GERMANY'S ITS PARTNERSHIPS: EFFORTS FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN GERMANY

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and the application of telematics are considered key elements of the federal and state traffic policy in Germany. Cities are improving their services with respect to traffic data management and public transport improvement. Private service providers are launching their travel services for road users, and public transport is using telematics for the benefit of customers. A memorandum of understanding has been signed by industry, traffic operators, municipalities, and federal and state departments of transport that coordinates and focuses ITS implementation in Germany. The application of ITS has been established in public transport, computer aided operating systems for rail transport, and priority for public transport via traffic lights. ITS application in freight and fleet transport is a standard procedure for large German haulers. Several test trials have been performed in Germany that concern traffic data management and have demonstrated the potential of ITS for improving the traffic situation and being a key factor for integrated traffic. These tasks have been greatly supported by the implementation of modern communication and information technologies for traffic/transport management.