Abstract
Travelers can often benefit from acquiring relevant information on their intended modes and routes. By providing pretrip and en route information, advanced traveler information systems present real opportunities for improving the travel experience of individuals and increasing efficiency of the transportation system. In this regard, it is important to understand how consumers acquire and respond to travel information. This study develops a conceptual framework identifying important factors influencing travelers’ information acquisition behavior and their response to dynamic information. The model is empirically tested with the use of a recent and comprehensive regional travel survey. A sample selection model is estimated to be consistent with the two-stage processing of travel information (i.e., acquisition and response). Results show that information acquisition and changes in travel plans are sensitive to different sets of factors. In the data set analyzed, normal travel time to work is found to be a critical factor in information acquisition, but has an insignificant association with the change of travel plans. Furthermore, travelers respond differently to various information technologies. In an examination of change behavior (including route change, mode change, and trip cancellation), Internet access had the strongest association with change. With examination of specific route change behavior, transportation information obtained through radio had the strongest association with change. The study generates useful implications on how to improve existing and future traveler information systems.
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