FRAME-S - Framework Architecture Made for Europe - Support
Overview
Background & policy context:
In a global economy, the existence of smooth and efficient mobility for people and goods is fundamental. The failure to guarantee a high level of mobility can represent a threat to economic efficiency and competitiveness.
During recent years, the use of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) has come to the forefront as a valid way of helping to tackle road traffic problems. In order to stimulate the development of ITS in Europe and provide a sound foundation for its balanced and effective deployment, an European ITS Framework Architecture is essential.
The first European ITS Framework Architecture was produced in November 2000 by the KAREN Project, funded by the European Commission. The European Framework Architecture is currently being used by EU Member States as a basis for the development of their local, regional and national ITS architectures.
The purpose of the FRAME Projects, launched in the Summer of 2001, is to refine the first version of the Framework Architecture and provide support to its development and application. The aim is to give active assistance to all EU Member States (and applicant countries) wishing to develop their own architectures and to provide an opportunity for them to exchange experience.
Objectives:
Compatibility and consistency of information delivered to end-users through different media (any end-user should be able to receive the same information through different media such as GSM, DAB, etc.)
The ability of travellers and freight operators to plan and implement journeys using the most efficient, convenient and cost-effective effective combinations of transport modes
Compatibility of equipment with different infrastructures, thus enabling "seamless" travel across Europe (e.g. a driver should be able to use the in-vehicle system for electronic payment both at home and abroad)
A basis for regional, national or European authorities to produce master plans and recommendations to facilitate ITS deployment allowing, for instance, authorities to co-operate on traffic management across borders and boundaries
An open market for services and equipment in which compatible sub-systems are offered (no more standalone solutions)
Economies of scale in equipment manufacture permitting attractive prices, and thus easier investments, with compatibility guaranteed
Methodology:
The existence of ITS system architectures has become increasingly necessary because Intelligent Transport Systems themselves are rapidly becoming more and more complex. Intelligent Transport Systems frequently span several transport means (e.g. private and public transport) and are provided in many locations (on board vehicles, at the roadside, at home, at the office, or through mobile devices). It is also increasingly important that they should be fully compatible, not only within a single country, but at the international level as well. An “architecture” in its broadest sense defines the toplevel structure of a system, providing a strategic framework from which many designs are possible. It may include both technical and organisational aspects. By establishing ITS architectures, it is possible to achieve the harmonious integration of systems by defining standards, norms and practices. It also ensures the solution of issues such as stakeholder relationships and responsibilities for communications infrastructure provision.
The use of an ITS architecture also makes it possible to highlight any problems that arise from the refinement and modification of the services that are being provided. The architecture can then become a “tool” that enables these problems to be addressed and resolved.
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