In the Puget Sound region, 46 percent of traveler information seekers surveyed benefited from an in-vehicle device that provided freeway traffic information.

Experience with in-vehicle traveler information devices in Washington State

Date Posted
01/02/2013
Identifier
2012-B00813
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An Analysis of the Puget Sound In-Vehicle Traffic Map Demonstration

Summary Information

This study tested the use of an in-vehicle traffic map device called TrafficGauge to determine the perceived and actual benefits of using in-vehicle freeway traffic congestion information in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. With assistance from the Washington State DOT (WSDOT) the University of Washington recruited participants from around the region to test the in-vehicle devices. Participant usage was monitored for a period of six months and customer satisfaction survey data were collected from November 2007 to May 2008 to evaluate user experience, and collect information on frequency of use and benefits gained.

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.

FINDINGS

  • Survey data indicated that travelers changed their travel routine once every 4.2 times that they used the TrafficGauge information.
  • The most common changes were changes to travel route (66 percent) and time of departure (18 percent).
  • Forty-six (46) percent indicated they benefited from the change, 3 percent indicated they did not benefit, and 51 percent did not reply.

When asked about stress reduction benefits over 59 percent of the participants indicated that the information provided by the device reduced their level of stress. Researchers noted however, that the participants surveyed were not representative of the general population but were more representative of those most likely to seek and pay for traveler information.

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