511--AMERICA\u27S TRAVELER INFORMATION NUMBER

In recognition of growing evidence that U.S. travelers need more access to consistent, easy-to-use, accurate, and dependable travel information nationwide, the U.S. Department of Transportation petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in March 1999 for national assignment of an N11 number to be used for traveler information services. That petition was supported by 17 state departments of transportation, 32 transit operators, 23 metropolitan planning organizations, and a number of local transportation agencies. On July 21, 2000, the FCC assigned 511 as the national telephone number for ITS traveler information, and in 2005 the FCC will review 511 implementation progress. This article discusses the role of state and local governments in implementing 511 as well as the role of the 511 Deployment Coalition. Content and quality of 511 services, 511 guidelines, and the private sector\u27s role are also discussed