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Introduction 
The Inland Empire* Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Strategic Plan, developed in 1998, was a joint effort of the local transportation agencies to develop an approach for integration of
regional ITS opportunities and projects. Since the development of this Plan, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published a Rule (National ITS Architecture and Standards) and FTA
published a companion Policy to implement Section 5206(e) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). This
Rule/Policy seeks to foster
regional integration by requiring that all ITS projects funded from the Highway Trust Fund be in conformance with the National ITS Architecture and appropriate standards. "Conformance" is
defined as using the National ITS Architecture to develop a regional ITS architecture tailored to address the local situation and ITS investment needs, and the subsequent adherence of ITS
projects to the regional ITS architecture. The Inland Empire ITS Strategic Plan preceded the Rule/Policy and is, therefore, in need of modifications in order for the region to continue on a
path to conformance.
*
The Inland Empire is the moniker for the Counties of Riverside and San Bernardino in California.  The ITS architecture developed in this effort undertook a similar coordination and outreach effort with the many
agencies in the Inland Empire that have travel and traffic management responsibilities. The regional ITS architecture was developed to be consistent with the existing conditions,
needs and future plans of the Inland Empire. The architecture provides an overarching framework that spans all of these organizations and individual transportation projects.
 The Architecture represents a shared vision of how the transportation systems will work together in the future, sharing information and resources to provide a safer, more
efficient, and more effective transportation system for travelers in the region. From a regional perspective, the Inland Empire ITS architecture considers and coordinates
with other ITS architecture work completed or underway around Southern California.  The architecture is an important new tool used by:
- Caltrans, RCTC, SANBAG and other local agencies to better reflect integration opportunities and operational needs in the transportation planning process.
- Operating Agencies to recognize and plan for transportation integration opportunities in the region.
- Other organizations and individuals that use the transportation system in the Inland Empire Area.
Time Horizon and Services
This regional ITS architecture has a time horizon with a particular focus on those systems and interfaces that are likely to be implemented in the next ten years. The architecture covers
the broad spectrum of Intelligent Transportation Systems, including Traffic Management, Transit Management, Traveler Information, Commercial Vehicle Operations, Emergency Management, Emergency / Incident Management and
Maintenance and Construction Operations over this time horizon. |
