PDF
format.
Many intelligent transportation systems will heavily influence our way of living in the future; some of them are in early design, while some are already under test. This installment describes a system already operational in the Seattle area; it lets users access information about, and forecasts of, bus schedules. The full availability of such systems on a large scale, taking into consideration not only buses but also trains and planes, will allow efficient planning of people's mobility. Such large-scale systems will allow rerouting of transportation systems or manipulation of traffic lights to intervene in real time in traffic jams or unexpected delays to smooth the traffic flow. Furthermore, the availability of a sufficiently complete statistical analysis of driving times will permit replanning of bus schedules and routes, on the basis of people's needs and utilization. I welcome contributions on the current status of ITS projects worldwide as well as ideas and trends on future transportation systems. Please send your contribution to: broggi@ce.unipr.it; www.ce.unipr.it/broggi.