Integrated Active Transportation Systems A Roadmap for Developing Intelligent Transportation Systems in the 21st Century

摘要

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology has been in development for several decades; however, there are notable barriers to its widespread deployment. To advance ITS beyond its current scope, research efforts in the 21st century will need to pursue an agenda that integrates social, political/legal, energy/environmental, and economic/technology realization factors in the technical design process. The Integrated Active Transportation System (IATS) project seeks to achieve this agenda towards creating a seamless transportation system by incorporating a broad interdisciplinary approach to the development of a long-term vision for transportation in the United States (U.S.). As part of this effort, researchers examined previous ITS projects; interviewed experts in the field; formed and consulted with a project steering committee; and conducted two expert scenario workshops to develop plausible futures and to understand their possible effects on the transportation system. Barriers and opportunities for implementing advanced seamless transportation systems were identified for the 20- and 40-year timeframes. The most significant barriers identified were funding, technology adoption and obsolescence, and social acceptance. Opportunities include natural disasters; climate change; and adaptable, integrated technology/infrastructure deployment within the transportation system. Equipped with this understanding, researchers are now developing a research roadmap for U.S. transportation systems that address both technical and non-technical factors to the realization of IATS in the future.