Concepts for a Low-Cost Motorist Information System -Final Report

Smith, Steven A.; Miller, Lawrence M. · 1985 · ROSA P / Federal Highway Administration (U.S.)

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Summary

This 1985 report, commissioned by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and conducted by JHK & Associates, addresses the need for a comprehensive, low-cost Motorist Information System (MIS). The study was motivated by the increasing complexity of the highway system, rising traffic congestion, and advancements in communications technology, which created an opportunity to improve how travel-related information is provided to drivers. The primary objective was to develop practical system concepts that meet motorist trip-related needs—specifically regarding traffic conditions, roadway status, and services—while utilizing existing or emerging technologies, maintaining acceptable costs for both government and motorists, and navigating institutional and regulatory constraints. The research methodology involved a structured analysis of motorist information needs, categorized by their time-dependent nature into three classes: dynamic (frequently changing, such as traffic incidents), semidynamic (occasionally changing, such as gas and lodging availability), and static (rarely changing, such as highway geometry). The study evaluated existing systems across three functional components: data collection, data consolidation/processing, and information transmittal. Researchers reviewed current data sources, including police operations, freeway surveillance systems, and private sector entities, alongside transmittal media such as AM/FM radio, Highway Advisory Radio (HAR), Citizens Band (CB) radio, and signage. The analysis also considered institutional roles, regulatory issues like FCC regulations, and the division of responsibility between public agencies and private industry. Based on this evaluation, the report proposes four specific MIS concepts tailored to different information types and geographic contexts. For dynamic information in medium-to-large urban areas, the concept centers on private traffic information services or freeway surveillance systems as consolidation hubs, utilizing FM Subcarrier Audio (SCA) channels, HAR, and CB radio for transmission. For rural and small urban areas, dynamic information relies on police operations and highway departments, using commercial radio and mobile HAR units. Semidynamic information concepts leverage private sector consolidation centers, such as auto clubs and travel agencies, with potential for electronic transmission, though hard-copy guides remain cost-effective. Static information continues to rely predominantly on standardized road signage, with an emphasis on logo and official business signing. The significance of this report lies in its framework for a coordinated, multimedia MIS that integrates public and private sector responsibilities. It concludes that no single method can meet all motorist needs; instead, a cooperative system is required where different media perform specific functions. The report provides an implementation plan emphasizing the FHWA’s role in providing direction and information on technologies, while state and local agencies act as coordinators. It highlights that while some technologies, like FM SCA, offer long-term improvements in timeliness, current systems must be optimized through better scheduling and zoning of information. The study establishes a baseline for future research and incremental integration of emerging technologies into the national motorist information infrastructure.

Key finding

Four distinct motorist information system concepts were developed, comprising specific architectures for dynamic information in urban and rural areas, semidynamic services, and static roadway data, all designed to integrate public and private sector capabilities.

Methodology

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