Intelligent Transport systems for traveller information

By accepting the term 'Intelligent Transport System' ('ITS'), the transport industry has recognised that it is part of the 'information age'. Information plays an essential part in integrated transport, and the UK Government's policies on integrated transport will not be realised without systems and services to provide information for travellers. Previously, public transport information was based mainly on paper timetables, and drivers usually had to work for themselves or obtain route advice from a motoring organisation. More recently, ITS systems have been developed to make journey planning easier and to provide up-to-the-minute information about public transport services and disruptions or about road conditions. This article surveys some of the ITS facilities available in the UK. For public transport passengers, they include public access terminals or kiosks such as the ROMANSE TRIPlanners; Internet services such as the ROMANSE Online; passenger information displays, including some at bus stops; and on-train and on-bus information systems. For drivers, they include variable message signs (VMS) for route and parking guidance and in-vehicle radio broadcast data, the TrafficMaster system and other systems for route guidance, and warning and emergency services.