The Intelligent Transport Systems is a new transport system which is comprised of advanced information and telecommunications network for users, roads and vehicles. ITS are steadily expanding with the popularization of ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) and VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System), and have effectively smoothened traffic by providing real-time information, eliminating congestion at toll gates, and mitigating environmental impacts by differential toll discounts.

(1) ETC
ETC is a system which allows drivers to automatically pay tolls without stopping their vehicle at a toll booth. The system uses wireless communication between ETC on-board equipment installed in the vehicle and roadside device placed at the collection point. Since starting in 1997, this system is now available on expressways around Japan. ETC communication technology is also used by private operators for non-stop passage through parking gates and ferry boarding, among others.

(2) VICS
VICS transmits road traffic data, such as congestion and traffic restrictions on a real-time basis, to onboard vehicle navigation units and displays data in the form of text, simple graphics and maps. The service started in Japan in April 1996. VICS delivers information using three media: FM multiplex broadcasting, a radio wave beacon and an infrared beacon.

Traffic congestion in urban areas has caused economic losses amounting to 12 trillion yen, and time losses amounting to 5.6 billion person-hours. Especially, about 30% of congestion on expressways occurred at toll gates.
At the end of March 2011, over 30.13 million vehicles were equipped with VICS compatible onboard units.

At the end of December 2011, there were about 34.24 million ETC-equipped vehicles. ETC users now account for 86.2% of all vehicles on expressways in Japan. The system has effectively eliminated congestion at toll gates.

ITS, ETC, VICS, Smart Interchange, expressways, congestion, environment, Information, Telecommunication, Toll booth

Road Bureau, MLIT Japan