WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 27, 2009 - As lawmakers are debating the job creation benefits of infrastructure spending and other economic stimulus provisions, technology leaders today highlighted the benefits of investing in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and technologies that will create jobs and put Americans to work quickly modernizing America's transportation infrastructure.

"Our nation's technology industry stands ready to put Americans to work in the next 120 days deploying intelligent transportation systems and technologies that will make our transportation system safer, cleaner, more efficient, and more globally competitive," said Scott F. Belcher, president and CEO of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America). Belcher noted that investment in ITS creates jobs across multiple sectors of the economy, including high-tech, automotive and green jobs, and that on average, about 50 percent of ITS project spending is for direct labor as compared with 20 percent for new highway construction.

"Transportation plays a vital role in our nation's commerce and industry, not to mention the lives of our citizens who depend on safe, efficient and reliable transportation," continued Belcher. "In order to maximize the near-term economic impact and the long-term public benefits of the stimulus bill, it is critical that transportation projects funded in the legislation make the best use of cost-effective, deployment-ready technologies to reduce congestion, improve safety and the environment, and increase the long-term performance of our nation's transportation system."

Examples of ITS solutions that can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively include traffic light synchronization, incident detection and management systems, advanced traveler information including real-time traffic, transit, weather, work zone and parking information, electronic tolling, ramp metering, electronic border crossing systems, weigh-in-motion truck inspections and commercial vehicle information, vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-roadside communications, and smart transit systems with signal prioritization, electronic fare collection, automated vehicle location and computer-aided dispatch, and vehicle automation systems for Bus Rapid Transit.

In a recent letter to Congressional leaders, ITS America and a coalition of transportation and technology leaders called for a stimulus bill that "will not only put us closer to fixing our economy, but will enhance the quality of life for our citizens, the productivity of our workers, and the health of our environment." The letter was signed by officials from California, New York, Michigan, and Oregon; industry groups including AAA, the American Public Transportation Association, Institute of Transportation Engineers, Auto Alliance, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and Highway Users Alliance; and companies from the automotive, technology, engineering, and related industries.

For more information, contact Sabrina McGowan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (202) 721-4205.

# # #