APEC calls for implementation of intelligent transport systems by member economies

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies are encouraged to implement the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of transport infrastructures, especially recognizing the significant safety and environmental benefits that may be realized simultaneously.

The ministers responsible for transportation in the APEC region made the call in their joint statement issued at the conclusion of the 2015 APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting held here earlier this month.

"The development of ITS is essential to the improvement of the transportation system in the APEC region," the APEC ministers declared.

The ITS are advanced applications that aim to provide innovative services relating to different modes of transport and traffic management and enable various users to be better informed and make safer, more coordinated, and "smarter" use of transport networks.

Such systems vary in technologies applied, from basic management systems such as car navigation; traffic signal control systems; container management systems; variable message signs; automatic number plate recognition or speed cameras to monitor applications, such as security CCTV systems; and to more advanced applications that integrate live data and feedback from a number of other sources.

"We encourage economies to cooperate with the relevant authorities or organizations to ensure data protection and system integration and integrity," the APEC ministers said in their joint statement. "In addition, security measures need to be put in place and actively maintained to support the use of big data in ITS applications."

Consistent with initiatives to promote inclusive, user-friendly mobility, they also recommended that economies explore how ITS can make transportation networks more accessible to persons with disabilities, older people, women, children and students, low-income populations, and other vulnerable groups.

Furthermore, the transportation ministers expressed their support for the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Implementation Team and stress the importance of the application of GNSS technologies in achieving seamless and green intermodal transportation to enhance safety, security and sustainability.

In view of this, they encourage economies to continue to promote and adopt GNSS technologies, especially those that will contribute to the improvement of supply chain connectivity as well as to the enhancement of capabilities for preparedness to natural disasters and emergency response.

The 21-member economies of APEC are also encouraged to support a task force established by the APEC Transportation Working Group (TPTWG) to explore the benefits and challenges of APEC-wide Transport Cards.

Last year, Korean President Park Geun-hye proposed the introduction of a transportation card that could be used anywhere in the member economies of APEC.

The card proposed by the South Korean leader needs a standardized system of public transport fare technology. It would allow people to use any type of public transport, railroad or expressway with one card, anywhere within APEC. This is similar to Korea’s national “One Card All Pass” system.

Park proposed the plan as a measure to enhance regional connectivity and promote the liberalization of trade and investment across APEC countries. Her proposal is reflected in the implementation report of the APEC Connectivity Blueprint. (PNA/PCOO News Release)