More than 10,000 global leaders from 100 countries in the intelligent transport solutions (ITS) industry rounded off four days of discussion and demonstrations at the 22nd annual ITS World Congress in Bordeaux, France.
The Congress, run by ERTICO – ITS Europe, explored the theme of Towards Intelligent Mobility – Better Use of Space, and was attended by experts from the public and private sectors, as well as academics, researchers and engineers, representing all corners of the ITS industry. A wide range of issues and topics was covered, with the recurring theme and topic of debate being how to move the industry from a mind-set of design and development, to one of implementation and mass acceptance.
The event placed a spotlight on the new opportunities emerging in intelligent transportation, as shown by a host of international manufacturers. An exhibition space of more than 25,000 sq m was filled with innovative new technology from hundreds of the world’s leading firms.
Hermann Meyer, the CEO of ERTICO – ITS Europe, said: “This year’s Congress has clearly shown that there’s never been a more exciting time to be in the intelligent transportation industry. Whether it be driverless cars roaming the streets of Bordeaux while ‘talking’ to the city’s infrastructure, to news sensors in our cycles, phones or satellites, this Congress has given us an opportunity to bring together the key figures from our global industry to discuss and showcase the developments which will soon be transforming the way we work and live.”
He continued: “We are truly at a tipping point, and I look forward to continuing the good work of this industry as it makes a transition from being focused on the design and development of ITS products and services, to one of implementation and mass acceptance.”
The Congress was hosted by TOPOS Aquitaine on behalf of the City of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Metropolis, the Gironde County Council and the Aquitaine Regional Council and with the strong support of the French Ministry of Transport, ATEC – ITS France, CEREMA and IFSTTAR.
