Intelligent Transport Systems

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) include telematics and all types of communications in vehicles, between vehicles (e.g. car-to-car), and between vehicles and fixed locations (e.g. car-to-infrastructure). However, ITS are not restricted to Road Transport - they also include the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for rail, water and air transport, including navigation systems.

In general, the various types of ITS rely on radio services for communication and use specialized technologies.

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Automotive systems

Currently, there are currently the following projects related to automotive ITS:

• Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) provide communications between the vehicle and the roadside in specific locations (for example toll plazas). Applications such as Electronic Fee Collection (EFC) will operate over DSRC.
• Wireless Communications Systems dedicated to Intelligent Transport Systems and Road Transport and Traffic Telematics will provide network connectivity to vehicles and interconnect them. Using radio bands requires adequate Harmonized Standards which are under development for the bands 5 GHz and 63 GHz.
• Continuous Air interface Long and Medium range (CALM) provides continuous communications between a vehicle and the roadside using a variety of communication media, including cellular, 5 GHz, 63 GHz and infra-red links. CALM will provide a range of applications, including vehicle safety and information, as well as entertainment for driver and passengers.

These technological projects form part of wider initiatives on matters such as road safety (for example the European Commission's eSafety initiative) and road tolling.

Railway systems

The railways industries have agreed to use GSM for the signalling on high speed railways, as well as for conventional railways when interoperating across national boarders. Within Europe, interoperability of high-speed railways is a regulatory requirement, addressed by the European Commission's Directive 96/48/EC.

Aeronautical and maritime systems

Aeronautical applications extend from professional services, such as air traffic control systems, to services for passengers, such as onboard telephony, and ETSI is responsible for specifying many of them.

Maritime applications support routine maritime operations, including navigation, as well as safety purposes. ETSI is responsible for producing a range of technical standards and reports concerning radio equipment and system for maritime and inland waterways use.