Assessing future traveller information systems

Future traveller information systems (FTIS) supported by pervasive computing are being considered as the next generation of traveller information systems. However, large scale deployments of pervasive computing environments do not yet exist. Building models or mockups of FTIS is expensive and time-consuming. This paper introduces current research at Newcastle University which is investigating the impacts of FTIS scenarios on modal shift away from the car to public transport. The adopted methodology is a combination of conventional research methods incorporating textual descriptions of the hypothetical FTIS scenario and an innovative approach involving rapid prototyping using immersive video and a simulated infrastructure to create a realistic environment to explore user experience of FTIS scenarios.