Real-Time Motorist Information for Reducing Urban Freeway Congestion: Commuter Behavior, Data Conversion and Display, and Transportation Policy, April 1992.

摘要

The report documents results of a project to design and develop a real-time, advanced traveler information system (now called Traffic Reporter) for the Puget Sound area. In previous work, the authors had identified four types of commuters: (1) Pre-trip Changers; (2) Route Changers; (3) Route and Time Changers; and (4) Non-changers. Each type of commuter showed distinct preferences and needs for design and delivery of traveler information. In the project, the authors confirmed that the commuter types identified earlier, as well as their preferences for design and delivery of traveler information, were consistent across geographical areas in the Puget Sound area. Based on this knowledge of commuter behavior and information needs, the authors designed and began implementing Traffic Reporter, a PC-based, graphical, interactive, advanced travler information system. The Traffic Reporter prototype receives traffic data from freewaydetectors and converts those data into information that can be explored both for general freeway conditions and specific trip information. Information is designed for use by commuters, traffic reporters, and traffic engineers. The authors conducted usability tests on the Traffic Reporter prototype to ensure its effectiveness and ease of use. Overall, these tests showed that the prototype is easy to use and will be accepted by commuters. Future development of Traffic Reporter will be guided by the results of these tests. Furthermore, the authors will continue usability testing on future versions of Traffic Reporter.