ITS is a totally new concept integrating all means of transport, such as automobiles, and transportation infrastructure, including roads, into a large, seamless network using sophisticated telecommunications technology. ITS is expected to contribute greatly to reducing traffic congestion, preventing accidents, and conserving energy. Countries around the world, convinced that ITS is the key to solving highway traffic problems, are researching and developing ITS-related technologies. The idea common to all embodiments of these systems is the use of leading-edge telecommunications technology. Compact electric cars in the Crayon communal-use automobile system operated by Toyota.
Drivers can leave the cars at any designated parking place in the region.
There are still very few examples, however, of entire transportation systems being remodeled around the ITS concept. One example that shines among existing systems is Crayon, a local-community communal transportation system of small electric cars that Toyota began operating around its head office in the city of Toyota in July 1999. Just one or two people can operate a Crayon vehicle within a radius of 30 kilometers. Everything in the system is computerized, from rental fees for the time used and reservations to car delivery and real-time operational monitoring. At present about 50 electric cars are in use under the system, which is being test operated by Toyota and municipal government workers.