SUBJECT NAME: INTELLIGENT TRANSPORATION SYSTEM (21CV754)

MODULE:3

ITS for Public Transportation:

Need for ITS Implementation in public transportation:

1. Enhanced Efficiency: There is a growing need to optimize transit routes and schedules to
meet increasing demand and reduce wait times.
2. Safety Improvements: Addressing safety concerns for both passengers and operators is
crucial. ITS can help monitor conditions and provide alerts in real-time.
3. Data-Driven Decision Making: There is a need for better data collection and analysis to
inform policy, planning, and resource allocation in transit systems.
4. User Experience: As public transportation becomes more competitive, improving the
passenger experience is vital for attracting and retaining riders.
5. Environmental Sustainability: The push for greener transportation options
necessitates technologies that reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.
6. Integration of Services: The need for seamless connections between different modes of
transportation requires coordinated systems that can communicate and share data.

Benefits of ITS Implementation in public transport:

1. Real-time Information: ITS provides passengers with real-time updates on schedules,

delays, and route changes, helping them plan their journeys more effectively.
2. Traffic Management: ITS technologies can optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and
minimize travel times, which is especially beneficial for buses and other public transit
vehicles.
3. Safety Enhancements: Advanced monitoring systems can enhance safety by detecting
incidents, providing emergency alerts, and improving overall situational awareness for both
operators and passengers.
4. Improved Accessibility: ITS can help make public transport more accessible for people with
disabilities by offering information on available services and ensuring vehicles are equipped
for diverse needs.
5. Data Collection and Analysis: ITS enables the collection of data on ridership patterns, which
can inform better planning and resource allocation for public transportsystems.
6. Sustainability: By optimizing routes and reducing congestion, ITS can help decrease fuel
consumption and emissions, contributing to more sustainable transportation systems.
7. Payment Systems: ITS supports seamless payment options, such as mobile ticketing and
contactless payments, enhancing the convenience for users.
8. Integration with Other Modes: ITS facilitates better integration between different modes of
transportation (buses, trains, bicycles, etc.), making it easier for passengers to transfer and
complete their journeys.
ITS Technologies used public transportation or Intelligent Public Transportation Systems
(IPTS):
Intelligent Public Transportation Systems (IPTS) leverage various technologies to improve
the efficiency, safety, and user experience of public transit. Here are some key technologies
used in IPTS:
1. Real-Time Passenger Information Systems (RTPIS)
Digital Displays: Screens at transit stops providing real-time updates on arrival times,
service changes, departure times and alerts.
Mobile Apps: Applications that give passengers real-time tracking of buses or trains,
route information, and notifications.
In vehicle information system: Usually provides desired information through audio an
visual means, it is used to provide passengers with next bus stop information.
Variable message sign: It is a digital display board wired and controlled, it is used to
display live actions on the road, ex., Accident, Traffic congestion, road closed etc.,
Interactive Kiosks: These are generally touch screen computer like terminals or
machines that provide travel information at the click on screen by user.
2. Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL)
GPS Technology: Uses GPS devices installed on vehicles to provide their real-time
location, helping transit agencies monitor service performance and optimize routes.
3. Traffic Signal Priority (TSP)
Signal Control Systems: Adjust traffic signals in favor of public transit vehicles to
reduce delays and improve travel times.
4. Automatic Fare Collection (AFC)
Contactless Payment Systems: Technologies such as smart cards and mobile
payments that allow passengers to pay fares quickly and efficiently.
Mobile Ticketing: Apps that enable users to purchase and display tickets on their
smartphones.
5. Fleet Management Systems
Telematics: Systems that provide data on vehicle performance, maintenance needs,
and driver behaviour to optimize fleet operations and reduce costs.
Scheduling and dispatch software for fleet management
Transit Signal priority for fleet management.
Lane control Signals
6. Surveillance and Security Systems
CCTV Cameras: Installed in vehicles and at stations to enhance safety and deter
crime, providing real-time monitoring and recording.
Emergency Communication Systems: Devices that allow passengers to contact
authorities or request assistance quickly.
7. Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
Big Data Analytics: Collects and analyzes vast amounts of ridership data to identify
trends, optimize service delivery, and improve decision-making.
Predictive Analytics: Uses historical data to forecast demand and service needs,
enabling proactive adjustments to schedules and routes.
8. Smart Infrastructure
Connected Devices: Sensors and IoT devices integrated into bus stops, vehicles, and
roads to monitor conditions, collect data, and provide information to transit agencies.
Smart Traffic Management: Systems that manage and control traffic flow using
real-time data to reduce congestion and improve transit reliability.
9. Passenger Feedback Systems
Surveys and Ratings: Digital platforms allowing passengers to provide feedback on
services, helping agencies identify areas for improvement.
10. Mobility as a Service (MaaS)
Integrated Platforms: Applications that combine various transportation services (buses,
trains, bike-sharing, etc.) into a single platform for seamless trip planning and payment.
11. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Wayfinding Solutions: AR applications that help passengers navigate complex transit
systems or locate stops and amenities.
12. Environmental Monitoring
Emission Tracking: Technologies that monitor and report on vehicle emissions, helping
transit agencies assess their environmental impact and compliance.
13. GIS
Route Planning and Optimization: GIS helps transit agencies design and optimize
routes based on population density, ridership patterns, climatic conditions and
accessibility to key destinations (e.g., schools, hospitals, residential address, commercial
address etc.,)

