Smart transport systems, including Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), have been adopted over the last decade and have proved their benefits as a key enabler of reducing road crashes and traffic congestion, and enhancing environmental sustainability in the Asia-Pacific region. Some countries in this region have emerged as world leaders in testing and deploying such technologies. However, many other countries are still in the early stage of utilizing smart transport systems or have yet to initiate the transition towards smart transport systems.
Various factors have led to such imbalanced development, including low awareness of the role of smart transport technologies, limited capacity and, more importantly, a lack of regional cooperation. As recognized in the first regional meeting of ITS “2019 Expert Group Meeting and Regional Meeting on Intelligent Transport Systems Development and Operation for Sustainable Transport Systems in Asia and the Pacific”, participated by 27 member countries and 35 delegations in 2019, the regional cooperation with adequate overarching strategies and plans was indicated as a priority in fostering wider deployment of smart transport systems in this region.
In this context, ESCAP Transport Division is implementing a project aiming to develop the first regional roadmap which will include a package of strategies and policy plans on smart transport systems in Asia and the Pacific. Following the 1st Expert Group Meeting held on 1 December, 2021, the 2nd Expert Group Meeting will provide a platform to (i) discuss the findings of policy analysis for smart transport-related plans and strategies; (ii) discuss the direction of regional cooperation for smart transport systems; (iii) identify needs and priorities from member countries for smart transport systems; and (iv) share views, ideas and lessons learned of smart transport-related plans and strategies at the country level.
Should you require additional information, please contact
- Mr. Changju Lee, e-mail: [email protected] for substantive matters, and
- MS. Anchalika Phasukit, e-mail: [email protected] for administrative matters
