TR@NSITS - Thematic Network on Intelligent Public Transport System
Overview
Background & policy context:
For over a decade there has been a structured European research effort on Intelligent Transport Systems for Public Transport. At the same time, operators and authorities have been investing in new and enhanced systems. It is now time to take stock – to identify clearly what has been developed and deployed, what is now in demonstration mode, and what concepts are in the pipeline. In parallel, we need to look at the changes over the coming decades – what new societal trends will emerge, and what new technological developments will provide the platform for new concepts – and consider what tools and services will be needed for the public transport of tomorrow. European researchers have shown that they can be highly innovative, but they need to know what opportunities and problems to address. The Tr@nsITS project was intended to focus the knowledge and experience of the European public transport industry to identify the key research needs.
Objectives:
The aim of the Tr@nsITS-network was to bring together all actors in the ITS-sector, in order to have a relevant and open discussion on the future research axes and not at least to take initiatives in these new research axes.
The primary output of the network activity shall be the drafting of a work plan for a IPTS research programme for the coming years, based on the identification of research objectives and research priorities. Reports shall be also prepared on each of the three phases of investigation. Since these deliverables are based on a deep consultation process within the European industry, as well as extensive expert input, they were supposed to have the potential to form the basis of the preparation of dedicated Network of Excellence or Integrated Projects within the 6th and consecutive Framework Programmes.
The key objectives of Tr@nsITS were:
- to establish a network reflective of the European urban and regional public transport sector
- to advance the available tools and implementation of Intelligent Public Transport systems
- to develop a research workplan for consideration in the 6th FP and subsequent programs
Methodology:
Firstly the recent situation in IPTS has been described. This was followed by identification of the future societal issues and technological developments. The comparison between those two revealed the topics for new or additional research. Attention was given to the effectiveness of current and emerging IPTS solutions, rather than just technical feasibility. This phase developed a workplan for an IPTS research program. It identified axes and specific elements, linking societal and business needs to required outputs from the research program. It identified priorities, both in terms of 'enabling' technologies and/or knowledge, and in terms of the interest of the industry sector.
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