Chapter 5 ITS Development and Deployment Targets

5.1 ITS Development and Deployment Program
5.2 Relation Between ITS and Japan

5.1 ITS Development and Deployment Program

(1) Basic Concept

ITS is expected to be the most effective measure for solving serious road traffic problems, which include increasing traffic accidents, expanding traffic congestion, worsening roadside environments, disharmony with the global environment and increasing energy consumption. Accordingly, it is necessary to execute development and deployment of ITS as soon as possible. It is important that concerned parties in industry, academia, and government positively work together and share common goals and targets. It has been determined that development and deployment targets relating to the practical application period of the system should be set by considering the practical application results of the system and the research and development states of the respective nine development areas as well as the development situation of similar systems outside Japan. The development and deployment targets of ITS shall be appropriately reviewed in accordance with the degree of progress of associated research and development and the future advancement of related technology.

(2) Development and Deployment Program

After the necessity of ITS development and deployment was categorized for the respective nine development areas, the ITS summary, development and deployment targets corresponding to user services in the respective development areas were presented in the ITS development and deployment program.

(a) Advances in Navigation Systems

Necessity of Development and Deployment In Japan, traffic congestion generates an annual economic loss of 12 trillion yen and an annual time loss of 5.6 billion person-hours, resulting in an enormous burden to Japanese society and the business economy. This traffic congestion causes serious problems including worsened roadside environment, disharmony with the global environment and increased energy consumption. The annual number of traffic accident deaths in Japan has exceeded 10,000 for eight consecutive years since 1988. Under such circumstances, to improve user amenities, convenience and safety, it is necessary to realize user services with advanced navigation systems as soon as possible while considering safe use of the new equipment.

User Services - Provision of route guidance traffic information - Provision of destination-related information

Overview of the System To improve driver convenience, traffic information is distributed to the driver via the navigation system that is compatible with the on-demand function and information supply units so that optimum behavior concerning the route and travel time can be selected, best distributing the traffic flow. The traffic information includes traffic congestion information for each optional route, required time to the destination, traffic restriction information, and current information on parking availability. The information is also distributed to homes and offices to assist drivers in deciding on an efficient travel plan prior to departure. In addition, service information including the destination's regional information is distributed on demand via the in-vehicle equipment, the parking/service areas along expressways, and the "Michi-no-Eki" (the roadside stations) along ordinary roads.

Development and Deployment Target - "Provision of route guidance traffic information" to in-vehicle equipment -- Gradually deploy it nationwide. - "Provision of route guidance traffic information" to homes and offices -- Enhance service content and expand the service distribution area. - "Provision of destination-related information" -- Enhance service content and gradually introduce this information distribution to the parking/service areas along expressways, and the "Michi-no-Eki" along ordinary roads. - Traffic information distribution services to in-vehicle equipment compatible with the on-demand function -- Promote research and development for realizing practical use by the beginning of the 21st century and then deploy it nationwide.

(b) Electronic Toll Collection Systems

Necessity of Development and Deployment On the expressways in Japan, 55% of the traffic congestion caused by concentrated traffic occurs at tollgates.* At present, as the large-scale road networks have been formed, the administrative cost for toll roads has increased, and accordingly a more efficient road administration is desired. Under such circumstances, to eliminate traffic congestion at the tollgate and reduce administrative costs, it is necessary to establish an electronic toll collection system as soon as possible while considering reduction of toll collection costs. Electronic toll collection has been studied in many countries as seen from the practical use of electronic toll collection systems already implemented in the U.S., European countries, and Southeast Asian countries. * Based on the investigation of Japan Highway Public Corporation.

User Service - Electronic toll collection

Overview of the System Electronic toll collection is enabled without stopping at the tollgate to eliminate traffic congestion, improve driver convenience by cashless payment, and reduce administrative costs.

Development and Deployment Targets - Promote research and development for implementation of a non-stop electronic toll collection system around 2000 and then deploy it nationwide.

(c) Assistance for Safe Driving

Necessity of Development and Deployment The annual number of deaths caused by traffic accidents in Japan has exceeded 10,000 for eight consecutive years since 1988. On the other hand, Japan will have an aging society with one-in-four persons being elderly in the 21st century. Under such circumstances, to prevent traffic accidents, it is necessary to implement the user service in the safe driving support field as soon as possible by using the information network systems on the roads and in vehicles. The National Automated Highway System Consortium (NAHSC) in the U.S. plans to complete a prototype of automated systems in 2001 and start trial operations in 2002. The automatic vehicle driving is being studied in many countries.

