Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) have an important role to play in the field of freight (and passenger) transport and logistics because of the international nature of freight transport, the constant increase in the volume transported, the significant cost to the economy in the event of congestion (loss of time, out-of-date products, loss of earnings, etc.). In addition, there is considerable pressure to optimise the investments made by the private and public sectors in either transport or logistics infrastructure or rolling stock.

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

ITS enables:

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

While operators are offering "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 various 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 equips Luxembourg's motorways.