Multimodal Information Systems

Multimodality

Before going deep into the rest of the chapter, it is necessary to define some basic concepts concerning modes of transport:

• 1.

  Intermodality: Defined by the successive use of the modes of transport to rally or join the starting point to the arrival point. It has to do with a variety of means of public transport (Eg: Bus, Tramway then Plane), it can also take the form of a succession of private transport mode then public transport mode (Eg: personal car then train). The intermodality is characterized by the notion of chaining that ought to be respected.

• 2.

  The Multimodality: Also called intermodality alternative, it is the use of various modes of transport for the same path. It is characterized by the notion of choice. The traveler can manage his ride according to days and reasons of the trip.

• 3.

  The Multimodal Information: Its main objective is to inform the passenger on the modes of transport that he attempts to take or on the eventual disturbance that might affect a given rode. This information might take two forms: either static if it is about a constant information (Eg: a touristic site), either dynamic if it depends on the state of the network (Eg: the leakage time in case of disturbance). The multimodal information deals with: itinerary calculations, leakage time, circulation conditions, information on fees and information on the waiting time.

• 4.

  The Broadcasting Channels of Multimodal Information: Multimodal information could be broadcasted through various means of communication. Due to the developments of web technologies, the undebatable first channel is internet. Each enterprise suggest its own route calculator via a web page. The cellular also permit an interaction in real time between companies of transport and the clients, the pieces of information that are broadcasted so often concern the disturbance of the network. Eventually, or finally, the boards help to display the timing of the modes of transport.

So, we can classify the companies of public transport in accord to their type of network:

• 1.

  Multimodal Companies: They are enterprises that include various modes of transport within their network.

• 2.

  Monomodal Companies: Unlike multimodals, they manage one mode of transport in their network only. It is nonetheless important to distinguish the line modes of transport. One mode of transport may operate on various lines linking two different points (departure and arrival).

The Entreprising Side Of Transport

Within the sphere of public transport, transportation companies seek to highly satisfy the expectations and the preferences of the passengers yet at lower investing costs so that to optimize incomes. This is why transportation companies handle this problem through two phases: