ITS involves the application of information and communications technology (ICT) to improve the effectiveness, safety and efficiency of travel and the transportation of people and goods. This includes initiatives such as:

• Urban Traffic Control (UTC) - essentially traffic lights
• Urban Traffic Management and Control (UTMC) - an evolution from UTC to include more comprehensive types of data collection, and distribution of advice to drivers and travellers by multiple methods
• Road usage charging - particularly when using variable rates to manage demand
• Real-time passenger information - for use trains, buses, boats and 'planes
• Ticketless travel - based on contactless smart cards
• Personal travel advice - advice for the user's specific journey
• Driver assistance - including safety systems, traffic advice and route guidance
• Fleet management - for freight, public transport and operational vehicles
• Emergency services, who require all the above, plus access to specialist information, and excellent co-ordination