Seattle Intelligent Transportation System Information Backbone

Abstract

This case study involved the review of the advanced traveler information system (ATIS) and advanced traffic management system (ATMS) and the use of the information backbone (I²B) component of the intelligent transportation system of the Seattle Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative. Through a survey of documents and other material combined with interviews of key participants, the nature of any increased benefits or reduced costs associated with ATIS and ATMS integration resulting from the I²B was examined. The results suggest that the distributed nature of the I²B provided for the coordination of responsibility among multiple information contributors and processors as well as geographic flexibility. The open nature of participation was also cited as a factor in making connection to the I²B a relatively easy matter since software tools for interfacing are provided. For contributors, the I²B has provided the ability to distribute information via a single access method, thereby reducing support effort. Processors can gain easier access to existing information in addition to being able to develop composite information from multiple sources. Comparison of costs between the I²B and alternative information system designs was difficult because of the differences in functionality provided. However, it appears likely that costs are shifted from the information contributors to the processors, who gain from the addition and realization of value in the marketplace.