This report summarizes the results of a multi-year research project that looked into the benefits of deploying intelligent transportation systems (ITS) projects. In this report the researchers: summarize current estimates of the benefits of ITS deployments, and present detailed guidelines for evaluating existing ITS projects and for estimating potential benefits of prospective projects. In addition to describing what ITS is, the report addresses the range of benefits that can be expected from ITS deployments, identifies key sources for updated benefits information in a highly dynamic field, and develops a sound and consistent approach to setting goals and objectives and to measuring the benefits of ITS deployments. Using the detailed evaluation guidelines, the report identifies data collection and evaluation methodologies for 28 of the most commonly deployed market packages. Detailed evaluation "trees" are presented in an appendix.

This one-of-a-kind reference offers you a comprehensive and easy-to-follow introduction to the fundamentals of ITS planning and operations. The book puts special focus on traffic flow issues and principles, and addresses recent security concerns in transportation systems, thus allowing you a greater degree of confidence in the success of your projects before actual implementation.

The 17 chapters in this book, which evolved from a conference on measuring the contributions of ITS sponsored by the California Department of Transportation in February 2002, examine the costs and benefits of ITS in an economic and business policy context. Section 1 examines the broad theme of how and what ITS contributes to the economy and how one makes a business case for ITS. Section 2 includes three chapters on ITS applications in mass transit. Section 3 explores ITS applications in the automobile/highway system. Section 4 considers integrative issues including how ITS is perceived and how it can be positioned to improve surface transportation. This volume will be especially useful to researchers and policy makers working in transportation, transportation engineering, and the economic analysis of transportation systems.

There are unique complexities associated with the economic valuation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and telematics. Traditional methods of quantitative analysis may not be appropriate in accurately and reliably assessing the economic impacts of these technologies. Although advanced transportation and related technologies are being planned and deployed at an increasingly rapid pace, many of the technologies are still relatively new, and their use may not be widespread. Much of the initial information and statistics gathered have been anecdotal and have focused more on benefits rather than costs. Therefore, difficulties arise due to the lack of historical data and 'lessons learned' from which to draw upon. In addition, compared with traditional transportation infrastructure, ITS technologies have different life cycles, cost structures, and a number of interrelated elements. This book addresses these concerns and proposes new economic assessment techniques as well as modifications to existing ones. Included are case studies from a multitude of North American, European, and Asian nations and major metropolitan areas covering a wide range of ITS technologies including freeway management, electronic toll collection, advanced driver assistance systems, and traveller information systems.

Intelligent Transportation Systems: Functional Design for Economical and Efficient Traffic Management provides practical guidance on the efficient use of resources in the design of ITS. The author explains how functional design alternatives can meet project objectives and requirements with optimal cost effectiveness and clarifies how transportation planning and traffic diversion principles relate to functional ITS device selections and equipment locations. Methodologies for translating objectives to functional device types, determining device deployment densities and determining the best placement of CCTV cameras and message signs are provided, as are models for evaluating the benefits of design alternatives based on traffic conditions. Readers will learn how to reduce recurrent congestion, improve incident clearance time in non-recurrent congestion, provide real-time incident information to motorists, and leverage transportation management center data for lane control through important new active transportation and demand management (ATDM) methods. Finally, the author examines exciting developments in connected vehicle technologies, exploring their potential to greatly improve safety, mobility and energy efficiency. This resource will greatly benefit all ITS designers and managers and is of pivotal importance for operating agencies performing evaluations to justify operational funding and system expansions.

Stough (public policy, George Mason U.) brings together nine contributions that evaluate the prospects for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to solve the dilemma caused by increasing demands for mobility combined with reluctance to continue to build traditional transportation infrastructure such as highways. These systems encompass a complex of information technologies. The chapters offer case studies of systems deployed in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and use multi-criteria methodologies to evaluate the cost- effectiveness of the programs. Electronic tolling systems, variable message signs, automatic truck rollover warning systems, and several other technologies are discussed and evaluated. The final chapter applies simulation modeling to estimate the effects the addition of several ITS technologies will have on congestion and mobility in the Northern Virginia region. c. Book News Inc.