• What is ITS?

ITS is an acronym for "Intelligent Transportation Systems", representing the application of advanced and emerging technologies (computers, sensors, control, communications, and electronic devices) in transportation to save lives, time, money, energy and the environment.

• What are the benefits of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)?

Benefits obtained from the deployment of ITS applications can categorised into six performance areas, namely: safety benefits, mobility benefits, customer satisfaction, cost benefits, improved level of services and socioeconomic benefits. ITS deployment provide benefits to a combination of the above performance areas. As an example, an ITS deployment with the intention of providing safety benefits will to some extent also provide indirect benefits to mobility and customer satisfaction.

• Why do I need an ITS strategic plan?

The primary purpose of an ITS strategic plan is to develop a comprehensive "roadmap" which sets the direction and pace of ITS investments in a coordinated and focussed manner. Within a plan, a list of viable, cost-effective projects would be identified that fit within the deployment program to meet short, medium and long-term goals. To be truly effective, an ITS Strategic Plan should be consistent with the objectives and direction of Malaysia 's ITS Plan, and to conform with the ITS Architecture for Malaysia .
The Malaysia initiative in developing ITS solutions started with the pilot project entitled “ITS Strategic Plan for Malaysia : A Way Forward” in 1999. This document formulated with the assistance of the Road Engineering Association of Malaysia (REAM) outlined broad principles to be used in developing a framework for ITS deployment in Malaysia . The Cabinet eventually endorsed this “ITS Strategic Plan for Malaysia ” in 2002 and the Ministry of Works was directed to spearhead the recommendations as outlined in the strategic plan. An ITS Council led by the Honorable Minister of Works was established to plan and coordinate the implementation of ITS deployment in the country.

• What is the Vision for ITS in Malaysia?

The vision for ITS in Malaysia focussed on the realisation of the “National ITS System Architecture” for implementation within short, medium and long-term goal. This system architecture is necessary such that the application of current and future technologies can improve public transportation service as well as improving the processes in moving people, fleet, freight, and information throughout the country. To be relevant, the architecture has to be an open and flexible framework system consisting of interconnected subsystems to ITS user-services functionality and defined interfaces; is sufficiently precise to ensure a transportation and communication system design that is both compatible and interoperable across the nation; is generally inter-operable nationwide; and compatible to immediate emerging technologies.

• What are the objectives for establishing an ITS System Architecture?

The ITS System Architecture should be a “blueprint” that sets out in advance, the elements of a system, defining how they will be integrated to achieve the purposes of the development. Among others, the system architecture should promote interoperability between system components, identify critical standards and the sectors, where standards are urgently needed, promote national and international compatibility of systems, prepare Malaysian SMEs, SMIs and ICT-based industry players for the emerging ITS market in ASEAN countries. It is important to note that every developed country that has undertaken substantial ITS investments in has also invested in an ITS system architecture.