Transportation technologies, formally called Intelligent Transportation Systems (or ITS), apply advances in communications and computer technology to improve how our transportation system works. ITS isn't just about "traffic," it's about all aspects of our transportation systems—traffic, public transportation, freight movement, emergency response and incident handling. ITS is also about helping travelers plan their trips better—but, traffic sure gets most of our attention! Many ITS technologies focus on improving the morning and afternoon commutes, to manage and clear up incidents as soon as they occur. Glossary of ITS Terms The Traffic Dilemma The Thurston Region has grown 2.4 percent per year over the last decade, adding about 43,000 new residents between 1990 and 2000. The rate of growth has slowed somewhat from that experienced in the first half of the decade, when the County was growing at a rate of 2.9 percent per year. Over the last 10 years, Thurston County's growth has been the seventh fastest growing county in the state. Projections indicate future growth will continue, adding strain to our local, regional, and state transportation systems. At the same time, the safety of our roads is increasingly important. When accidents occur we expect emergency response to reach us quickly and efficiently. When weather conditions worsen, we want to be forewarned about treacherous conditions. Once we're on the road, we expect to hear about traffic ahead. The Thurston Regional Planning Council has identified a number of policy guidelines to improve its transportation system. These policies make up the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). This plan identifies and addresses the long-range transportation needs that result from our area's growth, and guide short-term investments throughout the whole system. The RTP includes strategies and guidance to address these needs, including system management techniques to maximize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of our current infrastructure.    ITS Fact Sheets and Power Point Presentations		Advanced traffic surveillance and signal control systems have resulted in travel time improvements ranging from 8 to 25%.