Melbourne leads the way in intelligent transport systems

Melbourne’s ongoing commitment to implementing intelligent transport systems on its roads has seen the Victorian capital adjudged the best in the world for the sixth year in a row, according to the latest survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

ITS Australia, the peak body for the nation’s Intelligent Transport Systems industry, said it is not surprised at Melbourne’s continued run of form.

“On the whole, Australia is advanced in its development and deployment of intelligent transport systems and their increased applications have seen our integrated transport network become one of the best in the world,” said Susan Harris, CEO of ITS Australia.

“Across the country there are innovations and collaborations resulting in better use of technology, greater data collection and analysis and an appetite for change. From South Australia’s first trial of driverless vehicles in the Southern Hemisphere, to freight priority lanes in New South Wales, ITS is driving more efficient journeys, safer mobility and greater private and public transport choices.

“Melbourne has it all covered. The Port of Melbourne is the nation’s largest container and automotive port, handling 2.6 million containers per year…from public bicycles, and bike lanes to scooters and motorcycles, freight and air travel, the state government, agencies, local and international organisations, small business and entrepreneurs are working every day to ensure our transport routes flow.”

The Summary of Liveability Ranking and Overview by the Economist Intelligence Unit, a business within The Economist Group, scored Melbourne an overall rating of 97.5 out of 100, to make it number one out of 140 countries surveyed. Second place was Vienna, Austria with Vancouver, Canada, third.

The ratings are categorised by Stability, Healthcare, Culture and Environment, and Education. In the final category, Infrastructure, quality of roads, public transport and international links are considered. Melbourne scored maximum marks in this section.

The announcement figures to be a major topic of discussion when Melbourne hosts the 23rd World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, 10-14 October. The World Congress will feature law enforcement agencies leveraging off advanced vehicle technology and big data to improve road safety and enhance security.