Area Traffic Information to be Available by Dialing “511”
ANNAPOLIS (October 14, 2010) – Beginning fall 2011, Maryland travelers will be able to access real-time traffic information, statewide, by dialing “511.” The service will be free and can be accessed at any time, day or night.
On a daily basis, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) uses technology to obtain real-time traffic information and manage the flow of traffic throughout the state. With the “511” system, the public will be able to access much of the same information.
The Board of Public Works recently approved a five-year, $4.7 million contract with Telvent of Rockville, Md. to provide the state-wide traveler information service. Telvent will design, build, implement, operate, host and maintain the service. Telvent previously implemented 511 systems including Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) in California, New York State and Pennsylvania.
Managed by the SHA, Telvent will pull from a variety of traffic information sources and make it available to the public for free through the automated 511 telephone line, a website, and social networking outlets. The contract also includes the future enhancement of personalized “511” service in which customers can register for specific information that is automatically provided to his/her email address or text service.
The three-digit “511” number was designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as the national telephone number for traveler information. “511” is used by nearly 40 state or municipal transportation departments and transit agencies in the US.