Comparative Analysis of University Students’ Acquisition and Use of Travel Information

Abstract

Advanced traveler information systems provide pretrip and en route information, which can improve the travel experience of individuals and increase the efficiency of the transportation system. While research on travelers’ acquisition and use of relevant information on their intended routes and modes has been conducted, behavioral responses of sub-populations that might be particularly sensitive to information are not well understood. A key segment of the population is university students, who are often technologically savvy, are early adopters of new information technology, have widespread access to computers and the Internet, and often use a multitude of travel modes. This study explores student responses to travel information. As part of a larger study, behavioral surveys were conducted to collect and analyze data on university students’ travel behavior. This study focuses on a subset of the collected data that deals with acquisition and use of travel information. It explores how students at four universities in Virginia acquire and respond to travel information, and it identifies important factors associated with these decisions. Statistical models are estimated to test hypotheses. Results show that travel information acquisition is higher when students report longer travel times and on urban campuses. The Internet and variable message signs have the strongest associations with travel decision changes regardless of campus location. Students alter their routes and their modes of travel relatively frequently, especially on suburban campuses, pointing to the importance of delivering multimodal information. Implications of the findings are discussed.