14th ITS Australia Awards Finalists Announced

ITS Australia has announced the finalists for the 14th Annual ITS Australia Awards, with winners to be announced at a prestigious ceremony at the Sofitel Brisbane on 15 February 2024.

An impressive mix of individuals and teams from around Australia are represented across the 35 finalists in seven award categories. The Awards showcase the best of Australian intelligent transport systems, reinforcing the nation's ITS capability and position as a world leader in transport technology development and deployment.

ITS Australia President Dean Zabrieszach reflected on the breadth of talent across the pool of this year’s nominees.

"In an industry filled with exceptional talent, our 35 finalists demonstrate the extraordinary quality and innovation that defines Australia's intelligent transport systems sector. Each finalist in this year's awards program embodies excellence, showcasing a commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining standards," said Mr Zabrieszach.

The seven award categories represent excellence across all facets of the burgeoning ITS industry. The categories are the Smart Transport Infrastructure Award, Intelligent Mobility Award, Excellence in Transport Data Award, Excellence in Research and Development Award, Connected and Automated Vehicle Award, Young Professional Award, and the Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award. The Max Lay Award winner will be announced in the coming weeks.

"What stands out in this year's pool of finalists is the number of partnerships represented in multiple categories. This demonstrates a sector that is truly connected and collaborative in its focus to solve some of the nation's biggest transport safety and sustainability challenges," said Susan Harris, ITS Australia's Chief Executive Officer.

"The judging panel was also impressed by the breadth of transport solutions being developed by our finalists – from automated public transport shuttles for people with disability, to harnessing AI technology to combat impaired driving, to electric car sharing platforms, the innovation on show in Australia is truly inspiring."

This year iMOVE Australia continues its sponsorship of the Excellence in Research and Development Award for the third year and Transurban return for the second time as the sponsor of the Young Professional Award.

Finalists were selected by an expanded judging panel of 21 professionals across the intelligent transport industry, spanning industry, government, and academia, ensuring a more inclusive and comprehensive evaluation of excellence.

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the Sofitel Brisbane, on Thursday 15 February 2024.

Finalists

CONNECTED AND AUTOMATED VEHICLE AWARD

Creating ADAS Test Capability in Australia
Australian Automotive Research Centre

The Australian Automotive Research Centre has established a contemporary Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) test centre in Australia which meets international New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) standards administered in Australia by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). The widespread use of this technology is an early example of Level 3 Vehicle Autonomy and delivers new technology and builds social acceptance of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAV).

Compass CAV Road Intelligence
Compass IoT

Compass IoT uses Connected Vehicle data to help transport professionals build better, safer, and more resilient cities. Their Road Intelligence tools provide users with the capability to be proactive and dynamic in the way they solve transport and infrastructure challenges.

Accessible Automated Shuttles Using 5G to Enhance Reliable, Inclusive Automated Public Transport
HMI Technologies

An accessible app has been developed that allows people with disability to control an automated shuttle – they can hail the shuttle, keep the doors open until safely on board, choose destinations, and call for assistance. This app development was part of a broader project to use 5G V2X technology to enhance the capability of Automated Shuttles in providing viable Public Transport services by addressing issues encountered in earlier trials.

Demonstrating Improved Safety in Australian Roadworks Using Portable C-ITS Roadside Stations
Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

TMR's Cooperative and Automated Vehicle Initiative (CAVI) team conducted a successful Cooperative Intelligent Transport System (C-ITS) roadworks demonstration in May 2023. It showcased the readiness and interoperability of seven local and international industry suppliers in a proof of concept (POC) to over 100 stakeholders. The event demonstrated how portable C-ITS roadside stations, not previously used in Australia, can improve safety and congestion in temporary traffic management situations.

Highly Automated Truck Enabled by Smart Infrastructure – Trial on M1 in Melbourne
Transurban

These trials were the first time a highly automated truck was tested in live traffic on public motorways in Australia. Operating in a dedicated lane overnight, they tested the benefits of sharing roadside data with a truck’s automated driving system (ADS). Data from Transurban systems was fed to the truck, enabling measurement of how this assisted understanding of road and traffic conditions beyond the reach of the truck's sensors.

EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AWARD

The Road to Solving Impaired Driving Using Artificial Intelligence
Acusensus

Impaired driving encompasses a variety of instances – alcohol intoxication, drugs or sleep deprivation. Acusensus, together with their partners Griffith University and the Federal Office of Road Safety are developing AI-based technology to combat impaired driving. This solution will measure a driver’s attentiveness, reaction time and control to determine impairment levels. This will ensure random drug testing is more streamlined, targeted and precise and in turn, keep our roads safe.

