A NEW SERVICE FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN THE NETHERLANDS: INITIAL EFFECTS AND ANALYSIS OF THE MARKET

This paper describes a new service for travel information about public transport, recently introduced into the Netherlands, and discusses its effects and implications. The new service, using Public Transport Travel Planner software, began in May 1992, and is operated by nine interconnected regional information centres using personal computers. The centres process nearly 7 million information requests per year. They provide: (1) static and dynamic timetable information; (2) fare information; and (3) miscellaneous information. The profile of the information service users is outlined. The main results are tabulated of a quantitative study, to investigate the service's effects on mobility; there seemed to be positive effects on regional bus services, but no noticeable effects on train travel or urban public transport. Most information requests were about social visit or recreational trips, which were less usual and longer than ordinary public transport trips. Most users were very satisfied with the service, and found that it provided correct information. The paper finally examines some other possibilities for optimising the travel effects of public transport information services, and influencing decisions on travel behaviour. For the covering abstract see IRRD 869445.