ITS: Smart roads keep things moving

Roch Muraine

February 15, 2019

Intelligent Transportation Systems connect travelers to smart roads and services to make travel easier and safer

What do New York, London, Paris, and Shanghai all have in common? Well, among other things—nightmare traffic congestion. And, with traffic volumes projected to rise, it’s a problem that needs tackling now.

The good news is Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are poised to transform transportation into a connected, dynamic part of our growing smart cities. With ITS, transportation departments can:

• Increase safety and security

• Enhance travelers’ experience

• Improve operational performance

• Reduce congestion and energy use

As traffic volumes increase, road agencies, public transport operators, and governments must come together to explore how to better manage their transportation systems and infrastructure.

With Internet of Things (IoT) technology, connected roads deliver real-time information to centralized traffic control centers. Sensors and cameras provide data about everything from how many cars are at an intersection, to monitoring vehicle speeds, to providing real-time information about road conditions. That information can be shared with drivers through the Passenger Information Systems along the roads, giving drivers the power to make good decisions, and select the best route that benefits everyone. Connected roads offer even more services to connected vehicles, first response vehicles, and buses, to enhance the travel experience.

And, at the heart of it all, the control center handles the flow of information, from the sensors and IoT-enabled technologies, that feed digital road signs, coordinates emergency vehicles, road services and monitors traffic, all delivered 24/7.

View our infographic and learn more about how ITS solutions from ALE are helping public transportation authorities manage traffic, keep things moving, and provide information to connected drivers to keep people safe. Download our e-zine, ‘Fast Forward’ to discover more ALE transportation solutions for the 21st century.