Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): Subsystems and Applications

Q1. Name the subsystems of Advanced Transportation Management

System (ATMS)? Explain them in detail.

The Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) are a key functional

area of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) that aim to improve the
efficiency and productivity of the transportation system using real-time
information. The subsystems of ATMS include:

• Transportation planning support: Uses ITS data and tools to aid in

better transportation planning, analyzing traffic patterns and
forecasting future needs to optimize infrastructure development and
traffic management strategies.

• Traffic control: Optimizes traffic flow through methods like adjusting

signal timings based on real-time traffic conditions and giving
preference to transit and high-occupancy vehicles. Examples include
the Japanese Public Transportation Priority System (PTPS) and
centreline shifting systems.

• Incident Management: Focuses on quick and accurate identification of

traffic incidents and implementing responses to minimize congestion
and environmental impact. Uses sensors like CCTV cameras, data
processors, and communication technologies to notify relevant
authorities.

• Demand Management: Influences travel behavior to reduce single-

occupancy vehicles and encourage efficient travel modes. Strategies
include congestion pricing, parking management, promoting public
transport, and reducing travel needs through telecommuting.

• Policing/enforcing traffic regulations: Assists in enforcing traffic rules

through automated systems like red-light signal enforcement and
 speed enforcement systems. The Japanese Intelligent Illegal Parking
Deterrence (IIPD) system is an example.

• Infrastructure maintenance management: Provides data on road

conditions and identifies areas needing attention for efficient
management of infrastructure maintenance.

Q2. Define ramp metering. Why is it needed?

Ramp metering is a traffic management technique used at freeway on-

ramps to control the rate at which vehicles enter the main freeway lanes,
typically using traffic signals installed on the on-ramp.

Ramp metering is needed for:

• Preventing congestion by regulating vehicle inflow to the freeway

• Breaking up platoons of vehicles for smoother merging

• Improving safety by reducing aggressive merging maneuvers

• Optimizing mainline flow to maintain consistent speeds

• Giving priority to buses and HOVs in some systems

Q3. What are the uses of advanced traveller information system (ATIS)?
Draw a sketch showing the components related and involved with ATIS.

The Advanced Traveller Information System (ATIS) provides accurate and

timely information to travelers, enabling informed journey decisions. Uses
include:

• Pre-trip information on traffic conditions, incidents, routes, transit

schedules, and parking

• En-route driver information via Variable Message Signs, radio, or

portable devices
 • Route guidance and navigation with turn-by-turn instructions
considering real-time conditions

• On-trip public transportation information about arrival times and

connections

• Traveler Services Information on food, lodging, parking, and other

facilities

• Personal information services tailored to individual traveler needs

Components of ATIS:

• Traffic Management Center (TMC) as the core

• Data sources: Sensors, probe vehicles, public transport agencies,

weather services, emergency services, and parking facilities

• Processing systems to generate meaningful information

• Output devices: Variable Message Signs, in-vehicle systems, mobile

applications, websites, radio broadcasts, and information kiosks

• Feedback loop where travelers provide information back into the

system

Q4. What information is intended to be provided by the advanced public

transportation system (APTS)?

The Advanced Public Transportation System (APTS) aims to improve the

operation and management of public transit systems, enhancing
convenience and attractiveness for users. Information provided includes:

• Real-time information on vehicle location and schedules: Up-to-the-

minute information on the location of buses, trains, and other transit
vehicles, plus expected arrival times

• Information on transfers and connections: Details about transfer

points between different transit vehicles and modes
 • En-route transit information: Real-time updates on board vehicles and
at stops regarding delays and alternatives

• Personalized public transit options: Facilitating flexible transit services

by assigning vehicles on demand

• Electronic fare collection: Implementing systems using electronic

media like cards or mobile payments

• Security information: Enhancing safety by monitoring transit facilities

and vehicles

Q5. What is the objective of advanced rural transportation system (ARTS)?

