METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

U.S. DOT conducts ITS tests in Washington, Utah

Tests are being conducted to expedite emergency services such as ambulances and medical personnel by improving electronic communication between public safety and transportation agencies.

July 25, 2003
2 min to read


Intelligent transportation system (ITS) tests are being conducted in Washington and Utah to expedite emergency services, such as ambulances and medical personnel, by improving electronic communication between public safety and transportation agencies. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is conducting the tests in partnership with the states of Utah and Washington. The two ITS projects are part of DOT's effort to enhance public safety operations by improving information-sharing across organizational and jurisdictional boundaries. Utah's Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety are integrating their advanced transportation management systems and computer-aided dispatch systems. A key goal of the Utah project in Salt Lake City is to demonstrate that incident data can be formatted and managed so that each agency receives only useful and relevant information. The project also uses automated vehicle location and digital mapping functions to more quickly identify incident locations. The Seattle project integrates the Washington State Patrol's new computer-aided dispatch system into the Washington State Department of Transportation's Condition Acquisition and Reporting System (CARS). The CARS network is a secure Internet-based system that allows state, local and regional agencies to collect and share information regarding road incidents, weather conditions, traffic delays and other situations. The projects are expected to be completed in late 2005. The Utah project cost is $1.25 million with a federal share of $1 million. The Washington project cost is $462,194 with a federal share of $294,596. For additional information on ITS applications, go to DOT's ITS site at www.its.dot.gov

Topics:Management

More Management

New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI

Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.

Read More →
Alstom purchasing site for Acela network manufacturing
Railby StaffJune 4, 2026

Alstom Acquires Delaware Site to Support Amtrak NextGen Acela Fleet

The company is investing more than $55 million to acquire and improve the property and will employ approximately 100 people at this site once it is operational.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SamTrans planning for ballot measure
Managementby StaffJune 4, 2026

SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue

The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.

Read More →
Riders in MARTA bus station
Security and Safetyby StaffJune 4, 2026

Federal Transit Officials Launch MARTA Safety Probe

FTA has given MARTA 15 days to provide records on crime prevention, fare evasion enforcement, and security funding as part of a broader safety investigation.

Read More →
ABA testifies for federal bus regulations

ABA's Ferguson Testifies in Support of BUS Act, National Standards for Bus Operators

The BUSES Act would create a nationwide framework preventing state and local governments from enforcing bus idling restrictions of less than 15 minutes, a threshold consistent with existing Environmental Protection Agency guidance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
World Cup Crowds Will Test Transit Systems
ManagementJune 3, 2026

When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.

Read More →
Jacksonville Transportation Authority America250 bus and transit van.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJune 3, 2026

Florida’s JTA Puts Innovation in Motion Ahead of America250

The agency unveiled a commemorative America250 bus during a visit from U.S. DOT's Seval Oz and showcased its autonomous mobility programs.

Read More →
A rendering of a California High-Speed Rail vehicle
Railby StaffJune 2, 2026

California Selects Team for Nation’s First True High-Speed Rail Track and Systems Contract

The board action follows completion of track installation at the 150-acre southern railhead in Kern County, which will serve as the staging and distribution hub for high-speed track and systems installation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Technologyby StaffJune 2, 2026

IndyGo, Cleveland RTA Expand Digital Fare Payment Options with Masabi

The new systems combine mobile apps, smart cards, and automatic fare capping to simplify payments, expand flexibility, and help riders access the lowest available fares.

Read More →