TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM: A SOLUTION TO TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IN THE ERA OF CLIMATE CHANGE CONCIOUSNESS V.RENU S.SARANYA,JAYAM COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY INTRODUCTION
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is the application of computer and communications technologies to transport problems. Intelligent Transportation Systems is the integration of existing information and communication technologies to make transport system more sustainable, which means efficient, clean, safe and seamless. ITS can be applied in every transport mode (road, rail, air, water) and services can be used by both passenger and freight transport. The rapid advances in ITS technologies have enabled the collection of data or intelligence which provides relevant and timely information to transport managers and users. In a rapidly changing society the emphasis on road technology improvements to assist in road management has been identified as immediate need of the day. Intelligent Transport systems include wider application of technology to transit systems as well as private car and highways. Therefore, the benefits given by ITS to any transportation system by introducing it are, improved safety, improved traffic efficiency, reduced congestion, improved environmental quality & energy efficiency and improved economic productivity. With the alarming increase in the population, only building new infrastructure cannot solve all transport problems of congestion and emissions. Instead it will go other way by increasing the environmental pollution. In this situation, keeping traffic moving efficiently without congestion is the big challenge that all levels of government are facing worldwide. In the recent times, all the private travellers, commercial road users, and the public sector are continuously searching for new and faster travel routes. Without quality and dynamic data, route selection is often a hit and misses guessing game. Therefore, the ‘knowledge is power’ can be the only obvious solution to the present day traffic problems. Customers want real-time information to help them select the best route to take at any given time. They should know traffic speeds, incidents (accidents or lane closures), and road conditions for better selections. With Advanced Traveller Information Systems (ATIS) information, drivers make informed decisions and are better equipped to plan their route and estimate their travel time. Fast and accurate information translates into several benefits for ATIS customers such as reduction in travel time, reduction in stress levels, the avoidance of congestion, and perhaps the most important benefit, the avoidance of unsafe driving conditions.

ITS AND TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES:
A broad range of diverse techniques and technologies, known collectively as intelligent transportation systems (ITS), is a one, which holds the answer to many of our transportation problems. In general, the techniques and technologies involved in the ITS include electronics, information processing and communication technologies and other information technology based techniques which could be used to control and manage the traffic effectively. The key Underlying techniques and technologies for ITS are:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Global Positioning System (GPS) Dedicated-Short Range Communications (DSRC) Wireless Networks Mobile Telephony Radio-wave or Infrared Beacons Roadside Camera Recognition Probe Vehicles or Devices

Joining these technologies to our transportation system will save lives, save time, and save money. The future of ITS is promising. Yet, ITS itself, is anything but futuristic. Already, real systems, products and services are at work throughout the world. Still, the wide-scale development and deployment of these technologies represents a true revolution in the way we, as a nation, think about transportation. While many aspects of our lives have been made more pleasant and productive through the use of advanced technologies,

we have somehow been content to endure a transportation system whose primary controlling technology is the four-way traffic signal -- a technology that has changed little since it was first invented. It has taken transportation a long time to catch on, but now the industry is sprinting to catch up. Fulfilling the need for a national system that is both economically sound and environmentally efficient requires a new way of looking at and solving our transportation problems. The decades-old panacea of simply pouring more and more concrete neither solves our transportation problems, nor meets the broad vision of an efficient transportation system. Traffic accidents and congestion take a heavy toll on lives, productivity, and wastes energy. ITS enables people and goods to move more safely and efficiently through a state-of-the-art, intermodal transportation system.

BENEFITS OF ITS:
The ITS will contribute to a more efficient, cleaner and safer transport, both for passengers and freight. It will not only help to reduce congestion on our roads, but will also contribute to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It will help lessen economic losses due to traffic congestion. Relatively small investments in ITS would allow a better use of existing infrastructure and would be much more cost effective than building new infrastructure. At the same time, the environmental impact would be much lower. Road users will experience less congestion, less accidents and better information on the use of non road and public transport options. This will finally lead to a more balanced use of all transport modes.

1. Efficient and comfortable transport
By reducing the congestion in roads through better management of demand and capacity will be of benefit to all road users. Also new assistance systems and information services for the driver will make driving more efficient and comfortable. Examples:

1. Dynamic traffic management based on real-time data from roads, vehicles and the use of simulations improve the strategies to mitigate congestion.

2. The use of navigation systems in the car can reduce distances driven to the trip destination and lead to a more relaxed and thus safer driving.

