ITS Australia has announced the finalists for its annual awards, with winners to be announced at a ceremony in Brisbane, Queensland, next February.
An “impressive mix of individuals and teams” from around Australia are represented across the 35 finalists in seven award categories.
Dean Zabrieszach, president of ITS Australia, says: “Each finalist…embodies excellence, showcasing a commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining standards."
The seven categories are: Smart Transport Infrastructure, Intelligent Mobility, Excellence in Transport Data, Excellence in Research and Development, Connected and Automated Vehicle, Young Professional, and the Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award.
This last category - ITS Australia’s highest award - will be announced in the coming weeks. It is named in honour of Dr Maxwell Lay, a pioneer and ITS industry figurehead who passionately advocated for the advancement of ITS in Australia, Asia-Pacific and around the world.
"What stands out in this year's pool of finalists is the number of partnerships represented in multiple categories,” said Susan Harris, chief executive of ITS Australia. “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.
Winners will be announced in a ceremony at the Sofitel Brisbane on 15 February 2024.
"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,” said Harris.
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 spanning industry, government and academia “to ensure a more inclusive and comprehensive evaluation of excellence”, noted ITS Australia.