COMPUTER GENERATED TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR URBAN TRANSIT NETWORKS

It is generally acknowledged that lack of information on available public transport services can be a constraining influence on the use of public transport. For this reason, most transit operating authorities operate some form of traveller information service. Recently, interest has been expressed in computer generated travel information systems to assist travellers in determining the best use of public transport for specific trips. This paper reviews some of the previous work in this area, and then proceeds to describe a study for the computer generation of travel information in the Melbourne transit network. The optimum path algorithm developed is described, and the input and output options are outlined. Some specific problems with respect to service reliability and the ergonomics of output media are also highlighted. (Author/TRRL)