Strategies for improving traveler information.

Final report.PDFTech ReportRC-15592009-0669Traveler information and communication systemsCommunication systems by recipientAdvanced traveler information systemsAdvanced traveler information systemsAdvanced driver information systemsPlanning methodsStrategic planningMichiganCambridge SystematicsHedden, ChristopherKrechmer, DanVan Hecke, SamToppen, AlanCambridge SystematicsMichigan. Dept. of Transportation. Office of Research and Best PracticesNTL-INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS-Traveler InformationUS Transportation CollectionThis project developed a clear, concise, and fiscally sound plan to improve traveler informationfor the Michigan Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT has a long history of innovationin the field of ITS, including a robust traveler information program led by its on-line presence \ue2\u20ac\u153MIDrive\ue2\u20ac?. This on-line presence is supported at the roadside by the dense deployment of DMS inthe southeast Detroit metro region, with an ever-growing number of DMSs in more rural regionsof the State. This current research effort provided an opportunity to position the DOT for futuregrowth and enhanced service to the Michigan traveling public. Currently, there are a variety ofpre- and en route DOT traveler information resources, with more coming in the near future (suchas the soon-to-be deployed capabilities to show travel speeds across the entire State on the \ue2\u20ac\u153MIDrive\ue2\u20ac? web site). There also are a number of traveler information resources and capabilitiesbeing explored by other states, such as the use of social media (i.e., Twitter) and hand-heldmobile computing devices. This research project allowed the DOT to take a systematic view ofthe state of the practice of the ATIS, explore the capabilities of research currently beingconducted, and provide a clear roadmap for the DOT as it grows and enhances its own ATIScapabilities. The project has three main tasks: 1) a literature search, 2) a survey of thetraveling public, and 3) a scan of other significant statewide ATIS deployments