ITS demonstration projects to improve transit for elderly, disabled

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced recently that it is giving $2.7 million to eight cities so they can improve transit systems for the elderly and people with disabilities through demonstration projects using intelligent transportation systems (ITS).

The ITS mobility projects are part of the department's effort to address rising transit costs and provide better service to Americans with special needs. The following cities will receive funds through the Federal Transit Administration to plan and design the demonstration projects, which may be eligible for additional deployment funding: Aiken, S.C.; Atlanta; Cherry Hill, N.J.; Fitchburg, Mass.; Kent, Ohio; Louisville, Ky.; Paducah, Ky.; and Orlando, Fla.

ITS uses advanced communications technologies to improve transportation safety and operations.