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Vancouver Area Smart Trek

Initiative 2
Traveler Information

Traveler Information can be provided to personal communication devices

Traveler information provides travelers with the ability to make an intelligent choice regarding mode, route and travel time. Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) are multimodal: a variety of technologies allow users to receive roadway, transit network, and other information important to their trip. 

Traveler information assists users in selecting their mode of travel (auto, train, bus, etc.), route and departure time. Transit schedule and status information may be obtained from Transit Management Systems. Most of the roadway-based information is collected by surveillance equipment (vehicle detectors, cameras, automated vehicle location systems) and is processed by computers in transportation management centers for further distribution to traveler information systems. Other information used in traveler information systems may be static in nature, such as; map databases, emergency services information, motorist services information and tourist attractions and services. The technologies for requesting, receiving, and interacting with all of this information can be based in the home, office, passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, transit vehicle, public transit station, or in the case of personal communication devices, can travel with a person.

Changeable message signs (CMS) located in strategic locations along highways provide information to motorists about potential delays ahead.

Needs

The traveler information needs identified for Clark County are:

• Advertise existing and future transportation information services
• Use radio for broadcasting traffic conditions
• Provide traffic information at major employment centers
• Provide travel time information on freeway message signs
• Encourage local media to provide more traveler information about Vancouver area traffic conditions
• Provide a toll free telephone number for traffic conditions
• Tailor traffic information in response to traveler’s request
• Provide route planning and guidance based on realtime traffic conditions
• Provide dynamic ride sharing and ride matching information
• Provide traffic/travel advisory information to drivers through in-vehicle devices
• Distribute traffic information via Highway Advisory Radio
• Monitor weather conditions with roadway sensors
• Promote transit with realtime arrival/departure information
• Provide easy to use and easy to access traveler information
• Provide easy to maintain traveler information components
• Reduce information distribution costs through public-private partnerships

Camera images of the regional roadway network may be viewed from travel information websites. I-5, looking northbound from Main Street, just north of Vancouver.    I-5, looking southbound from Main Street, just north of Vancouver.

Criteria

The following list presents measures that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of traveler information. The list includes both qualitative and quantifiable measures. Evaluations of performance need not quantify every measure in this list.

• Use of transit and HOV modes
• Traveler information coverage
• Integration with other ITS systems
• Accessibility of traveler information
• Information gathering costs
• Makes use of compatible hardware from multiple vendors
• Cost of information services
• Individual travel time
• Individual travel time variability
• Number of trips taken
• Number of accidents
• Number of fatalities
• Number of incidents
• Travel time savings
• Operating cost savings

Strategies

Provide traveler information compatible with WSDOT’s Seattle area ATIS system.

Compatibility and interoperability with WSDOT’s established architecture is an important consideration. VAST traveler information development costs can be significantly reduced by providing a system consistent with the Seattle area features and functionality. Seattle’s effort is recognized as a leading ATIS effort. The VAST program’s association with the Seattle program should be positive.

The ODOT travel information website “TripCheck” includes roadway incident maps, camera images, a mileage calculator, and road conditions reports.

Develop traveler information compatible with the Portland area.

Strategically and technically this is an important consideration for VAST stakeholders. As the private sector’s role increases, the target “market size” becomes even more important. Therefore, it is important to work collaboratively with the City of Portland and ODOT in development of a joint traveler information program serving a much larger market. Although this approach introduces additional institutional and political challenges, its future benefits outweigh the initial costs.

Develop a web site for displaying a congestion map of the region including incident data, video images, construction and weather information.

A simple and functional web site is one of the most effective traveler information tools available. The Smart Trek web site (www.smarttrek.org) for the Puget Sound Region is a prime example of this. It is perhaps the nation’s most successful traveler information web site as evidenced by its growing number of users. Once again, integration of the web site content with the Portland area’s database will enhance its effectiveness substantially.

Deploy Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) transmitters for major interchanges in the Vancouver area.

Highway Advisory Radios can be deployed quickly and relatively inexpensively to provide motorist information. They have limited range and therefore must be located in and around major interchanges for maximum benefit.

Seattle area traffic conditions. Click image for new window with larger view and latest live data.

Provide real-time traffic information to the local fire and police departments and 911 dispatch.

Besides motorists, emergency service providers are important customers of real-time and accurate traveler information. A comprehensive traveler information program must address this important feature early on in order to ensure interoperability with various emergency management systems in place.

Improve use of radio broadcasting and local media coverage of Vancouver area traffic conditions. 

Commercial information providers demand the largest media market possible to take advantage of economies of scale. The VAST program can be more effective in seeking additional broadcast coverage by coordinating its efforts with the City of Portland and ODOT.

Provide real-time traffic information to devices such as kiosks, hand held PCs, pagers and in-vehicle displays. 

Information kiosks have proven quite effective in specific locations such as transit/train stations, airports, regional malls, special event generators and other key activity centers. These kiosks will have accurate, real-time information and can be financed through various advertising models. Hand-held devices, such as PDAs, and in-vehicle information appliances are fast becoming popular channels of traveler information. Partnership with the private sector will be the key success factor in this marketplace.

Initiate major traveler information project in the area for possible private sector investment. 

Real-time video content is very popular with commercial information disseminators, especially web site operators. A strategic investment in enhanced CCTV coverage of the Clark County area will create further private sector partnership opportunities as well as directly benefit public agencies in charge of highway operations and management.