Abstract

This study evaluates the performance and effectiveness of the Smart Traveler Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS). The project is designed as a field operational test of three different media approaches for providing traveler information: fully automated telephone systems, automated multi-media touch screen kiosks, and PC via modem. The program is evaluated in terms of technical function, cost, user response and overall effectiveness.

Abstract

Increasing efforts in Advanced Traveler Information Systems has emphasized the need to develop more robust models of enroute driver behavior. The complexity in modeling driver behavior stems from the need to capture the day-to-day dynamics of choice, model diversion and active information acquisition, and account for individual preferences and needs. Previous papers by the authors discussed a conflict arousal methodology for modeling driver behavior in the presence of real-time information. It was posed that observed changes in enroute driver behavior, characterized by diversion or active information acquisition, are evoked through latent factors of conflict arousal and motivation. In-laboratory interactive simulation was used to collect enroute behavior data. This paper presents a structural equation approach for modeling enroute driver behavior and explaining causal factors of diversion and information acquisition as well as the interrelationship between these observed behaviors.

Abstract

This paper proposes a theoretical methodology and practical data collection approach for modeling enroute driver behavioral choice under Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS). The theoretical framework is based on conflict assessment and resolution theories popularized in psychology and applied to models of individual consumer behavior. It is posed that enroute assessment and adjustment is a reactionary process influenced by increased conflict arousal and motivation to change. When conflict rises to a level at which conflict exceeds a personal threshold of tolerance, drivers are likely to alter enroute behavior to alleviate conflict through either route diversion or goal revision. Assessment and response to conflict arousal directly relate to the driver’s abilities to perceive and predict network conditions in conjunction with familiarity of network configurations and accessible alternate routes.

Data collection is accomplished through FASTCARS (Freeway and Arterial Street Traffic Conflict Arousal and Resolution Simulator), an interactive microcomputer-based driving simulator. Limited real-world implementation of ATIS has made it difficult to study or predict individual driver reaction to these technologies. It is contended here that in-laboratory experimentation with interactive route choice simulators can substitute for the lack of real-world applications and provide an alternate approach to data collection and driver behavior analysis. This paper will explain how FASTCARS is useful for collecting data and testing theories of driver behavior.

Abstract

This paper discusses the development and implementation of FASTCARS (Freeway and Arterial Street Traffic Conflict Arousal and Resolution Simulator), an interactive microcomputer-based animated simulator designed for in-laboratory experimentation and data collection to assist in the estimation and calibration of predictive models of driver behavior under the influence or real-time information.

Limited real-world implementation of Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) technologies has made it difficult to analyze the potential impact on driver behavior. It is contended here that in-laboratory experimentation with interactive animated route choice simulators can substitute for the lack of real-work applications and provide a useful approach to data collection and driver behavior analysis.

The advantages of using FASTCARS over other data collection methods to study driver behavior are realized through the program’s flexibility and completeness. FASTCARS combines a real-time interactive driving simulation program using a graphics-type interface with visual and audio effects to imitate enroute travel decision making. The simulation encompasses the entire driving process from pre-trip planning through arrival at the destination. Players are required to make a broad range of choices including goal specification, route and lane changes, and whether to use available information technologies. To model the impacts of real-time traffic condition information on driving behavior, FASTCARS emulates three types of ATIS: Variable Message Signs, In-vehicle Navigation Systems, and Highway Advisory Radio.

Abstract

A systematic approach is developed to transform data in the existing yellow page databases to a point-based GIS database on activity supply. Such a database is needed for an activity-based travel forecasting system and for disaggregate accessibility analysis. First, the linkage between activity types and business types is established. According to this lookup relationship, businesses and services associated with certain activity types can be selected. These records are then geocoded by address-matching in a GIS and the locations supplying those activities are pinned down. Technical issues, such as difficulty in linking businesses to activities, long term projection, and address-matching, are discussed and potential solutions are provided. Finally, issues that need to be addressed when attempting to develop an activity-based forecasting system are examined from the perspective of activity supply. 

Abstract

GPS recording devices offer a painless way to collect travel data, but are not directly useful to a standard activity survey. This paper documents one method for linking activities with location data. Based on a small but extended pilot survey, a technique has been developed to estimate the most likely activity at a destination, based on the respondents’ past responses. If destinations and activities were randomly paired, this information would be irrelevant. But the pilot survey also demonstrated that activities are tightly clustered in space.

Abstract

The rapid advancement of technology has created the opportunity for applying new, powerful tools to transportation engineering problems, but often the very speed of technological change hinders the adoption of these tools in a research environment. This paper documents the development of an extensible data collection unit (EDCU). The unit combines a standard GPS unit, a cellular data modem, and an embedded processor running the Linux operating system. Some preliminary uses and applications of the EDCU are presented as well. The EDCU satisfies multiple functional requirements, due to the flexibility of its modular components and its full-powered operating system. The EDCU will serve the in-vehicle data collection needs of travel demand modelers and ITS researchers for the foreseeable future.