List out the component services of ARTS.

The objective of the Advanced Rural Transportation System (ARTS) is to

address unique transportation challenges in rural areas characterized by
dispersed populations, longer travel distances, and limited options. The goal
is to improve accessibility, safety, efficiency, and convenience of
transportation in these regions.

Component services of ARTS include:

• Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS): Adapted for rural

road networks

• Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS): Information on road

conditions and weather alerts

• Advanced Public Transportation Systems (APTS): Enhanced rural

transit with flexible routing

• Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO): Facilitating efficient freight

movement

• Advanced Vehicle Safety Systems (AVCS): Technologies for rural road

safety
 • Infrastructure Operation & Maintenance: Monitoring rural roads and
bridges

• Emergency Services: Improved response times using enhanced

communication

• Tourism Centres Information: Transportation information for rural

attractions

• Electronic Payment: Seamless payment for rural transportation

services

Q6. Write a short note on (a) information management and (b) emergency
management.

(a) Information Management

In ITS, information management is the systematic process of collecting,

processing, analyzing, storing, and disseminating data generated by various
ITS applications and sensors. It enables other ITS functionalities by providing a
comprehensive understanding of the transportation system's status. Goals
include establishing a common operating picture, ensuring accessibility and
interoperability across different systems and agencies. This framework
supports decision support systems, predictive information, performance
monitoring, transportation planning, research, and safety management
activities.

(b) Emergency Management

Emergency management within ITS improves the detection, handling, and

response to traffic incidents in cooperation with various authorities. Primary
objectives are to minimize congestion, reduce incident effects on the
environment and movement of people and goods, and reduce injury severity.
Advanced sensors (like CCTV), data processing, and communication
technologies quickly identify incidents. Key functions include emergency
notification and personal security for travelers to report emergencies, and
emergency vehicle management to reduce response time, potentially
through priority signaling.

Q7. Define ITS-architecture.

ITS-architecture is a conceptual framework for planning, integrating, and

systematically deploying ITS with various functional transportation services. It
serves as a blueprint defining all types of transportation requirements across
different modes and their interoperability for safe and sustainable growth. The
architecture outlines need-based services strategically located along a road
network at different levels (national, regional, state, and local).

A key aspect is ensuring interoperability, enabling information sharing

among various agencies across different regions. ITS architecture doesn't
dictate specific technologies but provides a generic framework allowing
flexibility while meeting standards and ensuring interfaces for operational
efficiency and future extensions. It guides planning by defining architectural
components and their functional services for ITS planners.

Q8. Define ITS planning with typical statements of vision, goals and
objectives.

ITS planning is the process undertaken after identifying transportation

problems and needs analysis to determine required ITS-based services and
predict the deployment of ITS infrastructure in a specific area.

Typical statements include:

Vision: "To become the leader in ITS by promoting coordination among

various user services through efficient, safe, reliable, cyber-secure, and
sustainable transportation systems in the country/region."

Goals:

• "Improve economic growth through better access, intermodal-

connectivity, and interoperable communication."
 • "Enhance road safety and security."

• "Implement IOT for effective traffic management."

• "Improve sustainability by intelligent and energy-efficient vehicle

operations."

Objectives: "Provide real-time multi-modal travel and traffic information for

mitigating traffic delays and road safety measures/response."

ITS planning also involves developing long-term and short-term deployment

strategies, considering stakeholder involvement, resource availability, and
potential challenges.

Q9. Write an overview on ITS as a technology deployment programme

detailing the supporting technologies and physical infrastructure.

ITS functions as a technology deployment programme integrating various

advanced technologies and physical infrastructure to address transportation
needs in real-time, considering vehicles, infrastructure, drivers, passengers,
and their interactions.

