THE DEMAND FOR AND THE CHANGE IN COMMUTING BEHAVIOR ATTRIBUTED TO THE USE OF A CORRIDOR SPECIFIC ATIS PRE-TRIP INCIDENT ALERT SYSTEM

Highway incidents are a continuing source of commuter discomfort that add to the cost of highway operations. Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) seek to reduce congestion by providing commuters with the option to avoid those segments experiencing delays. In-vehicle and pre-trip information systems form the basic elements of ATIS. The pre-trip class of systems provides the commuter with the greatest degree of flexibility. This study estimates the current demand for an interactive corridor specific pre-trip Incident Alert Service (IAS). It provides a continuous flow of incident information on demand, and permits the commuter to either contact the IAS directly through telephone or other electronic media, or to passively wait for the IAS to send the incident related message to the subscriber.