Overview of 20 years of ITS Research in California

摘要

The California Partners for Advanced Transit and Highways (PATH) Program has been the largest ITS research program in the United States. It has been leading the way in ITS research since PATH's founding in 1986, before the term ITS or its predecessor IVHS (Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems) had even been coined. PATH's purpose is to develop foundations for the widespread adoption of advanced technologies that will improve the operation of California's surface transportation systems. PATH's primary goals are to conduct research to reduce traffic congestion and improve mobility and safety. Because PATH's goals and objectives coincide with national interest in solving transportation problems using advanced technologies, PATH has played and continues to play an important role in initiating ITS in the United States and the creation of ITS America. This paper reviews PATH's 20 years history in ITS research, its impact to the national ITS research and development, and its plan for the future.