Driver Perceptions and Sources of User Dissatisfaction in the Implementation of Variable Speed Limit Systems

This research explores technical innovation and the impact of resistance to innovation in the implementation of an active traffic management system. Technology-driven change initiatives are often difficult to implement and failure rates are high. Lack of success is often linked to failures in understanding the change environment or failure to account for human factors in the implementation of a new technology. This study explores stakeholder perceptions in the implementation of a variable speed limit (VSL) system in St. Louis, Missouri. Survey data from the driving public and law enforcement officials were analyzed during the first two years the VSL system was operational. High levels of dissatisfaction were present in survey results and indicated significant levels of resistance to innovation. Change management theory was used to link sources of dissatisfaction to common resistance factors. This provides an opportunity to develop strategies for the successful implementation of innovative traffic management systems. Decision makers involved with active traffic management will benefit from an understanding of the pervasive nature of resistance to innovation and an awareness of strategies for designing change management processes in innovative traffic systems.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2012.05.007
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AHB15 Intelligent Transportation Systems.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Long, Suzanna
  • Gentry, Lance
  • Bham, Ghulam H
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 93rd Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC
  • Date: 2014-1-12 to 2014-1-16
• Date: 2014

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 16p
• Monograph Title: TRB 93rd Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Advanced traffic management systems; Customer satisfaction; Marketing; Perception; Technological innovations; Variable speed limits
• Geographic Terms: Saint Louis (Missouri)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01517538
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 14-1494
• Files: PRP, TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 10 2014 9:23AM