Traveler Information

"What's causing this traffic back-up and how much further does the slow traffic last?"

"When is the next bus supposed to come?"

"What's the quickest way to downtown and how much will it cost?"

"When do I need to leave to get to the airport in time?"

Sound familiar? You have certainly heard these questions and perhaps uttered them yourself as congestion has grown on our country's transportation systems. And while there are a number of ways for transportation agencies to deal with the causes of congestion, providing information to the public – motorists, transit users, potential travelers, etc. – can allow them to make better choices and have more control in their travel plans. Real time traveler information gives travelers the opportunity to know what to expect about their routes and make informed travel decisions. Based on traveler information, a traveler can 1) stay the course, 2) alter the time of trip, 3) take an alternate route, or 4) take an alternate mode. Regardless of the decision, the control is back in the traveler's hands.

There are a variety of ways that the public can get traveler information. Most people get traffic information from TV and radio reports that are often fed by private firms that specialize in packaging traffic content. Another growing source for travel information is the 3-digit telephone number, 511, where people can get automated information 24 hours of the day. Highway agencies have traditionally used methods such as dynamic message signs and highway advisory radios to alert motorists to traffic problems. Transit agencies are beginning to provide expected arrival times for buses and trains. And the Internet is becoming the most pervasive method for making real-time information and camera images available to the public.

U.S. DOT is working with the State and local transportation agencies and private firms to expand traveler information capabilities throughout the country. More 511 services are coming online with the goal of having nationwide coverage in 2010. More of the country's most congested cities are beginning to inform motorists of travel times and bus arrivals in real-time. Lessons learned from these experiences are shared with other agencies so that they can use similar methods of informing travelers. Standard ways of representing this information electronically allows private companies to use real-time traveler information and package it for their customers and the public. As people use personalized communication devices and in-vehicle equipment for more information, they can expect real-time traveler information to be available on-demand. When unexpected conditions arise, messages can be sent automatically so travelers can make informed travel decisions. For traveler information, we're striving for all roads, all modes, all the time!

Other Resources

• ITS Applications Overview
• FHWA Office of Operations 511 Program
• FHWA Office of Operations Real-Time Traveler Information Program
• 511 Deployment Coalition