The role of transport information in extreme weather events: A scenario based experiment

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.