Dynamic travel information strategies in advance traveler information systems and their effect on route choices along highways

Abstract

Advance Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) inform drivers about traffic incidences and expected travel times/ delays en-route. An online computer study was conducted in Qatar to investigate drivers' willingness to divert to an alternative route given changes in expected travel conditions. Respondents’ route choices were queried after exposure for 6 seconds to varying display strategies. The results from a binary logistic regression and a stated preference survey showed that delay times and displayed colors on a Graphical Route Information Panel (GRIP) effectively influence drivers to take the alternative route, while total travel times were preferred for Variable Message Signs (VMS).