Office of Operations Real Time Traveler Information Program
Photo collage: dynamic message sign with congestion message, in-vehicle navigation device, transportation operations center control room, roadside sign for 511 traveler information, traffic information via the internet, and a freeway at night.
21st Century Operations Using 21st Century Technologies

About Us

Information logo (lower case i)

The Real-Time Traveler Information program focuses on information for all sorts of travel on our surface transportation networks - how the information is collected, how it's processed, how it's provided to consumers, and how it may be used by transportation system operators to improve travel for everyone.

The 511 Traveler Information Telephone Number promises to provide people with unprecedented access to traveler information. A simple 3-digit number that can be available anywhere in the country, providing current travel conditions and information.

The Connected Vehicle research has the potential to transform travel as we know it. Using leading edge technologies — advanced wireless communications, on-board computer processing, advanced vehicle-sensors, GPS navigation, smart infrastructure, and others — Connected Vehicles provide the capability to identify threats and hazards on the roadway and communicate this information over wireless networks to give drivers alerts and warnings.

The Transportation Technology Innovation and Demonstration (TTID) Program is a new 2-part program enabled by SAFETEA-LU to advance the deployment of intelligent transportation infrastructure. Part 1 of the program continues the current Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure Program (ITIP) contract with Traffic.com, adding 22 newly eligible congested areas and providing another opportunity for the 8 areas that opted out of the original program to participate. Part 2 of the TTID expands the program by awarding contracts on a competitive basis for the deployment of systems in eligible congested areas.

The Real-Time System Management Information Program aims to stimulate the geographic expansion and availability of traffic and travel conditions information throughout the nation. Section 1201 of SAFETEA-LU directs the U.S. DOT to develop such a program to establish a real-time system management information program in all States that is capable of monitoring, in real-time, traffic and travel conditions of the major highways. The legislation also establishes that the program enable the sharing of real-time information to address congestion problems and to facilitate national and regional highway traveler information.

The Travel Time Messages on Dynamic Message Signs program is to encourage Transportation Management Centers (TMC) to fully utilize their Dynamic Message Signs (DMS). Rather than leaving these DMS blank during non-incident periods, it has been found to be beneficial to motorists by displaying real-time traffic information instead. By providing this information to the public, motorists are able to better plan their routes. FHWA will provide technical assistance to any TMC that would like to deploy the program.

To learn more about the Real-Time Traveler Information program, check out the resources and tools, or if you have questions, you can send e-mail to John Harding.