The term “Intelligent Transportation Systems” (ITS) refers to an assortment of technologies, systems, and transportation management concepts that collectively aim to save time, lives, and money. ITS is a "system of systems," envisioned to evolve over the next 20 years using communication technologies and real-time coordination to allow for a more effective operation of the transportation system without adding pavement. In response to estimates of lost productivity, money, time, and oil in traffic congestion, ITS technologies were developed that successfully increase safety and relieve congestion by improving traffic flow. Examples of ITS technologies include dynamic message signs, ramp meter signals on the freeway, cameras that monitor traffic flow and incidents, and transit related systems such as the Automated Vehicle Locators (AVL) which help determine the real-time location of a vehicle.

The importance for collaboration, communication, and system integration cannot be stressed enough, especially when it comes to reducing congestion, increasing traffic flow, enhancing safety, and improving air quality. It is imperative to create one transportation system that works across jurisdictions and agencies and utilizes limited resources most efficiently. We know that our region will continue to grow and traffic delays will only worsen. But we can’t keep building more and wider roads because land for expansion is scarce and financial resources are limited, and the livability of our region would suffer.

Please look through the different pages to find out about current and past project related to ITS in the central Ohio region.

If you have any questions, please contact Kerstin Carr or via phone: 614.233.4163.