User Requirements for Information Technology to Support Alternative Transportation in the National Parks

Abstract

Because of crowding, overuse, and pollution, the National Park Service is conducting a major effort to develop alternative forms of transportation in the national parks. A new generation of busses and trams will provide features that motivate visitors to leave their private automobiles in favor of public transportation. One such feature might be an interactive computer-based information system that would provide riders with various kinds of interpretive and visit planning information. A series of surveys and focus groups explored visitors' motivations and expectations when visiting Yellowstone National Park. They also documented the features and the kinds of information visitors would like to have available during a trip through the park using an alternative vehicle system. These studies culminated in the functional design of a prototype visit enhancement system. This paper presents the results and implications of these user requirements studies.