The benefits of intelligent transport systems: modelling the effects of different ITS systems

Abstract

Paper presented at the 22nd Annual Southern African Transport Conference 14 - 16 July 2003 "National issues affecting the movement of people and goods - strategic approaches", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa. ABSTRACT: Mobility and transportation are the engine to economic growth of a country. Unfortunately this engine shows the signs of the times (i.e. congestion, accessibility and road safety problems), since it is often designed without much consideration for the increasing population of a country, especially in the developing world. At the moment, in nearly all urban areas in South Africa, the common signs of an ineffective traffic and transport (management) system can be experienced: traffic jams during peak hours, little or no use of public transport by the affluent population group, unreliable and unsafe trains and taxis, and unsatisfied customers. Many researchers worldwide are looking for opportunities to improve the situation by implementing technology in the transportation field. Although the research efforts are increasing, the field itself is still new and not explored to its full potential. The annual ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) world conference has only been organized for the last seven years. ITS is the integrated application of advanced sensor, computer, electronics, and communications technologies and management strategies providing traveller information to increase the safety and efficiency of surface transportation systems (Intelligent Transport Systems Deployment Network). According to the ITS Co-operative Deployment Network1, the following are the projected benefits of ITS expected in the US (period 1996-2015); (Refer to Abstract of original article for figures). It is not easy to estimate the impact of ITS measures. The fact that ITS is still a relatively new field, results in limited practical experience. Current expectations are mainly based on modeling exercises. This paper gives an overview of ITS measures that have been modelled and the expected effects based on the modelling exercises. Possibilities to model ITS measures are still very limited. This paper provides an overview of ITS modelling results in general and gives an indication of ITS measures, which look promising in the developing world.