Citation

Black T. Am. City Cty. 1999; 114(1): 7 p..

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Penton Media)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technology has helped millions of urban motorists get where they are going quicker, safer, and with little hassle. However, ITS offers a variety of components, including global positioning systems (GPS), communications equipment, and weather sensors, that can be assembled to meet the unique needs of any area, urban or rural. In the mid-1990s, the U.S. Department of Transportation established the Advanced Rural Transportation Systems Strategic Plan to harness the information-sharing capabilities of ITS for the benefit and safety of rural residents and motorists. The strategic plan addresses such rural attributes as large variances in travel speeds, steep grades/blind corners, few passing lanes, few convenient detour options, infrequent maintenance on secondary roads, and a higher incidence of motor vehicle deaths. The plan seeks to employ ITS technology for the following applications: emergency services, traveler safety and security, infrastructure operations and maintenance, fleet operations and maintenance, commercial vehicle operations, public traveler/public mobility services, and tourism and travel information services.