Understanding Commuter Information Needs and Desires in Public Transport: A Comparative Analysis of Stated and Revealed Preferences

Abstract

This paper explores commuters’ stated- and revealed preference information needs and desires in public transport through a multi-method study. A survey with 286 participants uncovers stated preferences, while a diary study with 31 participants provides insight into the revealed preferences. Key findings include a comprehensive overview of travellers’ information needs and desires, offering insights to improve current traveller information systems. Moreover, the results show differences between real-time information needs and those recalled from memory. During disruptions, important information includes information about the duration, cause of disruption, consequences for the journey and alternatives, while information about potential disruptions, schedule, journey planning and interchanges are important for journeys without disruptions. Another important finding was the significant difference between the needs and desires during a regular and disrupted journey.