5-1-1

5-1-1

5-1-1, initially designated for road weather information, is a transportation and traffic information telephone hotline in some regions of the United States. Travelers can dial the three-digit telephone number 5-1-1 on traditional landline telephones and most mobile phones.

As of March 2001, at least 300 telephone numbers existed for travel information systems in the United States. To overcome the confusion caused by this array of numbers, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a national assignment of a single three-digit N11 dialing code. On July 21, 2000, the FCC assigned 511 as a nationwide telephone number for ITS traveler information, [cite web
url =http://www.deploy511.org/docs/511%20Guidelines%20Version%203.0.pdf
title =511 Guidelines Version 3.0
pages =5
date =September 2005
accessdate =2007-04-07
] along with 2-1-1 for social services. Its use is being promoted by the USDOT's Intelligent Transport Systems initiative. [cite journal | title =FCC designates 511 traffic information number | journal =Civil Engineering | volume =70 | issue =9 | pages =12 | date =September 2000 | accessdate =2007-03-02]

The first 511 traveler information system to launch was in the greater Cincinnati and northern Kentucky area in June 2001. [ [http://www.its.dot.gov/511/colorDeploymentStatus3.htm "511 Deployment Status"] , USDOT. Retrieved on March 32008]

System creation

The existing national guidelines for the federal 511 system was born from research proposed and conducted at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks through a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) research grant under the name ATWIS (Advanced Transportation Weather Information System). This original system had a five-digit calling code, #7233, and was known as #SAFE ("Pound Safe", as the number sign is often called "pound" in the US). Demonstrating the effectiveness of a statewide, and then a multi-state, system for traveler information, #SAFE provided route-specific road weather information to travelers via cellular telephones. As part of the federal mandate on the grant, ATWIS/#SAFE was required to demonstrate a feasibility of being privatized. After several companies were examined for the necessary capabilities and knowledge needed to implement and deploy this traveler information system, [http://www.meridian-enviro.com/ Meridian Environmental Technology, Inc.] was deemed the only truly capable company. [ [http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/JPODOCS//REPTS_TE/14348.htm#iv.3.2 "Final Report of the Operation and Demonstration Test Of Short-Range Weather Forecasting Decision Support Within an Advanced Transportation Weather Information System (#SAFE)"] , FHWA ITS Documents April 2006]

The system's guidelines were prepared by the 511 working group, which contains representatives from AASHTO, APTA, the USDOT, and the USDOT's vehicle-management technology system, ITS. [cite web
url =http://deploy511.org/implementationguide.htm
title =511 Guidelines Version 3.0
pages =8
date =September 2005
accessdate =2007-03-15
]

Implementation

Implementation is done on a regional level, either by U.S. state or Canadian province, or by metropolitan area. In either case, telephone companies must be told where to route such calls, and must agree or be ordered not to charge customers for such calls. There is particular issue with mobile phone companies, who often fail to pass such calls (including 2-1-1 and 3-1-1) correctly, often even in their home state, but especially so when users are roaming on another mobile network. There have also been issues with certain Motorola and Samsung mobile phones refusing to dial N-1-1 numbers. [http://www.georgia-navigator.com/news_full?Article=GDOT-NEWS-100107] Once connected to a system, it may be able to forward the caller to an adjacent state.

tatewide systems

While several of the 5-1-1 implementations have been at the local and metro level, an innovation in traveler information systems was achieved in November 2001 with the first use of 5-1-1 for complete coverage of a state's highway network being launched in Nebraska. Integrating Nebraska's 5-1-1 network into South Dakota's existing #SAFE telephone and road weather information system was immediate and generated the blueprint for developing a commercially viable statewide and interstate traveler information system. [ [http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/JPODOCS//REPTS_TE/14348.htm "Final Report of the Operation and Demonstration Test Of Short-Range Weather Forecasting Decision Support Within an Advanced Transportation Weather Information System (#SAFE)"] , FHWA ITS Documents April 2006] Since this first statewide implementation, the Meridian #SAFE model has been used to develop and operate statewide 5-1-1 systems in:

* Nebraska (2001)
* South Dakota (2003)
* North Dakota (2003)
* Montana (2003)
* Oregon (2003)
* Kansas (2004)
* Florida (2005)
* Nevada (2006)
* Georgia (August 15, 2007) [http://www.511ga.org/]
* Wyoming (mid-September, 2007)

Georgia

This statewide Georgia Navigator system provides traffic, MARTA/GRTA and other public transport, rideshare, Clean Air Campaign, Atlanta and Savannah airport, Amtrak, Greyhound, weather and tourism information in an interactive voice response (IVR) format. Callers are also given the option of connecting to live operators at the Georgia Department of Transportation's Transportation Management Center in Atlanta. Connecting to operators allows users to report traffic accidents to the Georgia State Patrol or local police or sheriffs, or request motorist assistance from the Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) program. Callers can also connect to adjacent states' 5-1-1 systems, including North Carolina's.

