ITS BENEFITS, EVALUATION AND COSTS: RESULTS AND LESSONS FROM THE MINNESOTA GUIDESTAR TRAVLINK OPERATIONAL TEST

摘要

The Travlink project was one of the first major federally-sponsored Field Operational Tests of Intelligent Transportation Systems completed in the U.S. Minnesota Guidestar, the State of Minnesota's umbrella program for ITS development, conducted the test. Travlink implemented a traveler information system that provided real-time bus transit schedule status, real-time traffic reports, and a variety of static traveler information for the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Information sources included an Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) System, which used the Global Positioning System (GPS) installed on a portion of the regional bus fleet as part of the project, as well as the state's Traffic Management Center freeway surveillance system. Information distribution devices included an on-line electronic information service for personal computers and videotext terminals, interactive electronic kiosks, video display monitors, and electronic signs. The Travlink project was initiated in Fall 1994 and concluded at the end of 1995.This paper presents results from Travlink with a focus on traveler response. These include traveler usage of the system, perceived utility of the information, ease of use of the system, impact on attitudes about travel options, and willingness to pay for this type of information. Key findings include:1. The Travlink system increased commuters' awareness of alternative travel options (bus, carpooling).2. The Travlink on-line service resulted in improvedperceptions of the quality of bus service.3. Travelers have very high expectations regarding thescope of information, reliability, and ease of accessfor this type of system.4. Some travelers are willing to pay for certain featuresof an information service.