Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies for Intelligent Transportation Systems: a Survey

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSs) aim to provide novel services to drivers and passengers, increasing safety, efficiency end environmental sustainability. Trustworthiness, reliability and auditability of distributed software and data are increasingly necessary from both a technical and a regulatory perspective, particularly as ITSs evolve towards autonomous driving. Unfortunately, heterogeneity of virtual counterparts of users and vehicles along with their intrinsic volatility make coordination and trust management difficult for cooperation. To solve these issues, blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies are increasingly adopted in ITSs. This paper surveys key aspects of blockchain research and usage in ITS and automotive sectors, comprising the main technological trends and open issues, the most significant application scenarios and an analysis of relevant DLT platforms.