This paper reports on traveller information system requirements including the objectives of traveller information provision, the defining characteristics of the traveller, characteristics of the trip, and possible information items available. This paper reports on a novel bottom-up approach to establishing user requirements from traveller information systems. There are a number of dimensions to such requirements including the objectives of traveller information provision, the defining characteristics of the trip, possible information items available and how, where and when information is presented. The paper considers all these issues with particular emphasis given to traveller characteristics and information items. The principles of participative design are being applied in research to develop prototype information system for evaluation. Exhaustive lists of potentially relevant traveller characteristics and corresponding information items have been developed and revised based on the findings of a series of end-user group surveys. The paper describes this work and outlines the remaining stages of the methodology, which include further consultations with end-users. It is concluded that while information relating to the time and cost of travel will remain core components of future traveller information provision, there are a number of other types of information that could significantly influence travel choices.
Abstract