Advanced Rural Transportation System (ARTS):

The Advanced Rural Transportation System (ARTS) is designed to enhance mobility in rural
areas through the integration of advanced technologies and innovative approaches. Given the
unique challenges faced by rural communities—such as limited public transportation options,
longer distances, and lower population densities—ARTS aims to provide efficient,accessible,
and sustainable transportation solutions. following are key features and benefits of ARTS:

Key features of ARTS:

1. Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT):

o Flexible Routing: ARTS often incorporates DRT systems that allow users to
request rides based on their specific needs, rather than adhering to fixed routes
and schedules.
2. Real-Time Information Systems:
o Mobile Apps and Digital Platforms: These tools provide real-time updates on
transit options, schedules, and availability, helping users make informed travel
decisions.
3. Integrated Transportation Networks:
o Multi-Modal Solutions: ARTS promotes connections between different modes
of transport, such as buses, shuttles, and bike-sharing, ensuring seamless
transitions for users.
4. Smart Payment Systems:
o Contactless and Mobile Payments: Implementing easy-to-use payment systems
that allow riders to pay through apps or smart cards can enhance user
convenience.
5. Telematics and Fleet Management:
o Data-Driven Operations: Utilizing GPS and telematics to monitor vehicle
locations, optimize routes, and manage maintenance can improve service
efficiency and reliability.
6. Community Involvement:
o Local Stakeholder Engagement: Involving community members in planning
and decision-making ensures that transportation solutions meet local needs and
preferences.
7. Partnerships with Local Agencies:
 o Collaboration: Building partnerships with local governments, health services,
and community organizations can help address specific transportation challenges,
such as access to healthcare.
8. Sustainability Initiatives:
o Eco-Friendly Options: Promoting the use of electric or low-emission vehicles
within the rural transit fleet can contribute to environmental sustainability.

