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TCRP A-20A(1) [Completed]
Strategies for Improved Traveler Information
| Project Data |
| Funds: |
$90,000 |
| Research Agency: |
Charles River Associates, Inc. |
| Principal Investigator: |
Michael Kemp |
| Effective Date: |
6/22/1998 |
| Completion Date: |
9/30/2001 |
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A future search seeking new paradigms for public transportation identified timely traveler information as a key feature of a new paradigm. Changing demographics and technological progress are increasing expectations. Today's transportation consumers must manage their time effectively, and the uncertainty associated with waiting for a bus or train is unacceptable to most people, especially if a major, unexpected delay can occur. Using information to give travelers greater control over their time is a paradigm shift. Also, many consumers are unaware of all their public transportation options. The use of information-based technologies can expand traveler choices and facilitate delivery of more convenient services, potentially increasing transit ridership. The purpose of this project is to increase the public transportation industry's awareness of the potential of advanced traveler information systems and to describe strategies for implementation.
The availability of effective, accessible information on mode and route options has the potential to make public transportation more convenient and may expand its market. Transportation users make mode-choice decisions based on many factors, including the true attributes of the alternatives; for example, travel time, wait time, and cost. Accurate traveler information allows transportation users to make decisions based on the attributes of the alternatives. To reach all travelers, regardless of mode, in an affordable manner, transit information must be part of a larger, community-based information network. Extensive work is being done to develop such networks. The U.S. Department of Transportation is sponsoring major intermodal projects under the Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) component of the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) program. For instance, Model Deployment Initiatives (MDIs), intended to show the potential of fully integrated ITS systems, are funded in four urban areas: San Antonio, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Phoenix, Arizona; and New York/New Jersey/Connecticut.
Although ITS projects are intermodal by nature, the public transportation traveler information component is not well developed at this point, and it is not clear that public transportation agencies recognize the full benefits of traveler information. To maximize their contribution in the nation's future communities, public transportation providers must drastically rethink the way they operate. Improved traveler information will enable individuals to find the best ways of getting between any two points at any time, based on current and predicted conditions, and may enable the creation of new, flexible services made possible by better information.
The objective of this project was to develop strategies for using information technology to improve individual mobility-related decisionmaking. The focus was on how public transportation providers can most effectively participate in advanced community-based information systems. Specifically, how can public transportation agencies take maximum advantage of new and emerging technologies to better inform travelers about mobility choices?
Status: A revised interim report was submitted for the project. The project panel decided not to proceed to Phase II of the project. Remaining funds were used to initiate a new project---Project A-20A(2). The results of this new project have been published as TCRP Report 92.
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