What is it?

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) encompass a broad range of wireless and wireline communications-based information, control and electronics technologies. When integrated into the transportation system infrastructure, and in vehicles themselves, these technologies help monitor and manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, provide alternate routes to travelers, enhance productivity, and save lives, time, and money. They are an important part of the 21st Century transportation system.

ITS involves the use of multiple computer and communications technologies to improve the efficient and general mobility of all vehicles under congested conditions (including public transport and trucks) on an telematics (involves sensors, global positioning sys-tems (GPS), computers, communications equipment) enhanced and managed transportation infrastructure.

California is rich in road, rail, port, and air transportation assets. For example, in 2003 there were 169,580 miles of maintained roads in California traversed by 855,000 autos, 176,000 trucks, 51,000 trailers, and 24,000 motorcycles, totaling 1,105,000 fee registered motor vehicles.