# Utilizing ICT and Promoting Technology Research and Development

## Section 1 Promoting Innovation in the Field of National Land and Transport Utilizing ICT

Information technology initiatives in the fields of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism within the “Declaration to be the World’s Most Advanced IT Nation” (Revised on June 24, 2014) are being promoted in coordination with the IT Strategic Headquarters (Strategic Headquarters for the Promotion of an Advanced Information and Telecommunications Network Society) headed by the Prime Minister.

## Promoting ITS

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), a system created through the integration of people, roads, and vehicles using the latest Information and Communications Technology (ICT), enables advanced road use, the safety of drivers and pedestrians, the dramatic improvement of transport efficiency and comfort, solves various social problems such as traffic accidents and congestion, environmental and energy problems, and is leading to the creation of new markets in the related fields of the automotive industry, information technology industry, and others.

Also, in order to realize a road traffic society that is the safest, most environmentally friendly, and economical in the world, initiatives for the gathering and dissemination of road traffic information, which will be effective for traffic safety measures, congestion measures, disaster countermeasures, etc., are being actively promoted. This is being pursued in accordance with the “Declaration to be the World’s Most Advanced IT Nation” that was promulgated by the Cabinet in June, 2013 and revised in June, 2014.

### a. The Spread of ITS in Society and its Effect

## (a) Promotion of ETC and its Effects

Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) is now available on all national expressways, as well as most of the toll roads in Japan. The total number of new setup onboard units is 47.56 million as of September 2014 and its usage rate on all national expressways is roughly 89.6%. Congestion at tollgates, which used to account for roughly 30% of the cause for expressway congestion, has been mostly alleviated and has contributed to reductions in $ CO_{2} $ emissions and environmental burdens. Additionally, measures utilizing ETC are being implemented, such as the introduction of Smart IC dedicated to ETC interchange and discounts for ETC vehicles. In addition to such toll road uses, it is also possible to use ETC for parking payments and boarding procedures for ferries, showing the spread and diversification of services utilizing ETC.

## (b) Improvement of Providing Road Traffic Information and its Effects

Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) compatible onboard units aim to advance travel route guidance and, as of September, 2014, roughly 44.11 million units have been shipped. By providing road traffic information such as travel time, congestion conditions, and traffic restrictions in real-time through VICS, drivers' convenience is improved. This ultimately contributes to better mileage and reduces environmental burdens, including the reduction of $ CO_{2} $ emissions.

### b. Technological Development and Popularization of New ITS Services

## (a) Deployment of Smartways

Industry, academia, and government have been working together to deploy Smartway as the next generation of roads. They utilize ITS technology to connect people, vehicles, and roads with information for the purpose of traffic safety, congestion measures, and environmental measures. In 2011, the world’s first road-to-vehicle communication service was established with a focus on the expressways of the entire country, providing two-way communication at high speed and