AI Corridor Control: Transforming Transportation Network Management for the Future
Cubic Transportation Systems

The project's objective is to enhance urban transportation efficiency by utilising AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning). It aims to predict and respond to traffic patterns on motorways, arterials, and ramps in cities, optimising the movement of goods and people between urban and suburban areas. Focused on Melbourne, the project will model the road network, proactively optimising travel times using local datasets to create a more efficient transportation network.

Kapsch Intelligent Corridor – Phase 2 ('Beyond Expectations')
Kapsch TrafficCom Australia

Located on Nicholson Street in Carlton, the Intelligent Corridor is supported by a total $2 million Australian Research Council Linkage grant, with contributions from the University of Melbourne, Kapsch TrafficCom and the Advanced Mobility Analytics Group. “We’re taking a holistic demand management approach for how to optimise that corridor to move people – not vehicles – as effectively as possible,” says Kapsch TrafficCom’s David Bolt.

Cooperative and Highly Automated Driving Safety Study (CHAD Safety Study)
Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

TMR's CHAD Safety Study is paving the way for the introduction of highly automated vehicles in Australia. The study creates foundational understanding of AV impact on safety in four key areas: What constitutes a safe task transition between driver and vehicle; How to integrate cooperative/intelligent technologies (C-ITS) in an AV and understand the benefits; How AVs interact with other road users; How to improve public messaging and awareness of AVs.

Queensland University of Technology and Ford Advancing and Commercialising Autonomous Vehicle Technology
Queensland University of Technology

The QUT Centre for Robotics and Ford Motor Corporation have developed three new innovations in positioning technology for autonomous vehicles, published in the top research literature and commercialised via patenting. Developments include more reliable positioning techniques that use the surrounding vehicles to stop getting lost, that adapt their behaviour to different places in the world, and which understand how the environment can change.

EXCELLENCE IN TRANSPORT DATA AWARD

Deloitte Access Economics – Small Area Freight Forecasting Model (SAFFM)
Deloitte Access Economics

Deloitte Access Economics developed a tool which models current freight demand and flows in the eastern states of Australia and forecasts these change over time. The tool can be used to guide large investment decisions such as where a rail freight line should be built and where rail terminals should be located. This tool fills an important gap for decision-makers who would otherwise not have a reliable source of information.

Bridging the Data Gap: AI-Powered Insights for Active Transport
footpath.ai

Transforming active transport planning, footpath.ai, commissioned by Transport for NSW and in collaboration with the University of New South Wales, utilises AI to fill critical data gaps in walking and cycling across NSW Six Cities Region. This innovative solution integrates diverse data sources, empowering data-driven decisions for healthier, more sustainable communities. Up-to-date insights provide a dynamic perspective on active transport behaviours, setting an Australian first example for AI-powered active transport planning.

Main Roads’ Real-Time Operating Platform
Main Roads Western Australia

Main Roads’ Real-Time Operating Platform (RTOP) is in-house developed, real-time situational awareness ITS platform. The system provides a single screen interface to enhance Real-Time Traffic Operations efficiency and consistency, utilising ITS data to detect, manage and resolve incidents in real-time. It has increased the number of incidents and events identified on the road network and improved the speed of response to incidents by Main Roads and Police.

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Motorola Situational Alerts
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

Situational Alerts provide real-time, advanced intelligence on high-risk heavy vehicles to Safety and Compliance Officers to enable them to undertake targeted risk-based intercepts of heavy vehicles that pose a high risk of non-compliance. This initiative contributes to the productivity of the heavy vehicle industry and safety of all road users.

Yarra Trams Patterns Platform – Using GPS Data to Improve Tram Services
Yarra Trams operated by Keolis Downer

Patterns, created by Hove (Keolis), is a novel platform to analyse and understand mobility in a territory. From the collection and analysis of GPS traces, the platform makes it possible to reconstruct origin-destination matrices, modal shares and measure the attractiveness of points of interests. Yarra Trams (operated by Keolis Downer) has developed this platform to visualise and analyse patronage for the Melbourne tram network.

INTELLIGENT MOBILITY AWARD

Outbound Electric Car Club
Outbound

Outbound is an electric carsharing platform collaborating with industry-leading property partners to introduce electric car club amenities across residential, commercial and hotel properties. The platform offers self-service onboarding, real-time remote support, keyless access, efficient charger management, reliable range support, and seamless payment processing. Outbound have cultivated a community-minded and forward-thinking movement, seamlessly integrating shared electric vehicles into the fabric of everyday life and providing a compelling alternative to traditional car ownership.

