a system of cars, trains, planes, ships and people

When looking at the vast network of transportation systems, there are many examples across road, rail, air and sea where new innovations and technologies are changing how people and things move from here . . . to there.

For example, cities like Singapore, Brisbane and Stockholm are discovering that traffic isn’t just a line of cars: it’s a web of connections.

These cities are infusing intelligence into their entire transportation systems — streets, bridges, intersections, signs, signals and tolls. And now they’re seeing significant drops in congestion and pollution.

Transportation systems instrumented with sensors, meters, cameras, smart phones, and biometric devices give us the ability to measure, sense and see the exact condition of a train wheel bearing, or metal fatigue in a bridge.

At the same time, sophisticated analytic systems can detect patterns and relationships and enable continuous decision making in near-real time.

Traffic routes, in particular, are complex systems that combine many different types of information collected from different sources.

But now there’s clever software that can "learn" traveler patterns and behaviors, and make recommendations for people’s commutes; or identify possible dangerous intersections and stretches of road.

Imagine what this new intelligence can do for railroads in terms of collecting and interpreting data gathered from minuscule devices on trains, tracks, stations and other assets to improve the speed, safety, and reliability of rail service;

or for cargo carriers, in terms of determining the whereabouts and conditions of millions of shipping containers used to transport goods around the world — at sea, on land, or waiting to be delivered.

Other intelligent transportation solutions include new traffic-control systems that can save fuel, shave time off long flights, and enhance safety;

self-service technologies that can reduce lines and help make air and rail terminals more efficient and passenger-friendly;

smarter projects designed to help lower energy use and emissions, and lead to cleaner air;

and asset management systems that keep track of and manage all of the different transportation assets that exist — fleets of cars, trains, trucks, ships, buses and airplanes . . .

. . . so that everything can run smoothly and efficiently!

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