User Services - Provision of driving and road condition information - Danger warning - Assistance for driving - Automated highway systems

Overview of the System To prevent traffic accidents, various types of sensors are used on the road and in the vehicles to collect driving conditions data including the ambient road and vehicle situation. The in-vehicle equipment and road information apparatus are used to provide this driving conditions information and the associated danger warning to each driver in real time. An automatic control function is added to the vehicles to support the driver's operation through speed control by automatic break operation or driving assistance by steering wheel control if danger is detected while, at the same time, considering the position and behavior of the control vehicle and surrounding vehicles, and obstacles. In addition, automatic vehicle driving is implemented with ambient driving environment sensing and advanced driver assistance functions. The latter includes speed control through automatic brake and accelerator operation and steering wheel control.

Development and Deployment Targets - Basic items of "Provision of driving and road conditions information," "Danger warning," and "Assistance for driving" -- Promote research and development for practical use around 2000 and start mounting safety units in vehicles as well as gradually introducing the infrastructure to those expressways and areas associated with excessive traffic accidents. - "Automated highway systems" -- Promote research and development for trial operations to start around 2000 and introduce it to the primary expressways by the beginning of the 21st century.

(d) Optimization of Traffic Management

Necessity of Development and Deployment The annual death toll of at least 10,000 from traffic accidents since 1988, the annual economic loss of 12 trillion yen caused by traffic congestion and the annual time loss of 56 billion person-hours are a great burden to Japanese society and the business economy. Also, traffic congestion causes serious social problems including worsened roadside environment, disharmony with the global environment, and increased energy consumption. Under such circumstances, to improve traffic safety, driving amenities, and the road environment, it is also necessary to steadily implement user services to optimize the field of traffic management from the management agency standpoint.

User Services - Optimization of traffic flow - Provision of traffic restriction information on incident management.

Overview of the System To improve traffic safety, driving amenities, and the road environment, optimum signal control is implemented for the entire road network as well as for areas with exceptional traffic congestion and damaged roadside environments. Mobile navigation is performed for the driver using in-vehicle equipment and information supply units to administer the traffic. To prevent any secondary disasters induced by a traffic accident, a traffic accident is detected quickly, the traffic control pertinent to the accident is performed, and traffic restriction information is distributed to the drivers through the in-vehicle equipment and information supply units.

Development and Deployment Targets - "Optimization of traffic flow" -- Upgrade the traffic control centers and signal control systems in the primary cities and gradually deploy the upgrades nationwide. Gradually introduce the recommended route provision function to the in-vehicle equipment in the metropolitan areas and expand it nationwide. - "Provision of traffic restriction information on incident management" by ITS -- Gradually introduce the information provision to the primary roads when measures and methods are established.

(e) Increasing Efficiency in Road Management

Necessity of Development and Deployment The increasing numbers of road vehicles are causing increased road maintenance and repair costs. The growth rate of road management costs exceeds the that of the road construction expense. In addition, since administration of special vehicles is necessary from the viewpoint of road maintenance and traffic safety, it is desired to speed up the process of permission application procedures and to grant transport permission more efficiently. There are 5,412 restricted sections of roads, and the annual count of transport restrictions exceeds 10,000 in Japan.* Under such circumstances, it is necessary to steadily implement efficiency improvement for user services in road administration, and to improve efficiency of maintenance and administration transactions, efficiently administer special vehicles, and distribute transport restriction information. * From the reference of the Ministry of Construction.

User Services - Improvement of maintenance operations - Management of special permitted commercial vehicles - Provision of roadway hazard information

Overview of the System Determination of the optimum work period, planning of the working arrangement, and provision of directions to the vehicles are performed by accurately identifying road surface conditions and work vehicle positions to maintain a safe, smooth and pleasant driving environment in accordance with the social condition and nature of each region. In case of a disaster, damage to the road facilities and surrounding areas are identified, and proper road administration is executed through efficient arrangement of road recovery vehicles and the establishment of a rapid recovery system. Special vehicles are properly managed by using an electronic application for special vehicle pass application and transaction processing, generating a database of transport permitted routes, identifying the actual transport routes of the permitted vehicles, and automatically identifying the load weight of passing vehicles with the vehicle weight scale. In addition, the natural state of rain, snow, fog, wind, and water, and information related to transport restrictions are thereby quickly distributed to the drivers through the in-vehicle equipment and information supply units to maintain safe and smooth traffic flow in accordance with the natural conditions in each region.

