The Houston Smart Commuter Operational Test is assessing traveler response to the provision of real-time traffic and transit information. An initial group of some 300 commuters in the I-45 North Freeway corridor in Houston are participating in a multi-year demonstration testing this concept. The participants have been given a personal information device and access to a touch tone telephone information system that provides real-time traffic and transit information. Changes in travel behavior, including mode selection, time of travel, and travel route are being monitored and evaluated. Preliminary findings from the first months of operation indicate that participants are modifying their travel behavior in response to the real-time traffic information.
Abstract