ITS Deployment Evaluation Executive Briefing: ITS for Accessibility

New technologies and capabilities are enabling revolutions in how transit agencies across the country provide mobility to their customers. Dynamic scheduling, mobile booking, and behind-the-scenes operational improvements driven by investment in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and other emerging technologies are enabling transit providers to take service to the next level. These advancements enable agencies to serve the entirety of their customer bases\u2014particularly communities that have traditionally been underserved by transit, such as travelers with disabilities, those who live in rural or low-density areas, and those with limited English proficiency\u2014more efficiently and effectively by integrating accessible modes more closely than ever before. Advancing the development and deployment of innovative accessibility solutions using ITS technologies has long been a top priority for USDOT and the ITS Joint Program Office (JPO). A wide range of programs and grants, including ITS for Underserved Communities (ITS4US), Mobility on Demand (MOD), and the Accessible Transportation Technologies Research Initiative (ATTRI) have funded pilots and technology prototypes to facilitate widespread adoption of next-generation transportation solutions that can give all Americans more mobility options and independence. These early programs developed performance measures and evaluation methodologies for accessibility focused technology projects [1]. The U.S. has also funded work to advance multimodal and accessible travel standards [2]. Development of these standards fill gaps in the deployment and interoperability of future multimodal and accessible travel systems. The ITS4US Deployment Program is providing technical support and almost $40 million in funding to five sites across the country that are deploying innovative solutions to address a range of mobility challenges. The ITS4US program sites are developing their complete concepts for deployment and operation over the next five years and beyond. Although these ITS4US programs are still in the process of refining their concepts and preparing for deployment, the experience from other USDOT initiatives allow a clear look at the ability of ITS systems to provide next-generation service to all customers, positively impacting every part of travelers\u2019 journeys, from trip planning to successful trip completion