Experiences gained in implementing an economical, universal motorist information system

The background and experiences gained in designing, developing and implementing an economical Advanced Traveller Information System (ATIS) for the Toronto area is described. The system has been extended and enhanced to form a universal motorist information system providing information on about 1000 kilometers of provincial highways. The system is infrastructure free and operates in conjunction with an Advanced Traveller Management System (ATMS), COMPASS. The service makes effective use of third party distributors, who receive traffic and road information, principally via fax, and retransmit it to their customers. The resulting system offers the ability to integrate with a very large range of output technologies, thereby serving a wide range of user needs.