MPC
Research Projects (2004-05)

Identifying Number

MPC-253

Project Title

Effectiveness of Traveler Information Systems

University

University of Utah

Project Investigator

Dr. Peter T. Martin
Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Utah

External Project Contact

Stan Burns
Utah Department of Transportation
sburns@utah.gov

Project Objective

Approximately 60 to 70 percent of traffic delay is caused by non-reoccurring events such as traffic incidents. ATIS helps drivers to make informed decisions concerning their travel routes to avoid congestions and delay. Equipped with information regarding delay and alternate routes, drivers can dynamically react and thereby optimize the road network and mitigate congestion caused by non-reoccurring events. The research objectives are: (1) Define criteria to evaluate effectiveness of ATIS systems; (2) Define measures of effectiveness (MOEs) to assess these criteria; (3) Identify effective components of ATIS.

Project Abstract

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has deployed a set of Traveler Information Systems: Highway Advisory Radio, Real-time web-based information, Road Weather Information Systems. UDOT would like to evaluate the effectiveness of these systems to determine their value and future.

Task Descriptions

1. Draft, submit, and acquire approval of a detailed scope
2. Establish a working relationship with the traffic management technical subcommittee
3. Design an ATIS evaluation. Specify: What type of traffic data to collect; Data collection procedures and technologies (manual, video, GPS, etc.); Data collection time periods (AM & PM peaks, off-peak, weekends, special events); Data collection sample sizes; Data reduction and analysis (formulas, statistical tests, etc.); Questionnaires for interviews with drivers
4. Draft, submit, and acquire approval of a detailed evaluation design
5. Analyze data and produce results
6. Meet with UDOT's TAC and present findings
7. Deliver report

Milestones, Dates

Starting Date: July 1, 2004
Ending Date: June 30, 2005

Yearly and Total Budget

$47,977

Student Involvement

Two graduate research assistants

Relationship to Other Research Projects

N/A

Technology Transfer Activities

Technical Advisory Committee

Potential Benefits of the Project

Improved traveler information systems through a strategic view of future developments.

TRB Keywords

Traffic operations, traffic control, driver behavior, automated enforcement