Effectiveness of Information and Control ITS Field Elements on Commuter Trips

There have been many Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) elements deployed on highways to efficiently manage traffic, alleviate congestion, and improve safety. However, transportation management agencies are lacking systematic methodologies to identify commuters’ needs and perception regarding ITS elements. In addition, there are few reliable tools and performance measures that can assess the effectiveness of those elements on commuters and travelers. This research project intends to address these problems by analyzing both tangible and intangible benefits of information and control field elements and assessing their overall impact on commuters. The CCIT research team used a commuter survey to measure intangible benefits; and conducted a micro-simulation method to evaluate quantitatively the effectiveness of traffic-information-related field elements such as CMS and 511/HAR. The final outcome of the research will place more emphasis on the effectiveness of ITS field elements to help commuters and it will recommend optimal ways in which traffic operators like the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) can leverage the deployment of ITS field elements to improve their operational management.