ISSUES RELATED TO THE EMERGENCE OF THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY AND CALIFORNIA SOCIETAL CHANGES

The Norman Y. Mineta International Institute for Surface Transportation Policy Studies (IISTPS) at San Jose State University (SJSU) conducted this project to review the continuing development of the Internet and the Information Superhighway. Emphasis was placed on an examination of the impact on commuting and working patterns in California, and an analysis of how public transportation agencies, including Caltrans, might take advantage of the new communication technologies. The report reviews the technology underlying the current Internet "structure" and examines anticipated developments. It is important to note that much of the research for this limited-scope project was conducted during 1995, and the topic is so rapidly evolving that some information is soon "dated". The report also examines how transportation agencies are basically similar in structure and function to other business entities, and how they can continue to utilize the emerging technologies to improve internal and external communications. The report also includes an extensive analysis of demographic trends in California in recent years, such as commute and recreational activities, and identifies how the emerging technologies may impact future changes.