2. Safe and secure transport
Although road fatalities are decreasing, still huge number of persons dies on road accidents each year. As more than 90% of all accidents are caused by human error, by having new in-vehicle safety and driver assistance systems, which intervene before the accident happens, the number of fatal accidents can be prevented. From certain studies, it was found that, • In-vehicle devices addressing lane-change, rear end and roadway-departure crashes are estimated to offset crashes per year. • In Urban areas, crashes could be prevented annually by advanced lane-keeping and collisionavoidance technologies. • Enhancements in night time and bad weather vision applications may significantly improve driver's ability to stay in lanes and distinguish hazards in the road. Examples:

1. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) stabilises the vehicle and prevents skidding. It is estimated to reduce the number of injury accidents by 7-11%. The reduction in the car occupant fatalities is estimated to be 15-20%. 2. eCall automatically calls the emergency services and transmits location data from the accident scene. Thus, the response time of the emergency services is cut drastically, reducing road fatalities by about 5-10 % and resulting in less severe injuries.

3. Clean and CO2-reduced transport
Intelligent transportation systems are positioned to deliver environmental benefits by reducing congestion, by enabling traffic to flow more smoothly, by coaching motorists how to drive most efficiently, and by reducing the need to build additional roadways through maximizing the capacity of existing ones. Therefore, ITS will help to reduce emissions and save energy through a better demand management including the use of road charging and access management. Vehicle transportation is a major cause of greenhouse gas emissions. Better multi-modal information and feedback to drivers (eco-driving) are also valuable instruments. Examples: 1. With electronic fee collection systems charging road vehicles can be flexible, for example according to vehicle type and emissions category. 2. Multi-modal travel information services provided before and during the journey (including advice on environmental conditions) will assist the traveller to make responsible mode and route choices. ITS AND ITS APPLICATIONS: The various categories of intelligent transportation systems and its applications, gathered from different sources are tabulated below for easy understanding:

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR BETTER ITS ? 1. Optimised use of road, traffic and travel data
This action aims at providing real-time data on traffic and travel information: travel time, alternative roads, navigation advices, congestions and accidents, weather forecasts, etc. Traffic regulations and recommended routes for heavy goods vehicles are also relevant objectives. The improvement and regular updates of digital maps through cooperation between States, road concessionaires and digital maps providers will also be addressed. Also it should focus on the promotion of multi-modal (more than 2 modes) door-todoor journey planners.

2. Traffic Management on National Corridors and in Conurbations
Good traffic management, e.g. dynamic speed limits or route diversions, can reduce the congestion on the roads. To ensure a seamless service for the user, traffic management has to work across states, which is

of particular importance to long-distance freight traffic. This action aims at developing cooperation between regional authorities to improve the quality of traffic management. Also there is often a lack of coordination of ITS Category Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) Applications Real-time Traffic Information Provision Route Guidance/Navigation Systems Parking Information Roadside Weather Information Systems Traffic Operations Centers (TOCs) Adaptive Traffic Signal Control Dynamic Message Signs (or “Variable” Message Signs) Ramp Metering Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) Congestion Pricing/Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) Fee-Based Express (HOT) Lanes Vehicle-Miles Traveled (VMT) Usage Fees Variable Parking Fees Real-time Status Information for Public Transit System (e.g. Bus, Subway, Rail) Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) Electronic Fare Payment (for example, Smart Cards) Cooperative Intersection Collision Avoidance System (CICAS) Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA)

Advanced Transportation Management Systems (ATMS)

ITS-Enabled Transportation Pricing Systems

Advanced Public Transportation Systems (APTS)

Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Integration (VII) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle Integration (V2V)

urban with interurban traffic management. Common procedures and specifications are needed. In support of freight transport, the concept of eFreight will be further strengthened by ITS. eFreight is the vision of a paperless electronic flow of information with the physical flow of goods.

3. Road safety and security
ITS should also address the development of safety and security related systems in road transport. For example, the most promising systems in terms of saving lives like collision warning and avoidance, electronic stability control, lane keeping support and speed alert needs to be integrated with ITS. The introduction of an electronic system automatically calling emergency services in case of an accident (eCall) and a regulatory framework to ensure safe on-board human-machine interface, including the mobile devices taken into the vehicle, are other important points. Best practice guidelines foreseen on applications for vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists etc.) and for secure truck parking on highways should be made use of.

4. Better integration of the vehicle into the transport system
Electronic communication and navigation systems should become standard equipment in vehicles. It very likely, that even more electronic devices will be added in the future, e.g. for electronic toll collection and the emergency call functionality eCall. With these many different equipments we are not only facing a growing diversion of the driver's attention but also the problem of missing common standards for the interconnection with the vehicle, but it should not be the case. So there should be streamlining and integration of these applications into a standardised open in-vehicle platform, aiming to increase the safety and functionality of the vehicle equipment, reduce costs and enable an easy plug and play usability of the personal electronic equipment in the vehicle. In parallel, the functional specifications for the infrastructure-toinfrastructure, vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communication will be defined. The relevant standardisation issues will also be addressed.

5. Data security and protection and liability

For this the government or the relevant authority should work with stakeholders to address the importance of security of ITS related data and the protection of personal data, based on the relevant directives. Also liability issues pertaining the road information and traffic data will be addressed.

