Major Themes for FY2005

• Conduct the policy of varied and flexible toll charge using ETC systems, while expediting the widespread use of ETC
• Extend community tests on Smart Interchange
• Conduct a joint research between industries and the public, and promote preparing standards and specifications with an aim to offer ITS services with a single onboard unit in 2007

Policies for FY2005

To provide solutions for road traffic problems such as congestion, accidents and environmental degradation; to enhance serviceability and convenience for users as well as revitalizing economic activities by creating new businesses using information technology, the widespread use and utilization of ETC, and supporting varied service operations using ETC communication technology is promoted as well as promoting R&D to commence varied ITS services.

1) Promotion of ETC use for widespread ETC

ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) commenced its service operations in March 2001. The system allows a tollgate to operate with varied toll charge systems, without manual cash transactions, leading to enhanced convenience for drivers and alleviating tie-ups at the section. This basic service became available throughout the country in April 2004.

In fiscal 2004, grants for OBU purchases or refunds on OBU system costs were offered, both of which appealed to cost-conscious consumers and boosted the acceptance and use of ETC. Discounts for nighttime-and commuter-passengers on toll charges were also introduced. Consequently, the marketed OBU of ETC reached as high as 6.25 million as of March 2005, which is translated into a national average use ratio on expressways of about 33 %.

The target in spring 2006 is to increase the use ratio up to about 70%. Further alleviation of tie-ups at tollgates and improvement in vicinity environments can be expected. As well, varied and flexible toll charge systems, enabled by ETC operations, will boost road capacity and serviceability.

In addition to this, interchanges called gSmart Interchangeh, which are exclusively equipped with Electronic Toll Collecting gates (ETCs) are expected to reduce construction and maintenance cost of placing additional interchanges. Besides demonstration project type which directly connects gSmart Interchangeh exits to service areas and parking areas, expansion of these gSmart Interchangeh demonstration project types are being planned out, for example, giving adequate consideration to safety when installing gSmart Interchangeh to existing emergency exits which are directly connected to the expressway main line.

2) Offering new ITS services in 2007

With an aim to offer ITS services with a single onboard unit in 2007, a joint research between industries and the public is to be conducted, and preparing standards and specifications is to be promoted in and after February 2005.

• a) Smooth passage through all types of gates
• b) Regional guides according to location and needs
• c) Timely safety driving support information

[Conceptual Image of ITS Onboard Unit]	[Developmental Scenario]

3)Operational assistance for safety

Advanced cruise-assist Highway System, intended to assist safe operations for motorists, is subject to field tests in order to achieve the system operations in the real world at an early stage. The R&D using ETC communication and digital map technologies to support safe operations of vehicles is aggressively underway.

4) Free Mobility Assistance of pedestrians

In order to assist comfort free mobility of pedestrians, such information service as on barrier-free access through mobile terminals is progressing in cooperation with related entities.

5) Regional ITS promotion including ITS facility development programs

ITS, featuring both extensibility and interoperability, is poised to expand across the nation and is positioned at the forefront of national initiatives based on the defined system architectures as well as the positive effort to introduce ITS into the local areas.

Road administrators and operators use 'ITS facility development program aid' to provide parking availability information, or road traffic message systems along roads, at roadway station.

6) Information platform building

To promote transparent road administrations through open information access and reliable road networks, particularly when disaster occurs, an information platform is constructed to share information on road traffic or disasters with other regional or municipal offices. Also, to support building of optic-fiber cable networks of vendors, the existing optic-fiber networks for road control and maintenance use is open to the private sector.

7) International Standardization activities

For ITS of Japan to succeed, achieving the technical requirements for wireless communications and taking part in the international standardization activities of the International Telecommunication Union are required. Additionally, three ministries and one agency are cooperatively participating in standardization activities led by the International Organization for Standardization.

The study field in fiscal 2004 focused particularly on map, vehicle sensing, and road-roadside communication. This effort is continuing in fiscal 2005 to establish the action plans.

8) International Cooperation

The three ministries and one agency are collaboratively proceeding with international cooperation. Activities range from exchanges for ITS R&D to support ITS World Congress aiming at ITS implementations in the real world.