Advanced vehicle control and safety systems(AVCS)

This user service aims to improve the safety of the transportation system by supplementing
drivers’ abilities to maintain vigilance and control of the vehicle by enhancing the crash
avoidance capabilities of vehicles. Following user services are included in this group:
Longitudinal Collision Avoidance
This user service provides assistance to vehicle operators in avoiding longitudinal collisions to
the front and/or rear of the vehicle. This is achieved by implementing rear-end collision warning
and control, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), head-on collision warning and control, and
backing collision warning to the drivers.
Lateral Collision Avoidance
This helps drivers in avoiding accidents that result when a vehicle leaves its own lane of travel,
by warning drivers and by assuming temporary control of the vehicle. This service provides to
the drivers the lane change/blind spot situation display, collision warning control and lane
departure warning and control.
Intersection Collision Avoidance
This user service is specifically aimed at providing vehicle operators with assistance in avoiding
collisions at intersections. The system tracks the position of vehicles within the intersection area
through the use of vehicle-to-vehicle communications or vehicle to infrastructure
communications.
Vision Enhancement for Crash Avoidance
This service helps in reducing the number of vehicle crashes that occur during periods of poor
visibility by in vehicle sensors capable of capturing an image of driving environment and
providing a graphical display of the image to the drivers.
Safety Readiness
This helps to provide drivers with warnings regarding their own driving performance, the
condition of the vehicle, and the condition of the roadway as sensed from the vehicle.
Pre-Crash Restraint Deployment
This service helps in reducing the number and severity of injuries caused by vehicle collisions
by anticipating an imminent collision and by activating passenger safety systems prior to the
actual impact.

ITS Planning
ITS planning is to integrate ITS into the transportation planning process.
Transportation planning and ITS
Transportation planning helps in shaping a well-balanced transportation system that can meet
future demands. Transportation planning is an iterative process which include problem
identification, solution generation, analysis, evaluation and implementation. This can be
integrated with ITS using computers, communication systems and software. As planning is
normally made for long period, installing ITS facilities needs to be updated and one should
ensure that the equipment and technologies are compatible for future improvement and
expansion. The steps in traditional transportation planning are as follows:
 1. Establish goals and objectives
2. Inventory existing conditions
3. Analyze existing conditions
4. Long range/ short range element
5. Forecast land use, population/employment
6. Forecast future travel/trips
7. Develop and evaluate alternative transportation plans
8. Prepare recommended plans and programs

ITS transportation planning process differs from the traditional transportation planning process.
ITS has the unique capability to integrate different modes of transportation such as public auto,
transit, and infra-structural elements through communications and control. The multi-modal
integration potential provides a great opportunity for planning across modes.The comparison
between ITS approach and conventional approach for solving various transportation problems
are shown for few problems are shown in table. 3.

Table 3: Relationship between problems, conventional approach and ITS approach

Integrating ITS into Transportation planning
Integrating ITS into transportation planning process require overcoming some obstacles and
some changes in the business practices of many institutions. The major challenges in
mainstreaming ITS into everyday operations of transportation agencies are:

Institutional coordination and cooperation for sharing information and data

Technical compatibility among ITS projects
Human resource needs and training
Financial constraints and opportunities to involve the private sector

Most public agencies are aware of the challenges in mainstreaming ITS into transportation
planning process where ITS projects are part of traditional transportation programs on local or
state level to achieve the best output from transportation investments.

Integration of ITS in Regional Strategic Transportation Planning

1. Data Collection and Analysis:

o Traffic and Usage Data: ITS gathers real-time data on traffic patterns, transit
ridership, and road conditions, allowing planners to make informed decisions
based on actual usage rather than estimates.
o Travel Behaviour Analysis: Understanding how and why people travel helps
tailor transportation services to meet demand effectively.
2. Performance Monitoring:
o Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): ITS enables the establishment of KPIs to
assess the performance of transportation systems, such as travel times,
reliability, and safety metrics, facilitating continuous improvement.
3. Demand Forecasting:
o Predictive Analytics: Using historical data and modeling techniques, ITS can
help forecast future transportation needs, allowing for proactive planning and
resource allocation.
4. Traffic Management and Optimization:
o Adaptive Signal Control: Implementing ITS technologies that adjust traffic
signals based on real-time traffic conditions can enhance flow and reduce
congestion, which is crucial for effective regional planning.
5. Integration of Multi-Modal Transportation:
o Seamless Connectivity: ITS supports the integration of various transportation
modes (e.g., buses, trains, bike-sharing), ensuring that regional plans promote
efficient transfers and holistic mobility options.
6. Public Engagement:
o Interactive Platforms: ITS can facilitate community engagement through
platforms that allow citizens to provide feedback and access real-time
information, ensuring that planning processes are transparent and responsive to
public needs.
7. Emergency Management and Response:
o Real-Time Alerts and Coordination: ITS can enhance emergency response
capabilities by providing real-time information to planners and responders,
allowing for quick adjustments to transportation strategies during incidents.
8. Environmental Sustainability:
o Emission Monitoring: ITS can help track emissions and assess the
environmental impact of transportation options, supporting sustainable planning
initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints.
Benefits of Integrating ITS in Regional Transportation Planning

