511

Simply stated, 511 is an easy-to-remember 3-digit telephone number, available nationwide, that provides current information about travel conditions, allowing travelers to make better choices - choice of time, choice of mode of transportation, choice of route.

On July 21, 2000 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated 511 as the single travel information telephone number to be made available to states & local jurisdictions across the country. The FCC ruling leaves nearly all implementation issues & schedules to state & local agencies & telecommunications carriers. There are no Federal requirements or mandates to implement 511.

Mindful of both the opportunity & challenge 511 presents, the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO), in conjunction with many other organizations including the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America), with support from the U.S. Department of Transportation, established the 511 Deployment Coalition. The goal of the 511 Deployment Coalition is "the timely establishment of a national 511 traveler information service that is sustainable and provides value to users." The intent is to implement 511 nationally using a bottom-up approach facilitated by information sharing and a cooperative dialogue through the national associations represented on the Policy Committee, the governing body of the program.

There is more information about 511 available from:

FHWA Office of Operations 511 Travel Information: www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/511/index.htm
511 Deployment Status: www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/index.htm
National Traffic and Road Closure Information