The work presented here represents a feasibility study for the application of Advanced Vehicle Control Systems (AVCS) to transit bus and commercial vehicle operations. This paper explores past and present research relevant to automatic control for trucks and buses, and recommends specific operations that could be better performed by AVCS-assisted or controlled vehicles. A survey of feasible technologies for the guidance and control of such vehicles is also presented for various levels of automation.

The Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Program is a cooperative effort by government, private industry, and academia to apply advanced technology to the task of resolving the problems of surface transportation. The objective is to improve travel efficiency and mobility, enhance safety, conserve energy, provide economic benefits, and protect the environment. The current demand for mobility has exceeded the available capacity of the roadway system. Because the highway system cannot be expanded, except in minor ways, the available capacity must be used more efficiently to handle the increased demand. ITS applies advanced information processing, communication, sensing, and computer control technologies to the problems of surface transportation. Considerable research and development efforts will be required to produce these new technologies and to convert technologies developed in the defense and space programs to solve surface transportation problems. ITS has been subdivided into six interlocking technology areas. This book addresses human factors concerns for four of these areas: * Advanced Traveler Information Systems are a variety of systems that provide real time, in-vehicle information to drivers regarding navigation and route guidance, motorist services, roadway signing, and hazard warnings. * Advanced Vehicle Control Systems refer to systems that aid drivers in controlling their vehicle particularly in emergency situations and ultimately taking over some or all of the driving tasks. * Commercial Vehicle Operations address the application of ITS technologies to the special needs of commercial roadway vehicles including automated vehicle identification, location, weigh-in-motion, clearance sensing, and record keeping. * Advanced Traffic Management Systems monitor, control and manage traffic on streets and highways to reduce congestion using vehicle route diversion, automated signal timing, changeable message signs, and priority control systems. Two technical areas are not specifically addressed in individual chapters, but many aspects of them are covered in associated chapters: * Advanced Rural Transportation Systems include systems that apply ITS technologies to the special needs of rural systems and include emergency notification and response, vehicle location, and traveler information. * Advanced Public Transportation Systems enhance the effectiveness, attractiveness and economics of public transportation and include fleet management, automated fare collection, and real-time information systems.

The purpose of this study was to identify, through a literature review, the potential safety benefits of implementing various ITS technologies through Virginia's Smart Travel Program. This study was requested by the ITS Section of the Virginia Department of Transportation to document what is believed to be an underestimated benefit of ITS: safety. Several Advanced Traffic Management Systems technologies improve safety, primarily through reducing congestion. In general, this reduces crash risk, particularly for multivehicle crashes. Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) provide information to the public by such means as the broadcast media, cable television, highway advisory radio, and the Internet. Although no studies document an impact, a simulation study showed that such a system has the potential to reduce crash risk. Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO) applications have the potential to reduce the risk of fatalities and serious injuries. CVO are generally geared to improving the efficiency of safety inspections and reducing inconvenience to motor carriers that are not in violation. Because of greater efficiency, more hazardous vehicles and drivers can be removed from service. Much of the work on Advanced Vehicle Control and Safety Systems is in the developmental stages. Although vehicle-based warning systems would provide the driver with some warning once the vehicle enters a hazardous situation, road-based or integrated systems have the potential to warn the driver before entering the danger zone. Advanced Public Transportation Systems and Advanced Rural Transportation Systems could have a positive impact on safety through the deployment of Mayday systems and alarms and other security warning devices that notify authorities in the event of an incident.

Avaliação do intelligent transportation systems (its), amplo programa de modernização do sistema de trafego e transportes dos estados unidos.