Capital plans to develop ITS
- Source: Global Times
- [08:29 April 15 2011]
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By Xu Tianran
Development of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) for Beijing will be offered for bidding to Beijing-based companies, vice mayor Gou Zhongwen announced at the unveiling ceremony of the Haidian Zhongguancun ITS industry league on Wednesday.
An ITS typically involves combining a variety of technologies and transport infrastructure in order to improve traffic efficiency and safety.
While unfamiliar to many, ITS is a major element in modern transportation, according to Zhang Jingjing, brand manager of the market development center of the China TransInfo Technology Group Co., Ltd, which serves as secretary-general for the industry league.
"For example, our Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system eliminates delays at toll stations by collecting tolls electronically, reducing road congestion and carbon emissions," Zhang said.
According to Gou, the government had the option to buy foreign ITS technology, but turned to Beijing-based companies to boost domestic innovation, the products of which should be superior, he said at the ceremony.
Xue Jiangdong, a member of the Beijing Municipal Traffic Committee, revealed deeper reasons for the decision.
"Domestic products would be cheaper," Xue told the Global Times, adding, "If a kit is broken, you have to wait much longer to have it fixed by foreign manufacturers."
