Personal Mobility

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

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

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 proliferation of Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII) technology throughout the
nation has led to the State of Minnesota developing their first VII deployment. Currently,
the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) has two consultants under
contract to begin work on Phase I of their efforts. A technical program management team
will develop the concept of operations in Phase I, while the evaluation team will develop
the evaluation goals and plans. Phase II will include all implementation efforts as well as
the final project evaluation. Minnesota is currently focusing on three different
applications for their VII demonstration: an enhanced traveler information system, an invehicle
signing system, and a mileage-based user fee system.

Minnesota Department of Transportation

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

This paper presents an assessment of the methods and parameters used in existing sketch
planning tools to evaluate ATIS. The paper also discusses the development and implementation of a methodology to estimate the benefits and costs of ATIS, as part of a travel demand forecasting modeling environment. Default values for the benefit and cost parameters used in the evaluation of ATIS are recommended based on analyzing ATIS-related databases and based on an extensive review of existing reports on the subject. The results from an evaluation case study indicate that phone-based and web-based ATIS deployments in a small region can be shown to be an effective solution from a benefit-cost point of view.

Florida International University

Yildiz Technical University

Florida Department of Transportation

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