12 A revolution in transportation technology is well underway. It will have an effect every bit as significant as the invention of the steamship, the transcontinental railroad, the Ford Model T or the Wright Brothers airplane. The prowess of U.S. industry rests on advances in shipbuilding, railroads, highways, and aircraft. Now transportation is being reinvented. Advanced transportation technologies are being investigated for all modes of transportation.
Innovations range from high-tech sensors to satellite communications systems.
Turnpike authorities and urban transit agencies are testing automated toll collection systems, carmakers are incorporating the first advanced navigation systems as well and improved control and safety devices, new and improved air traffic control systems are being developed. These programs will create a new industry that could be worth over a billion dollars in the next five years, and many billions of dollars over the next decade. Among the beneficiaries will be sensor manufacturers, communications companies, semiconductor producers, to name just a few. Moreover, it is a great application for technology transfer. Advanced Transportation Technology News will bring you the latest technical and business-related developments in the entire transportation sector.