TORONTO (Nov. 9, 1999) — The federal government will provide a total of $7 million to provinces and territories to upgrade computer systems that will be used to analyze motor carrier safety data and rate carriers based on their performance.

Provincial motor carrier regulators have cited inadequate information systems as a major stumbling block in the implementation of National Safety Code standards 14 and 15, which outline a motor carrier safety rating systems.

The announcement, made yesterday by federal Transport Minister David Collenette, did not specify how the funds would be allocated or when they would be released.

Collenette said computer systems that allow uniform implementation of the standards “are a first step in the establishment of an ITS-based strategy for commercial vehicle operations across Canada.”

The announcement was made at the World Congress on ITS, or Intelligent Transportation Systems, taking place this week in Toronto.

Collenette announced additional funding for ITS-related projects. ITS Canada, a not-for-profit association, will receive $250,000 to undertake the role of principal private-sector technical advisor and partner to Transport Canada in the development and implementation of Canada’s ITS plan.

The University of Toronto’s Department of Civil Engineering will receive $100,000 toward the establishment of an ITS testbed, which will involve academic researchers, private sector firms, and transportation-related public agencies at the municipal, provincial and national levels. This testbed will help researchers and young professionals develop and train on ITS applications.

Examples of ITS projects include automated toll collection systems, electronic pre-clearance at border crossing points, and automated traffic flow control systems.