Translink on Demand Transport – Gold Coast
Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

In 2022, Translink, in partnership with Via and Kinetic, launched On Demand Transport (ODT) on the Gold Coast. This on demand service provides flexible transportation options to connect residents in these areas to the wider public transport network and essential services such as shopping, healthcare, and employment. Customers can request a ride directly through the Translink On Demand app, via the online portal, or by calling the Translink call centre.

Reducing Passenger Travel Time for Bus Services on the Liverpool to Parramatta Transitway (LPT)
SCATS, Transport for NSW

The Liverpool to Parramatta Transitway (LPT) is a ~30km corridor that links the two CBDs, providing much needed public transport services and to improve mobility for both people and local communities. SCATS, as part of Transport for NSW (TfNSW) developed a software called Priority. Priority interfaces with the existing Public Transport Information and Priority System to significantly reduce transit time and provides a seamless approach to granting vehicle priority.

Sprightly: Seamlessly Integrating Real-Time Safety and Efficiency in Public Transport
Sprightly Transport Solutions

Sprightly has created a world first solution for public route buses that incorporates real-time location, route and schedule monitoring, Driver App, CCTV+, Passenger Information Display (PID) and Automated Passenger Counting. Unlike the multiple IT systems that are usually required, the Sprightly system utilises just one black box, one SIM and one antenna. Sprightly are a proudly Australian business based in Melbourne.

Delivering a New Public Transport Ticketing System Progressively Across Metropolitan and Regional Victoria to Unlock Customer Benefits
Victorian Department of Transport and Planning

The Department of Transport and Planning has embarked on an exciting program to introduce multiple new account-based payment options for public transport customers. The state-wide project will provide all Victorians with the same seamless, world-class public transport ticketing experience that has proven successful nationally and internationally. The innovative solution is underpinned by extensive customer research and human centred design principles, and allows for upgrades as new technology becomes available.

SMART TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD

Asset AI® Software Platform for Transport For NSW
Deloitte

Asset AI® aims to revolutionise road asset maintenance and operations using artificial intelligence. It has the potential to assist all levels of NSW government by providing an overview of road conditions in near real-time and streamline road maintenance tasks. By combining asset and pavement defect information, Asset AI® is anticipated to recognise the triggers for road asset defects and schedule preventative maintenance work before there is risk to the community.

Mortdale Maintenance Centre (MMC) Capacity and Logistic Modelling for Sydney Trains
SYSTRA ANZ

SYSTRA ANZ and Sydney Trains developed a digital replica of the maintenance activities at Mortdale Maintenance Centre (MMC) in Sydney. The simulation visualised shunting operations within the Centre, revealing inadequate technicians and an inefficient maintenance schedule that constrained productivity. Through performance optimisation modelling, productivity increased by 30%, encompassing future maintenance tasks. These insights facilitated efficient operational planning and resource allocation for the MMC, ensuring a reliable train network in Sydney.

Consolidated Toll Road Operations in South East Queensland
Transurban

For the first time, Transurban Queensland have eyes on the entire 82 km network of roads, tunnels and bridges from a single high tech facility - managing traffic flow, incidents and emergency response with artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities ensuring they can get customers moving safer and sooner.

Pacemaker Lighting System for Burnley Tunnel
Transurban

Transurban’s state-of-the-art pacemaker lighting in the Burnley Tunnel is helping drivers maintain a consistent speed, reducing congestion and making the journey safer for all road users. The pacemaker lights are one part of a major makeover of the Burnley Tunnel, which also included painting the tunnel walls and installing thousands of new, LED lights to create a brighter, more open looking tunnel. Together, these changes are improving travel experience in the tunnel by increasing drivers’ line of sight and giving a visual reminder to maintain speed on the steep uphill slope as they exit the tunnel.

Instant Real-Time Pricing for the 'Large And Complex' Australian Road Freight Market Using Artificial Intelligence
Truckit.net

Truckit is a digital freight marketplace that makes the freight industry far more efficient – reducing waste and empty trucks and providing greater connectivity between carriers and regional and capital city businesses. Truckit’s AI enabled real-time freight pricing now delivers automated pricing for the ‘mid-large’ freight industry to anywhere in the country - including regional and remote areas. Gone are the days of 'regional rate cards' updated monthly or yearly.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD

Alba Sanchis Herrero
Senior PMCS Engineer, SICE

Alexander Humphry
ITS Engineer, Transurban

Calvin Dong
Junior Software Engineer, SICE

Jordan Hutchinson
Systems Engineer, SAGE Automation

Paola Natalia Lancheros Guzman
PMCS Engineer, SICE

Rachel Manning
ITS Graduate, Main Roads Western Australia

Shayna Elley
Partner Success Manager, Via Mobility Australia

Timothy Hudson
ITS Engineer, Transurban

Victor Pliego García
Software Delivery Manager, SICE