GCRTA Transit Traveler Information System - Transportation Information Center Functionality
Subsystem Description
The 'Transportation Information Center' collects, processes, stores, and disseminates transportation information to system operators and the traveling public. The physical object can play several different roles in an integrated ITS. In one role, the TIC provides a data collection, fusing, and repackaging function, collecting information from transportation system operators and redistributing this information to other system operators in the region and other TICs. In this information redistribution role, the TIC provides a bridge between the various transportation systems that produce the information and the other TICs and their subscribers that use the information. The second role of a TIC is focused on delivery of traveler information to subscribers and the public at large. Information provided includes basic advisories, traffic and road conditions, transit schedule information, yellow pages information, ride matching information, and parking information. The TIC is commonly implemented as a website or a web–based application service, but it represents any traveler information distribution service.
Functional Object: TIC Data Collection
'TIC Data Collection' collects transportation–related data from other centers, performs data quality checks on the collected data and then consolidates, verifies, and refines the data and makes it available in a consistent format to applications that support operational data sharing between centers and deliver traveler information to end–users. A broad range of data is collected including traffic and road conditions, transit data, emergency information and advisories, weather data, special event information, traveler services, parking, multimodal data, and toll/pricing data. It also shares data with other transportation information centers.
Functional Object: TIC Dynamic Ridesharing
'TIC Dynamic Ridesharing' provides dynamic rideshare matches for eligible travelers, connecting riders and drivers for specific trips based on preferences. This ridesharing/ride matching capability also arranges connections to transit or other multimodal services for portions of a multi–segment trip that includes ridesharing. Reservations and advanced payment are also supported so that each segment of the trip may be confirmed.
Functional Object: TIC Interactive Traveler Information
'TIC Interactive Traveler Information' disseminates personalized traveler information including traffic and road conditions, transit information, parking information, maintenance and construction information, multimodal information, event information, and weather information. Tailored information is provided based on the traveler's request in this interactive service.
Functional Object: TIC Operations Data Collection
'TIC Operations Data Collection' collects and stores information that is collected about the transportation information service including data on the number of clients serviced and the services that were provided. This data can be used directly by operations personnel or it can be made available to other data users and archives in the region.
Functional Object: TIC Shared Use
'TIC Shared Use' provides shared use services for eligible travelers, connecting with travelers for specific trips or vehicle usage based on preferences. Reservations and advanced payment are also supported so that each segment of the shared use/ trip may be confirmed.
Functional Object: TIC Trip Planning
'TIC Trip Planning' provides pre–trip and en route trip planning services for travelers. It receives origin, destination, constraints, and preferences and returns trip plan(s) that meet the supplied criteria. Trip plans may be based on current traffic and road conditions, transit schedule information, and other real–time traveler information. Candidate trip plans are multimodal and may include vehicle, transit, and alternate mode segments (e.g., rail, ferry, bicycle routes, and walkways) based on traveler preferences. It also confirms the trip plan for the traveler and supports reservations and advanced payment for portions of the trip. The trip plan includes specific routing information and instructions for each segment of the trip and may also include information and reservations for additional services (e.g., parking) along the route.