OPEN ROAD: INTEROPERABLE ITS - A SUCCESS STORY

US Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) involved in intelligent transport systems (ITS) have published 45 ITS standards. The US Department of Transport's (DOT) programme of standards support has rejuvenated ITS America's Council of Standards Organizations. The development of ITS standards is described. The early focus of ITS America was to provide a forum to identify user interests in ITS standards and to assure that appropriate attention was paid to these standards by the SDOs. Funding from US DOT helped accelerate standards development at SDOs. The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century directs US DOT to ensure conformance to applicable ITS standards by state and local agencies that use Highway Trust Funds for the development and deployment of ITS projects. The problems associated with the communications technology for electronic toll collection and for supporting non-stop commercial vehicle credentials and safety processing at state and national borders are discussed. ITS standards under development are listed.