Georgia actually had a system for years before this, using only live operators, and the code *DOT (*368), which could not necessarily be used by those mobile phone users who were roaming from elsewhere, as these codes are specific to each phone company. A local 404 number in metro Atlanta and a toll-free 800 number were used for these and landline calls, and still serve as backup for mobile providers that fail to connect. [cite news
author =
title = Dial 511 for transportation information
url = http://www.ajc.com/search/content/metro/stories/2007/08/15/trafficfone.html
publisher = Atlanta Journal Constitution | date = 2007-08-15 | accessdate = 2006-08-15
]

Wyoming

In the summer of 2007, the original vendor was removed and services were redesigned and improved using Meridian Environmental Technology. [cite news
title = WYDOT suspends 511 to make service improvements
url = http://www.dot.state.wy.us/ReadMore.jsp?sCode=news&sCID=2338
publisher = Wyoming DOT News | date = 2007-07-03
] The effort to redesign and improve service undertaken [summer of 2007] to revamp WYDOT's 511 Travel Information telephone service is paying benefits this winter, based on recent customer feedback. [cite news
title = Revamped 511 Travel Information service increases customer satisfaction
url = http://www.dot.state.wy.us/ReadMore.jsp?sCode=news&sCID=3301
publisher = Wyoming DOT News | date = 2008-02-11
]

Some of the additional features are:
* Ability to choose neighboring states that provide 511 information
* Voice recognition, with the option to revert to touchtone keypad input
* Ability to choose route-specific information or regional summaries
* Agency capability to include Alerts (Amber, Homeland, customized)

In addition to the Meridian statewide deployments, several other states have activated 5-1-1 systems, utilizing the guidelines and limited features developed from the original ATWIS/#SAFE model.

Local regions

an Francisco

In addition to the phone service, travelers in the San Francisco Bay area can access transit information on a website, which provides information on mass transit schedules and an interactive trip planner, which will provide an optimal routing between a given origin, destination, and optional time constraints. In addition, 511.org provides information on bicycling, ridesharing, and the toll road system Fastrak. 511.org is a service of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and was designed by the transportation engineering company Parsons Brinckerhoff, Farradyne (now Telvent Farradyne [cite web
url = http://www.telvent-farradyne.com/| title = Telvent Farradyne corporate site
accessdate = 2006-11-15| year = 2006
] ). The system had a fair amount of controversyFact|date=March 2007 when it was announced that it would use FasTrak electronic toll tags to track vehicles as they traversed Bay Area freeways. [ [http://www.bayareafastrak.org/dynamic/signup/terms.html FasTrak Application and License Agreement] , Toll Tags: section, last subsection: "You agree that the Toll Tag may be read to provide anonymous traffic flow data to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s ‘511’ project, a real time traffic information service. No information identifying a FasTrak account, person or vehicle using the Toll Tag will be collected by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission or ‘511’."]

In 2006, the Bay Area's transit coordinator signed an $11,000,000 four-year contract with defense contractor Science Applications International Corporation to operate the local 511 system. [cite web
url =http://www.washingtontechnology.com/online/1_1/29617-1.html
title =San Francisco re-ups SAIC unit for 511
date =October 2006
accessdate =2007-03-15
]

an Diego

Users of the San Diego area have access to road, transit, and other information via the phone and web. They can access transit information on a [http://www.511sd.com website] , which provides information on mass transit schedules and an interactive trip planner, which will provide an optimal routing between a given origin, destination, and optional time constraints. In addition, 511sd.com provides information on bicycling, ridesharing, and the toll road system Fastrak. 511sd.com is a service of the San Diego Association of Governments, and was designed by the company ICx Technologies and PB Farradyne (now Telvent Farradyne [cite web
url = http://www.telvent-farradyne.com/| title = Telvent Farradyne corporate site
accessdate = 2006-11-15| year = 2006
] ).

Northern New England

The Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine departments of transportation co-operate a 511 line, and each state operates its own website with information from all three states.

Tennessee

Implemented in August 2006, Tennessee 511 uses an automated voice response system, meaning callers are guided through the menu through a series of requests. Callers can ask for specific roadways or regions, and the system will provide information about traffic incidents, closures and other important roadway conditions. Travelers have the option of accessing road and travel conditions using the Web at www.TN511.com or through the 511 phone service.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, 511 services cover traffic and weather conditions, and can also be heard on the radio on the AM dial (the Travelers' Information Station) in that state. [http://511.ky.gov/ 511.ky.gov]

Florida

The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) 511 Traffic Information Service is a free phone and Internet service that provides real-time traffic information on all Florida interstate highways, Florida’s Turnpike and major roadways in the state’s major metropolitan areas. The 511 phone call is available from cell phones or landlines from anywhere within the state. The Web site, [http://FL511.com/ FL511.com] , provides traffic information, FDOT camera views, links to transit partners and more.

