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

  • GE researchers developing at-home refuelling station for NG vehicles
    July 20, 2012
    In what could help fuel widespread adoption of natural gas-powered (NG) vehicles in the US and globally, GE researchers, in partnership with Chart Industries and scientists at the University of Missouri, have been awarded a programme through Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E) to develop an affordable at-home refuelling station that would meet ARPA-E’s target of $500 per station and reduce re-fuelling times from 5-8 hours to less than 1 hour. Natural gas prices are at an all-time low and t
  • Hawaii backs road user charging to replace fuel tax
    August 7, 2019
    Fuel tax revenue in Hawaii is falling - and even in paradise, someone has to pay. Adam Hill talks to Hawaii DoT’s Scot Uruda about a major change in the way the state funds road improvements All over the world, governments, transportation agencies and local authorities are casting around for new forms of revenue as the money from taxes imposed on fuel begins to trickle away. Spending is outstripping tax take as a combination of more efficient internal combustion engines and the increasing take-up of cars
  • Ohio DoT to use Inrix data to clear roads after major storms
    July 24, 2012
    Inrix will collaborate with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODoT) to use the company’s traffic information and cloud-based analytics to further the state’s goal of clearing roads statewide within three hours after major storms. “Restoring travel to normal conditions as quickly as possible not only improves public safety but keeps people and commerce moving across the state,” said Ted Trepanier, senior director of public sector, Inrix. “We’re providing Ohio with an objective, data-driven approach for
  • International tolling organisations sign joint declaration
    May 29, 2013
    The European Association of Operators of Toll Road Infrastructures (ASECAP) and the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that serve them have signed an international joint tolling declaration designed to support a wider application of tolling policies throughout Europe and North America. The joint declaration calls for an increase in advocacy and application of tolling policies to support i