ITS is a form of advanced communication and information technology which can make transport systems safer and more efficient.

It is hoped the plan, due to run from 2006 through to 2015, will establish a clear and united national strategy for ITS development and reduce redundant investments in ITS systems by government agencies.

Maitree Srinarawat, director general of the OTP, said initially the plan would cover a total area of 100 square kilometres around Bangkok and its vicinity, including 16 provinces near Bangkok.

The plan involves five key pillars: the development of advanced traffic management systems, advanced traveller information systems, electronic toll collection, advanced vehicle control systems, and incident management and emergency response system.

The office has also set various development strategies for traffic management: traveller information, commercial vehicles, public transport, safety and security and electronic payment. All strategies are due to be carried out in three stages - short term, between 2006 and 2007; medium term, between 2008 and 2009; and long term, between 2010 and 2015.

The strategies cover around 70 projects, running across many relevant organisations.

The projects are expected to cost more than Bt10 billion to complete.

Traveller information consists of 12 projects. These include developing an ITS centre, real-time traffic reports, intelligent traffic signs, intelligent public bus signs, location-based services, closed-circuit television, and traffic reports available on a website.

The 19 projects under the traffic management strategy include developing an automatic traffic control system, speed cameras, and a geographic information system (GIS).

The commercial vehicle strategy consists of eight projects, including weigh-in-motion, an electronic system that enables participating truckers to bypass weight stations, and global positioning system (GPS).

Eleven projects are featured under the public transport strategy, while the safety and security strategy is made up of 14 projects.

To develop and deploy all these projects requires the collaboration of relevant organisations. Around 16 state enterprises and government agencies, including OTP itself, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Transport, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, the Department of Rural Roads, the Department of Land Transportation, the Highway Department, the Highway Police Division and Don Muang Tollway will be involved in the ITS development.

Some organisations have developed their own ITS systems. The Royal Thai Police, for instance, have rolled out a CCTV project, and introduced variable message signs, speed cameras and uploaded public information onto the Internet. Meanwhile, BMA has deployed a traffic control system and intelligent sign boards.

Maitree said all organisations must work together to improve the country's transport system.

Along with the development of these projects, Maitree added an action plan was also required. The plan involves establishing an ITS Committee, an ITS association, adjusting the ITS regulations and policies, carrying out ITS research and development and raising public awareness of ITS.

Maitree said developing new technology for traffic management would improve the efficiency of the country's transport system. The development of advanced traveller information systems, for example, would help vehicles equipped with data receivers reduce the time taken to reach their destination by between 8 and 20 per cent and help reduce petrol consumption by between 6 and 12 per cent.

Asina Pornwasin

The Nation