About
The Intelligent Transportations Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO)
OUR VISION:
Transform the way society moves.
OUR MISSION:
Conduct research, development, and education activities to facilitate the adoption of information and communication technology to enable society to move more safely and efficiently.
Planning for the Future of ITS
The ITS Joint Program Office’s 2015-2019 ITS Strategic Plan
More About ITS
Current Research
The USDOT's current ITS research program is focused on two key priorities: Realizing Connected Vehicle Implementation and Advancing Automation. The ITS Strategic Plan lays out program categories that provide a structure for research, development, and adoption of ITS technologies that advance these key priorities.
Learn more in the 2015-2019 ITS Strategic Plan.
Research Areas
Intelligent Transportation Systems Deployment
ITS Deployment
Technology Transfer
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Technology Transfer Links
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- Staff List by Name
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Connected vehicle technology will enable vehicles, roads and other infrastructure, and our smartphones to all communicate and share vital transportation information. The communication flows will be based primarily on a networking technology known as dedicated short-range communications (DSRC), which is similar to Wi-Fi. Many vehicles today are already "connected" through cellular technology. DSRC offers unique opportunities for fast, secure, and reliable communications, and is not vulnerable to interference. Learn about DSRC in the DSRC Fact Sheet.
Basically, your vehicle, and eventually practically every other vehicle on the road, will use DSRC, as well as GPS, cellular, Bluetooth, and other communications systems, to attain 360-degree awareness of nearby vehicles. This equipment will continually transmit your position, direction, and speed (e.g., whether you were turning or putting on your brakes), as well as other information, to vehicles sharing the road with you. It will even "talk" to equipment installed in the road itself and other infrastructure, such as traffic signals, stop signs, toll booths, work or school zones, and railroad crossings.
To function safely, a connected vehicle system needs to ensure the trustworthiness of communication between vehicles. The source of each message needs to be trusted and message content needs to be protected from outside interference. The system as contemplated will contain several layers of security and privacy protection to ensure that vehicles can rely on messages sent from other vehicles. The U.S. Department of Transportation"s (USDOT) Intelligent Transportation System Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) is working with the industry to develop tight controls to prevent tampering with connected vehicle hardware and software. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will thoroughly vet tests results.
In addition, the USDOT understands that privacy is a critical concern. Equipment and devices will not identify you or your vehicle. The information they collect and share will be anonymous.
Another key point is that work is being done to ensure the warnings you receive when driving don't become distracting. You will only receive alerts and notifications when a dangerous situation is developing.
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