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The many forms of ITS provide benefits that are only now beginning to be measured. ITS projects provide better traffic and public transportation information, improve incident detection and emergency response, improve safety on the region's streets and highways, and result in information for better management of the region's traffic. These technology-based solutions move traffic, transit and freight more efficiently providing our residents and businesses with more reliable transportation choices.
ITS makes the trip more predictable – Effective information systems can reduce uncertainty for travelers. Some congestion may be unavoidable, but it is the unanticipated events and delays that really lead to traveler frustration. Improving trip predictability can lead to savings in time and money for travelers.
ITS supports use of transit – By improving predictability of bus arrival times, and communicating information about stops, routes and fares, ITS helps public transportation become a more viable travel choice for an increasing number of users.
ITS makes more efficient use of existing road networks – Making the existing transportation system work as efficiently as possible reduces the need to build new roads. ITS promotes this with a variety of technologies ranging from traffic signals that respond to flows and peak demands, to alerts that help travelers avoid problem spots. These technologies help us work together to increase the effective road capacity and reduce unnecessary impacts of congestion.
ITS supports the environment – ITS can improve regional air quality and save fuel by avoiding extended idling in congestion. When travelers know there’s an unusual delay they can take steps to avoid it. ITS can also improve emergency response times to accidents or disabled vehicles, removing roadway hazards sooner and returning the flow of traffic.
ITS improves safety - Weather-actuated variable speed limits slow traffic to appropriate speeds and reduce accidents on mountain passes and in trouble spots. Monitors can detect early bridge icing and alert drivers before it’s too late. Traffic control centers provide early detection of incidents, so vehicles are removed quickly from the roadway, reducing the number of related secondary accidents.
Traffic accidents, congestion and delays take a heavy toll in lives, property damage, lost productivity, and wasted energy. Transportation technologies enable people and goods to move more safely and efficiently through an increasingly state-of-the-art, intelligent transportation system. |
Programs > Transportation > ITS > What Is ITS > The Benefits
