Application of Information Technology in Transportation

APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN TRANSPORTATION
1. INTRODUCTION
Transportation is a driving force behind development and the well being of all people around the world. Transportation contributes to the economic, industrial, social and cultural development of any country. The inadequate transportation facilities retard the process socio-economic development of the country. There is a need for application of electronic & information technology in improving the efficiency of road transportation and safety on roads. Not much development has taken place in India for integration of Information Technology and Traffic Planning so far. Traffic Planning and Management in India has become an integral part of transportation. So there is a need to select the technology, which is best suited to the needs of the country and at the same time is cost effective and efficient. The various Information Technology applications available now are mainly aimed at driving comfort and accessibility. However for a long time now, all sorts of Information Technology systems have been developed with road safety as their primary purpose. Such systems are mainly aimed at supporting the driver in the task of driving, to minimize errors unsafe behavioural aspects. Information Technology helps to detect hazards and provide, in real time, warning and traffic control actions for motorists to negotiate roadway natural hazards. These warnings include on-site traffic control signals, road closure gates, in-vehicle audio alarms for patrol vehicles and notifications to highway maintenance agencies. Information Technology also offers sensing and communicating systems which improve the effectiveness of protective devices such as seat belts and air bags, thereby contributing to the reduction of crash consequences.
BLDEA`s CET, Dept of Civil Engg, Bijapur
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2. LITERATURE
Literature surveys have revealed that there are basically, two ways of improving road safety by means of Information Technology - Systems that influence safety in a direct way and systems that influence safety in an indirect way. Examples of promising direct systems are incident detection and warning systems using Variable Message Signs, violation detection methods, electronic licenses, crash recorders, intelligent speed adaptation devices etc. Indirect systems are those that change the exposure or mode of traffic, debiting systems, systems giving priority to public transport. Generally systems which actively intervene, appear to be more effective than systems which warn and only inform. However, the effect that ultimately will be produced in practice will depend on the precise operation of the systems, their degree of adaptability and the possible unintended side effects.
Information Technology Application is based on intelligent systems placed both along the roadside and in the vehicle. In-vehicle safety technologies primarily include on-board sensors that collect data and On-board Units (OBUs) that issue warnings or take partial control of the vehicle. Infrastructure based safety systems primarily comprise of roadside sensors that collect information and roadside equipment that issue warnings and advisories. By means of communication between these systems and road users, various road safety problems can be addressed easily. It is imperative to mention that such a positive impact does not come by itself but needs careful analysis, planning and monitoring. Information Technology can radically modify transport systems, particularly the extent to which they may change the role and the behaviour of drivers; it can also contribute to reducing the high human and economic losses as result of road accidents. Information Technology applications are, therefore, designed for road safety purposes, increasing driving comfort and improving traffic management. .
Considering the advantages of implementing Information Technology applications both on the roads and in the vehicles, it is high time that the implementing agencies exchange information about and experience with the technical performances, economic feasibility and the road safety and other effects of Information Technology systems, promote the development of Information Technology applications to improve the safety of vulnerable road users also, as the vehicle based systems aim to improve the safety of the car drivers and occupants, monitor the quality of the systems and services, develop together with operators a vision and strategy for the deployment and operation of services in co-operation with the vehicle manufacturers and take
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APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN TRANSPORTATION care that sufficient research is carried out with regard to the road safety aspects of Information Technology applications. New technologies may compensate for drivers errors, but is important that drivers be aware of the capabilities and limitations of the systems. To fully realize the benefits and new technologies drivers need to learn to use them and gain experience. Proper design is important to ensure that drivers are not overwhelmed. Training cannot compensate for badly designed technologies. The introduction of new technologies should have to be managed by ensuring they are part of national safety plans and strategies. Such an approach assures a high level of Government commitment to the safety focus and stresses the importance of the technologies in question. Basic infrastructure needs to be provided by Government to ensure the most rapid and successful deployment of Information Technology applications safety technologies. Government should be involved to ensure new products have real safety benefits and are not unsafe. Whether such involvement comes in the form of setting standards, product testing, research or otherwise is less important at this stage, then the acknowledgement of the role and a commitment to fulfil that role. Government should set priorities for the deployment of infrastructure related technologies that will facilitate more rapid technological development and deployment by the private sector and other independent sources. The intelligent transport system takes the first step towards meeting this challenge by providing effective, reliable and meaningful knowledge to motorists in time. Problems like high traffic congestion low transportation efficiency, low safety and endangered environment can be solved through innovative and sophisticated ways of handling latest techniques that have emerged in recent years in integrating information technology, electronics and telecommunication with roads and traffic management.
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3. NECESSITY FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN TRANSPORTATION

