No. H075/03
For release July 11, 2003

TRANSPORT MINISTER ISSUES CALL FOR
PROPOSALS FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS

OTTAWA - Transport Minister David Collenette today announced a call for proposals for innovative research and development projects using Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Approved projects will be funded under Innovation Through Partnership, Transport Canada’s ITS research and development plan.

“Innovation is critical in addressing our transportation challenges. Promoting innovation is one of the key elements of Straight Ahead - our new vision for transportation in Canada,” said Mr. Collenette. “Today’s call for proposals demonstrates our commitment to making Canada a world leader in transportation innovation.”

Many recent transportation innovations involve ITS, a new and exciting field, where information processing, communication systems and sensing devices are combined and integrated in creative ways to make the transportation system work more effectively. Electronic tolling, transit smart cards, and centralized traffic management are examples of ITS in action.

ITS innovations can also promote the safety and security of the transportation system, relieve congestion and improve mobility, enhance economic productivity, reduce costs, and minimize the negative environmental impacts related to transportation.

Proposals can be submitted under four funding categories: Urban Transportation; Safety, Security, and Trade Facilitation; Environment; and Foundations of Innovation, which includes research on standards and methodology. Canadian not-for-profit organizations, private enterprises, other levels of government, academic institutions, and First Nations are eligible for funding. Partnerships are encouraged.

Funding for the research comes as part of the Government of Canada’s $600 million Strategic Highway Infrastructure Plan (SHIP), of which $100 million is designated to fund initiatives that better integrate the transportation system. Since 1999, Transport Canada has provided more than $7.5 million in support of ITS projects and research in Canada.

More information for applicants on funding mechanisms and on the deadlines for proposals are available at the ITS Office web site (www.its-sti.gc.ca).

-30-

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at  apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.