Statewide Mobility Information Management System (MIMS) for Rural Alabama

摘要

At its simplest level, a Mobility Information Management System it is a printed compendium of all transportation providers statewide providing accurate contact information. At its grandest level, it is both a web-interactive and a dial-in interactive system that both professionals and the general public can access and utilize to chart a trip from A to B. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The University of Alabama in Huntsville has been working towards a statewide MIMS system in Alabama. This project focused on the deployment of a MIMS methodology, database, and Internet pages to a statewide implementation so all of this transportation information can be understood and utilized by the general public. The implementation of the project was on a statewide level as the researchers worked closely with planners and transit coordinators from all regions of the state. This report presents a description of the study area and a methodology and design for the statewide rural transportation Mobility Information Management System. The methodology consists of information received form the various transportation providers, both public and private; a database designed to maintain, query, and update the information built in Microsoft Access; and an Internet-based system for service providers and the public to learn about what services are offered and assist them in making informed transportation choices. The completion of the system provides a convenient mechanism to educate the public on transportation services and allows transportation service agencies to help passengers arrange needed transportation services.