The Convergence of Transportation, Information Technology, and Visitor Experience at Acadia National Park
Daigle JJ and Zimmerman CA. 2004. The Convergence of Transportation, Information Technology, and Visitor Experience at Acadia National Park. Journal of Travel Research. 43(2):151-160
This article describes visitor experience with ITS and how it deals with transportation problems as well as creates a better visitor experience within the park. Abstract is as follows: 'In 2002, as part of the Acadia National Park Field Operational Test, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) components were deployed to help visitors travel around Mount Desert Island and in Acadia National Park. Real-time travel information was collected and integrated with Island Explorer buses and disseminated to visitors via an automated annunciator that transmitted an audio message and displayed the next bus stop on an electronic sign within the bus. Also, electronic signs displayed real-time departure times of the next Island Explorer bus at bus stops. Visitors could also obtain real-time parking conditions at two popular destinations in the park. Using data from surveys of visitors from July 29, 2002 to September 1, 2002, this article describes visit and visitor characteristics and their experiences using the traveler information. The implications of ITS as a tool for addressing transportation problems and enhancing visitor experience with the park are discussed.' Subheadings included in 'findings' portion of manuscript include: Awareness and use of travel information at Acadia; customer satisfaction with travel information; the effect of travel information on mobility at Acadia; the effect of visitors' use of public transit; and the effect of travel information on local economy. /STUDY LOCATIONS:/ /MOUNT DESERT ISLAND/
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Daigle, John; Zimmerman, Carol
- Units
- ACAD
- Keywords
- Carrying Capacity, Human Use, Mount Desert Island, Parking Area, Roads, Survey (Opinions), Transportation, Visitors
Series
See also
- Alternative Transportation and Travel InformationTechnologies: Monitoring Parking Lot Conditions Over Three Summer Seasons at Acadia National Park
- Acadia National Park ITS Field Operational Test: Business survey
- Acadia National Park ITS Field Operational Test: Acadia National Park data analysis
- Acadia National Park ITS Field Operational Test: Evaluation plan
- Acadia National Park ITS field Operational Test: Evaluation strategic plan
- Acadia National Park ITS Field Operational Test: Island Explorer data analysis
- Acadia National Park ITS Field Operational Test: Parking report
- Acadia National Park ITS Field Operational Test: State of Maine data analysis
- Acadia National Park ITS Field Operational Test: Key informant interviews
- Acadia National Park ITS Field Operational Test: Visitor survey
- Evaluation of Acadia National Park ITS Field Operational Test: Final report
- Acadia National Park Intelligent Transportation Systems Field Operational Test: Transformation needs assessment