Intelligent use of intelligent transport systems

A wide range of intelligent transport systems (ITS) have begun to be implemented both in Australia and overseas, to address key transport problems, including road accidents, congestion and air pollution. However, even with the implementation of systems such as adaptive traffic control systems, advanced public transport management systems and electronic toll collection, we are only at the beginning of the ITS revolution. ITS are already generating over $1 billion pa of benefits in our cities through reduced congestion and pollution and through increased safety and efficiency of the transport system. The use of new and expanded ITS applications could increase these benefits to $4.8 billion pa by 2012. However, achieving this will require a deliberate strategy to ensure the intelligent use of such systems. For example: (1) Traffic control systems should focus on providing priority for freight and public transport; (2) Integrated passenger information systems should incorporate both traffic and public transport infrastructure; (3) Electronic tolling should be used not simply to replace manual tolling systems but as a tool for electronic road pricing; (4) Public transport management systems should incorporate both existing modes (buses, trains and taxis) as well as new types of multihire and on-demand systems; (5) Freight management systems should facilitate 'seamless' intermodal transfers so that overall efficiency in freight transport is maximised.