Intelligent transportation systems present a well-known innovation opportunity to address urban congestion and allow greater access to transportation networks. New sources of travel information are emerging rapidly, and they are likely to significantly affect traveler decisions and transportation network performance. To assess the value and impact of these new sources, a comprehensive conceptual model is developed on the basis of information processing and traveler response. Specifically, the model accounts for the effect of information source, content, and quality on information access and travel behavior. Empirical evidence from several behavioral surveys conducted in the San Francisco Bay Area between 1995 and 1999 is presented. The surveys used innovative methods to study the response of the whole population, the response of people more inclined to use information technology (early adopters), and traveler decision making in high-benefit incident situations. The conceptual model helps to integrate and interpret empirical findings from the surveys. The issues of access to new and conventional technologies and services, their current market penetration levels, switching behavior concerning new information sources and information service providers, desired information content, and willingness to pay for dynamic information are discussed. The opportunities and limitations of new technologies and the implications for future technology implementations are described.
Abstract