Personal Mobility

The study thoroughly investigated motorists’ route choice behavior affected by the advanced traveler information system (ATIS) using before and after traffic counts collected at a number of locations in and around a work zone in Wisconsin. Variable message signs (VMS) were used to inform approaching drivers of delays ahead. The analysis suggests that truck drivers are more sensitive to traffic congestion compared to passenger car drivers and longer displayed delay time seems to increase the truck drivers’ tendency of taking detours. However, it is possible that motorists’ perception of congestion or upcoming congestion through their own observation may overpower delay messages. The results are valuable to the understanding of the heavy vehicle driver behavior and the development of adaptive work zone mitigation strategies for traffic congestion involving freight traffic.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Arkansas

Texas A&M University

Paper submitted for publication and presentation at the ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Engineering District 6-0 recently
implemented the Commonwealth’s first pilot program for displaying travel time
messages on its dynamic message signs. The program’s purpose is to capitalize on the
many intelligent transportation system assets currently deployed throughout the region
and extend the Federal Highway Administration’s vision for better utilization of
automated signs as traveler information assets. The US 202 Corridor in Chester County,
PA was selected for the pilot program and includes a robust network of microwave
detectors and dynamic message signs on three intersecting roadways designed by Jacobs
Engineering. The pilot program began in November 2008 and has provided the
department with numerous lessons-learned and a vision for the future expansion of their
program.

Jacobs Engineering

Paper submitted for publication and presentation at the ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition

This paper examines traditional and emerging Traveler Information technologies from the
perspective of information systems. Specifically, the benefits are discussed in terms of push
versus pull delivery methods, information efficiency and presentation efficacy. By analyzing
both private and public traveler information systems, a role for VII Traveler Information
applications can be assessed. In conclusion it is proposed that DOT-operated systems based
on J2735 could provide the next generation of traveler advisory technology.

CoVal Systems Inc.

Paper submitted for publication and presentation at the ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition

This project sought to develop algorithms to improve the robustness and accuracy of travel
time predications in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Advanced Traffic Management
Systems (ATMS) in support of Advance Traveler Information Systems (ATIS). First the
project explored various techniques to synthesize missing data from traffic detection systems,
finding that simple linear spatial interpolation provided better results when compared to
quadratic or cubic spatial interpolation or temporal extrapolation; however better results are
obtained when historical data is available that meets existing traffic conditions. Further, the
project explored techniques to relate travel time computations using current detector data to
travel time calculations utilizing “aged” data finding inconclusive results under steady state
conditions (free-flow and congestion), but very promising results mining historical data
during transition from free flow to congestion and the reverse. The “standard” against which
improvements were compared was the method of travel time computation utilized in the
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) SunGuide® ATMS.

Southwest Research Institute

Paper submitted for publication and presentation at the ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition

511 New York is a free, comprehensive travel information system geared to meet the
multimodal needs of commuters, long-distance and local travelers, tourists and
commercial-vehicle operators. The up-to-the-minute, comprehensive transportation
information available to customers through this new 511 system strengthens efforts to
improve mobility, allowing people and goods to move efficiently through New York
State. System development required the cooperative integration of existing databases
into a single public source for multi-state, real time and static highway and transit
information, as well as the coordination of information for call transfers, highway data
points, voice recordings, and modal information. The result is a system that promotes
sustainability by providing information that expands transportation choices and
encourages the use of more efficient methods of travel. Users can access a first of its
kind statewide and regional transit trip-planning feature, which includes over sixty
transit operators' schedules and routes; as well as park-and-ride lot info; carpool,
vanpool and rideshare referrals, and bicycling information. The system is a critical,
single-point information source during transportation emergencies. With extensive
outreach to transportation partners and neighboring states and provinces, 511 NY was
successfully deployed at the ITS World Congress in November 2008, only 9 months
after contract execution. Because of the unique, comprehensive multi-modal and
regional nature of 511 NY, innovative federal funding for the system has been
identified.

New York State Department of Transportation

Paper submitted for publication and presentation at the ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition