ITS ‘vital’ in 10-year transport plan

The significant recognition of technology as a key part of developing Auckland’s transport systems has buoyed ITS New Zealand.

That recognition and a dedicated budget set out in the newly announced 10-year Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) has delighted the industry association for intelligent transport systems (ITS).

The RLTP agreed to by Auckland Transport (AT) on June 21, identifies some $28 billion in spending for the next decade. While built infrastructure still forms the vast bulk of the costs within the plan, technology is given significant recognition and a dedicated budget.

“It’s positive to see Auckland Transport recognising that ITS and transport technology as a whole will be an enabler for better transportation outcomes,” ITS NZ chairman David Vinsen says.

“ITS receives a significant budget allocation in the RLTP and is recognised as a key component of the potential of digital solutions to address congestion.

“We’re already seeing many improvements in real-time travel information which enable commuters and businesses to make informed transport choices. The plan makes it clear that ITS and technology will be an important factor in improving network performance and safety of all road and rail users.”

ITS NZ has recently published a strategy and business plan which sees the organisation set to increase activity and membership by broadening its focus. It is targeting converging technologies of vehicle technology, communication systems, data analytics, mobility as a service, and demand management techniques.

Meanwhile, ITS NZ holds its AGM on July 16 at the Grant Thornton Building in Wellington, noon-2pm.

A networking lunch will be followed by a presentation by the Ministry of Transport’s Helen Robertson on the future of transportation world conference, followed by the AGM. Looking to 2030, the conference’s main theme was around personal airborne transportation systems.

Other conference themes included the legal and technical issues around autonomous vehicles, mobility as a service, the challenges for rail, and sustainability in transportation.