A shared methodology to better demonstrate the value of Intelligent Transport Systems
As Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) become increasingly present on European roads, a key question remains: how can we accurately measure their real benefits? To answer this challenge, C-Roads Working Group 3 (WG3) developed the new ITS Evaluation and Assessment Plan, providing a common framework to support project managers, operators and public authorities in assessing ITS deployments in a consistent and transparent way.
The work was built on years of European experience, drawing lessons from previous initiatives such as the European ITS Platform (EU EIP) and earlier ITS deployment projects. Existing evaluation methods and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were reviewed and consolidated to create a framework adapted to current and future ITS applications.
From technology deployment to measurable impacts
One of the main principles of the Guidelines is to focus as much as possible on real-world evidence. Rather than relying only on theoretical assumptions, evaluations should , whenever possible, use field data collected ; evaluations should use field data collected before and after deployment, (if observations periods before and after deployment are long enough) to measure actual changes and better understand the contribution of ITS solutions.
The methodology also encourages a broader view of impacts. ITS benefits are not limited to a single indicator: improvements in traffic management can influence journey times, congestion, safety and environmental performance. Understanding these links helps provide a more complete picture of the value created by ITS.
MATIS contribution as one of its main cross-corridor activities
The MATIS project played a significant role in enriching this evaluation approach by presenting the evaluation methods already developed in MedTIS and ArcAtlantic, and by highlighting their main results. These methods are based on leveraging improvements in response times (event detection and alert times) after project deployment to assess progress in terms of safety, congestion, and the environment. The three indicators reflecting the gains achieved in terms of safety (number of victims avoided), congestion (number of hours lost, avoided), and CO2 emissions (tons of CO2 avoided) will constitute the basic deliverables for estimating the socio-economic gains provided by each corridor program..
A framework for the next generation of ITS projects
The new Guidelines provide a practical roadmap: define objectives, identify relevant KPIs, collect reliable data, analyse impacts and share comparable results across Europe.
By combining European experience and new operational insights from projects such as MATIS, this work contributes to a better understanding of how ITS can deliver safer, more efficient and more resilient transport systems.