Skip to main content

APEC calls for implementation of ITS by member states

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies are being encouraged to implement intelligent transport systems (ITS) to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of transport infrastructures, especially recognising the significant safety and environmental benefits that may be realised simultaneously. The ministers responsible for transportation in the APEC region made the call in their joint statement issued at the conclusion of the 2015 APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting earlier this mont
October 26, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies are being encouraged to implement intelligent transport systems (ITS) to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of transport infrastructures, especially recognising the significant safety and environmental benefits that may be realised simultaneously.

The ministers responsible for transportation in the APEC region made the call in their joint statement issued at the conclusion of the 2015 APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting earlier this month.

The statement claimed that the development of ITS is essential to the improvement of the transportation system in the APEC region.

"We encourage economies to cooperate with the relevant authorities or organisations to ensure data protection and system integration and integrity," said the joint statement. "In addition, security measures need to be put in place and actively maintained to support the use of big data in ITS applications."

Consistent with initiatives to promote inclusive, user-friendly mobility, they also recommended that economies explore how ITS can make transportation networks more accessible to persons with disabilities, older people, women, children and students, low-income populations, and other vulnerable groups.

In addition, the transportation ministers expressed their support for the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Implementation Team and stress the importance of the application of GNSS technologies in achieving seamless and green intermodal transportation to enhance safety, security and sustainability.

In view of this, they are encouraging economies to continue to promote and adopt GNSS technologies, especially those that will contribute to the improvement of supply chain connectivity as well as to the enhancement of capabilities for preparedness to natural disasters and emergency response.

Related Content

  • India to invest in transportation to boost urban economies
    November 13, 2012
    Grand plans have been announced for transport investment in India aimed at boosting city economies. India’s Government Secretary for Urban Development Sudhir Krishna explains all to Jason Barnes. There are many reasons for developed countries’ high levels of urbanisation, not least of which is that the types of employment to be found in towns and cities tend to generate relatively greater wealth and so make greater contributions to a country’s economy. That creates the imperative for developing nations to f
  • ITS can reduce Bangkok’s congestion, improve safety
    August 24, 2015
    A new research report produced by the GSMA, Building Digital Societies in Asia: Making Transportation Smarter, indicates that the successful implementation of intelligent transport systems (ITS) in Thailand’s capital could reduce travel times, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and road accidents, driving social and economic benefits of up to US$1 billion per year. In addition, the case study on Bangkok’s transportation indicated that ITS can also potentially result in long-term positive changes in commuter hab
  • The future looks bright for ITS
    June 4, 2015
    Professor Eric Sampson talks about the past successes of ITS, its potential for the future and the challenges the industry faces. If anybody should know when Intelligent Transport Systems started that person is Professor Eric Sampson, a visiting professor at both Newcastle and London City Universities. Having spent 40 years working for the UK’s Department of Transport and other public administrations, Professor Sampson now supports the European Commission on ITS systems and advises ERTICO ITS-Europe and ITS
  • Embedded connectivity delivers real time travel information
    February 3, 2012
    Ton Brand describes the GSM Association's Embedded mTelematics programme. As the world's roads become increasingly crowded, consumers and businesses are demanding better real-time information to help them both avoid traffic congestion and make smarter use of public transport. Embedding mobile connectivity directly into vehicles can enable drivers and passengers to see live traffic flows in their localities, as well as the expected arrival time of the next bus, ferry or tram