1. Improved Efficiency:
o Enhanced data and traffic management lead to more efficient use of existing
infrastructure, reducing the need for costly expansions.
2. Better Resource Allocation:
o Data-driven insights allow planners to allocate resources where they are needed
most, improving service delivery and overall system performance.
3. Increased Safety:
o Real-time monitoring and responsive traffic management can reduce accidents
and improve safety for all road users.
4. Enhanced Mobility:
o ITS fosters more reliable and flexible transportation options, making it easier for
residents to access jobs, education, and services.
5. Long-Term Planning:
o By providing a clearer picture of current and future transportation needs, ITS
supports more effective long-term strategic planning, ensuring that regional goals
are met sustainably.
6. Inter-Agency Collaboration:
o ITS encourages collaboration among various agencies and stakeholders by
providing a shared framework for data and operational strategies, leading to
coordinated planning efforts.

ITS Architecture:

“Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Architecture refers to a structured

framework(Blueprint) that outlines the components, technologies, and interactions required to
implement and manage intelligent transportation systems effectively”.

It serves as a blueprint for integrating various transportation technologies and services to

improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of transportation networks.

Primary components of ITS Architecture

The Primary components of an ITS architecture are,

1. Subsystems
2. Information Flows.

1. Sub system

In Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) architecture, subsystems are specialized components

that work together to achieve the overall objectives of the system. Each subsystem has specific
functions and responsibilities. Here are the key subsystems commonlyfound in ITS architecture:

1. Traffic Management Subsystem

 Functions: Monitors and manages traffic flow, optimizes signal timings, and
implements traffic control measures.
 Components: Traffic sensors, cameras, traffic signal controllers, and traffic
management centers (TMC).
2. Public Transportation Management Subsystem

 Functions: Oversees public transit operations, including scheduling, routing, and

real-timetracking of vehicles.
 Components: Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) systems, transit signal priority
systems, and passenger information systems.

3. Incident Management Subsystem

 Functions: Detects, verifies, and responds to incidents on roadways, coordinating

emergencyresponse and traffic rerouting.
 Components: Incident detection systems, communication tools for emergency
services, and response coordination software.

4. Traveler Information Subsystem

 Functions: Provides real-time information to travelers about traffic conditions, travel

times, and available routes.
 Components: Variable Message Signs (VMS), mobile applications, and web portals.

5. Data Management and Analytics Subsystem

 Functions: Collects, stores, and analyzes transportation data for performance

monitoring and decision-making.
 Components: Data storage systems, analytical tools, and reporting dashboards.

6. Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication Subsystem

 Functions: Facilitates communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and other road

users to improve safety and efficiency.
 Components: Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) systems, Cellular
Vehicle- to-Everything (C-V2X) technology, and roadside units.

7. Environmental Monitoring Subsystem

 Functions: Monitors environmental conditions related to transportation, such as air

qualityand weather conditions.
 Components: Environmental sensors, weather stations, and data reporting systems.

