Evaluating the Impact and Usefulness of Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) and Citizens’ Band Radio Advisory Systems (CBRAS) in Providing Traveler Information and Improving the User Experience on the Florida Turnpike Enterprise’s Toll Road Network and the FIH

Overview

This research designed and conducted state-of-the-art traveler information surveys, agency surveys, and a benefit-cost analysis to evaluate the existing highway advisory radio (HAR) and citizens’ band radio advisory systems (CBRAS) on the Florida Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) roadways. Six surveys (four traveler surveys and two agency surveys) were designed and conducted using various implementation methods, including the novel approach of having students survey travelers at FTE service plazas and FDOT rest areas using iPads to store the responses in real time. These surveys indicated that HAR and CBRAS should be continued, but that awareness and usage of these systems are low. HAR can be especially beneficial during emergency situations, such as hurricane evacuations. The benefit-cost analysis also showed that the benefits of HAR (travel time savings to drivers who divert due to HAR congestion messages) outweigh the costs of HAR, even if only 10% of HAR messages cause diversion. Considering these results, it is recommended for FTE and FDOT to continue supporting HAR and CBRAS on their roadways. It is also recommended to promote these systems through various outlets to increase awareness of these systems. In the future, it might be beneficial for FTE and FDOT to expand HAR and CBRAS throughout the state of Florida.