Motorist information Systems

MOTORIST INFORMATION SYSTEM

• Urban traffic has increased tremendously in the past few years leading to frequent congestion. 
• Simply increasing the number of roads will not help the situation.
• It is here that Motorist Information System that is based on modern information technology can assist in reducing traffic congestion and improving traffic flows and safety.
• There is a significant potential to improve traffic conditions on urban roads and highways by making use of information technology
• With use of information technology in traffic engineering, the concept of "MOTORIST INFORMATION SYSTEM" came into existence
• Motorist Information System helped in improvement of existing facilities with improved traffic management schemes
• Several urban trips are poorly designed resulting in unnecessary delays.
• Better use of existing facilities can be achieved by providing information to motorists regarding alternative paths and actual traffic conditions on their route by using a combination of side-way signals and on-board systems.
• Examples of Motorist Information Systems
•  Pretrip Information Systems, 
• Roadside displays, 
• Traffic Information Broadcasting Systems, and 
• Electronic Route Guiding Systems.
• The main characteristics of these technological advances are:
• reduced costs and
  
• increased capabilities enabling efficient data collection and processing large amounts of data for detailed and sophisticated analysis and control
• Various Motorist Information Systems being used in different corners of the world are listed below:
• AUTOGUIDE in England
• ALI-SCOUT in Germany
• AMTICS IN Japan and
• PATHFINDER in the United States of America
• However, despite all the advantages mentioned above, it has been seen that there are diminishing marginal returns as more information is provided.