Information technologies are applied by utilizing a combination of computers, communications, positioning and automation technologies to use available data to improve the safety, management and efficiency of terrestrial transport, and to reduce environmental impact. These are applied to Control Monitoring Enforcement Information Information technology applications are designed to reduce crash risk by providing support to drivers in a number of ways. Some monitor the state of the driver or the vehicle, and inform the driver of deficiencies detected. Some aim at reducing crash risk by informing and warning the drivers of imminent hazards, like following the vehicle in front too closely, or hazards to be expected ahead on their route, or an incident blocking the road. The expectation is that road users utilize this information by adapting their behaviour to account for the hazard and thus avoid a collision. Several applications control traffic behaviour with the help of variable message signs or signals to harmonise traffic flow or to achieve greater separation between road users, in order to reduce the risk of collisions. Yet another group of systems, most still under development, aim to reduce crash risk by taking over control of the driving task and intervening in situations of increased crash risk to eliminate or at least to reduce risk to an acceptable level. The various IT Application systems, which affect crash risk, are discussed below according to IT function type. The emphasis is on reviewing existing data on the effectiveness of these systems in affecting crash risk.
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4. BENEFITS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN TRANSPORTATION

The investments in IT Applications will help increase the benefits and efficiencies of transportation systems, thereby reducing the need for much costlier physical expansion of systems. This optimism is not to be confused as any kind of illusion that new infrastructure expansion in India can be avoided altogether by resorting to IT Applications. Significant expansion of infrastructure will still be needed in India for a long time to come. But including IT Applications in the overall development strategy of Indias transportation system can increase the number of beneficiaries of the system, significantly enhance the transportation-related safety which is a major concern in most parts of India and in some cases reduce the scale of infrastructure expansion.
Thus, a realistic approach to IT Application deployment in India would consist of a balanced component of IT Applications as part of the ongoing expansion of transportation system. Although deployment and operations costs are known for these operations, and it is widely accepted that IT Applications can be a cost effective means of alleviating congestion, it is difficult to determine the cost/ benefit ratio of individual applications with regard to safety applications The following is a list of identified benefits of IT Applications projects:

Reduced rush hour congestion and delay Increased safety and personal security Time savings and operation efficiencies Reduced fuel consumption and emissions Improved customer service and reduced frustration Reduced road accidents and fatalities and Enhanced economic productivity. In order to maximize the benefits of IT Applications the following points should be considered
Is ITS Relevant? What Options are there? Focus on Need Define the Solution Procure Efficiently BLDEA`s CET, Dept of Civil Engg, Bijapur Page 5
5. CLASSIFICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN TRANSPORTATION

Intelligent Transportation Systems can be divided into two main categories5.1 Intelligent infrastructure 5.2 Intelligent vehicles
5.1.1. Advanced public transport system: (APTS)

APTS technologies are a collection of technologies that increase the efficiency and Safety of public transportation systems and offer users greater access to information on system operations. The implementation of APTS technologies is transforming the way public transportation systems operate, and changing the nature of the Transportation services that can be offered by public transportation systems. The goal is to provide public transportation decisionmakers more information to make Effective decisions on systems and operations and to increase travelers Convenience and rider ship.
APTS technologies can be organized into three broad categories that describe the Technologies relevance to transit applications. Each category is comprised of a Variety of technology choices that are available to help transport agencies and Organizations meet travelers service needs while increasing safety and efficiency. The three APTS technology categories are: fleet management system, travelers information system and electronic payment system.
5.1.2. Advanced traveler information system: (ATIS)

Advanced travelers information systems (ATIS), a part of new technology applications in transportation, provide accurate and timely information that help travelers to select routes, times of travel and travel modes. They work even better with inclusion of geographic tourist guides and yellow pages that enable travelers to select destinations based on proximity to other places (fig.1).
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(Fig:1)
Bus stop after introduction of ITS in Mysore
Deliver data directly to travelers, empowering them to make better choices about alternate routes or modes of transportation. When archived, this historical data provides transportation planners with accurate travel pattern information, optimizing the transportation planning process.
5.3 Advanced Traffic Management System: (ATMS)

This system can benefit the public with improved traffic and public safety, by monitoring the flow of traffic and making appropriate decisions in a timely manner. Additional benefits include less fuel consumption and reduced environmental impact. They employ a variety of relatively inexpensive detectors, cameras, and communication systems to monitor traffic, optimize signal timings on major arterials, and control the flow of traffic (fig.2).
(Fig: 2)
Outdoor video surveillance on intelligent camera systems
5.4 Automated highway system: (AHS)

