Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) have an important role to play in the field of freight (and passenger) transport and logistics due to the international character of freight transport, the constant increase in the volume transported, the high cost to the economy in case of congestion (loss of time, outdated products, loss of revenue...). In addition, there is a strong pressure to optimise the investments made by the private and public sector either in rolling stock for transport or logistics infrastructures or in rolling stock.

ITS have developed rapidly in the field of freight transport, as fleets of vehicles, trains or other machines are identified and can be easily equipped. In addition to in-vehicle navigation systems, freight (containers, pallets, parcels...) can also be equipped with tracking systems for more efficient traffic and logistics management.

ITS allows:

• the integration of the transport chain and logistics (tracking of vehicles, goods) from the customer to the logistics depots;
• taking into account multimodality and intermodality by ensuring interoperability;
• compliance with regulations requiring special monitoring (transport of hazardous materials, pharmaceutical products, etc.).

While operators offer "track & trace" solutions by equipping their vehicles with on-board devices and goods with RFID-type devices, public authorities are implementing ITS on transport networks.

In Luxembourg, the following intelligent systems are operational on the different transport networks:

• for the rail network: ERTMS equips the Luxembourg rail network;
• for the river network: the MIB/Moves system is in place on the Moselle;
• for the road network: the CITA system is used on Luxembourg's motorways.