William Scott
The 15th Annual Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Australia Awards has celebrated outstanding achievements in the ITS industry.
The ITS Australia Awards acknowledge innovation in advanced transport technology, recognising organisations that leverage new and emerging technologies to enhance the intelligence, safety and efficiency of Australia’s transport networks.
ITS Australia President, Silje Troseth, said, “We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s ITS Australia Award winners, whose outstanding talent and innovative contributions continue to drive excellence within Australia’s intelligent transport systems industry.
“The diverse range of winners highlights the impressive efforts of industry leaders, government agencies and researchers working together to create a safer, more sustainable and accessible transport network that benefits all Australians.”
2025’s Connected & Automated Vehicle Award was won by Lexus Australia for Safer Urban Mobility for Vulnerable Road Users Through Cooperative Awareness and Shared Perception.
This Lexus Australia project, which took place in the heart of Sydney’s Darling Harbour, integrated cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) to create a safer urban environment, focusing on vulnerable road users’ safety.
Lexus Australia Chief Executive, John Pappas, said that Lexus is a leader in automotive active safety technology and is globally committed to working towards zero road trauma.
“Cooperative intelligent transport systems have a significant role to play in striving towards this target,” Mr Pappas said.
“Our research and development fleet of Lexus vehicles using C-ITS to exchange messages with other vehicles, road users and infrastructure allows us to apply real-world learnings into current and future active safety technology.”
The Smart Transport Infrastructure Award was presented to Transport for NSW for Australian-First Tech Gives Over Height Trucks a Real-Time Reality Check.
In an Australian first, Transport for NSW has combined the Light Detection and Ranging scanning technology with Automatic Number Plate Recognition software to deliver instantaneous warnings to truck drivers on the overhead Variable Message Sign.
Transport for NSW Coordinator General Operational Technology, Raj Roychoudhry, said that the New South Wales government remains resolute in its commitment to stopping overheight trucks from shutting down the city and inconveniencing motorists.
“This new technology on trial will help us strengthen the approach even further and this trial came out of the work of the Overheight Truck Taskforce that brought together the trucking industry, Transport for NSW, the NSW Police and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
“This system not only enhances road safety but also underpins our commitment to fostering innovation within the heavy vehicle industry.”
The Intelligent Mobility Award went to SAGE Automation for the See Me: Bus Signalling App.
See Me is a groundbreaking app that makes public transport accessible for everyone. The app allows users to hail a bus remotely and notify them when the bus is approaching and when it is about to reach the end destination.
“I’m delighted that See Me was announced as the winner of the Intelligent Mobility Award, it’s fantastic recognition from the industry, particularly in a very strong category,” said SAGE Group Programmer, Cassie Hames,who pioneered the App.
“See Me was created on the principles of inclusion and making public transport accessible for everyone. The idea for See Me came from my own experience of using public transport, and the input of many people who rely on public transport but find it challenging.
“My hope is that See Me has demonstrated how considering and including other perspectives can enrich our community and drive innovation in our industry.”
The Excellence in Research & Development Award sponsored by iMOVE Australia was won by Main Roads Western Australia for its Smart Freeway Live Decision Support Tool.
Main Roads Western Australia Executive Director of Network Operations, Medhi Langroudi, said, “Our latest Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound went live in December 2024 and is already delivering significant benefits to Western Australians through improvements to safety, reliability, sustainability and travel time savings.
“Working closely with our industry partners iMove and Aimsun, the live decision support tool will provide our state-of-the-art Main Roads Road Network Operation Centre further means to better optimise infrastructure assets through use of technology.
“I’d like to thank ITS Australia for this award, which recognises our contributions to the industry, collaboration with our industry partners and encourages our efforts in the research and development space.”
The Excellence in Transport Data Award went to Transport for NSW for Optimised Replacement Bus Services During Network Disruptions – A Data Driven Approach.
Transport for NSW collaborated with the University of Technology Sydney to develop a data-driven solution leveraging data, AI and optimisation techniques to estimate emergency bus service demand and optimising bus routes and deployment during network disruptions.
Transport for NSW Director Intelligence & Enablement, Coordinator General, Ruimin Li, said that data only has value when it reaches the hands of those who make decisions.
“By working with businesses to develop tools for our frontline staff, we turn insights into real impacts,” Ms Li said.
“This award honours the power of engaging end users in unlocking the true potential of transport data.”
The Young Professional Award sponsored by Transurban resulted in a tie between Gloria Tan from Service Stream and Timothy Hudson from Transurban.
The Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award winner John Venables received his award, which was announced in late 2024.
The inaugural winner of the Woman of the Year Award, Dr Miranda Blogg, also announced in late 2024, was also honoured at the Awards ceremony.
ITS Australia CEO, Susan Harris, commended the winners.
“This year’s winning projects truly highlight the collaborative spirit that drives Australia’s intelligent transport systems sector, particularly the strong partnerships being forged with leading universities to deliver evidence-based solutions to some the nation’s biggest transport challenges,” Ms Harris said.
“As the peak industry body, ITS Australia is dedicated to nurturing these transformative collaborations, which are paving the way for technology-driven solutions that are enhancing all modes of transport and improving the travel experience for Australians.”
