Comparative Analysis of Stated En-route Switching Behavior under Various Information Scenarios

Abstract

Providing more applicable information contents in terms of drivers' opinions can effectively stimulate drivers' en-route switching behavior. This study applied the ordered probit model (OPM) to analyze various information scenarios that may affect drivers' en-route switching behavior with considering latent variables. Empirical findings indicate that the drivers' perceived value and usage attitude toward received information would positively motivate their switching willingness, while their switching barrier and congestion tolerability would negatively restrict them. Drivers would unlikely comply with diversion suggestion due to their negative latent variables toward immature information contents, therefore, several hypothetical information scenarios are proposed to enhance their switching intention. The results showed that the freeway drivers' en-route switching behavior in Taiwan has increased while providing more detailed information both on the regular and alternative routes.