Supporting technologies include:

• Detection and classification: Real-time vehicle flow detection

(inductive loops, video analytics, radar, lidar)

• CCTV and artificial vision: Thermal and digital cameras for monitoring
and enforcement

• Communication systems: Internet, microwave, short-range radio,

Bluetooth, radio-GPS, cellular

• Data acquisition and exchange: Systems for real-time traffic data

transfer

• Geographical Information System (GIS): Location-based

transportation databases
 • Digital mapping: Digital representation of road networks

• En-route guidance and in-vehicle systems: GPS, OBE, CCTV, radars for
vehicle control

Supporting physical infrastructure includes:

• Sensors deployed along roadways: For collecting traffic and

environmental data

• Communication networks: Towers, fiber optic cables for data

transmission

• Traffic management centers (TMCs): Central facilities for data

processing and control

• Variable Message Signs (VMS): Electronic displays for driver

information

• On-board units (OBE): For vehicle-infrastructure communication

• Digital maps and databases: Spatially referenced transportation

information

Success depends on connectivity, interoperability, expandability,

interchangeability, and reliability of these components.

Q10. Explain the concept of layered structure of ITS architecture.

The layered structure of ITS architecture organizes the different aspects and
components of ITS deployment into three main layers:

• Communications layer: Focuses on how different sub-systems

coordinate and share information using standard communication
systems to enable seamless data exchange.

• Transportation layer: Encompasses all physical elements of the

transportation system (current and future), including road networks,
travelers, vehicles, and operating centers.
 • Institutional layer: Addresses inter-relationships among all levels of
government and private agencies within a defined jurisdictional
boundary, including standardization, policy formulation, and funding.

Different views across these layers include:

• Enterprise view: Relationships between organizations, considering

policies, funding, and jurisdictional structures

• Functional view: Logical interactions between functions within ITS

• Physical view: Communication between physical objects such as

control centers, field units, support systems, and vehicles

• Communications view: Layered protocols facilitating data exchange

between physical objects

This comprehensive framework considers technological, physical, and

organizational aspects for effective ITS planning and deployment.

Q11. Write short note on ITS and safety.

ITS enhances transportation safety by leveraging advanced communication

technologies to link infrastructure and vehicles:

• Vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2V): Allows vehicles to share

speed and route information, enabling coordination in hazardous
situations

• Vehicle-to-roadside infrastructure (V2X): Facilitates exchange of

traffic information between vehicles and roadside equipment, enabling
better traffic control and safety warnings. The Connected Vehicles
project provides drivers with 360-degree awareness of hazards,
offering warnings for merging, blind spots, sudden braking, school
zones, work zones, and incidents.
 • Road weather information systems: Provide real-time weather
information and advance warnings

• Automated vehicles: Vehicles with automated steering and braking

aim to reduce accidents caused by human error. The Automated
Highway System (AHS) envisions vehicles guided by the road,
eliminating driver error.

• Driving Safety Support Systems (DSSS): Include crossing collision

warning, right-turning accident prevention, and pedestrian support
systems

• Emergency Management systems: Quick detection and response to

incidents minimize hazardous situations

These technologies provide timely warnings, assist drivers, and automate

driving functions to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Q12. Write short note on ITS and security.

ITS addresses security concerns within the transportation system in several

ways:

• Public Travel Security: Advanced Public Transportation Systems (APTS)

create secure environments for public transport by monitoring facilities,
stations, parking lots, bus stops, and vehicles, and generating alarms
when necessary. This includes securing systems that monitor key transit
infrastructure.

• Data Security and Privacy: Ensuring security of collected data and

protecting privacy of vehicle and traveler information is critical,
requiring consideration of legal issues related to data security and
sharing.
 • Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO): ITS contributes to freight
transport security by monitoring on-board sensors for breaches or
tampering of freight containers, trailers, and commercial vehicles.

• Emergency Management: ITS facilitates quicker and more coordinated

responses to emergencies, including security-related incidents.

Cybersecurity is also essential, given the reliance on interconnected systems

and data exchange, to protect ITS infrastructure from threats and ensure
reliable operation of transportation systems.

