The value of public transport information for car-drivers

It is believed by many that the provision of high quality Public Transport information to car drivers will lead to higher Public Transport market shares accompanied by a decrease in car use. In light of the growing concern related to the negative environmental and economic effects of car use, this belief forms an important justification for large investments in Public Transport information systems. This paper claims that these high expectations should be nuanced, by arguing that even car-drivers that consider Public Transport a viable alternative to their car will generally not search for or pay attention to provided Public Transport information. The argument is illustrated by simulating, based on a formal model of information value, car drivers’ travel mode choices under conditions of uncertainty and travel information availability.