European Commission, Directorate General XIII



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Systems architecture


As they develop, transport telematics systems will deliver a wide range of services and support a diversity of functions in many different organisations. System architecture analysis can be used to develop a high-level template for project development and design. There is guidance available from a number of sources on how to develop a System Architecture for transport telematics, most notably the CONVERGE and KAREN projects supported by the European Commission. Since the technology is purely the means to an end it is important to keep in mind exactly what functions the systems are required to perform and for whom. Many of the existing transport telematics problems arise from a fragmentary situation, where different actors develop information systems unable to communicate with other systems. For example, in the absence of a widely accepted architecture for information exchange between transport operations within a country there will be problems regarding co-operation, communication, disturbance, uneconomical investments, and inflexibility. Fortunately, many of these problems are being addressed through the internet.

The regional architecture should include subsystems and information flows to the relevant area. It needs to be periodically revisited and updated to reflect ongoing discussions and improvements. An existing regional architecture should be assessed to ensure that it provides an appropriate level of detail. An example is the UTMC (Urban Traffic Management and Control) initiative in the UK.

As potential transport telematics actions are advanced, it may become necessary for stakeholders to reach agreement on some technologies, standards, or deployment choices that have regional significance. This applies particularly to near-term projects that have been identified. For example, regional choices on technologies or standards may be required for the telecommunications infrastructure, electronic toll tags, signal controllers and interfaces, electronic fare media, or mobile radio systems. The aim should be to foster interchangeability of components and interoperability of systems. This will involve reviewing the current status of transport telematics standards development activities and determining how and when these can best be incorporated into project design.

The Poznan Case Study which demonstrates the creation of easily adaptable signal controller software with advanced dynamic functionality is a good example of advancing interoperability. For each legacy controller a generic “black-box” single-board computer was developed, which took over the traffic control function. Ensuring a reliable communication between the black box and the legacy controller was crucial to the success of this upgrade. It was achieved by (i) creating a generic “master” protocol in the black box which should be able to communicate in principle with any type of legacy controller, and (ii) persuading the manufacturer of the legacy controller to develop a “slave” protocol adaptation of his controller conforming to the “master” protocol specification and therefore connecting his device with the black box.

The 5T system in Turin, provides a good example of regional system integration. Nine major sub-systems are integrated under the co-ordination of a tenth system – the “Traffic and Transport supervisor” which monitors and controls the other subsystems. Benefits come from sharing common communications for all the systems and from data exchange and a close integration of functions between the major systems.

Technologies


Appendix A briefly describes the key technologies which are used in the urban and public transport domains

What are the pre-conditions for transfer of existing experience from EU to CEE ?


Whilst many of the technical pre-conditions for transport telematics uptake are in place in the CEE countries, there are other barriers to implementation.

Transport infrastructure


The provision of a high quality domestic transport infrastructure is a fundamental component of any transport strategy. The problems associated with lack of investment in the early years of economic transition and increasing levels of motorisation are becoming important ‘bottle-necks’ for further economic development in many of the countries concerned. There is also an urgent need to improve transport routes between south-eastern Europe and the central–eastern part of the continent. Many urban street networks in towns and cities cannot accommodate the growing demand for transport. Potentially transport telematics offer new ways of meeting the challenge of traffic growth and a more sustainable transport system.

Political support and policies


The low level of knowledge on telematics in transport amongst decision makers makes it difficult to get political support and funding for telematics applications. Therefore there is a need to educate politicians and transport professionals and to include transport telematics as a legitimate option for new transport strategies. Although information about transport telematics elsewhere in Europe is widely available, for example via the internet, it may still be difficult to disseminate this information to those who most need it. Concrete examples of successful deployments, together with their contexts, are an effective way of demonstrating the costs and benefits of schemes. However, care must be taken to adapt such schemes to local needs and situations.

Those practitioners who are considering deployment of telematics-based solutions for the transportation problems of economies in transition need to maintain a broad perspective. Important objectives are:



  • To have an overview of the different international transport telematics applications and the possibilities to adapt systems to the specific needs and requirements of a country, to achieve the best cost-benefit ratio;

  • To have regional co-operation because countries with similar transportation needs to define the common requirements and priorities.

  • To enlarge the regional co-operation through bilateral and multi-lateral co-operation with developed countries, in particular to secure the requirements of inter-operability, equipment compatibility and continuity of services.


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