Abstract
The main topic of the paper is a discussion of the different possibilities of and experiences made with automation processes in data collection, data processing and information distribution in the traffic management of the city of Cologne. The paper shows - based on the analysis of the real measures taken in the year 2000 - to which extent automatic, semi-automatic or manual processes have been necessary to inform and guide the travellers with variable information boards. The paper structures these results and presents the reasons by explaining the hierarchy of the decision processes. Based on the results conclusions concerning the options and limits of automation in collective traveller information are given.