Evaluation of route guidance in advanced traveler information systems

Route guidance is one of the major functions of Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS). The quality of route guidance given to users is dependent on the capability of the system to gather, process and disseminate information on dynamic network conditions adequately. This capability is dependent on the system architecture and the extent of system diffusion. Issues relating to system architecture and diffusion are investigated.; This research identifies various kinds of imperfection that may arise in ATIS information. A major source of imperfection is introduced by the variability in various characteristics of the road system. Therefore, a model of the spatial and temporal dimensions of network flows and travel times is postulated. The focus is on conditions of recurrent congestion. While benefits from ATIS may be more perceptible under situations of incidents or accidents, recurrent congestion is the more usual case.; Route guidance may be provided by various strategies that take into account the imperfection imposed by the system architecture and the level of market penetration of the system. A simulation model was developed to evaluate the quality of routes recommended by ATIS, based on the theoretical model of flows and travel times. An evaluation experiment based on the concept of 'yoked drivers' was used for this purpose. The results indicate that imperfection in ATIS information can be rectified to a great extent by using certain information-giving strategies.