Abstract
PurposeStudies about the use of internet-based services and especially those that are related to services on-the-move, reveal that their propagation is rapidly expanding, with high increase probability in the next years. It is about services that are offered through mobile devices (PDAs, mobile phones) where the travelers wish to receive geographically updated information. The present paper aims at the optimization of public transport (PT) information services that are provided on mobile devices, for travelers of PT means, through their personalization.MethodsA specific innovative algorithm is proposed along with the necessary parameters (dynamic and semi-dynamic) that support a holistic personalization. The algorithm is based on each user specific profile, based on the history of his/her previous selections. The proposed algorithm constitutes a ready service, that can be adopted by the appropriate stakeholders in cooperation with content providers such as public transport route providers and dynamic digital maps.ResultsThe developed algorithm was tested by 10 users. In general, it was positively evaluated by the majority of the users, with a varying acceptance and confidence levels. Users evaluated also the personalization parameters, giving to the maximum walking distance between PT means the highest score.ConclusionsThe innovation and limitations of the current algorithm are discussed, followed by proposals for extensions and further research.
Highlights
There is an increasing use of the internet for information retrieve, by many users
The new market trend in the area of web-based information services concerns travelers information services. These are services that are offered through the mobile phone or other mobile devices (PDA)
If with the 2nd and 3rd step the proposed routes are less than the capacity of the mobile device screen, as well as of the back-up list, the application searches for routes that satisfy the criterion of the least acceptable transportation mean type, even if they don’t satisfy the rest two criteria
Summary
The users’ acceptance opinion regarding the personalized application in relation to a non-personalised one is depicted in the following diagram. The best scoring (1.7 points) has been given to the characterisation that the application is desirable, followed by its effectiveness and helpfulness (i.e. valuable), while the most negative scoring (2.3 points) has been given to the question if it is nice/annoying. Even this scoring is overall positive as it is quite less than the mean/ neutral ranking and far from the most negative possible one (5 points) (Fig. 4). None of the users proposed any new personalization parameter that should be taken into account, as for example could be the safest or the most picturesque route
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
