This paper presents an innovative method of evaluating the accuracy of two major initiatives recently completed within the UK aimed at assisting to influence the modal split through the development and implementation of real time information provision for bus travellers. A detailed evaluation has been conducted of the two systems to assess how accurately the two information systems provide real time information to the travelling public, and to assess the influence of this information on travel intentions. Survey staff positioned at key bus stops equipped with real time information within the two cities were required to note predictions and actual arrival times for buses at the stop; it was thus possible to develop a series of plots to show the closeness of fit between predicted and actual arrivals, and provide a measure of accuracy of the real time systems. Passenger surveys reveal the influence of real time information on travel patterns. This paper presents the detailed evaluation of these two real time systems and discusses the detailed results achieved, and how the methodology may be utilised to develop system specifications which reflect client and user needs and perceptions.
Abstract