Assessing means of transit information delivery for advanced public transportation systems

One of the important functions of advanced public transportation systems (APTS) is to provide timely information to transit users. Information delivery systems thus become an essential part of APTS. Described and categorized are means of information dissemination systems and their roles in advanced traveler information systems. An evaluation framework is developed to assess different media on the basis of seven criteria: accessibility, versatility and interactivity, information carrying capacity, user friendliness, costs to install, costs to use, and ease of implementation. The evaluation shows that the Internet and kiosks have the highest overall ranking. These are capable of delivering a variety of information, can provide interactivity to users, and if designed properly can have a user-friendly interface. Variable message signs and closed-circuit televisions are ranked as good for their modest costs and the variety of information they can deliver. They are appropriate to both wayside and in-terminal information displays. Other emerging technologies, such as automated voice annunciators and personal communication devices, are promising for the future but are not ready for implementation.