Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) involves the application and interaction of a group of advanced technologies designed to make the transportation system operate more safely and efficiently. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has funded three Research Centers of Excellence (RCEs) to engage in research in ITS technology. The three centers are Texas A&M University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and the University of Michigan. A fourth center at the University of Minnesota, while not formally part of FHWA's RCE program, is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and Special Projects Administration (RSPA) and shares common goals and objectives with the other RCEs.

The centers conduct a balanced program of ITS applied research and technology transfer that enhances the operation, management, and integration of the U.S. surface transportation system. By bringing together the collective talents at each university, researchers are developing solutions for some of the nation's most pressing transportation problems. The RCEs are strengthening the cooperative relationship between public and private ITS stakeholders. They are involving both in all levels of RCE project activity - from cofunding to implementation - to produce tangible results.

The address for the RCE Clearinghouse web site that contains links to each of the centers: http://rce.tamu.edu