Mobility information services – high technology, low acceptance?

Abstract

Mobility information services are expected to improve the travel process on the individual level thus also supporting a better and even use of transport infrastructures. It seems, however, that these services lack acceptance from the user. Surprisingly, little attention has been addressed so far to the user and his or her assessment of the services’ usefulness and de facto use of existing services. In 2004, a survey was held by the DLR Institute of Transport Research to investigate users’ attitudes and behaviours while using mobility information services. The study shows that there is already a broad knowledge about the existence of services but only little use. If the services are used this happens quite specifically in relation to the trip purpose and the mode of transport. An increase in attractiveness cannot be expected automatically from additional features, but is very much depending on the potential user group.