Q13. Discuss the ITS challenges and issues in India.

Implementing ITS in India faces several challenges and issues:

• Infrastructure-related: Inconsistent road quality, lack of dedicated

communication networks, and varying technological readiness levels

• Technology deployment: Selecting cost-effective technologies suitable

for Indian conditions, ensuring interoperability, integrating legacy
systems, and building private operator capabilities for installation and
maintenance

• Government policies: Absence of comprehensive national ITS policies,

standards, and regulations, plus unclear frameworks for data sharing,
privacy, and security

• Traffic/driver behavior: Diverse behaviors, low adherence to traffic

rules, and varying awareness of ITS benefits affect effectiveness of
certain applications

• Social issues: Varying socio-economic conditions, digital literacy levels,

and technology access need consideration for equitable ITS benefits

• Lack of integration: Many existing ITS deployments are isolated with

limited capabilities and lack integration across different transport
systems
 • Standardization and coordination: Resolving standardization issues
and coordinating various organizations involved in technical,
institutional, financial, operations, and maintenance aspects

Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts by government

agencies, technology providers, research institutions, and the public.

Q14. Explain the red-light violation detection system and state its
advantages.

A red-light violation detection system uses cameras and sensors at traffic

intersections to automatically identify vehicles entering the intersection after
the traffic signal turns red.

The system works by:

1. Triggering: Sensors detect vehicles entering the intersection after the

signal turns red

2. Image/Video Capture: Cameras capture images of the violating

vehicle, including license plate, red light, and time of violation

3. Data Processing: Captured data is processed to verify the violation,

identify the vehicle owner, and generate a citation

Advantages include:

• Improved Safety: Deterring red-light running reduces intersection

crashes and severe injuries

• Increased Compliance: Automated enforcement leads to higher rates

of compliance with traffic signals

• Reduced Police Burden: Automation reduces need for manual

enforcement, freeing officers for other duties

• Objective Enforcement: The system provides objective evidence of

violations, reducing disputes
 • Revenue Generation: Fines can fund further safety initiatives

• Data Collection: Valuable data on red-light running patterns can

inform traffic engineering and safety planning

Implementation involves considerations regarding privacy, accuracy, and

public acceptance.

Q15. Define the automated highway system and state its uses for mitigating
traffic problems.

The Automated Highway System (AHS) is a proposed system where vehicles

are guided by road infrastructure rather than solely by drivers, through
sensors and communication devices to maximize driving performance and
eliminate driver error.

Uses for mitigating traffic problems include:

• Reduced Traffic Congestion: Precise control of vehicle speed and

spacing increases highway capacity, creating smoother traffic flow with
fewer bottlenecks

• Enhanced Safety: Removing human error creates a virtually collision-

free environment by preventing crashes caused by sudden braking,
lane changes, and other driver-related issues

• Improved Accessibility and Mobility: Makes driving more accessible to

individuals less able to drive, reduces travel delays, and makes travel
times more predictable

• Increased Efficiency: Leads to more efficient fuel consumption and

reduced emissions due to optimized speed and smoother traffic flow

• More Efficient Land Use: Increasing capacity of existing highways

reduces need for new roads
 • High-Performance Driving Regardless of Conditions: Automated
driving can be conducted safely despite adverse weather and
environmental conditions

• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Automating driving reduces stress

associated with congested and unpredictable traffic

While full AHS implementation is long-term, underlying automation

technologies continue development.

Q16. What are the factors affecting a coordinated traffic signal system?

