Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Australia has released a report in the wake of the 23rd World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, held in Melbourne in 2016 saying it has built on discussion at the event to “plot a path forward for the ITS industry in Australia.”
In the report, Smart Transport for Australia, ITS Australia identifies seven focus areas and calls for support, funding and leadership from government. This, it says will include “policy setting, participation with industry in standards development, fostering state trials, and performance based regulation that does not stifle innovation.”
It says also that industry must actively participate in innovation, collaborating and sharing knowledge to support larger goals as well as pursuing individual opportunities and to ensure interoperability, particularly between in-vehicle installations and transport infrastructure.
The seven focus areas identified are
Pathways to connected autonomy
“It will be essential to foster Australian expertise in this area and broaden the current skill base to build on these trials and other developments. The iMOVE CRC will accelerate this should it be established and become operational.”
Mobility for smart cities and communities
“Integrated city planning must take account of ITS opportunities such as Mobility as a Service, car sharing and connectivity in working towards the Smart City concept.”
Next generation public transport and MaaS
“Mobility as a Service (MaaS) will provide a coordinated approach to delivering transport services that are currently disparate. … The next step will be to identify an initial deployment within Australia.”
Big data, analytics, ownership and access
“The capacity of Australian business and government to exploit big data aspects of ITS depends on skills development and the capacity of the ITS sector to compete with other big data users in attracting capable people.”
Future freight
“There is more scope for the development and implementation of parking and consolidation services in congested cities, avoiding empty or part loads over the last mile. ITS can also enable information to be used to avoid queues at concentration points such as docks and to better utilise off peak times when the freight impact on the system will be less.”
Transport pricing and funding
“There is an opportunity to assess the current road pricing system and present a fairer and more equitable system for all road users. … It is critical that all revenue from a road user charging system is dedicated (hypothecated) to deliver transport improvements.”
Frameworks for success
“Australian businesses and to some extent, end users must be consulted and involved in processes leading to the development of standards and regulation. … Australia already has a rich resource of skills and experience in the ITS arena. It is essential that this is maintained and further developed.”
IT Australia says its report will enable governments, industry, researchers and start-ups to consider a pathway forward to promote the development and adoption of smart transport technology solutions to improve safety, mobility and sustainability.
The report was prepared by Fivenines Consulting. ITS Australia says it “captures the key messages and moments of Melbourne 2016,” was “compiled by a dedicated on-site team of rapporteurs, attending over 220 sessions including more than 650 speakers and 450 presented papers,” and “accurately captures and reflects on this significant event.”
ITS Australia is not-for-profit organisation representing ITS suppliers, government authorities, academia and transport businesses and users. IT advocates for the application of communication, data processing and electronic technologies for in-vehicle, vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure and mode-to-mode systems to increase transport safety and sustainability, reduce congestion, and improve the performance and competitiveness of Australia’s networks.
It has published a high level strategic plan for 2013-2018.
