Toward a Consumer Demand–Driven Intelligent Transportation System Policy: Findings from Southern California

Abstract

As part of a 3-year research initiative, Claremont Graduate University Research Institute researchers developed a survey to assess public attitudes toward intelligent transportation systems (ITSs) as both a consumer choice and a public policy issue. The substantive focus included advanced traveler information systems (ATISs) and vehicle safety products (safety devices). Specific survey goals included ( a) a description of travel behavior and traffic information use, ( b) gauging of attitudes toward ATISs and safety devices, and ( c) an exploration of attitudes toward ITS-related public policies. The questionnaire was administered via a computeraided telephone interview to a sample of randomly selected Southern California residents during the fall of 1997. Results from analysis of the 610 responses suggest that although many travelers currently obtain traffic information, most do not seem to use this information in any proactive sense to avoid congestion. Once congestion is encountered, participants in general simply await its abatement. Respondents portrayed interest in ATIS products but overall were more intrigued by safety devices. Travelers with long commutes expressed both the least satisfaction with current traffic information and the strongest interest in ATISs. Overall, women displayed greater interest in ITSs than men and younger respondents revealed more interest than their older counterparts. Results from public policy questions indicate support for ITSs and an inclination to support tax allocations for its development. However, almost half of the survey participants also expressed concern over the potential negative individual privacy implications of ITS deployment.