Intelligent Transport System in Ethiopia: Status and the Way Forward

Vehicular transportation systems are used extensively to transport people and goods which is detrimental for faster, reliable and cost effective socioeconomic activity. However, there are major challenges associated with accelerated utilization of such systems. These include threat to safety of life and property; pollutions; congestion triggered reduction of road network utilization; reduced cost effectiveness of vehicles; and increased waiting and travelling times of passengers. This paper briefly surveys the above problems in international and national context. It then assesses deficiency of conventional methods of mitigating the problems. Next it proposes introduction of intelligent transport system (ITS) in Ethiopia as a better and cross cutting solution to the above problems. The paper analyses and presents verifications of the hypothesis that if ITS is introduced, the nation would achieve better safety to life and property; less pollution; more efficient mobility traffic control and management; and better utilization of road networks and vehicles.