Driver information systems: influencing your route

Smart Trek is a public private partnership of 25 agencies and organisations building technology based transport solutions for the Puget Sound region of Washington State on the west coast of the United States of America. Smart Trek technologies offer real time information that is easy to understand and use. Smart Trek partner, Microsoft, has introduced the "Sidewalk" online entertainment guide with real time and customised traffic information and travel times for alternate routes. Other Web applications, including updated traffic flow maps and a variety of hand-held or in-vehicle systems are planned to translate traffic and public transport information into usable messages. A cable television program that provides up to the minute views of key travel routes along with average speeds is now under development. Expanded use of variable message signs and Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) systems helps complete a comprehensive system of information sources. Smart Trek will provide real time bus arrival information over the Internet and at major public transport centres in the Puget Sound region. This type of information is available on desktop or laptop computers, along with route, schedule, ride-matching and trip planning information. To make the trip more convenient, a single smart card is in design for public transport use. The reusable card will deduct payments as it is used at pre-determined increments, similar in concept to a bank debit card. Smart Trek information services can broadly be divided into two areas: trip planning facilities and en-route information.