Florida’s 511 will undergo a dramatic change in 2008: the integration of five regional systems into one seamless statewide service making it easier than ever for Florida drivers to get real-time traffic information. In addition, system upgrades will allow 511 users to take advantage of the latest technology to personalize their traffic updates and receive customized traffic alerts from 511.

When launched, the new Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) will deliver local 511 services through technology that is standardized and integrated statewide. The Florida ATIS will feature the next generation of Interactive Voice Recognition (IVR) service, with easier-to-navigate call menus that provide detailed local information. The new IVR will be entirely bilingual, offering information in English and Spanish throughout the state.

While 511 services will be standardized statewide, local FDOT districts will continue to provide traffic updates for the new ATIS. Districts will control the quality and quantity of information from their area which is posted on 511 and [http://FL511.com/ FL511.com] using SunGuide software.

Technological improvements to Florida’s Statewide 511 include hundreds of additional traffic cameras, thousands of roadside sensors, and more fiber optics to provide fast, accurate reporting of information used for 511 alerts.

Florida’s Statewide 511 service will cover all interstate highways in the state, Florida’s Turnpike, and many other major roads throughout the state, adding key roadways in some areas, while focusing on commonly requested highways in other districts.

My Florida 511 will allow Florida drivers to set up customized routes and alerts through [http://FL511.com/ FL511.com] . The 511 system will then notify those drivers when alerts are posted on their personalized routes, through a phone call, e-mail or SMS text message. My Florida 511 users will receive their alerts only during the times of day they choose.

The Statewide 511 Web site will give quick access to regional traffic conditions and incident reports, including traffic cameras, and allow users to sign up for My Florida 511 personalized services. The Web site will feature links to transit and travel partners — including transit systems — airports and seaports, and evacuation information.

Elsewhere in the United States

Similar services are operated in other cities and states; for example, the Minnesota Department of Transportation operates a website for traffic and road condition information. Central Florida is claimed to have the most-used 511 system in the nation, on a per capita basis. [cite news

author =
title = Central Florida 511 system nation's most used
url = http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2006/07/31/daily55.html
publisher = Orlando Business Journal | date = 2006-08-04 | accessdate = 2006-11-15
]

Washington and Oregon both operate their own 511 system. The Washington state 511 system has an option to transfer to the Oregon 511 system to help users in the Portland metropolitan area to access the right system for them.

Canada

Nova Scotia has a 511 system.In January 2005 the Intelligent Transportation Systems Society of Canada (ITS Canada) consortium filed an application to assign 5-1-1 for a similar purpose in Canada. It proposed that in addition to traffic, the number would report weather, which also has a major impact on traffic, particularly in a country with such harsh winters. The application was approved by the CRTC in Canada on July 28, 2006. [cite web
url = http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2006/dt2006-44.htm
title = Telecom Decision CRTC 2006-44: Applications for assignment of the 5-1-1 access code
accessdate = 2006-11-15
author = Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
date = 2006-07-28| publisher = Government of Canada
]

References

External links

Region-specific 511 sites

* [http://www.az511.com/ Arizona]
* [http://511.org San Francisco Bay Area]
* [http://www.511sd.com/ San Diego]
* [http://www.FL511.com/ Florida]
* [http://www.511tampabay.com/ Florida - Tampa Bay Area]
* [http://www.swfl511.com/ Florida - Southwest Florida Area]
* [http://www.jax511.com/ Florida - Jacksonville Florida Area]
* [http://www.southflorida511.com/ Florida - Southeast Florida Area]
* [http://www.511ga.org/ Georgia]
* [http://www.kanroad.org/ Kansas]
* [http://511.ky.gov/ Kentucky]
* [http://www.511la.org/ Louisiana]
* [http://www.mass.gov/511/ Massachusetts]
* [http://www.511mn.org/ Minnesota]
* [http://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/511/ Montana]
* [http://www.511nebraska.org/ Nebraska]
* [http://safetravelusa.com/nv/ Nevada]
* [http://www.ncdot.org/traffictravel/aboutITS/511.html North Carolina]
* [http://safetravelusa.com/nddot/ North Dakota]
* [http://www.511maine.com/ Northern New England – Maine]
* [http://www.511nh.com/ Northern New England – New Hampshire]
* [http://www.511vt.com/ Northern New England – Vermont]
* [http://www.tripcheck.com/pages/at511.asp Oregon]
* [http://www.artimis.org Southwest Ohio - Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky]
* [http://safetravelusa.com/sd/ South Dakota]
* [http://www.tn511.com/ Tennessee]
* [http://www.511virginia.org/ Virginia]
* [http://www.wa511.org/ Washington]

General information

* [http://www.its.dot.gov/511/511.htm US Department of Transportation 511 website] , a source of official information
* [http://www.deploy511.org/index.htm 511 Deployment Coalition] , a 511 advocacy group
* [http://www.itscanada.ca/newsletters/August2006/Aug2006.htm#511 ITS Canada] , Intelligent Transportation Systems Society of Canada


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”