What is ITS?

Intelligent Transportation Systems

LI ITS stands for Long Island Intelligent Transportation Systems i.e., the computerized traffic management and information system operated by the New York State DOT in Nassau and Suffolk Counties to help improve vehicle travel times, coordinate traffic flow and limit the amount of congestion.

Information regarding accidents, construction, and suggestions of alternate routes, for example, can direct traffic from overloaded highways to less congested roadways and thus move traffic more efficiently.

Travelers can then make better informed decisions regarding their trip. This intelligent transportation system will be implemented in stages, as DOT adds various highway monitoring and traffic signal control systems to the network.

Why Do We Need ITS?

Besides the inconvenience, cost of delays and wasted fuel, congestion costs us billions of dollars each year, ITS can help motorists arrive at their destinations faster and safer.

The 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) made major changes in how surface transportation programs, including highways and mass transit, will be addressed in the United States. In addition, the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) created new controls on surface transportation programs.

Implementation of these laws has changed transportation policies and planning at the national, state, regional and local levels. As residents of New York and Long Island, we are familiar with the uniqueness and fragility of our environment.

Reducing traffic congestion through the use of ITS technology ultimately aids in reducing air and water pollution, reduces tragic accidents and dangerous spills, and increases the overall enjoyment of this area.