An automated highway system (AHS) refers to a specially equipped highway lane in which vehicles are automatically controlled; that is, the vehicles steering, brakes and throttle are
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APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN TRANSPORTATION controlled by the system, not the driver. Vehicle-mounted sensors are used to judge the vehicle's position by visual data on the lane marking. It then uses this information to steer the vehicle. The system keeps the vehicle in the same lane provided it senses no obstacles in the road ahead.. If a vehicle ahead has come to a stop, the vehicle is smoothly brought to a stop. The AHS lanes and the vehicles that operate on them are likely to have special sensors, computers and communications devices to permit the automated control (fig.3). To travel on an AHS, a driver of an AHS-equipped vehicle might pull into the designated lanes, perhaps similar to some of todays high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.
(Fig: 3)
Automated highway system
5.5 Incident management system:

Intelligent transportation systems offer many types of information. They may offer real-time information about traffic conditions, such as variable message signs to warn of accidents or other delays. IT controls the flow of traffic via traffic signals, or by opening and closing special gated lanes that allow commuters to access additional traffic lanes in one direction or the other, depending on the time of day, and the direction of the heaviest commuter traffic flow. Some applications provide fog sensors that activate road lights in areas where heavy fog can occur and cause extremely hazardous driving conditions. These fog sensors may also be used to send a message to a variable message sign located before the foggy section to warn motorists of the upcoming hazard.
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(Fig:4) Variable message sign
They provide traffic operators with the tools to allow quick and efficient response to accidents, hazardous spills, and other emergencies. There are major corridors where traffic flows are very heavy. Any small incident obstructs the flow, resulting in huge losses in terms of fuel and time. Consequently, conducting surveillance on corridors and identifying incidents causing problems can be useful in saving economic losses. Surveillance systems are based on electronically operated cameras or loop detectors embedded in pavements (fig.4).
5.6 Electronic toll collection system:

ETC is based on vehicle roadside communication system; more precisely, it is an application of electronic signature detection to passenger and commercial vehicle traffic for the purpose of collecting tolls. Here is how it works: when a vehicle passes through the toll gate, a microwave tag (non-contact IC card) exchanges information both ways between the gate and the vehicle to automatically subtract the toll from, for example, a prepaid card or a bank account. This method offers a huge increase in efficiency compared to manual toll collection, and should reduce traffic congestion at toll-booths, save energy, and reduce exhaust emissions (Fig: 5.1) ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) is a system by which drivers can pay tolls without having to stop at a tollbooth. The collection of fees is performed electronically by way of equipment installed in the vehicle and sensors at the toll location
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(Fig:5) Electronic toll collection system
(Fig:5.1) Conceptual image of ETC
5.7 Advanced warning system: (AWS)

This system addresses the present accident caused when traffic slows down abruptly due to road conditions, forcing the driver to apply brakes and if they cannot apply brake in advance, it may cause crash to other vehicles and at the same time vehicle behind may crash into this vehicle. This leads to chain reaction of accidents. The information given to the driver when the vehicles come close either from front or back is conveyed through AWS which helps in preventing road crashes.
5.8 Vehicle Information and Communications System: (VICS)

In this system, the drivers are provided with real-time information on the traffic conditions via FM multiple broadcasting, radio waves. Here the traffic personnel can take a channel in FM band to update and inform all road users about the Traffic flow conditions and other information like congestion, jams, roadblocks, pollution levels etc. Road map (fig 6.1) quickly shows the driver the traffic conditions in surrounding areas.. The map shows the driver which roads are congested. It also displays other traffic restrictions, such as expressway on-ramp closures. The driver can use this information to select the best route by using in-vehicle monitor.
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(fig.6)
RADIO BEACONS
SCHEMATIC INFORMATION DISPLAY
5.9. VIDEO TRANSMISSION:

Surveillance of intersections, ramps and tunnels, incident detection or verification, and replacement of traffic signal loop sensors is an increasingly popular IT tool. Lately, communities have been installing cameras on traffic signals to record the license plates of cars whose drivers run a red light (Fig 7). All of these applications require distance between the site where the information is collected and the location where the information gets stored. Video transmission that incorporates 2-way data has grown as an IT application. Vehicles with speed violations can be captured along with registration numbers using this system at places like mid block, junctions, etc. Automatic detection of unauthorized vehicles on restricted corridors and parking areas are possible, which improves the traffic control and safety. These are some of the applications of this system.
(fig7) Traffic sensor and traffic camera
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6. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS IN INDIA

