Transport Telematics technical report 1993 The annual Technical Report is now available from Transport Telematics (DRIVE II), Area 2 within the specific programme of research and technological development in telematic systems in areas of general interest, 1990-1994. The introduction explains that the title of the year... The annual Technical Report is now available from Transport Telematics (DRIVE II), Area 2 within the specific programme of research and technological development in telematic systems in areas of general interest, 1990-1994. The introduction explains that the title of the yearly technical report "Transport Telematics" (rather than "DRIVE", used until 1992) reflects the decision of the European Community to succeed the DRIVE programme by an expanded transport telematics action within the telematics systems programme. It is noted that since DRIVE began in 1988, a major shift in public perception has occurred. In response to acute problems posed by the dynamic growth of traffic throughout Europe, the urgent demand has been recognized for the early implementation of key transport telematic systems, using the results of successful research. What seemed in 1988 to be a futuristic vision has already matured: the introduction into the market of some advanced systems has begun, and will gain increasing momentum during the last decade of the twentieth century. Moreover, following the emergence of the Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems (IVHS) programme in the USA and of the ambitious Japanese implementation programme, it has become evident that the development of transport telematic systems is of world significance in socio-economic, industrial and environmental terms. In the development of transport telematics in Europe, much has been achieved and tangible results obtained. The current programme continues the process by focusing on the validation of these technical achievements through integrated pilot experiments. There has thus been a progression from the earlier orientation of DRIVE towards a broadening of the scope of the research and of the range of participants so as now to include a significant number of city, regional and national authorities. In parallel to the continuing research activities, appropriate policies and implementation strategies have been identified and pursued. Of particular importance are actions on technical standardization and the harmonizing of operational practices. The creation of ERTICO, the European Road Transport Telematics Implementation Coordination Organization, has been important in bringing together the leading actors from all sectors to pursue common objectives. Topics covered in the 1993 report include an overview of the Community's programme of telematics research, discussion of the strategic challenge for European transport, the political/strategic response of Transport Telematics; plus a report on the current research activities undertaken within the programme. Each of the areas within Transport Telematics is presented in terms of background, main goals, applications and activities, projects and their interrelationships. The eight work areas described are: - Demand management; - Travel and traffic information; - Integrated inter-urban traffic management; - Driver assistance and cooperative driving; - Freight and fleet management; - Public transport management; - Core activities. A further section deals with the individual projects themselves, in each case providing factsheets on objectives, technical approach, key issues, and achievements. Annexes list each project by number, name and acronym, provide contact details, information on the areas of major operational interest, and the participating organizations. The report terminates with recommendations for activities to be undertaken in the Fourth Framework Programme.
