A traffic information system for predicting travel times utilizes Internet
based collecting and disseminating of information. The system accounts for
vehicle type, driver specific disposition, and its predictions of future
traffic account for the effects of predictable events, particularly
weather, on traffic patterns. The traffic information system includes a
computer model of a transportation route map, the route map having a
multiplicity of possible destinations points connected by route segments.
An equation is developed for each route segment, the equation
incorporating variables and constants which relate to the fixed and
variable parameters which are indicative of the time it will take to
travel along a particular route segment. Predicted travel time along the
route segment can be improved over historical data for a time in the
future for which there are reasonably accurate weather predictions.
Incorporation of the effect of predicted weather on travel time over a
route segment can be accomplished by developing a correlation between
weather conditions and decreased traffic speeds. Personalized prediction
times are generated by taking into account the vehicle type and level of
agressiveness of a particular driver.