Citation

Brazil W, Caulfield B, O'Connor A. Case Stud. Transp. Policy 2017; 5(2): 215-223.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, World Conference on Transport Research Society, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.cstp.2017.02.001

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Extreme weather events present serious threats to existing transport systems. Events such as flooding, extreme heat or cold, heavy snowfalls or high winds, have the ability to destroy, disrupt, and disable vital transport links. Such disruptions can lead to individuals being unable to travel in their normal fashion. Advances in digital technologies, especially smartphone applications and mobile internet, present new opportunities to provide individuals with transport information in the uncertain circumstances caused by extreme weather events. As much of this information collection is either funded by the service provider or by the tax payer, it is important that the largest possible proportion of individuals have access to it and derive a benefit from this information. This paper presents the results of a survey conducted in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) to determine what proportion of individuals seek out transport information during extreme weather events, and also to identify where they source it from. The results arising from this research demonstrate both the demand for such information during extreme events, and diversity of sources used to access it. It is also clear that the methods individuals use to source such information differs considerably depending on whether or not they have begun their trip, and whether they tend to seek out information under normal circumstances. From the perspective of service providers and policymakers it is important to consider that how individuals' access to information may vary with regard to the mode they are using. It is clear, in an Irish context at least, that important transport information is being retrieved from a wide variety of sources, suggesting the need for a more centralised system. While this study specifically examined the role of transport information during extreme weather events, the findings arising from this study can be applied to other events that cause large scale disruptions such as political protests, natural disasters, security disturbances, and transport related industrial action.

Language: en

Keywords

Climate change; Extreme weather; Transport information