EXAMPLES OF NEW ITS APPLICATIONS IN EUROPE TO IMPROVE BUS SERVICES

This paper sets out to provide an initial summary of a range of bus ITS examples in Europe, including automatic vehicle location (AVL) bus priority in traffic control systems, automatic ticketing systems automatic camera enforcement systems and variable message signs (VMS). The paper then focuses on one area where activity is most pronounced- the implementation of AVL systems and their integration with Urban Traffic Control (UTC) systems. A review of typical AVL/UTC systems operational in Europe is then presented through the identification of some 8 alternative architectures and associated system characteristics, such as the technologies used and the location of bus priority 'intelligence'. This is followed by a summary of cities in Europe which have implemented these architectures and summary of results illustrating the effectiveness of these systems, where available. The diversity of architectures, technologies and systems is recognized as beneficial in providing customer choice, but can generate a significant difficulty for local authorities wishing to invest in public transport ITS technologies. The paper therefore conclusions with a discussion of some of the key issues involved in this investment process