Traffic Demand Management Using Cellular Phones

As one response to traffic congestion on the Chuo Expressway, Central Nippon Expressway Co., Ltd. (hereafter, C-NEXCO), started operation of the first traffic demand management (TDM) tool using the email function of cellular phones. The service, which launched on October 22, 2008, is called “Chuo Expressway Suisui Mobile” (hereafter, Suisui Mobile). This paper discusses the current state of the Chuo Expressway, the objectives and concept behind development of Suisui Mobile, its main functions, and calculation of its effectiveness based on the results of a questionnaire survey.