This paper considers the institutional, legal and financial issues associated with the implementation of real-time traveller information systems, based on a study carried out for the former UK Department of Transport. The overall aim was to consider the current position and to identify whether there are real barriers which need to be resolved to encourage the establishment of new commercial traveller information services. Issues have been identified by considering existing information services and through discussions with potential and current actors. Existing real-time data is limited and further investments will be required. Public-private partnerships will be important in developing the market with sharing of the financial and technical risks, particularly as there are uncertainties over the size of the commercial market. A regulatory framework may assist in removing many of the current uncertainties. (A)
Abstract