What's ITS?
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) are designed to put advanced information and communications technologies to work making our roads safer, more convenient, and more efficient, while at the same time reducing the burden placed on the environment. Government* is working alongside research institutions and private industry to make ITS a reality by collaborating on a variety of associated projects.
* Four ministries are involved with ITS initiatives: the National Police Agency; the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Telecommunications; the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
ITS is Changing Society
Advanced Safety Vehicle and Smartway
ASV uses a battery of sensors to detect hazards autonomously, issue warnings, and implement appropriate vehicle control programs. In the future, ASV is slated to evolve into a more advanced driver support system capable of taking advantage of information received from the Smartway road infrastructure and inter-vehicle communications.
Vehicle Information and Communication System and Commercial
The VICS Center (Vehicle Information and Communication System Center) provides drivers with real-time information about traffic conditions such as road congestion. VICS units have achieved excellent market penetration and are available as a standard feature on satellite navigation systems. In the future, the system will be developing into a suite of information services.
Electronic Toll Collection System and its applications
The ETC system for collecting tolls electronically at toll booths on toll roads is experiencing widespread use, and experimentation is underway into using the system's underlying technology at other venues such as parking lots and drive-through restaurants.