6. ITS Co-operation and Coordination
There should be a legal framework for the Nation-wide deployment of ITS. An ITS Commission will be set up, which composed of States' representatives, as well as a ITS Experts Group, formed by professional organisations, representatives of user associations, transport operators, industry, social partners, local authorities and existing forum. Both will advise the Commission on technical and user aspects. Specific rules will be worked upon for an ITS infrastructure assessment as a precondition for building or operating infrastructure. The deployment and use of ITS in the urban context will be discussed with state governments.

THE INTELLIGENT VEHICLE INITIATIVES:
The intelligent vehicle initiative aims to accelerate the development and availability of advanced safety and information systems applied to all types of vehicles. The goal is to integrate driver assistance and motorist information function so that vehicles operate more safely and effectively. The intelligent vehicle initiative covers applications for passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, buses and specialized vehicles such as snowplows. Other special application to emergency response, law enforcement and highway maintenance vehicle are also included. Many of these applications are based on ongoing and recently completed research on crash avoidance, in vehicle safety and automated highway systems. Continuing research on human factor, and advanced driver warning and vehicle control systems are a major thrust of the intelligent vehicle initiative. This initiative seeks to bring together public and private stakeholders to ensure that in-vehicle systems are technologically, socially, institutionally and economically viable. Partnership with the motor vehicle industry and its suppliers, states, government organizations, academic institutions and other interested parties are being aggressively pursued.

ITS IN INDIAN SCENARIO: a) In Urban areas:
In India out of the total population of 1027 million as on 1st March, 2001, about 742 million live in rural areas and 285 million in urban areas. The percentage decadal growth of population in rural and urban areas during the 1990-2000 decade was 17.9 and 31.2 percent respectively. According to the 2001 census, there are 35 metropolitan cities with million plus population. There are eight cities in the country with more than 3 million population, which include Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kolkata. Among all the States and Union territories, the National Capital Territory of Delhi is most urbanized with 93 percent urban population and will be hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games, which is expected to give a big boost to ITS technologies and services. The Ministry of Urban Development is in the process of framing a National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP) to address the various issues involved in urban transport. The objective of this policy is to ensure safe, affordable, quick, comfortable, reliable and sustainable access for the growing number of city residents to jobs, education, recreation and such other needs within our cities. This is sought to be achieved by incorporating urban transportation as an important parameter at the urban planning stage rather than being a consequential requirement; bringing about a more equitable allocation of road space - with people, rather than vehicles, as its main focus; investing in transport systems that encourage greater use of public transport and non-motorized modes instead of personal motor vehicles; reducing pollution levels through changes in travelling practices, better enforcement, stricter norms, technological improvements; building capacity (institutional and manpower) to plan for sustainable urban transport; and promoting the use of cleaner technologies. The Ministry of Urban Development has committed to encourage specific initiatives in this regard.

b) In Rural areas:

As part of the Indian Government’s commitment to develop rural connectivity, the massive Prime Minister’s Grameena Sadak Yojana (Prime Minister’s Rural Roads Programme) was launched on 25th December, 2000 to provide all-weather access to unconnected habitations. Out of the total 3.3 million km road network in India, approximately 80 % are in rural areas. Up gradation of about 3,70,000 km Rural Roads is estimated at a cost of Rs.53, 000 Crore. Cost of New Connectivity is estimated at Rs. 79,000 crore. The total envisaged cost of the project is about Rs.1,32,000 crore. The PMGSY is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme with 50% of the Cess on High Speed Diesel (HSD) earmarked for this Programme. The National Rural Roads Development Agency (NRRDA) is set-up to provide Operational and Management support to PMGSY. The NRRDA provides support inter alia, on the following: i.Designs&SpecificationsandCostnorms. ii.TechnicalAgencies iii.DistrictRuralRoadsPlansandCoreNetwork. iv.ScrutinyofProjectProposals v.QualityMonitoring vi. Monitoring of progress, including online monitoring It also undertakes R&D, Human Resource Development and Communication programmes for the PMGSY. Combined with other rural infrastructure, e-governance, electrification and telecommunication programmes, ITS opportunities for rural roads in India has great potential.

CONCLUSION
The ultimate solution has a big mandate. Critical features include accuracy, timeliness, and reliability can make the transportation systems more eco-friendly. The ideal solution is an up-to-the minute traffic information system that enables drivers to make more intelligent travel decisions at any time of the day and any day of the week. So, in this era of Climate Change consciousness, the only way to preserve capacity and improve security, safety, and reliability of the transportation system is optimizing the performance of existing infrastructure through the implementation of systems, services, and projects through Intelligent Transportation System. There is wide scenario of problems, which are specific to India, and indigenous solutions are required to suit its requirement. The countries like USA, Canada, Japan, U.K., Australia and Germany which have embarked upon intelligent transport system (ITS) don’t have scarcity of funds. Considering these facts, India needs a system, which is cost effective, and efficient, at the same time is also compatible with the present level of development in the country in the related areas.