ASSESSING CONSUMER RESPONSE TO ADVANCED TRAVELER INFORMATION SYSTEMS: SYMPOSIUM SUMMARY

A one-day symposium to assess advanced traveler information systems (ATIS) effects on travel behavior, travel patterns, and transportation performance was held on March 23, 1997, in Tampa, Florida, with 60 representatives of local transportation agencies, information service providers, consultants, and market research experts. Travel behavior data presented at the symposium offered a somewhat mixed perspective on the impact of ATIS on the individual traveler. While some studies showed commuters changing their time of departure or route if they knew of a delay, other research suggested that many commuters were unable or unwilling to modify their regular commute habits. Traveler information systems did not seem to produce observable changes in overall traffic flow, traffic patterns, or congestion levels. Commercial radio and television news broadcasts were the most common way for commuters to receive pre-trip and in-vehicle traffic reports. Better informed travelers was identified as the top expectation of ATIS. Symposium participants agreed that knowledge of the effects of real-time information on traveler behavior and system performance is still in its infancy and recommended that the U.S. Department of Transportation continue its support of more meetings to promote better awareness and understanding of ATIS capabilities.