Part of a National Effort:

• In July 2000, the FCC designated “511” as the national traveler information phone number.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) and American Public Transportation Association (APTA) are leading deployment efforts and the development of guidelines for a seamless and comprehensive service nationwide.
• Mn/DOT is one of a handful of state DOT’s to implement the service.

• Mn/DOT has been a trusted and reliable source of travel information for many years.
• Mn/DOT successfully piloted a 511 introductory program to wireless (cell) phone users in December 2001.*
• 511 provides enhanced service that is available directly to travelers via the web or phone – 24/7 – beginning July 2002.
• Enhancements include abbreviated 511 dialing, voice recognition, increased calling capacity and easier-to-navigate web pages.
• By knowing road conditions, travelers will be able to better plan for their trips and commutes.

• The Condition Acquisition and Reporting System (CARS) is the primary source of data for 511 services.
• Mn/DOT and State Patrol staff from dispatch centers, the field and the Traffic Management Center use this system to maintain real-time information about travel conditions throughout the state.
• The system continues to evolve as one comprehensive and timely source of data that ultimately improves the information available through services like 511.

• Call 511 from any phone, including mobile phones*
• Visit www.511mn.org

• Weather-related road conditions
• Congestion levels
• Traffic incidents
• Construction

• Minnesota is part of an 8-state consortium that is sharing the cost of $950,000 to design and develop the system.
• In addition to Minnesota, the participating states are Alaska, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Vermont.
• The service is provided free of charge to the public. Cell phone users will pay for normal airtime and roaming charges according to their wireless service contracts.

• The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America): www.itsa.org/511.html
• U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT): www.its.dot.gov/511/511.htm
• American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO): 511.transportation.org