A series of experiments in Toyota City, Japan from October to November 1999 is described. The city has a high level of vehicle ownership and is prone to congestion. The advanced transportation information experiment aimed to reduce road space wasted in the search for parking spaces, and to facilitate detours or alleviate congestion on particular roads. Information was made available by the internet, cable TV, telephone or fax using in-vehicle technology, public information stations and personal computers. Information on the success of the experiment was collected from road traffic surveys and questionnaires. Evidence of drivers diverting to the outer ring road showed that driving distance was increased by 1% but driving time was decreased by 3%. In the inner city, the diversion of through traffic decreased driving time by 7%. Drivers were most likely to change route for the evening peak hour. Few drivers were prepared to change their departure time. An ITS park and ride experiment was set up to manage the traffic requirements expected at major events. The temporary parking provided was free and each shuttle bus was provided with electronic driver information so that an optimum route to the event could be selected. 10-20% of peak traffic was eliminated for one event so that traffic flows remained normal. User satisfaction with the park and ride service was high.
Samenvatting