Content of Variable Message Signs and On-Line Driver Behavior

Abstract

Variable message signs (VMS) are programmable traffic control devices that convey nonpersonalized real-time information on network traffic conditions to drivers encountering them. Especially useful under incidents, VMS aim to influence driver routing decisions to enhance network performance. This study investigates the effect of different message contents on driver response under VMS. Presumably, if the message content is a significant factor in driver response, the traffic controller can use it as a control variable to influence network traffic conditions positively without compromising the integrity of information. This issue is addressed through an on-site stated preference user survey. Logit models are developed for drivers’ diversion decisions. The analysis suggests that content in terms of the level of detail of relevant information significantly affects drivers’ willingness to divert. Other significant factors include socio-economic characteristics, network spatial knowledge, and confidence in the displayed information. Results also indicate differences in the response attitudes of semitrailer truck drivers compared to other travelers. They provide substantive insights for the design and operation of VMS-based information systems.

Leave the expressway or not? Impact of dynamic information

“…In previous studies, many researchers used stated preference (SP) data from questionnaire surveys to model drivers' response behavior, e.g., [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. Some other studies used SP data from travel simulator experiments (e.g., [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]).…”

Developing corridor choice model under hypothetical Variable Message Sign based traffic information

“…Several researchers (Peeta et al 2000;Maitra, 2007 and2010a) investigated the effect of hypothetical VMS based traffic information on trip makers using stated preference (SP) data. SP data primarily represents respondents' preference (say choice) under given hypothetical condition, and so it is unable to simulate actual market condition.…”

“…In this condition, a small reduction in traffic volume due to a change in route choice behavior under the influence of VMS is likely to bring significant benefit to trip makers (Basu and Maitra, 2010b). The effect of VMS based traffic information on trip makers greatly depends on the content and format (Chatterjee et al 2002;Peeta et al 2000) of VMS based information.…”

“…In recent years, there has been a growing trend of providing real time traffic information through VMS board as an instrument for temporal and spatial management of traffic congestion (Peeta et al 2000;Chaterjee et al 2002;Baofeng et al 2005;Bierlaire et al 2006;Maitra, 2007 and2010a). VMS is proven to be cost-effective measure (Adler and Blue 1998;Peeta and Ramos 2006) for mitigating traffic congestion.…”

Role of Psychological Effects of Real-Time Travel Information Provision on En Route Traveler Route Choice Decisions

“…Especially, information content has been shown to elicit differential behavioral responses. For instance, the effects of information have been studied for its ability to persuade travelers to shift routes (Peeta et al, 2000) and information-related behavioral phenomena associated with the day-to-day and within-day effects of information on route choice behavior (Srinivasan and Mahmassani, 2000;Nakayama and Kitamura, 2000;Peeta and Yu, 2004;2005;Yu and Peeta, 2011). In terms of qualitative aspects of information perception, Bonsall (2004) and Chorus et al (2006) show that traveler route choice decisions rely on the subjective perception of the provided information associated with traveler attributes and situational factors.…”