Smart technologies will improve transportation, save money, lawmakers say

A bipartisan pair of lawmakers on Tuesday announced a bill to create six pilot "intelligent transportation systems" they say will use technology to ease transit woes in cash-strapped American cities.
 
Reps. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) and Russ Carnahan (D-Mo.) said their "Smart Technologies for Communities Act" would make improvements to transportation that federal and state governments could not otherwise afford.
 
“We cannot continue to simply build our way into a transportation system necessary for the demands of the 21st Century,” Rogers said in a statement.

“Technologies and information exist today to cost effectively, safely and efficiently manage our nation’s roads and infrastructure.”

“Our roads, bridges, and traffic lights desperately need repair, and with budgets tight, we have to look for solutions that stretch every dollar,” Carnahan said.
 
“By tapping into new technology we can address those problems while at the same time solving traffic congestion problems, preventing accidents, and putting gas money back in the pockets of families and businesses," he said. "It’s the kind of common-sense solution that will help our economy grow and make sure taxpayers get a better bang for their buck.”
 
The bill would create pilot programs in six cities to test whether technologies such as cars with crash sensors, bridges that can sense stress from vehicle weight, electronic toll systems and live updates to commuters improve overall commutes.
 
The congressmen said the bill was supported by transportation, business and environmental groups. They planned a conference call for Wednesday to discuss the measure.