Development and Deployment Targets - "Improvement of maintenance operations" by ITS -- Promote research and development for practical use around 2000 and gradually deploy it nationwide by the beginning of the 21st century. - "Management of special permitted commercial vehicles" by ITS -- Promote research and development for trial operations to start around 2000 and gradually deploy it nationwide by the beginning of the 21st century. - "Provision of roadway hazard Information" by ITS -- Gradually introduce the system to the transport restricted sections of the primary roads and mountainous areas.

(f) Support for Public Transport

Necessity of Development and Deployment Because of the increased vehicle traffic, the regular bus schedules have been interrupted due to traffic congestion in city areas. This fact and other factors have decreased the total number of bus passengers to 70%, or less of that in 1975.* Under such circumstances, to maintain safety in public transport as well as to improve efficiency of business administration and convenience for the user, and implement optimum usage of available transport facilities, it is necessary to implement the user services included in the support field for the public transport. * From the Annual Statistics for Vehicle Transport.

User Services - Provision of public transport information - Assistance for public transport operations and operations management

Overview of the System Support is given to choose flexible transport measures, transfer and departure time zones suitable for the needs of the public transport users to improve convenience for the users. All information, including the operating state, seat occupancy state, required fares and fees, and parking availability of the public transport facilities is distributed to implement optimum usage of transport facilities. The information is transmitted to terminal units at homes, offices, in-vehicle equipment and portable terminal units, and to information supply units installed in the roads, terminals, bus stops, and expressway service areas. In addition, to improve convenience with safe and smooth operation of the public transport facilities and efficiency of the business administration, the operation and administration of the public transport facilities are supported by real-time collection of the operating status of the public transport facilities, performing priority dispatch as necessary, and distributing the collected information to the public transport companies as basic data.

Development and Deployment Targets - "Provision of public transport information" by ITS -- Gradually introduce the system starting around the primary commercial areas. - "Assistance for public transport operations and operations management" by ITS-- Gradually introduce the system starting from the primary cities and deploy it to the primary roads nationwide by the beginning of the 21st century.

(g) Increasing Efficiency in Commercial Vehicles Operations

Necessity of Development and Deployment Diversified logistic services in recent years and traffic congestion have decreased load efficiency in the collection and delivery functions so that the present load factor is 20% or less. * Problems which exist clearly include increased service costs and aging drivers in the logistics business. Under such circumstances, it is necessary to implement the user services for efficiency improvement of commercial vehicles to improve efficiency of collection and delivery functions, reduce the commercial traffic and greatly improve transport efficiency. * From the Annual Statistic Report of Automobile Transportation

User Services - Assistance for commercial vehicle operations management - Automated platooning of commercial vehicles

Overview of the System To greatly improve transport efficiency, reduce commercial traffic and improve transport safety, operation administration is supported by real-time collection of operation status of trucks and tourist buses and distributed as basic data to the transport operators. Efficiency improvement of logistics is supported by establishing the advanced, automated, systematized logistics centers, shared delivery, and distributing return tag information. Multiple commercial vehicles with the automated driving functions drive continuously by keeping a proper vehicular gap.

Development and Deployment Targets - "Assistance for commercial vehicle operations management" by ITS -- Promote research and development for trial operations to start around 2000 and gradually introduce it to the primary roads nationwide by the beginning of the 21st century. - "Automated platooning of commercial vehicles" -- Promote research and development for trial operations to start around 2000 and introduce it to the primary expressways nationwide by the beginning of the 21st century.

(h) Support for Pedestrians

Necessity of Development and Deployment It is predicted that one in four Japanese persons will be elderly in the 21st century. Half of the pedestrians and cyclists killed by traffic accidents are 65 years or older at present. Under such circumstances, it is necessary to implement the user services in support of pedestrians to form a safe and pleasant road environment that the elderly and handicapped persons can use securely.

User Services - Pedestrian route guidance - Vehicle-pedestrian accident avoidance

Overview of the System To form a safe and pleasant road environment that pedestrians and people without vehicles including the elderly and handicapped can securely use, the facilities, route guidance and routing using portable terminal units, magnetic media and voice are utilized to support the pedestrians. The green light timing of the crossing signal is extended with portable terminal units so that pedestrians can safely cross the road. In addition, for vehicle measures, danger protection is executed to prevent accidents involving pedestrians by detecting pedestrians in the paths of vehicles and warning the driver and/or automatically activating the brakes.

Development and Deployment Targets - "Pedestrian route guidance" for the pedestrian -- Promote research and development for practical use around 2000 and gradually introduce it starting from the primary commercial areas. - Installation of signals which enable extending the green time for pedestrians -- Introduce them according to a developed plan. - Vehicle-pedestrian accident avoidance -- Promote research and development for trial operations to start around 2000, with practical use by the beginning of the 21st century and for standard installation as a safety unit in vehicles.

