Intelligent Transportation Systems

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) represent a group of technologies that can improve transportation system management and public transit, as well as individual decisions surrounding many aspects of travel. ITS technologies include state-of-the art wireless, electronic, and automated technologies with a goal to improve surface transportation safety, efficiency, and convenience. Reducing energy consumption, while not a primary goal for ITS, is a demonstrated ITS benefit in certain circumstances. This paper reviews and summarizes key energy benefits associated with a variety of ITS technologies that have been documented through models, pilot programs/field tests, and full-scale deployment.