In the framework of this paper, VMS systems in two arterial streets in the central area of the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, are evaluated from the user point of view. Evaluation is based on a questionnaire-based survey which took place in Thessaloniki, during September 2013. A total number of 167 questionnaires addressed to drivers who use the under study road segments were collected and analysed. According to the results of the survey, drivers are generally in favour of the VMS system but they ask for different types of information to be displayed apart from the travel time. It was found that “time” is considered to be the most important factor for the drivers in order to choose their route, compared to “cost” and “comfort”. In addition, the majority of the drivers do not have confidence in the VMS message. It seems that a substantial part of the drivers continue their trip in case of a traffic congestion message.

Variable Message Signs, evaluation, driver information, traffic