No. H021/02 For release
March 13, 2002

OTTAWA GETS FUNDING FOR
INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS PROJECT

OTTAWA —Eugène Bellemare, M.P. (Ottawa-Orléans) and Chair of the National Capital Region Caucus, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced that the Government of Canada has committed $250,000 for a cost-shared project in Ottawa under Transport Canada's Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Deployment and Integration Plan.

"Deploying and integrating ITS in all modes of transportation across the country is a priority," said Mr. Bellemare. "Funding for this project will help make Ottawa's transportation system safer and more integrated, efficient, productive and environmentally responsible."

The City of Ottawa — Transit Services will receive $250,000 for deployment of an Intelligent Transit Vehicle Subsystem to enhance vehicle tracking and schedule adherence. A wireless data network will be deployed to get better schedule adherence and improve the quality of service. A more efficient system will mean an increase in the number of people using public transit.

There is a need to modernize and optimize Canada's transportation system to achieve the high level of mobility demanded today. Intelligent Transportation Systems can transform the way we build, manage and operate the transportation system. ITS include advanced systems for: public transit, traffic management, traveller information and vehicle control, commercial vehicle and fleet management, and rural transportation. They also include the application of advanced technologies, including information processing, communications, and sensing and control.

"Stimulating development and deployment of ITS through partnerships is an important step in demonstrating the Government of Canada's commitment to innovative advances in transportation technology," said Mr. Collenette.

Funding for this project comes as part of the Government of Canada's Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP), which was announced on April 3, 2001. The funds identified under SHIP will be used to continue to advance the deployment of ITS across Canada. Final approval is subject to the successful conclusion of a contribution agreement between the Government of Canada and the City of Ottawa.

For more information, refer to Transport Canada’s ITS web site at www.its-sti.gc.ca.