Network knowledge - its impact on driver response to guidance systems

摘要

This paper describes a research project which aimed to measure the impact that different levels of network familiarity had on drivers' response to in-vehicle route guidance and information systems. A sample of drivers was used to perform a series of five simulated journeys, the variables being network knowledge and quality of information and guidance. Analysis of the results shows that guidance-only systems are suitable for drivers who are unfamiliar with the area and novice drivers. By comparison, information-only systems are most attractive to drivers who value time highly. The author also concludes that for route choice studies, travel simulators can prove an efficient tool for data collection.