Tourism Business and Intelligent Transportation Systems: Acadia National Park, Maine

Abstract

A suite of intelligent transportation system (ITS) technologies was deployed as part of the Acadia National Park (Maine) field operational test (FOT). This study evaluated the FOT that took place in 2002 and focused on the experience of the managers of businesses in the gateway communities near the park. The ITS FOT was intended to test the effectiveness of ITS for addressing the transportation problems that had the potential to negatively affect visitor experience at the park and in turn the tourism industry upon which the region depends. A survey of 257 business managers presents their views on transportation problems in the area, attitudes toward the Island Explorer bus service, and reactions to ITS. The results indicate that managers perceive many benefits of ITS to visitors. They also see general economic benefits from ITS but are more neutral about direct effects to their own businesses. Finally, a surprisingly negative reaction from the business community to Acadia traveler information on the new Maine 511 telephone service illustrates the challenge of marrying the interests of the business community with those of travelers.