This paper discusses the purpose and scope of the US Intelligent Vehicle-Highway Systems (IVHS) programme, with special reference to its application to rural areas and small towns. It considers the characteristics of rural travel and the needs of transport providers in rural areas and small towns. 13 specific examples are given of rural Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) and safety projects. In rural areas, traveller information needs are mainly for road, construction and weather information, although congestion information is useful on some intercity roads. These needs can also be classified into: (1) pre-trip planning; (2) in-route planning under good travel conditions; and (3) in-route planning conditions; and (3) in-route planning under some adverse conditions. Specific user needs depend on the nature of trips and alternative routes, and on the number and relationships of passengers. Rural safety and incident detection needs include: (1) speed enforcement; (2) excessive speed warning; (3) driver impairment; (4) special types of hazardous situations; (5) obstacles on the roads; (6) rapid detection and reaction to crashes; and (7) medical and emergency services. The paper ends by making many recommendations.
Samenvatting