Concept of an Advanced Traveler Information System Testbed for the Bay Area: Research Issues

The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do no necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the State of California. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Executive Summary The Bay Area ATIS (Advanced Traveler Information System) testbed evaluation methodology is aimed at collecting, processing and enabling widespread dissemination of information on transportation conditions and travel options. A fundamental premise of the testbed methodology is that a public surveillance and database system, designed to open-architecture standards, will be the most effective in providing historical, real-time, and predictive information. When complete, the testbed infrastructure will include a comprehensive surveillance system, public databases designed to open-architecture standards, models for real-time prediction of future travel conditions, systems for communicating with travelers during pre-trip and enroute stages and importantly an ongoing evaluation methodology. The database will contain up-to-the-minute information on travel options, including automobile, bus and rail. This paper presents a conceptual framework describing various elements of the testbed evaluation and presents two field operational tests currently underway. Specifically, discussions on the TravInfo project and the Freeway Service Patrol evaluation project are presented. The framework developed in this paper is intended to influence the selection of other projects for which the testbed will provide a platform. have received valuable input from several individuals at the University of California. Among them are Professor Adib Kanafani, present PATH Director Dr. and Jim Spinello gave useful insights. Two anonymous reviewers actually read the text and provided constructive criticism for which we are very grateful. lll ...