Reduce Energy Use (NAPSA)—In the United States, automobiles now consume only about 60 percent of the gasoline, per mile driven, that they did in 1972. But with gasoline prices and congestion rising, America is becoming energy conscious once again. Thousands of cars stuck during commutes in dozens of congested metropolitan areas waste many gallons of fuel over the course of a year. Looking ahead, dernand for energy of all kinds is likely to outstrip domestic capacity to produce it unless there are changes, according to President Bush. Much of the nation’s transportation system, however, is meeting this challenge by focusing on ways to use intelligent transportation systems to reduce delays and provide real-tirne information on all transportation modes so consumers have more choice, according to the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America). “We have tools to help people travel more efficiently and that improves how we manage our nation’s energy resources,” says Max Rumbaugh, executive vice president of the Society of Automotive Engineers, and secretary of the TPS America Board of Directors. “These tools include better timing of traffic signals to allow improved traffic flow. Also, giving out real-time trip-related imforrmation on routes, weather and transit choices. Electronic toll collec- ing te the Institute of Transporta- tion Engineers. Shorter trips require less fuel. Meanwhile, at New York state’s heavily traveled Tappan Zee toll bridge a manual toll lane can accommodate up to 450 vehicles per hour while the facility’s electronic toll collection lanes can handle 1,060 vehicles per hour. “Motor vehicle engines get better fuel economy and pollute less when they avoid stop-and-start situations,” says Rumbaugh. Hf there is a highway accident, a general rule of thumb says it will take four minutes to clear the resulting congestion for every one minute it takes to clear the accident. Manylocalities are using highway cameras to cut response times, and minimizetraffic slow- downs, vehicle emissions and wasted fuel. Also, if travelers want to use to energy-saving public transit (subway, bus or ferry), pre-trip information available on the Internet in many cities helps them make in Los Angeles, Paris, and Toronto times, and select routes prior to leaving. ITS America is an educational tion and faster response highway accidents also help reduce fuel use.” For example, studies conducted show that reductions in fuel use of between 2-13 percent have been achieved through improved traffic signal operation, according to the US. Department of Transportation. Motor vehicles use fuel more efficiently when they operate at consistent speeds. Other studies show that with regular re-timing of traffie signals alone travel time can be reduced by between 8-25 percent, accard- mode choices, estimate travel andscientific public-private part- nership of G00 member organizations promoting the use of advanced technologies in surface transportation. For additional information on intelhgent trans- portation systems, contact: ITS America, Suite 800, 400 Virginia Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20024- 2730, call (202) 484-4581, or visit the ITS America Weh site at http://www. itsa.org.