8. Payment and Fare Collection Subsystem

 Functions: Manages fare collection for public transportation systems, including

seamless payment options.
 Components: Smart cards, mobile payment applications, and ticket vending machines.

9. Infrastructure Management Subsystem

 Functions: Manages transportation infrastructure, including maintenance and

condition monitoring.
 Components: Asset management systems, pavement condition sensors, and
maintenance scheduling tools.
 1. Information flow:
Information flows define the information that is transferred and exchanged between subsystem
such as traffic information, Surveillance and sensor Control data. ITS architecture describes
various functions and responsibilities to each stakeholder of ITS. The following issues need to
be kept in mind while developing an effective ITS Architecture.

a. Interoperability: The ITS subsystem are required to be used many departments like Traffic
police, Transport department, Municipality, Public transport etc., hence IRS architecture should
be interoperable means work together effectively or cohesively.

b. Information sharing capabilities: The ITS architecture shall be designed to facilitate

seamless sharing of information amount various agencies.

b. Sharing of Infrastructure: The provision of sharing of existing resources/infrastructure

among different regional communication towers constructed by various private agencies to be
provided in ITS architecture.

Functionality required for User service and Their requirements:

Traffic Control provides the capability to efficiently manage the movement of traffic
on streets and highways. Four functions are provided which are
(1) Traffic Flow Optimization,
(2) Traffic Surveillance,
(3) Control, and
(4) Provide Information.
This will also include control of network signal systems with integration of freeway
control. The specified User service requirements
( 1) TC shall include a Traffic Flow Optimization function to provide the capability
to optimize traffic flow.
(1.1) Traffic Flow Optimization shall employ control strategies that seek to maximize
traffic-movement efficiency.
(1.2) Traffic Flow Optimization shall include a wide area optimization capability, to
include several jurisdictions.
(1.2.1) Wide area optimization shall integrate the control of network signal systems
with the control of freeways.
(1.2.2) Wide area optimization shall include features that provide preferential
treatment for transit vehicles.
(2) TC shall include a Traffic Surveillance function.

Types of ITS Architecture:

Following are the various types of ITS Architecture

1. Logical Architecture
2. Physical Architecture
3. Organisational Architecture
4. Equipment package
5. Market package
1. Logical Architecture,

To accomplish user service requirements many functions or processes are needed. The logical
architecture defines a set of functions (or processes) and information flows (or data flows)
that respond to the user service requirements. It describes the lower end interaction of different
components of ITS. Processes and data flows are grouped to form a particular function. These
are represented graphically by data flow diagrams (DFDs). Fig. shows the interaction of Manage
Traffic process with other processes. Each process is broken down into more sub processes. The
sub process is further broken into sub process which are called process specifications (P-specs)
lowest level. These p specs are required to be performed to fulfil user services requirements.
2. Physical Architecture,

The functions from logical architecture that serve the same need are grouped into sub systems.
With these subsystems a physical entity is developed to deliver functions. The data flow of
logical architecture are also combined to define interface between subsystems. Fig. shows
the functions A and B of logical architecture assigned to subsystem A in physical architecture.
Both the architecture forms the core of ITS.

The physical architecture of ITS defines the physical subsystems and architectural flows based
on the logical architecture. The 22 subsystems are broadly classified in four groups as centres,
field, vehicle, and travellers. Below Fig. shows the subsystems and communications that
comprise the national physical architecture. The subsystem represents aggregation of functions
that serve the same transportation need and closely correspond to physical elements of
transportation management system.

Vehicle group consists of five different types of vehicles. The traveller group represents
different ways a traveller can access information on the status of the transportation system.
There are four different types of communication systems.

