Beijing's Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) project is expected to be up-and-running by 2007. The innovative and transforming scheme is set to enhance the efficiency of communications facilities and transport services.
Comprising a number of technologies including information processing, telecommunications, control and electronics, ITS was first developed in the 1980's in Europe, the United States and Japan.
Working demonstrations of some ITS technology will be established by 2003, when the basic research of the ITS layout, function and traffic flow will be finished, in line with the three-phase plan drawn-up by the Beijing Municipal Committee of Science and Technology.
With a research investment this year of over 20 million yuan (US$2.4 million), several ITS projects have already been put into operation in Beijing, said Wen Huimin, an engineer with the Beijing Transport Development Research Center.
They include a road traffic monitoring and management system, intelligent control headquarters for public transport and an intelligent operation control system for taxis, revealed Wen in a speech at the 2nd Beijing International Exhibition & Seminar on Intelligent Transport Systems held last week in the capital city.
The research has also helped catch motorists who ignored traffic signals and jumped red lights during the night.
Over 300 monitoring cameras have been installed on major roads in the city, said Wang Yunfei, a senior engineer with the Transport Management branch under the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Public Security.
The 240 crossings in Beijing, such as the one on Chang'an Avenue and Qianmen Street, are now controlled by a computer information system which will optimize monitoring of traffic signals.
This will mean drivers can cross these busy intersections in the shortest time, according to Wang.
Turning to public transport, China's first regional dispatch center for buses will be established in Beijing by 2004.
The preliminary work has already started in the Shijingshan District in western Beijing, said Cai Wenqin, office director of the National ITS Co-coordinating and Leading Group, which was founded in 2000.
By 2004 all of the city's buses will operate under a unified control system. This will not only improve the running efficiency of the buses, but also reduce the costs, said Cai.
Beijing's Vice Mayor Liu Jingmin has promised that implementation of the ITS will meet the requirements of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
(China Daily September 21, 2002)
