Emerging technologies to help alleviate local traffic : an analysis

Abstract

Intelligent Transportation Systems have been used in traffic management for decades but as technology advances a new form of traffic management is being tested, known as ‘Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems’. Traffic congestion has plagued Malta for years and its effects are getting worse every year. The aim of this research was to analyse the potential benefits and applications that this technology may bring to Malta if there is a high penetration rate. A number of case studies were put forward by the researcher showing what other governments across the globe are doing with respect to Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems and the relevant challenges that may arise from such systems. Current practices by Transport Malta were also looked into and analysed. Relevant research was conducted with regards to the potential benefits of this technology with regards to its introduction locally from an expert point of view, a driver point of view and from Transport Malta’s strategic point of view as the government entity responsible for Malta’s transportation sector. This research concludes that Transport Malta is pointing on this technology in the long term to help alleviate traffic congestion as well as to make Maltese roads safer. Through this study suggestions were made to Transport Malta in order to help increase the readiness of the relevant transport officials and of licensed drivers for the introduction of this above-mentioned technology locally.