Overcoming information integration barriers in the development of a road transport information platform

Abstract

Information related to road transport is not only vital for the efficient management of the road transport network, but is also essential for the various users who have varying information needs, both in the private sector and in the public domain. The availability, accessibility, proper use and dissemination of road transport information addresses congestion; improves the quality of travel and transport safety; reduces road transport effects on the environment and facilitates traveller information. This paper presents the results of a survey describing the views of German road transport experts on user information needs and the barriers to the integration of road transport information, as part of a PhD research project, which is being carried out in conjunction with the University of Siegen in Germany. A prototype, GIS based, road transport information platform created for an area in the central region of the island of Malta, is also presented, where data from various stakeholders was collected and integrated, to illustrate the possibility of creating a platform through collaboration efforts between the various stakeholders.