(i) Support for Emergency Vehicle Operations

Necessity of Development and Deployment As seen from the road shutdowns caused by the 1995 Kobe earthquake, quick emergency response to road traffic is a critical social demand. Under such circumstances, it is necessary to implement the user services in the support for emergency vehicles as soon as possible to perform rapid and proper recovery and rescue activities in a disaster or accident.

User Services - Automatic emergency notification - Route guidance for emergency vehicles and support for relief activities

Overview of the System To implement rapid and proper recovery and rescue activities following a disaster or accident, the vehicle involved automatically notifies the organizations concerned with an emergency message to greatly reduce time for recognizing the disaster or accident and identifying the location. In addition, information about the traffic and road damage conditions are collected in real time and transferred to the organizations concerned to perform rapid routing of recovery vehicles to the site.

Development and Deployment Targets - "Automatic emergency notification�h-- Promote research and development and gradually introduce it starting from the locations with effective damage expansion prevention during a disaster/accident. - "Route guidance for emergency vehicles and support for relief activities" -- Promote research and development concerning detection and prediction of damage conditions by aiming at trial operations to start around 2000 and gradually introduce it to the primary roads and urban areas nationwide by the beginning of the 21st century.

Figure 5.1.1 ITS Development and Deployment Milestones

5.2 Relation Between ITS and Japan's Standard of Living

ITS is an advanced information network system for road traffic indispensable to the national lifestyle. Thus, in accordance with its deployment, Japan's standard of living is expected to greatly improve in all phases of transport safety and amenities. The relation between ITS and the national lifestyle in the 21st century is assumed as described below.

(1) First Phase (around 2000)

"Service Start of Part of Leading Systems Including the Navigation System" -- Beginning of ITS

In this period, which is the initial stage of ITS, traffic information will be distributed via VICS and similar systems which have already begun service. Traffic congestion information and optimum routes will be displayed on the in-vehicle navigation system so that the driver can achieve pleasant travel including travel time reduction. In the last half of the first phase, electronic toll collection will be started so that traffic congestion at the tollgate will begin to be eliminated.

(2) Second Phase (around 2005)

"Start of User Services" -- Traffic System Revolution

In this period of the 21st century, user services of ITS will be introduced gradually, starting a traffic system revolution. Information distributed to the users by ITS will include service information and public transport information about the destination, which will have enhanced content to further improve the user services. For example, when a trip is being planned, a destination that meets the stated needs and requests of the user is retrieved such that the optimum route and transport facilities up to the destination can be easily selected by considering travel time and other important factors.

The number of traffic accidents on the expressways and ordinary roads will be reduced by supporting the driver's safe driving and improving the pedestrian's safety. If a traffic accident occurs, quick notification and proper traffic restrictions will prevent further damage. Quick response of emergency and rescue activities will save the life of a person who would have not survived in the traditional situation.

On the other hand, the fixed-schedule character of public transport organizations will be maintained and information services will be enhanced to greatly improve the convenience of public transportation. An attempt will be made to improve the efficiency of transactions concerning transport operators so that the nation will benefit from reduced logistics costs.

(3) Third Phase (around 2010)

"Advances in ITS and Enhanced Social System" -- Automated Highway Systems- Realization of a Dream

In the third phase, ITS is advanced to a higher level. As well as the spread of infrastructure and in-vehicle equipment, legal and social systems will be enhanced to firmly establish ITS as a social system, so that the effects will be nationwide. With the realization of further advanced functions, automated driving will be started for full-scale service; the inside of the vehicle will be a safer and more pleasant place.

(4) Fourth Phase (after 2010)

"Maturity of ITS" -- Innovation of Social Systems

In the fourth phase, which is the final period of this project, all systems of ITS will already have been deployed. A full-scale advanced information and telecommunications society will be established with the nationwide optic fiber network and innovative social systems.

In this period, the number of automated driving users will have started to increase such that automated driving will be established as a general system. ITS will come to a period of maturity and be accepted by the nation as a basic system pertinent to road and other means of transport. With full-scale ITS deployment, it is expected that the number of deaths caused by traffic accidents will greatly decrease from that of the present in spite of increased traffic volumes and density. All roads including those within cities will have less traffic congestion, enabling pleasant and smooth travel. In addition, a reduction in business traffic will enable harmonization with the roadside environment and the global environment.

All Rights Reserved, Copyright © 2004 Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism