Personalized application for multimodal route guidance for travellers

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.