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Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) have been constantly evolving with the fast pace of technology innovations. Numerous ITS solutions and tools are developed with a deluge of data sources, information and techniques. It is well acknowledged that ITS can contribute to optimize transport infrastructure and improve the quality of transport services for users. ITS have been implemented to enhance the mobility and efficiency of system, thereby attaining the goals of transport policies. In recent years, new trends in ITS developments, such as big data, open access, connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and smart mobility, have emerged. With an increasing number of ITS-related national or local initiatives, demands for new mobility services and applications are continuously growing in the Asia-Pacific region.

However, although the adoption of ITS technologies has gained traction in the Asia-Pacific region, a policy gap among member States still remains which results in fragmented and inconsistent services to users. Given that technologies are getting smarter and ITS services become diverse, prompt actions are required to respond to current ITS issues and potential future changes in the transport ecosystem from a policy perspective.

As ESCAP’s first ITS endeavor, the policy framework is proposed through understanding of ITS developments in the Asia-Pacific region. Specifically, First, this study broadly explores selected ITS applications for road transport currently in use in the region. Second, an overview of new technology trends in transport systems around the globe is provided. Third, regional challenges and issues in ITS developments and implementations are extensively examined by reviewing the literature and through fact-finding missions. Fourth, general benefits from ITS applications that can be frequently observed in the region are identified. Lastly, considering identified problems, benefits and new technologies for transport systems, possible policy recommendations to enhance the use and deployment of ITS for road transport are provided on the basis of proposed guiding principles.

Even though ITS are not the panacea for resolving all traffic issues, ITS have been regarded as one of the most cost-effective tools. Countries and cities in the region would benefit from being strategically positioned to take advantage of well-established ITS policies. Although the policy framework proposed in this report cannot cover all matters that need to be considered for the region, this would be the good starting point to open the door for further discussions and activities to benefit from ITS technologies across Asia and the Pacific. Being able to have access to the potential and benefits of ITS through the policy framework would serve as a huge step forward in the contribution of sustainable transport towards Sustainable Development Goals.

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) have been constantly evolving with the fast pace of technology innovations. Numerous ITS solutions and tools are developed with a deluge of data sources, information and techniques. It is well acknowledged that ITS can contribute to optimize transport infrastructure and improve the quality of transport services for users. ITS have been implemented to enhance the mobility and efficiency of system, thereby attaining the goals of transport policies. In recent years, new trends in ITS developments, such as big data, open access, connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and smart mobility, have emerged. With an increasing number of ITS-related national or local initiatives, demands for new mobility services and applications are continuously growing in the Asia-Pacific region.

However, although the adoption of ITS technologies has gained traction in the Asia-Pacific region, a policy gap among member States still remains which results in fragmented and inconsistent services to users. Given that technologies are getting smarter and ITS services become diverse, prompt actions are required to respond to current ITS issues and potential future changes in the transport ecosystem from a policy perspective.

As ESCAP’s first ITS endeavor, the policy framework is proposed through understanding of ITS developments in the Asia-Pacific region. Specifically, First, this study broadly explores selected ITS applications for road transport currently in use in the region. Second, an overview of new technology trends in transport systems around the globe is provided. Third, regional challenges and issues in ITS developments and implementations are extensively examined by reviewing the literature and through fact-finding missions. Fourth, general benefits from ITS applications that can be frequently observed in the region are identified. Lastly, considering identified problems, benefits and new technologies for transport systems, possible policy recommendations to enhance the use and deployment of ITS for road transport are provided on the basis of proposed guiding principles.

Even though ITS are not the panacea for resolving all traffic issues, ITS have been regarded as one of the most cost-effective tools. Countries and cities in the region would benefit from being strategically positioned to take advantage of well-established ITS policies. Although the policy framework proposed in this report cannot cover all matters that need to be considered for the region, this would be the good starting point to open the door for further discussions and activities to benefit from ITS technologies across Asia and the Pacific. Being able to have access to the potential and benefits of ITS through the policy framework would serve as a huge step forward in the contribution of sustainable transport towards Sustainable Development Goals.

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