Structural Equation Modeling of Traveler Information Needs

One of the key aspects in the design of Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) is to make certain that the system can provide the type of information travelers want. In order to analyze the impact of individual characteristics on traveler´s information needs and reveal travelers´ preferences in different situation, this paper present a structural equation model of traveler information needs, which uses the path analysis and is flexible enough to model and test the process of traffic information use. At first, the paper analyzes the shortcoming of previous researches. Then the basic idea of the methodology applied in the research project is introduced and the structural equation model of traveler information needs is presented. Finally, the detailed process of data collection and the modification and application of the model is discussed.