Experience with in-vehicle traveler information devices in Washington State
Puget Sound, Washington, United States
An Analysis of the Puget Sound In-Vehicle Traffic Map Demonstration
Summary Information
METHODOLOGY
An initial entry survey was used to collect baseline and demographic data, a daily survey was used to monitor day-to-day experiences, and an exit survey was used to evaluate overall impressions at the conclusion of the field test. A total of 2,215 participants completed an initial entry survey and 1,934 participants provided feedback during and after field testing.
In addition to evaluating user experience, network performance data were collected in Bellevue, Washington to examine if the congestion information provided had any noticeable impacts on alternative route usage during unusually congested conditions on freeways. The analysis looked for correlations between performance on three freeways and the four arterials.
FINDINGS
- On average, the travelers surveyed indicated that they changed their travel routine once every 4.2 times that they used the TrafficGauge device.
- Travelers reported that they saved an average of 30 minutes in travel time when they decided to change their travel routines based on the information provided.
The analysis of corridor performance confirmed that many travelers diverted from the freeways and used alternate routes based on the information they received from the device and the freeway conditions observed while en-route. Researchers noted, however, that even with modest levels of diversion from the freeways there was a noticeable increase in arterial congestion, and when this arterial congestion was visible from the freeway it discouraged further diversions.