SMARTMAPS (TRADE NAME) FOR ADVANCED TRAVELER INFORMATION SYSTEMS BASED ON USER CHARACTERISTICS

The project has three emphases: 1) an assessment of the user requirements relevant to the design of effective transit information systems; 2) a reconnaissance of enabling technologies and prototypes for electronic information systems; and 3) a set of conceptual designs for electronic, interactive traveler information systems for public transit. Literacy and transit surveys indicate that a very large proportion of transit users are likely to have difficulty with textural and numerical information including maps, schedules, fare, and procedures required to use public transit effectively. Transit information can be more effective in reaching these users by acknowledging these deficiencies and by designing information to communicate with people of varied language backgrounds and minimal literacy levels. Computer aided information systems such as SmartMaps would be particularly capable of reaching the diverse users of public transit. Capabilities of the SmartMaps transit information system are explored in a group of scenarios, focusing on different aspects of the system. A program of future research needs is outlined, including the testing of a prototype system with typical groups of users.