Title

Travel behavior and intelligent transportation systems

Date of Completion

January 2002

Keywords

Geography|Engineering, Civil|Transportation|Urban and Regional Planning

Degree

Ph.D.

Abstract

In the last decade, there has been significant investment in ITS technologies that provide traveler information to both en-route and pre-trip travelers. These technologies include Variable Message Signs (VMS), Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) and integrated Incident Management Systems to track and monitor roadway impediments along Connecticut's freeways. Although these technologies provide travel information to motorists, there is no definitive evidence as to whether en-route travelers actually use the information and alter their travel patterns. ^ Previous research employed stated-preference surveys that rely on motorists' written or spoken responses to a series of questions involving travel information and hypothetical roadway scenarios. Earlier literature suggests that under real world travel conditions, there is a discrepancy between motorists' actual behavior and their stated-preference responses. Few studies have been performed using real-time traffic data on roadways equipped with ITS traveler information technologies in an effort to capture traveler behavior. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to examine travel behavior on freeways equipped with ITS technologies, such as VMS and HAR, in Connecticut. Using collected real-time traffic count data from the diversionary roadways, the study will employ statistical methods to analyze and determine whether traveler information technologies impact normal travel flow during a traffic incident. ^

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