THE ACCEPTANCE OF A MULTIMODAL ROUTING SYSTEM

Multimodal Routing Systems allow routing by different modes which is particularly interesting in urban environments. These systems are expected to be an important tool to encourage modal shift. They can only work, however, if people accept and use this technology and its options. While expectations are high, there is not much empirical evidence about acceptance, use and effects of multimodal routing systems. The article deals with empirical results from an experimental study focusing on these aspects, in particular on conditions that promote the acceptance of Multimodal Routing Systems, and on the impact that better information about transport options (routes, means of transport, traffic conditions etc.) has on travel behavior. It can be shown that the acceptance of the instructions is very high and a high degree of compliance to the provided travel information and recommendations could be ascertained. The study used a prototype of a Multimodal Routing System. Both the development of the prototype and the user test were made within the German research project ORINOKO.