Heterogeneous travel information exchange

Abstract

Travel information brokers are complex systems, dealing with a large amount of heterogeneous data from various sources. The exchange and integration of such data is therefore demanding, particularly for small mobility service providers with few IT resources. To face this problem, this work illustrates a key tool to support information and service integration. On a conceptual level, we present a travel information broker system architecture and respective information flows. Additionally, we describe data exchange related to system components, e.g., intermodal routing, pricing and accounting. On this basis, we developed and tested a communication adapter that enables and eases communication between the core system and second party service providers. Furthermore we outline the method of extending public transportation routing with information about sharing services. This enables travelers to query combined information about public transport, bikesharing as well as carsharing services using a single application.