G a O Principal Findings Potential Effects Field Test Evaluations Barriers to Deployment

This report responds to your request that we examine the potential of Intelligent Vehicle and Highway Systems (IVHS) technologies. Our study encompassed a synthesis of major IVHS research, a review of federally sponsored IVHS field tests, and an analysis of potential barriers to a domestic IVHS program. Cur purpose in providing this review is to assist the Subcommittee as it considers policies for an effective federal role in researching, developing, testing, and deploying IVHS technologies. As agreed with your office, we will send copies to interested congressional committees and the Department of Transportation, and we will make copies available to others upon request. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call me at Executive Summary Purpose source of mobility for the citizens of this country. However, congestion problems from the growth of automobile ownership and use now threaten this mobility. Experts estimate that delays from congestion alone result in productivity losses of up to $100 billion annually. Other negative effects include accident-related fatalities, increased air pollution , and inefficient fuel consumption. In a previous report, GAO noted several possible areas for federal action aimed at reducing traffic congestion. One such approach involves the development and application of intelligent vehicle and highway systems (IVHS), more commonly known as smart highways. The goal of IVHS is to provide technology-based approaches that enhance the overall effectiveness of the nation's surface transportation system. Over the next few years, the Congress will have the opportunity to consider the appropriateness of federal support for IVHS through both surface transportation appropriations and reauthorization legislation. This study, conducted for the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation , is aimed at assisting in such deliberations. Specifically, this review provides a detailed examination of both the potential of these technologies to improve traveling conditions and the obstacles that may prevent full realization of this potential. To achieve this objective, the study addressed the following questions:. What have the major studies concluded about the potential effects of IVHS, and to what extent are these findings empirically based?. What additional information can be learned from IVHS field tests under way?. What major obstacles could impede the realization of transportation benefits possible through M-IS technologies? Background Advances in computer and related technologies are now unfolding new possibilities for improving the nature and quality of travel. There are three general clusters of IVHS technologies with application to commuter mobility: advanced traffic …