Key factors affecting a coordinated traffic signal system include:

• Traffic volume and flow patterns: Amount of traffic on main and side
streets, plus turning movements, influence signal timing and
coordination

• Speed of traffic: Desired or prevailing vehicle speed affects timing

offsets between signals

• Distance between intersections: Spacing between signals determines

appropriate offsets for smooth vehicle progression

• Progression bandwidth: Width of the "green band" allowing vehicles to

travel through multiple signals without stopping

• Cycle length: Total time for all signal phases to complete one cycle
affects coordination across multiple intersections

• Pedestrian and bicycle traffic: Non-motorized users' needs must be

accommodated, potentially affecting vehicular coordination efficiency

• Actuated vs. pre-timed signals: Systems can incorporate either

actuated signals (changing based on detection) or pre-timed signals
(fixed timings)
 • Real-time traffic conditions: Advanced systems adjust signal timings
dynamically based on real-time sensor data

• Network topology: Road network layout and presence of bottlenecks

influence coordination strategies

• Prioritization of certain vehicles: Systems may prioritize buses or

emergency vehicles, temporarily disrupting coordination patterns

Q17. Explain the Japanese Intelligent illegal Parking Deterrence (IIPD)

system.

The Japanese Intelligent Illegal Parking Deterrence (IIPD) system

automatically detects and deters illegal parking on roadsides, especially at
intersections, pedestrian crossings, and bus stops, to mitigate traffic
congestion and accidents.

System components:

• CCTV cameras: Installed at major intersections, routes, and near

stations to monitor for illegally parked vehicles

• Roadside communication systems: Facilitate communication between

cameras and traffic control center

• Loudspeakers: Issue warnings to drivers of illegally parked vehicles

• Microphones: Possibly used for audio monitoring and communication

• Traffic control center: Central hub for monitoring and managing the
system

Operational process:

1. Detection: CCTV cameras with digital image processing technology

automatically detect stationary vehicles that appear illegally parked

2. Verification: Operators likely verify detected vehicles before issuing

warnings
 3. Warning: The traffic control center issues warnings through
loudspeakers at the location

4. Signal Control and Incident Notification: The system controls traffic

signals based on real-time volume and sends notifications regarding
detected incidents

5. Guidance: Warns drivers of illegal parking areas and guides them to

nearby available parking lots

6. Evidence Collection: Automatic video recording serves as evidence for

accidents related to illegal parking

The IIPD system proactively addresses illegal parking, improves traffic flow,
enhances pedestrian safety, and reduces manual enforcement needs.

Q18. Describe the Japanese proposed Driving Safety Support Systems

(DSSS). Draw sketches with operational details.

The Japanese Driving Safety Support Systems (DSSS) enhance safety and
reduce burden on elderly drivers through various warning mechanisms:

1. Crossing Collision Warning System:

o Operation: Infrared beacons at un-signalized intersections detect

approaching vehicles on intersecting roads

o Information Provided: Warnings about oncoming vehicles

transmitted to drivers via in-vehicle units (display/audio) or
information boards before the intersection

2. Right-turning Accident Prevention System:

o Operation: Detects vehicles (including motorcycles) in opposite

lanes at intersections
 o Information Provided: Warnings to vehicles turning right about
oncoming traffic, especially motorcycles in blind spots; can also
warn drivers as green lights change to amber

3. Pedestrian Support and Safety System:

o Operation: Infrared beacons detect pedestrians crossing at

intersections

o Information Provided: Alerts drivers to pedestrian presence via

display boards and voice alerts; two-way communication can
supply information to pedestrians about the surrounding area

Operational Details:

• Crossing Collision Warning: As a car approaches from one direction,

the beacon detects it and transmits information wirelessly to a car
approaching from another direction, triggering a dashboard warning

• Right-turning Accident Prevention: Beacons detect oncoming

motorcycles and activate warnings in cars waiting to turn right;
additional beacons detect signal changes, providing warnings as lights
turn amber

• Pedestrian Support: Beacons detect pedestrians entering crosswalks,

triggering alerts in approaching vehicles while displays near crosswalks
provide information to pedestrians

These systems enhance situational awareness for drivers and pedestrians,

particularly at vulnerable intersection points, contributing to accident
reduction.