It’s official! The Regional Traveler Information Kiosk
project is almost ready for prime time. The Chicagoland Traveler Resource and
Itinerary Planning System (or, more concisely, TRIPS) will soon be unveiled at
selected sites in downtown Chicago and around the region.
By tapping into a TRIPS kiosk, a
user can find out how to get around the region via public transit. The
overarching goal is to relieve congestion, and increase tourism by providing
easily accessible directions to and from attractions and events in the
Chicagoland region.
Paula Thibeault, executive director of the Regional Transportation
Authority, demonstrates Chicagoland TRIPS at a recent board meeting.
This first-of-its kind initiative for the Chicagoland region is a
collaborative effort of the Metropolitan Planning Council, Regional
Transportation Authority, City of Chicago and the Chicago Convention and Tourism
Bureau.
The project will be demonstrated
and evaluated over a period of six months to determine its feasibility for full
region-wide deployment. “TRIPS would never have been fully realized without the
intergovernmental cooperation from our project partners and content providers,”
said Peter Skosey, vice president of external relations for the Metropolitan
Planning Council. “Once revealed to the public, it will be a true asset to
visitors and residents, and encourage the use of public transit throughout the
region.”
TRIPS was demonstrated recently at the
2004 Transport Chicago Conference and for the Regional Transportation Authority Board.
Pilot kiosks
will be installed in
early August at the following locations:
- Palmer House Hilton
- West Field Northbridge Shopping Mall
- Union Station
- Shedd Aquarium
- Visitors Center at the Chicago Cultural Center
- Midway Airport
- Pace Headquarters
- RTA Customer Service Center
- Metra’s Randolph Street Station
Click here
to view the
feasibility study.
For more
information, contact
Natashia Holmes
.