Analysis of awareness and use of traffic information system with revealed preference data case

Abstract

To alleviate traffic congestion on Malaysia's highways and roads, the Integrated Transport Information System (ITIS) was established in Klang Valley, Malaysia, to collect and dis-seminate updated traffic information. One important aspect of this system is the use of various traffic information tools [Internet, radio, and variable message signs (VMS)] in disseminating traffic information pretrip and en route. To investigate the effectiveness of ITIS, this paper assesses the level of awareness and use of ITIS in the Klang Valley region. Using a revealed preference survey and adopting a discrete choice modeling approach, researchers found that the level of awareness (58% for VMS, 22% for radio pretrip, 48% for radio en route, and 12% for Internet) and use (29% change departure time and 22% divert) of ITIS were low in the region. Driver demographics had little impact on the awareness and use of ITIS, whereas trip characteristics played an important role. Drivers in the Klang Valley region had limited trust in the accuracy of data provided by ITIS and did not perceive such data to be useful in reducing their travel time. These findings demonstrate the need for strategies to improve awareness of ITIS and to increase its credibility.