Impact of Real-Time Information for Travellers: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Real-time information (RTI) is defined as any up-to-date information collected which is immediately made available for the users. RTI is often used in transportation such as location tracking and navigation purposes which can affect the travel experience of travellers. The main objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of published literature as an evidence regarding the impact of RTI on travellers. To date, there is a lack of comprehensive and structured study in reviewing the impacts of RTI for travellers. Three main research questions drive this review study: (i) what are the purpose, methodology and findings mentioned in literature that involved the impact of RTI? (ii) what elements are impacted by the availability of RTI? and (iii) does RTI help to improve transportation experience? Thirty-one relevant articles are included in the systematic review through a comprehensive literature search strategy which discards irrelevant literature. The 31 articles are significant to the study as they present the general situation of RTI which possesses impact elements for travellers. Based on the review results, three main elements were identified: traveller’s behaviour, traveller’s waiting time and traveller’s path and route choice. Most of the findings from the literature consistently revealed the positive impact of RTI to travellers. This opens to various possibilities and opportunities for the development and improvement of RTI, especially in the transportation field of the future. This study contributes both practically and theoretically for the future research in the utilisation and availability of RTI in the transportation field.