Most transportation and infrastructure problems are due to a lack of accurate and timely information. Inadequate cooperation among individuals in the transport and infrastructure industry adds to the major transport problems.
Intelligent transportation systems help curb these problems by improving the industry’s coordination and proper data transmission.
Examples of intelligent transportation systems include:
- Electronic toll collection
- V2X communication
- Intelligent traffic management
- Fleet management
- Electric vehicle charging
Example of Intelligent Transportation Systems and Their Use
Below is a detailed list of the intelligent transportation system we have today:
Electronic Toll Collection
Toll collection is a vital element of highway maintenance. But manual toll collection may encourage heavy traffic on the road, which is why electronic toll collection is taking over.
Electronic toll collection involves an automatic payment of tolls at major toll collection points. This system minimizes the need for drivers to stop and make payments, which helps in reducing traffic.
V2X Communication
V2X communication is a system that allows a vehicle to communicate with other vehicles on the road. The system also allows vehicles to collect information on the infrastructure structures around them.
The primary function of the V2X communication system is to improve road safety, save energy and manage traffic efficiently.
Intelligent Traffic Management
Once upon a time, a baton was enough to keep things moving on a busy road. But now, with many cars on the road, an intelligent traffic management system is needed.
This system relies on data from predictive analytics and connected infrastructure to effectively manage traffic in city arteries.
Electric Vehicle Charging
This refers to the stations placed along roads for charging electric vehicles. The stations have a source of electricity where electric vehicles, plugin hybrids, and neighborhood electric vehicles can recharge.
While some stations only have basic electricity stations, some include cellular capability, smart metering, and network connectivity.
AI-Enabled Fleet Management
Smart or AI-enabled fleet management integrates digital technologies to maintain, manage and attain the optimum running of fleet operations. Intelligent fleet management offers driver behavior alerts, critical alerts, real-time alerts, anti-theft alerts, and safety alerts.
Therefore, smart fleet management enhances security, reduces costs and compliance, and improves the safety of fleet drivers.
Why Do We Need Intelligent Transportation Systems?
Intelligent transportation systems aim to generate value for their users by providing better services. Carbon reduction, reduced traffic, and cost optimization will fail if the primary aim is not reached.
The intelligent transportation systems industry is taking over traditional traffic management systems by storm. In a world where AI is taking over, managing traffic should also be smart.
The intelligent transportation system concept is not new to the transportation industry. It has been around since the 70s, but it has gained popularity in recent years.
The intelligent transport system has become a necessity for practical reasons since it provides undeniable benefits to the transportation industry.
The most important advantage of using intelligent transport systems is safety-related. Both pedestrians and motorists can enjoy safer transport due to the real-time information they can access.
How Do You Implement Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)?
Start by collecting data and consolidating it. Next, take full charge of traffic management with the help of an expert. Finally, integrate sufficient data from connected devices and design everything with security in mind. As simple as it may sound, you can never do all that without the need for an expert.
If you are not an expert in intelligent transportation systems, then the suggested steps above could feel like rocket science. So, what can you do?
Get Expert Opinion
Choosing to use intelligent transportation systems is wise because of the systems’ benefits. For example, ITS would facilitate a smooth flow of goods and people, making it good for an area’s economy. In addition, with these systems, there would be a reduction in traffic accidents.
With all these benefits, you may need to get more expert advice on how to implement ITS. For example, you need expert advice if you want to get traffic signals, message signs, trailer-mounted video cameras, and more.
ITS experts will mostly have the equipment you need. You should ensure that all products are MUTCD compliant. An expert will help you develop the right strategy for implementing the ITS.
As the need for ITS equipment increases, so do the providers, and it’s easy to get below-standard equipment and services. When dealing with intelligent transportation systems, it’s a good idea to go the professional way, with Worksafe Traffic Control Industries.