[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 129 (Thursday, October 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2041]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE FUEL SAVINGS, SMARTER TRAVEL, EFFICIENT ROADWAYS 
                              (FASTER) ACT

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                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2005

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation that 
calls on the Secretary of Energy to examine the potential of 
intelligent transportation systems to conserve fuel and help consumers 
plan their travel and avoid delays.
  Imagine driving to work and having real-time information tell you the 
best route to save 10 minutes off your commute. Or imagine accessing 
information on your cell phone that tells you not only when the bus is 
scheduled to arrive, but also where the bus actually is at any given 
moment.
  In recent years Intelligent Transportation Systems have made 
significant advancements towards making these ideas a reality. This 
innovative technology is beginning to alter the transportation sector 
and has the potential to reduce congestion, increase safety, improve 
the efficiency of transit and commercial vehicles, and reduce the 
environmental impact of our growing transportation needs.
  However, the potential fuel savings from intelligent transportation 
systems and the various ways these systems could help consumers plan 
their travel and avoid delays is not fully known. That is why I have 
introduced legislation calling on the Secretaries of Energy and 
Transportation to report on the potential benefits associated with 
using intelligent transportation systems. My legislation will provide 
current and future users of these systems with detailed information 
regarding potential fuel savings, system costs, universal applicability 
and evaluation of case studies, best practices, and emerging 
technologies from the private and public sector.
  I believe that we need to further examine this exciting new 
technology and its possible applications. I urge my colleagues to 
support this legislation.

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