Awareness and Utilization of Advanced Traveler Information by Active Seekers

Abstract

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) have been deployed worldwide as a cost-effective means to mitigate concerns about congestion, safety, environment, and other issues. Researchers commonly use questionnaire surveys to gauge the public's response to the success of ITS deployments in achieving the stated ITS goal of improving customer satisfaction as well as the other goals of strengthening transportation safety, mobility, efficiency, productivity, energy, and environmental efforts. To differentiate itself from previous research, this study sought to identify how Michigan travelers who actively sought travel information perceived benefits from advanced traveler information systems (ATIS). Toward this objective, a revealed preference questionnaire survey was developed and linked on the Michigan Department of Transportation's foremost online hub for publicly available travel information, Mi Drive. The survey included questions about the typical sources of travel information, frequency of information use, tendency to alter predeparture travel behaviors as a result of information, and similar topics. The study used ordered logistic regression modeling to uncover some key findings, which included the influence of time of year, resident location, and travel information affinity on active ATIS users' perception of ATIS. Discovery of such relationships could enable transportation agencies to enhance the marketing and operation of ATIS services such as Mi Drive and thus strengthen the systemwide benefits experienced by motorists.