THE VALUE OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS TO ELDERLY AND DISABLED TRAVELLERS

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) are beginning to bring to road transport technologies such as computing, communications, sensors and controls. Over the next ten to twenty years these technologies have the potential to greatly improve the safety and convenience of travel by car, by public transport and on foot. Eventually they may transform road transport into something that is effectively a new mode, combining the desirable features of collective and individual transport. ITS offers great benefits for elderly and disabled travellers. The paper analyses the difficulties caused by ageing and impairments for pedestrians, bus passengers and car drivers. Many problems and hazards can potentially be alleviated by ITS equipment that is already available or soon to enter service.