In India 70 State Transport Undertakings which together own and operate 1,13,000 Buses and, provide mobility to 65 million passengers a day, across the length and Breadth of the country. APTS technologies along with Fleet Management Systems can make use, to achieve sustainable and environmental friendly transportation for the 21stCentury. In addition to the above technologies, institutional and market factors also play an important role in successful Information Technology deployment for enhanced safety, mitigation of environmental impacts of transportation systems, enhanced energy performance, and improved productivity. Information Technology application has been proved to be the optimal solution to the enigma of building and operating transportation systems to meet expeditiously growing urban travel demand in developed countries. The most important task of IT application of India will be the dissemination of IT knowledge and imparting training for new professionals. IT application of India would be able to bring the Information Technology application expertise in the public and private sectors and academia under one umbrella. Taking into account the political, economic and linguistic differences in India from one region to another, the ministry of Surface Transportation may have to take the lead in establishing such an organization. In the Indian context, a professional body of this nature would be expected to consist of regional units in each state with a coordinating central body. In 1980s, number of developed countries started using advanced systems to control and regulate the traffic, accident accident prevention, parking , toll collections, signalization and other vital tasks. This is still to develop in India to suit our local ambience. Also the problems faced by us are different than those in developed countries. The very first equipment to be used in Indian environment was electronic toll collection along the newly created expressways viz., Delhi-Noida, Ahmedabad-Mehasana, Mumbai-pune, expressways which is functioning satisfactorily. What we need for the present day in India is to save the lives of innocent people from onslaught of accidents, which is termed as murder on wheels. This is because every year more than rupees 7000 crores are being spent as compensation from authorities. Using IT application, it is possible to save the lives of the victims by transferring them to trauma care centers within the golden hour. Almost, more than 1% of GDP is just paid as compensation. In developed countries, a portion of this type of amount is spent in advance to improve road, traffic and other
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APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN TRANSPORTATION related conditions to prevent accidents beforehand, which are termed as import cost. In India, accidents are allowed to take place and compensation is paid later which amounts to a greater magnitude, which is termed as export cost. In this directi on, numbers of technically advanced systems are available in the developed countries, whereas this is always a question mark in developing countries particularly in India. What is needed in the present context is the mindset of policy and decision makers to use for Indian highways and problematic locations of urban areas. What ultimately is expected is cooperation from end user and the adaptation to the new system.
7. RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Increase overall highway funding 2. Create formula-based categorical Information Technology funding. 3. Complete a comprehensive study of factors leading to crashes and fatalities. 4. Understand the cost/benefit ratio of all highway safety programs, including education, behaviour modification, law enforcement, construction and Information Technology strategies.
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8. CONCLUSION:
The potential of IT technologies in improving the efficiency of transportation sector in India appears to be very promising based on the experience of other countries. It is understood that a national strategic IT Applications plan for India is needed for the effective development and deployment of IT Applications in India. A broad framework of such a plan is presented here to generate a discussion on the topic among transportation professionals and policy makers in India. The importance of professional cooperation in the area of IT Applications between the public and private sectors and the academia is also identified and a preliminary organizational set-up towards this end is presented in the form of IT Applications of India. In India many infrastructural projects are under construction and some are still in planning stage. Some of the IT technologies like AWS, ETC, fleet management; incident management can be applied to achieve an efficient transport system. Public transport that is almost monopolized in Indian cities can utilize IT based technologies for their effective operation. Since ITS technology is as old 20 years in the world, India will have to pick up this for its updating and on par with developed countries in modern transportation requirements.
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APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN TRANSPORTATION 9. REFERENCES TRAFFICON-04 ,National Seminar on Traffic Engineering and Road Safety in India , Prof M N Sreehari , Chairman TEST www.itsa.org www.itsa.uts.edu.au www.its.sticn.com.cn/its/htm www.ircc.iitb.ac.in/~fellowship/ civil%20dept%20brochures.pdf www.fibre-optics.info www.tele.soumu.go www.tcs.com/0_industry_practices/transportation/download/intelligent_transportation_systems.p df www.traffictechnologytoday.com, Traffic technology international magazine www.nhai.com www.itsworldcongress.com www.intertraffic.com www.realtraffictech.com www.traffipax.com www.trafficam.com
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APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN TRANSPORTATION

BLDEA`s CET, Dept of Civil Engg, Bijapur