Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
ITE Western District (Western United States)
San Francisco Bay Area Section
Honorable Mention: 2008 Transportation Project of the Year Award
COMMUTER TRAVEL TIME INFORMATION SYSTEM
California Center for Innovative Transportation (CCIT) in collaboration with Caltrans District 4, Caltrain and BART, has deployed a system that is capable of comparing driving times with riding trains along the US-101 corridor. The system incorporates the use of Changeable Message Signs just before the Millbrae Avenue exit on northbound and southbound 101 and preceding the Whipple Avenue exit on northbound 101. This system is able to calculate real-time highway driving time as well as transit travel time for pre-defined trip itineraries and display related messages on a network of signs. The goal of this project is to encourage motorists to use trains during rush-hours.
Real-time traveler information on Changeable Message Signs (CMS) has gained popularity in urban areas. A network of signs is capable of disseminating a variety of information for different purposes. Displaying transit information on changeable message signs is a winning proposition to provide valuable traveler information to the public and encourage modal shift to reduce traffic congestions on highways. The US-101 corridor between San Jose and San Francisco is one of the most congested commuter routes in the Bay Area. A commuter rail system (Caltrain) runs parallel to US-101 and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) runs from Millbrae to San Francisco. This system is the first in the State of California to broadcast freeway travel times vs. transit times on a continuous basis, with updates every minute. Drivers can benefit greatly from this project that provides them with information on current freeway and transit conditions while they are commuting. Trip time is the most practical information that commuters can use to assess traffic, alleviate their stress, and ultimately make decisions on their travel mode. By being aware of travel times to popular destinations, travelers are able to choose an alternate travel mode and route early if it appears that their intended mode and route is too congested. In addition, this project takes advantage of the CMS technology and uses it in an innovative way that is widely understood by the driving public. This system has also improved the visibility of Caltrans' commitment to Intelligent Transportation Systems.
The displayed message on the signs consists of:
- Highway driving time
- Station-to-station train trip time
- Next train schedule
Also included are smaller roadside CMS signs located just prior to the off-ramps at Millbrae Ave and Whipple Ave to indicate the availability of transit parking at those locations. By providing commuters with freeway travel time vs. transit times from selected locations along US101 to San Francisco and San Jose, train rider ship has increased and traffic congestion reduced on US101 during the peak periods.
Overall, the average daily train ridership has been significantly increased this year, after deploying the system, ranging from 12%-27% for targeting stations. There has been a 10% increase on parking stall counts before and after the system was activated. The log data also indicates that more than 60% of time commuting with train had time advantage over driving on highways during traffic peak hours (7:00 am- 9:00 am and 5:00 pm-7:00 pm). In general, during the existing operation schedule (5:00 am- 9:00 am and 3:30 pm- 7:00 pm) the signs showed about average 45% time advantage for using trains vs. driving.
Congratulations to CCIT and its partners for this Honorable Mention in the 2008 ITE SF Bay Area Awards Program.
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