Title: Reducing uncertainty and supporting cognitive maps in travel information for public transport

Authors: Katrin Dziekan, Matthijs Dicke-Ogenia

Addresses: Berlin Institute of Technology, Department of Land and Sea Transport Systems, Chair of Integrated Transport Planning SG 4.1, Salzufer 17-19, D-10587 Berlin, Germany. ' Faculty of Behavioural and Social Science, Experimental and Work Psychology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands; Goudappel Coffeng BV, Snipperlingsdijk 4, Postbus 161 7400 AD Deventer, The Netherlands

Abstract: One cause of negative attitudes towards public transport may be due to feelings of uncertainty that travellers experience. We argue that these negative feelings are due to a lack of information and that, in public transport, besides the regular service information, information should also be provided that helps to reduce uncertainty, i.e., information which supports the cognitive map of the traveller. This information should confirm that which is already present in the cognitive map, and should provide extra information about the transport system and the area in which it is used. We show the relevance of our argument by using research from several projects. Furthermore, we discuss the needs and wishes of travellers concerning travel information and the ergonomic principles involved in the design process of travel information.

Keywords: travel information; public transport; traveller information needs; cognitive ergonomic guidelines; uncertainty reduction; cognitive maps; information design.

DOI: 10.1504/WRITR.2010.031580

World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research, 2010 Vol.3 No.1/2, pp.73 - 90

Published online: 12 Feb 2010 *

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