Flexible organisation of multimodal travel information services

Abstract

This paper addresses the potential of open service interfaces in travel information value chains. Such interfaces shall support the exchange of information and services between stakeholders in the value chain and facilitate efficient and flexible establishment and provision of new and improved travel information services. The traveller shall be supported in all phases of the travel process and encouraged to use of public transport in combination with walking, cycling and use of private cars. Dynamic information that makes the travel more predictable shall be provided. Action research is used, with ARKTRANS, the generic and multimodal ITS framework, as the starting point for a holistic and top-down approach. The needs of both travellers and those providing travel information services are addressed. The interface definition process, pilot implementations, and the value of the open service interfaces are discussed. The paper concludes that open service interfaces are likely to facilitate flexibility in the travel information value chains. Travel information services for different transport modes and covering different geographical regions can more easily be combined. Different types of travel information may be acquired and combined with existing services into value added services that support the needs of different user groups.