Proposed Bill Would Dramatically Fund ITS Deployment

Legislation currenlty under consideration by the US House of Representatives would dramatically increase funding for the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in selected communities across the US. The "Smart Technologies for Communities Act", sponsored by Congressmen Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Russ Carnahan (D-MO) would establish several competitively selected model deployment communities for existing transportation technologies, which could also serve as real world research and testing sites for advanced ITS solutions that are nearing deployment such as VMT-based user fees and a wireless communications system between vehicles that could help drivers avoid crashes.

The bill proposes a $1 billion competitve grant program over the next five years, with funding coming from the existing Federal Highway Trust Fund. A total of $350 million would be available in 2012, should the bill be enacted. The US Department of Transportation estimates that a connected vehicle network could prevent or mitigate the impact of 80% of unimpaired vehicle crashes, saving thousands of lives each year while significantly improving mobility.

David St. Amant, a Board member of ITS America, recently testified before the US House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure regarding the Smart Technologies for Communities Act. In his testimony, he noted that the act would "advance the deployment of 21st Century technologies that are vital for creating a safer, more efficient transportation system, spurring job creation, and improving our nation's economic competitiveness, while generating a greater return on our transportation investment." David St. Amant also points out how cost effective these ITS solutions can be, pointing out that smart traffic signals that change based on real-world conditions are returning to the public roughly $40 in time and fuel saving based on every $1 invested, reducing travel delays by 25% and CO2 emissions by up to 22%.

Posted in: policy,Ryan Jeroski