STUDY OF COMMUTER CHOICE OF INFORMATION SOURCE TO IMPROVE TRANSIT INFORMATION SYSTEMS-ABRIDGEMENT

In an effort to gain a better understanding of information-source choice behavior and to suggest a way it could be applied to the improvement of transit information system design, a study was made which was based on the results of a demonstration project conducted to develop more informative bus stop signs. The project consisted of three parts: development, field demonstration, and evaluation of experimental bus stop signs. A before-demonstration survey of bus riders on three routes was designed to determine the commuter information-retrieval pattern for the existing transit information system. Based on survey results, an experimental bus stop sign was developed. After the sign was installed, a second survey of bus users was performed to obtain feedback on specific evaluation dimensions. The results of the survey are discussed. The information source choice model developed from the results is presented. In the model, relationships between the trip and personal characteristics and choice of information source were established. The model expands on these relationships to develop a dynamic framework, which depicts the normative behavior of a transit consumer. The implications for transit system management are examined.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1979/735/735-006.pdf
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309029902
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Transit Service Characteristics. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
• Authors:
  • Robinson, Richard K
  • Bakr, M M
  • Thomson, Thomas L
• Publication Date: 1979

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 20-23
• Monograph Title: Public Transportation Planning and Development
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 735
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Before and after studies; Behavior; Bus stops; Choice models; Communities; Consumers; Information systems; Mathematical models; Public transit; Signs; Transportation system management
• Uncontrolled Terms: Models
• Old TRIS Terms: User characteristics
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Public Transportation; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00316663
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309029902
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Oct 27 1982 12:00AM