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USDOT Congestion Initiative Focus on Traveler Information

At the heart of the technological solutions and operational strategies, approaches, and policies for congestion reduction is real-time traveler information, which is essential to addressing both recurring and nonrecurring congestion. Real-time traveler information is information that enables travelers to decide how they will use (or not use) the transportation system. Agencies use the information to better mange and improve the system. FHWA is pursuing three key activities under the umbrella of real-time traveler information:

511 Traveler Information Services

The Federal Communications Communication Commission designated the three-digit telephone number 511 for traveler information services provided by public transportation agencies throughout the United States. Now, 6 years into the program, almost 40 percent of the U.S. population is covered by 511 services. FHWA is striving for implementation of 511 services in all 50 States by 2101, a goal set by the U.S. Congress in SAFETEA-LU.

USDOT has been a primary facilitator in deployment of 511 services and posting of travel times on DMSs, playing a key role in creating a critical mass of awareness for the 511 system, particularly now as the initiative reaches the halfway mark in terms of market penetration.

Travel Times on DMSs

Another means of using technology to reduce congestion is by displaying travel time information on DMSs. Nationwide, more than 4,500 DMSs are installed and operated by nearly 100 agencies. Usually a State or metropolitan area will use these signs to provide information on upstream congestion, significant delays due to traffic incidents, or spot-specific problems (such as dangerous weather or road conditions), and general traveler information. However, some times the information is vague or signs are left blank even though traffic conditions may be deteriorating. The result is a transportation resource that is underutilized and a traveling public who questions the value of the investment. Over the next several years, FHWA's objective is to ensure that travel time messages are displayed on DMSs in all of the top 40 most populous urban areas. Currently, 24 of the top 40 areas display this information.

SAFETEA-LU Section 1201

SAFETEA-LU's Section 1201 states "The Secretary shall establish a real-time system management information program to provide, in all States, the capability to monitor, in real time, the traffic and travel conditions of the major highways of the United States and to share that information to improve the security of the surface transportation system, to address congestion problems, to support improved response to weather events and surface transportation incidents, and to facilitate national and regional highway traveler information."

Through Section 1201, agencies will be able to anticipate changes and events and take remedial actions, and provide road users with information to make better travel-related decisions. The specific goal of the program is to have all States posses the capability of sharing data on system performance nationwide. Significant opportunities exist for private sector involvement or partnering in implementing this program, including information gathering, data processing, and information dissemination.

In May 2006, FHWA issued a notice in the Federal Register requesting comments on the proposed program goals, definitions for various parameters, the current status of related activities in the States, and implementation issues to guide development of the Real-Time System Management Information Program. Based on comments received from State DOTs and other representatives of the private sector and national associations, FHWA now is in the process of developing a rule to implement the Real-Time System Management Information program. FHWA expects to publish a notice of the proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register in the fall of 2007.