Feasible provision of targeted traveler information in public transportation: Segmentation based on functional limitations

This paper presents findings on the need for traveler information among people with functional limitation(s), and how the need varies between groups with different functional limitation(s). Chi-Squared Automatic Identification Detector (CHAID) was used to identify groups (segments) in order to understand how functional limitations contribute to the need for traveler information. The key findings suggest that people with functional limitations have a greater need for traveler information concerning different aspects of travel beyond traveler information that relates to their functional limitation(s); this greater need also relates to groups of people with covert functional limitations to which little consideration is usually given. Further, it is feasible to consider the need of traveler information generated by functional limitation(s) in providing traveler information in public transportation, and people with combinations of functional limitations that include loss of lower extremity skills and prevalence of poor balance are particularly in need of relevant traveler information.