas.

• Non-cooperation from public for any new system or changes.

• High accident rates due to varying speed of vehicles and lack of discipline among road users.

• Absence of effective monitoring and prevention of traffic violation.

CLASSIFICATION OF ITS

• Advanced Public Transportation System (APTS).

• Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS).

• Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS).

• Automated Highway System (AHS).

• Incident management system.

• Electronic Toll Collection System (ETC).

• Advanced Warning System (AWS).

• Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS).

• Video transmission.

ADVANCED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

·   APTS is a technology that increase the efficiency and safety of public transportation system.

·   The goal of APTS is to provide more information to public to make effective decision and to increase travelers convenience and rider ship.basically this system helps to smoothen out public transportation related problems.

ADVANCED TRAVELER INFORMATION SYSTEM

• ATIS is a new technology helps in providing accurate and timely information to travelers.

• They deliver data directly to travelers empowering them to make better choices.

• This system helps in optimizing the transportation planning process.

ADVANCED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

• Monitor the flow of traffic making appropriate decision in a timely manner.

• Employs inexpensive detectors, cameras and communication system to control the flow of traffic.

• Optimize signal timings on major arterials.

AUTOMATED HIGHWAY SYSTEM

• AHS is a specially equipped highway lane, where the vehicles are automatically controlled by the system, not by the driver.

• The system helps in keeping the vehicle in the same lane.

• The AHS lanes and vehicles which operate on them are likely to have special sensors, computers and communication devices to permit automated control.


INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

• They offer real time information about traffic conditions through variable message sign to warn accidents or other delays.

• Variable message sign is a board which provide information to the motorist of the upcoming hazards.

• Enables authorities to identify and respond to vehicle crashes or breakdowns with the most appropriate and timely emergency services, thereby minimizing recovery time.

VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN


ELECTRONIC TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM

• ETC is a system by which drivers can pay tolls without having to stop at a toll booth.

• The collection of fees is performed electronically by way of equipment installed in the vehicle and sensors at toll location.

• ETC is based on vehicle roadside communication system.

ELECTRONIC TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM


HERE IS HOW IT WORKS: 


Conceptual image of ETC



ADVANCED WARNING SYSTEM

• This system warns the present accident to be caused when traffic slows down abruptly due to road conditions.

• The information given to the driver when the vehicles come closer either from front or back is conveyed through AWS which helps in preventing road crashes.

VEHICLE INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

• In this system, the drivers are provided with real time information on the traffic conditions

• They update all the road users about the traffic conditions and other information like congestion, jams, roadblocks, pollution levels etc.

• The information is given via FM band or through road maps quickly showing the traffic conditions in surrounding areas.The driver can use this information to select the best route by using in vehicle monitor.

IN VEHICLE MONITOR


SCHEMATIC INFORMATION DISPLAY OF ROAD MAP


Radio beacons (expressway linking Tokyo and Osaka in Japan)


VIDEO TRANSMISSION

• This system is used for detecting unauthorized vehicles on restricted corridors and parking areas.

• Vehicles with speed violations can be captured along with registration numbers.

TRAFFIC SENSORS AND TRAFFIC CAMERAS


NECESSITY FOR USING ITS

• Provides novel application by smart technology.

• Systematically employs advanced technologies in the field of transportation to enhance benefits for road users.

• Reduction in road crashes.

• Improves the existing transportation services through interconnected embedded technologies.

ITS IN INDIA

• In India 70 state transport undertakings which together own and operate 1,13,000 buses and provide mobility to 65 million passengers a day, across the length and breadth of the country.

• The most important task of ITS India will be the dissemination of ITS knowledge and imparting training for new professionals.In 1980’s number of developed countries started using advanced system to control and regulate traffic.This is still to develop in India to suit our local ambience.

• The very first equipment to be used in Indian environment was electronic toll collection along the newly created expressways i.e, Delhi-Noida, Ahmedabad-Mehasana and Mumbai-Pune, which is functioning satisfactorily.

• What is needed in the present context is the mind set of policy makers to cooperate for the adaptation to the new system.

CONCLUSION

• The potential of ITS technologies in improving the efficiency of transportation sector in India appears to be very promising based on the experience of other countries.

• A national strategic ITS plan for India is needed for the effective development and deployment.

• Some of the ITS technologies like fleet management system, AWS, ETC, Incident management system can be applied to achieve an efficient transportation system.

• Since ITS technology is as old as 20 years in the world, India will have to pick up this for updating and be on par with developed countries in modern transportation requirements.