About ITS

The U.S. Department of Transportation's (U.S. DOT) Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Program aims to bring connectivity to transportation through the application of advanced wireless technologies—powerful technologies that enable transformative change. Envision:

• A system in which highway crashes and their tragic consequences are rare because vehicles of all types can sense and communicate the events and hazards happening around them.
• A fully-connected, information-rich environment within which travelers, transit riders, freight managers, system operators, and other users are aware of all aspects of the system's performance.
• Travelers who have comprehensive and accurate information on travel options—transit travel times, schedules, cost, and real-time locations; driving travel times, routes, and travel costs; parking costs, availability, and ability to reserve a space; and the environmental footprint of each trip.
• System operators who have full knowledge of the status of every transportation asset.
• Vehicles of all types that can communicate with traffic signals to eliminate unnecessary stops and help people drive in a more fuel efficient manner.
• Vehicles that can communicate the status of on-board systems and provide information that can be used by travelers and system operators to mitigate the vehicle's impact on the environment or make more informed choices about travel modes.

Research into these forward technologies is underway as part of the 2010-2014 ITS Program’s Strategic Plan.  Read more.