Evaluation of a Motorist Information System Using Computer Display Terminals

Thompson, Beverly A. · 1992 · ROSA P / Texas Transportation Institute. Texas A&M University

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Summary

This study evaluates the effectiveness of InfoBanq, an experimental motorist information system designed to alleviate urban traffic congestion by providing real-time traffic data for pre-trip planning. The system, sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, utilized computer display terminals installed in Greenway Plaza, a major activity center in Houston, Texas. The research, conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute over a twenty-four-month period, assessed the system based on public acceptance and utilization, information reliability, and cost-effectiveness. The evaluation employed multiple data collection methods, including weekly on-site system investigations, pedestrian counts during peak evening hours, a written survey of 153 tenant employees, and comparative analyses of construction and incident messages. System reliability was measured by tracking terminal operational status, while utilization was gauged through direct observation of pedestrian behavior and self-reported usage in the survey. Information reliability was tested by comparing terminal displays against official Texas Department of Transportation records and field reports. Findings indicated high system reliability, with an average operational percentage of 96% that improved to 100% in the final ten months. However, observed utilization was low; only 2.2% of pedestrians stopped to view the terminals, though 22% glanced at them. In contrast, the tenant survey revealed that 71% of respondents were aware of the system, primarily through casual exposure, and 69% reported using it. Among users, 64% found the information useful, and 44% altered their travel routes based on the data. Regarding information quality, construction updates were consistent and reliable, but incident information was often delayed, particularly during the PM peak period, with many incidents failing to appear within 30 minutes. The study concluded that the system could be cost-effective if users accessed it three to five times weekly and saved at least 20 minutes per use. The authors recommended improving incident timeliness, relocating terminals to higher-traffic areas such as enclosed walkways to parking garages, and enhancing public relations efforts to increase awareness. The findings suggest that while the technology is viable, maximizing utilization requires strategic placement and ensuring the timely delivery of accurate information.

Key finding

The system achieved 96% average operational reliability and 71% employee awareness, but observed physical utilization was only 2.2% and incident information reliability was poor due to delays.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Sample size: 153

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

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Information type

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• Applied Guidance: countermeasure evaluation
• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence