The term Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) involves applying advanced technologies, such as electronics, communications, and information processing to vehicles and transportation infrastructure.  ITS is an important research area for IMR because it shows great potential for improving safety and transportation efficiency, facilitating management of transportation systems, and influencing individual choices of mode, rate and travel time. ITS also is important because it can have a positive impact on the environment. ITS technologies can reduce diesel truck idling and unnecessary driving to search for parking, thereby cutting back on air pollution and reducing fuel consumption.

Some of the ITS technologies IMR is closely examining include virtual weigh stations, automated speed enforcement, changeable message signs and safety messages, and Wi-Fi at roadside rest stops. Past IMR ITS projects have included California’s Innovative Corridors Initiative.

The FHWA has envisioned a future Integrated Active Transportation System (IATS) wherein all elements of all modes of transport are connected to form a single integrated and managed system. The objective is to realize substantial improvements in both safety and mobility by optimizing flow and avoiding congestion and collisions. It is with this in mind that FHWA commissioned the Transportation Sustainability Research Center (TSRC) and Cogenia Partners with a project to explore how the nation’s transportations system will evolve during the 21^st century. The project will provide a useful and long-range planning tool that can be used to guide research to support the IATS.

Excessive speed is a major factor in motor vehicle accidents and thus, is an important focus of highway enforcement efforts.  Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) systems combine radar with cameras to enforce speeding laws.  A vehicle that is speeding is detected by radar, which triggers a camera to take a photograph or digitally records the license plate number, and the driver is issued a citation, usually through the mail.  ASE provides a cost-effective method to improve speed enforcement and allows police officers to focus on other enforcement priorities.

Changeable Message Signs (CMS), also called dynamic or variable message signs, are programmable signs used on highways nationwide to give drivers real-time information such as traffic updates, roadwork warnings, Amber Alerts, destination arrival estimates, parking information, and other traffic and safety related information. CMS allow motorists to take immediate action in response to information—to slow down or change routes, for example—leading to safer driving conditions and less congestion.

Wi-Fi, or wireless Internet, may be available in the future at roadside rest stops operated by Caltrans. Wi-Fi would provide travelers with access to information to not only make their trips safer and more efficient, but would also give them tourist information and details about local services. This information would be accessible via wireless Internet connections through laptops, cellular phones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs).