In 2005, as part of a requirement to the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), MACOG developed a Regional ITS Plan and Architecture.  

What is ITS?

ITS improves transportation safety and mobility and enhances productivity through the use of advanced communications technologies. - US DOT

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) encompass a broad range of wireless and wire line communications-based information and electronics technologies.  When integrated into the transportation system's infrastructure, and in vehicles themselves, these technologies relieve congestion, improve safety and enhance American productivity.  - US DOT

Essentially, ITS is using technology to make multi-modal transportation safer and more efficient for the traveling public, emergency responders and transportation planners.  MACOG has worked with jurisdictions and agencies in three counties (Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph) to develop an ITS Architecture database that shows the communications flows between different departments, jurisdictions, remote equipment, and travelers. One goal of the ITS Plan is to improve communication between and to the various stakeholders by using technology to improve what and how communication happens in our Region.

MACOG's Regional ITS Strategic Plan and Architecture (please allow time to download)
 

MACOG's Regional ITS Project Listing 2010 - 2020

Examples of ITS Technologies
Traffic accidents and congestion take a heavy toll in lives, lost productivity, and wasted energy. ITS enables people and goods to move more safely and efficiently through a state-of-the-art, multi-modal transportation system.  Listed below are several ITS technologies that are being used throughout our region, in neighboring cities and states and throughout the world.

Planning/Data Management Systems

• National ITS Architecture is the framework for interoperability that defines the functions associated with intelligent transportation system user services, the subsystems within which the functions reside, the data interfaces and information flows between physical subsystems, and the communications requirements associated with the information flows.

  Examples in our Region:

• The MACOG Regional ITS Architecture database is used for mapping communication paths and documenting existing and future technology usage in the region
• INDOT Statewide ITS Architecture database

Traveler Information Systems

• 511 is the universal 3-digit telephone number assigned by the FCC for travel and traffic information purposes. A coalition of transportation agencies and private companies is working toward nationwide deployment of 511 service, already available to nearly 100 million Americans (as of February 2006) across 28 states, major cities, or regions.
• Advanced Traveler Information Systems 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. 

  Examples in our Region:

• Illinois 511 system and Gary-Chicago-Milwaukee Corridor 511 System
• Several auto manufacturers, wireless telephone providers, traveler websites, and community kiosks provide various levels of advanced traveler information systems

• Advanced Traffic Management Systems employ detectors, cameras, and communication systems to monitor traffic, optimize signal timings on major arterials, and improve the flow of traffic.
• Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks use technology such as weigh-in-motion, electronic credentialing, and electronic screening to promote the safe and legal movement of commercial vehicle traffic across the nation.
• Transit Signal Priority is an operational strategy that facilitates the movement of in-service transit vehicles, either buses or streetcars, through traffic signal controlled intersections. 

Examples in our Region:

• Many jurisdictions in our Region use loop or camera detection systems to facilitate traffic movement through intersections or corridors
• INDOT currently uses weigh-in-motion technology at its facilities along interstates and other high-volume roadways throughout the state.  The closest weigh-in-motion site is in LaPorte County on I-94.
• Cities like Indianapolis and Chicago are using signal pre-emption technology to give busses higher priority at intersections.  Several communities (like Mishawaka and Clay Township) are also using this technology to give emergency vehicles priority at intersections as well.

Emergency Management Systems

• Incident Management Systems provide traffic operators with the tools to allow quick and efficient response to accidents, hazardous spills, and other emergencies. Communications systems link data collection points, transportation operations centers, and decision support software into an integrated network that can be operated efficiently and “intelligently.”
• Mayday Systems that automatically contact a call center when a driver presses a button or an airbag deploys.
• Telemedicine Systems inside ambulances and medical helicopters enhance the ability of emergency physicians to direct the medical care of crash victims in route to the hospital or trauma center.

  Examples in our Region:

• In the event of major emergencies various jurisdictions communicate together on common channels (even though they may have different radio systems) to share information with one another.
• Auto manufacturers like General Motors use services like OnStar (TM) to alert call centers of emergencies

Modified from: ITS America (www.itsa.org)

  
National ITS Architecture
ITS America
ITS Midwest
511: Traveler Information
ITS Traffic Congestion Leaflets

Traffic Wise (INDOT)
Gary-Chicago-Milwaukee Corridor
Indiana State Police Weather and Road Conditions

 If you have any questions, please contact MACOG at (574) 674-8894 or e-mail us at macogdir@macog.com.