State of the Practice for Traveler Information During Nonrecurring Events

CHAPTER 6. CONCLUSION

Traveler information for nonrecurring events is a vital component to the effective functioning of any transportation system. Timely, correct, and clear information is most needed in situations where unexpected or unusual events occur. These events stress the transportation system the most as well as the traveling public who have to make decisions often based on incomplete or outdated information.

Traveler information for nonrecurring events has evolved significantly in recent years. While agencies continue to use traditional dissemination methods, such as DMSs, HAR, and 511 websites, the available tools have expanded to include mobile apps, social media platforms, and text/email alerts. In the near future, it is hoped that connected vehicle technology will provide personalized, real-time traveler information directly to travelers in their vehicles. Currently, private sector websites and apps provide users with valuable real-time routing, congestion, and event information. While the availability of media drastically expands the toolbox from which traffic managers can draw, it is important to implement information approaches in ways that meet the needs and desires of travelers as well as the needs and limitations of agencies. Key findings and recommendations from this project are as follows:

• Planned and unplanned events necessitate different information strategies. For example, information about events planned in advance can be disseminated early to alert the public. Press releases, news coverage, paid media, DMS messages (including portable DMSs placed at relevant location), emails, and other media can be used. Information about unplanned events should emphasize dissemination methods that can reach travelers as quickly as possible.
  
  
• Concrete information should be provided for nonrecurring events. Travelers want to know the nature of the event, the delay or disruption it will cause, and availability and time savings of alternate routes. The affected locations should be described as specifically as possible. Travelers also want to know that the information they receive is accurate and current.
  
  
• The audience must be considered. Local travelers and commuters are likely to be familiar with an area’s roads and options to seek information about traffic and events. Nonlocal travelers (e.g., tourists and long-distance travelers) may not be familiar with area roads or options for traveler information. Commercial vehicle drivers often acquire relevant information from other commercial vehicle drivers via CB radio.
  
  
• Nonagency traveler information should be considered. Radio, television, mobile apps, and websites are widely available and popular with travelers. A traveler information strategy should be developed that considers and complements the various resources available to travelers.
  
  
• Where applicable, users should be allowed to personalize the information received. Travelers want information that is relevant to them; irrelevant information is likely to be a nuisance and may reduce usage. Where possible, users should be allowed to choose to receive information that is customized to their location, route, or general areas of interest. This is particularly important for push notifications such as text messages.
  
  
• Resources available to the public need to be publicized. The general public is often unaware of the traveler information resources available to them. Informing them of available options and potential benefits may increase usage.
  
  
• Travelers may have different preferences for how they like to receive information, so they should be provided information on multiple platforms.
  
  
• Traveler information partnerships should be considered. Partnerships with public or private sector organizations can lead to improvements in traveler information data collection and dissemination, improve consistency of information, and expand geographical coverage and audience.
  
  
• The availability and popularity of technologies and information platforms can change quickly. It is important to keep pace with the public’s changing preferences.

Travelers routinely mentioned the need for information about nonrecurring events that is helpful and easy to access.^{(33 ,6 ,34)} There are several areas of research that would benefit from understanding the needs of the public, the transportation system, and the intersection of the two, which would result in optimal decisions being made to adjust to nonrecurring events, such as the following:

• User limitations and decisionmaking in stressful situations (especially emergencies and evacuations).
  
  
• Most effective formats and content to convey messages regarding a range of nonrecurring events.
  
  
• Most effective dissemination methods, (e.g., social media and in-vehicle devices).

Future research should focus on determining what information from nonrecurring events will help the traveling public make the most effective and safest travel decisions.