Skip to main content

Smart transport systems investment will continue to grow despite public sector cuts

The ITS sector is now going through an evolution driven by the maturation of communications technologies and their increasing adoption in major cities worldwide. The widespread availability of high-speed networks, both fixed and wireless, along with the ability to embed intelligence in physical objects throughout the urban environment and the diffusion of mobile devices that can send and receive real-time vehicle or infrastructure information, is driving the adoption of smart transportation systems in citie
May 30, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSSThe ITS sector is now going through an evolution driven by the maturation of communications technologies and their increasing adoption in major cities worldwide. The widespread availability of high-speed networks, both fixed and wireless, along with the ability to embed intelligence in physical objects throughout the urban environment and the diffusion of mobile devices that can send and receive real-time vehicle or infrastructure information, is driving the adoption of smart transportation systems in cities across the developed world and in major emerging economies. According to a recent report from 5644 Pike Research, these deployments are likely to continue to grow even as public infrastructure spending flattens or even declines in many cases.

The market intelligence firm forecasts that global investment in four key applications for smart transportation systems will total US$13.1 billion between 2011 and 2017.

“Even as governments seek to reduce their debt, ITS will not see significant cutbacks and will, in fact, benefit as transportation agencies seek to optimise their existing infrastructure, rather than fund major new capital projects,” says senior analyst Lisa Jerram. “Cities, transit operators, and other owners of transportation assets see smart transportation technologies as tools to help them enhance mobility, reduce fuel consumption and emissions, improve safety, and strengthen economic competitiveness.”

The area of heaviest investment in smart transportation will be traffic management systems, which encompass a range of applications, including traveller information, congestion charging, and adaptive signalling. By the end of the forecast period, these systems will be ubiquitous, with virtually every major city offering such a service. What will change over the forecast period is that these systems will become increasingly dynamic, with cities adding alternate route instructions or predictive traffic easement.

Pike Research’s report, Smart Transportation Systems, focuses on four key smart transportation sectors: traffic management systems, smart charging for plug-in electric vehicles, public transportation systems, and vehicle-to-vehicle systems. The study provides a comprehensive examination of market drivers for smart transportation infrastructure investment, including an assessment of the various approaches being taken in key countries around the world. Key industry players are profiled and market forecasts for each region are provided through 2017. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Indra study identifies emerging technologies projects that are improving public sector services
    October 31, 2017
    Indra has presented in a report drafted in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) a selection of 14 case global studies, considered referents in applying emerging technologies to improve the efficiency of public services and transform the lives of citizens. Called the ‘Best Government Emerging Technologies’, the study is framed by a six-pillar plan by the UAE and the World Economic Forum. It includes the creation of the first permanent policy unit to study
  • Doris Bures outlines Austrias influence on ITS
    October 22, 2012
    Austria has built a strong ITS industry and become an important location in the sector. Doris Bures, Federal Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology talks about what the country has to offer the global ITS community
  • Smarter transport remains key to smart cities
    January 9, 2018
    Colin Sowman looks at some of the challenges and solutions that will provide enhanced transport efficiency in tomorrow’s smarter cities. However you define a ‘smart city’, one of the key ingredients will be an efficient transport system. As most governments and city authorities face financial constraints, incremental improvements in the existing systems is the most likely way forward. In London, new trains and signalling are improving the capacity of the Underground but that then reveals previously
  • Bus service data, better journey planning, better information
    January 30, 2012
    Chris Gibbard and Paul Drummond of Transport Direct on developments in Great Britain in the electronic transfer of bus service data. Great Britain has a dynamic bus market which permits a bus operator to initiate or alter commercial routes by giving a minimum of eight weeks' notice to a registrar (the Traffic Commissioner). A Local Transport Authority (LTA) neither specifies nor determines such services. In addition to commercial bus routes, an LTA will tender and contract for the operation of those additio