    PAPANGELIS et al: The role of information in supporting rural passengers during disruptions This paper is produced and circulated privately and its inclusion in the conference does not constitute publication. 1 Supporting rural public transport users during disruption: The role of real time information Konstantinos Papangelis Ph.D Student, dot.rural Digital Economy Research hub, MacRobert Building, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK, AB24 5UA. E-mail: k.papangelis@abdn.ac.uk Nagendra Velaga Research Fellow, dot.rural Digital Economy Research hub, MacRobert Building, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK, AB24 5UA. E-mail: n.r.velaga@abdn.ac.uk Somayajulu Sripada Senior Lecturer, Computing Science Department, Meston Building, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK, AB24 3UE. E-mail: yaji.sripada@abdn.ac.uk Mark Beecroft Lecturer, Centre for Transport Research, College of Physical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK AB24 3UF. E-mail: m.beecroft@abdn.ac.uk John D Nelson Professor and Director, Centre for Transport Research, College of Physical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK, AB24 3UF. E-mail: j.d.nelson@abdn.ac.uk Jillian Anable Senior Lecturer, Centre for Transport Research, College of Physical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK, AB24 3UF. E-mail: j.anable@abdn.ac.uk John F Farrington Professor and Director dot.rural Digital Economy Research Hub, King's College, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 5UA, UK, AB24 5UA. E-mail: j.farrington@abdn.ac.uk Abstract High quality real-time passenger information provision is an important factor in supporting public transport use. Real-time information is particularly useful for travellers in the event of service disruption. The role of real-time information in supporting travellers during service disruption is poorly understood, particularly in rural areas. In this paper we first illustrate and categorise travel disruptions. Real-time passenger information (RTPI) requirements - particularly for rural public transport users - are then identified for each phase of disruption through interviews and focus groups with passengers. Also, patterns of passenger behaviour during travel and transport disruptions are identified. In the light of this research a conceptual model of the recovery phases of disruption is presented to align the RTPI requirements for each recovery phase of disruption. The evaluation of the model through a series of focus groups and interviews with passengers, transport service providers, and government agencies is then discussed. The paper concludes by suggesting necessary advances in digital technologies for RTPI systems to support public transport users during disruptions. 1. Introduction Travel and transportation disruption has been conceptualised in the literature as disruption to infrastructure and disruption to the operation of the transport system (Van Exel and Rietveld, 2001; Cairns et al, 2002). Disruption to infrastructure results from natural or manmade events and activities (such as pre-planned road maintenance, severe weather conditions etc.), while disruption to operation results from disturbance/problems with the transport network, vehicle and transport infrastructure. Disruptions may be long-term or short-term; long term disruptions include major calamities such as floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis