COMMUTER FEEDBACK: AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF ONGOING ITS DEPLOYMENTS

While the momentum of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) deployment is encouraging, it is imperative that we attach greater emphasis to determining level of acceptance of these technologies by commuters/travelers. In Orlando, Florida, a telephone survey of commuters was undertaken to assess not only the effectiveness of the Interstate-4 (I-4) surveillance and motorist information system project completed in 1995, but also other planned advanced traffic information systems technologies. Statistical analysis of 400 responses revealed that 51% of the respondents regarded traffic reports broadcast from local radio stations as the most important source of traffic information. Information displayed on changeable message signs (CMSs) was considered reasonably accurate by 67% and timely by 58%. Approximately 40-50% of the travelers on I-4 would divert to an alternate route if a CMS indicated an estimated 10-15 minute delay.