THE LATEST MAJOR ITS ACTIVITIES IN JAPAN - OVERVIEW, TRENDS AND FUTURE SCOPE

This paper presents an overview of the history of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) research and development (R&D) and implementation in Japan, as well as Japan's international leading role in ITS technological accomplishment in the history. Then in response to the international movement to establish large ITS R&D and implementation promotion organizations or projects--such as ITS America, DRIVE, PROMETHEUS, and ERTICO, which enable the promotion of more comprehensive, interdisciplinary ITS R&D and implementation with large amount of public research funds--the Vehicle, Road and Traffic Intelligence Society (VERTIS) was established in January 1994 to promote ITS R&D and implementation plan and the ITS World Congress under the support of the related five ministries. As the latest ITS activities in Japan, the "VERTIS Grand Design," which VERTIS developed last year, and the current VERTIS development of "ITS Architecture" and "Strategic Plan" are discussed. These draft interim reports are now under intensive review and discussion in coordination with the government decision of the "Promotion Policy of ITS R&D and Implementation." For concluding remarks, the future scope and suggested action items for Japan's ITS activities--such as organization issues, public research funds, international standardization, and international cooperation--are summarized.