1. Fixed point to fixed point

2. Wide area wireless
3. Vehicle - vehicle communication
4. Field - vehicle communication

Through the communication systems all the subsystems are interconnected and transfer the
required data. Below Fig. shows the communication between traffic management subsystem and
the roadway subsystem. Traffic management subsystem is connected to communications which
gets real time information of the transportation system through roadway subsystem which
comprise of signal control, detectors, camera, VMS etc.
3. Organisational Architecture,

Organisational architecture represents the involvement of various organisations/stakeholders

associated to be part of the traffic management centre such as National highway authority of
India(NHAI), Traffic police, Municipal Corporation, Public work department(PWD),
Mobile/Wi-Fi service providers, utility service provider companies etc., for the control and
management of traffic movement, Incident management, maintenance of street lights, traveller
information service, commercial vehicle management, electronic payment systems, safety
services, emergency management services etc.,

4. Eqipment package,

In this similar functions of a particular subsystem are grouped together and implemented by a
package of hardware and software facilities. As an example, the TMC signal control equipment
package and its functional requirements.

TMC Equipment package provides the capability for traffic managers to monitor and manage
the traffic flow at signalized intersections. It analyzes and reduces the collected data from traffic
surveillance equipment and implements control plans for signalized intersections.
TMC signal control equipment package contains five P- specs:
(i) Traffic operation personnel traffic interface
(ii) Process traffic data
(iii) Select strategy
(iv) Determine indicator state for road management
(v) Output control data for roads

5. Market package,

The market package defines a set of equipment packages that are required to work together to
provide a given transportation service. Most market packages are made up of equipment
packages from two or more subsystems. These are designed to address specific transportation
problems and needs.
This package provides the central control and monitoring equipment, communication links and
the signal control equipment that support local street control or arterial traffic management. The
various signal control systems dynamically adjusted control plans and strategies based on
current traffic conditions and priority requests.

Need of ITS Architecture/Urban plan/ITS planning:

The need for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) architecture arises from various
challenges and goals in modern transportation management. Here are some key reasons for
implementing ITS architecture:

1. ITS architecture is useful tool for integrating ITS technique into conceptualising and
planning process.
2. The ITS architecture describes the comprehensive set of data that is required to be shared by
various agencies of transportation network., with the knowledge of what data must be shared,
these agencies can develop a common interest in cooperating planning efforts between all
transportation projects.
3. As vehicle miles travelled (VMT) and congestion has been growing rapidly in the cities with
no end in sight, precision technology has become essential for transportation planning.
4. As urban areas are expanding and more roadways are interlinked with one another,operations
and maintenance of this technology is imperative.
5. ITS architecture has been developed as the best way to oversee the physical and virtual
networks interacting with ITS
6. Data-Driven Decision Making
 Informed Planning: The architecture supports the collection and analysis of
transportation data, enabling agencies to make evidence-based decisions for future
infrastructure and policy planning.
 Performance Monitoring: Continuous data collection allows for ongoing evaluation of
system performance, leading to timely improvements.
7. Interoperability and Integration
 System Cohesion: ITS architecture ensures that various transportation systems (traffic
lights, public transport, emergency services) can communicate effectively, enhancing
overall efficiency.
 Collaboration Across Agencies: Facilitates partnerships between different government
entities and the private sector, creating a more integrated transportation network.
8. User-Centric Services
 Real-Time Information Access: Provides travelers with up-to-date information on
traffic, public transport schedules, and route options, enhancing user convenience and
satisfaction.
 Personalized Travel Solutions: Supports services like ridesharing and mobility-as-a-
service (MaaS), catering to diverse traveler needs.
9. Future-Proofing Transportation Systems
 Scalability and Flexibility: A robust ITS architecture can adapt to emerging
technologies (e.g., connected and autonomous vehicles) and evolving transportation
demands.
 Preparedness for Urban Growth: As cities expand, ITS can accommodate increased
travel needs without overwhelming existing infrastructure.

ITS Architecture in different countries (US, Europe, japan etc.,)

In exam for this topic question write the answer

ITS Architecture questions - Same as explained in the previous pages
ITS tools- Available in module 2 notes
Functional areas and functions - Available in module 1 notes