ITS development and deployment in Japan

The first computer-controlled area traffic control system in Japan was installed in Tokyo in 1970. It controlled about 100 intersections, and reduced travel time and stops remarkably with savings in man-hours and gas consumption. After the success of this system, about 170 traffic control centers have been constructed covering densely populated cities in Japan. The dynamic route guidance providing various traffic related information to drivers became very important to disperse traffic flows in very congested areas for traffic control and management. This concept also boosted the development and shipment of car navigation systems. The paper describes the history of ITS deployment and national projects to develop new transportation systems, and the current status in Japan.