Information-based alternatives to travel have led to the concept of the transport system and the telecommunications network as an integrated teletrans network. With innovative telecommunications technologies, it is now possible to move instantly from one place to another, accessing information in real-time and virtually eliminating factors such as travel distance and trip duration. While availability of telecommunications does not assure that users will always choose the no-travel option, it will clearly change the choice set and decisionmaking process. A preliminary modeling framework to evaluate the teletrans concept is presented by means of a probabilistic approach. An empirical survey, conducted to validate the proposed model, highlighted the influence of personal attitudes on the perception of various options. Telematic applications will be evaluated by potential users from both individual and organizational viewpoints. Communications contexts; the ease of use and reliability of telematic equipment; and increasing congestion, time lost to travel, and stress will also play a role.
Abstract