February 22, 2006-- Representatives of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) met today with Welsh Assembly Government officials to solidify an agreement to share knowledge and best practices about Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and VII (vehicle infrastructure integration). Michigan and Welsh officials hope to increase economic activity and collaboration in Michigan and Wales as a result of working together. Among the Welsh officials at the meeting were: Andrew Davies, Minister for Economic Development and Transport; Welsh Assembly Government, Leighton James, head of technology, information and road safety, Welsh Assembly Government; and Anne Reynish, vice president, Welsh Development Agency. Representing MDOT was Chief Deputy Director Kirk Steudle.
Through this collaboration, researchers and engineers will share information about integrated, advanced technologies embedded in roadways and "smart" cars, video and radar sensors and global positioning system (GPS) modules that can be used to relieve traffic congestion, prevent or lessen the impact of some crashes, monitor traffic conditions, and computerize traffic control and traveler information systems.
"Wales is delighted to be partnering with the state of Michigan, who we consider to be a leader in the ITS American arena. We see huge synergies between Michigan and Wales and look forward to further developing these opportunities," said Davies.
"This collaboration is one more example of our commitment to creating high tech jobs that will diversify our economy," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "Michigan is ready to collaborate with Wales on exciting new technologies that will act as catalysts for industrial and economic development and provide significant mobility, safety and commercial benefit."
"Working with our partners in Wales will enable the two leading proponents of ITS to increase investment and research by encouraging private investors in Wales to use Michigan as the bridgehead into the United States and to encourage private developers in the U.S. to use Wales as the bridgehead into Europe," said Steudle. "We look forward to working together on issues concerning intelligent transportation, communication and public/private sector cooperation."
MDOT is championing the VII concept with a VII Michigan Test Bed Program to test a range of products and technologies associated with the technical feasibility of intelligent vehicles or "smart cars" collecting and communicating data about road conditions and traffic congestion to each other, roadways, and traffic management systems to provide motorists with accurate and timely messages. In the United States, government agencies hope to reach a decision by 2008 about developing a nationwide intelligent-transportation system network.
MDOT is leading a VII task force that is being coordinated with the national VII initiative and the state or Michigan to proactively unite the state, vehicle original equipment manufacturers, auto manufacturers, major automotive suppliers, engineering firms, systems integrators, software developers, communications companies, state and local transportation agencies, metropolitan planning organizations and educational institutions. The Welsh Assembly's leading involvement in similar ITS European activities will open up opportunities in Wales and all of Europe to the private sector VII partners in Michigan.
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