Advanced Traveler Information System Users' Needs in I-95 Northeast Corridor

Abstract

The I-95 Corridor Coalition, comprising 28 transportation agencies and state and local departments of transportation and supported by a number of federal and quasipublic organizations, has embarked on an aggressive program to study and implement intelligent transportation system services along this priority corridor from Maine to Virginia. A key element to the success of this effort is that the travel information needs and desires of the I-95 travelers be satisfied. A comprehensive multimodal study was initiated by the I-95 Corridor Coalition to assess the advanced traveler information system needs of I-95 corridor users and to determine the market potential for such information. The stakeholders include user groups, providers, and producers. The target groups include local and long-distance (business and recreation) automobile travelers, transit users, intercity air travelers, and intercity rail travelers. The provider groups include state, regional, and local transportation agencies, whereas the producer groups include telecommunications companies, automobile manufacturers, and traveler information service providers. Several survey mechanisms were used to assess the user and provider information needs and will be used to assess the market potential. These include focus groups, telephone surveys, on-site surveys, and individual interviews. Thus far in the study users have ranked roadway safety, personal security, and traffic information high in importance. Users have also indicated a willingness to pay for multimodal traveler information services both for their pretrip planning and while en route.