Connected Vehicles for Intelligent Transportation Systems [Guest editorial]

The papers in this special section focus on the special features and applications supported by connected vehicles (CV) for intelligent transportation systems. CV systems use connectivity (via wireless communications), positioning (via Global Positioning System and digital maps), and data processing to enable vehicles, smart roadway infrastructure, and personal mobile devices to exchange information with each other and to provide road users with both safety and mobility advisories, warnings, and alerts. CV systems are creating new possibilities within the road transportation sector. They promise to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption; improve safety and security; enhance efficiency, mobility, and accessibility; and foster economic opportunities for advanced clean technology jobs and investments. The potential of CVs has been acknowledged with the establishment of ambitious research programs around the globe. In particular, radio spectrum has been allocated in North America, Europe, and Japan for dedicated short-range communications to facilitate safety technologies and applications for Intelligent Transportation Systems. The United States Department of Transportation has been taking steps to mandate car makers to enable vehicle-to-vehicle communication technologies for light vehicles for a safe driving experience. Despite the potential vision of CV systems, there are numerous design challenges remaining to be addressed before their widespread deployment. The aim of this series is to present a collection of high-quality research papers on the state of the art in emerging technologies for CVs, the latest development in standardizations and regulations, as well as the potential services and applications for CV systems.