Using ordered probit modeling to study the effect of ATIS on transit ridership

A computer-aided telephone interview was conducted in two metropolitan areas in northern California. The survey included an innovative stated preference design to collect data that address the potential of advanced transit information systems. The study’s main objectives are to investigate whether advanced transit information would increase the acceptance of transit, and to determine the types and levels of information that are desired by commuters. The survey included a customized procedure that presents realistic choice sets, including the respondent’s preferred information items and realistic travel times. The ordered probit modeling technique was used. The results indicated a promising potential of advanced transit information in increasing the acceptance of transit as a commute mode. It also showed that the frequency of service, number of transfers, seat availability, walking time to the transit stop and fare information are among the significant information types that commuters desire. Commute time by transit, income, education, and whether the commuter is currently carpooling, were among the factors that contribute to the likelihood of using transit given information was provided.