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On July 21, 2000, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assigned the 511 abbreviated dialing code for the provision of transportation information on a national basis. The FCC ruling has left it to state and local transportation agencies, telecommunications carriers and regulators to determine the appropriate courses of action to make these services available.
Interest in using 511 has been expressed by several local transportation agencies in Florida and is considered to be an integral part of the deployment of advanced traveler information services (ATIS). Statewide deployment of 511 would allow a uniform and consistent delivery system of all traveler information-related interactive voice response systems (IVR). In many industry opinions, this 511/IVR service will become "the face of intelligent transportation systems". Major challenges to successful 511 implementation include:
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Developing a consistent message for the use of traffic and transit traveler information systems for callers from any area. |
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Coordination with the wireless industry. The wireless industry has petitioned the FCC to rescind the requirement based on cost and technical issues associated with the implementation. |
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Provide reliable, timely and accurate traffic information to support the 511. For 511 to be successful, Florida will need additional ITS infrastructure to meet this need. |
Approximately 300 traffic/traveler information phone numbers/systems are currently in use nationwide. Included in these programs are Florida’s SunGuide ATIS in Southeast Florida that recently initiated an IVR system at (305) 914-3838. Several other agencies have been successful in establishing IVR service, such as the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet that operates 800-KYROADS and Arizona Department of Transportation that operates 888-411-ROAD.
To properly plan and coordinate the implementation of these services on a statewide basis, FDOT is planning to develop an Implementation Plan to Guide the 511 deployments. The major activities planned as part of this activity include:
Review of 511 Implementations in Other States: document 511 implementations that have occurred in other regions of the country, identify lessons learned and identify methods and technologies that may be useful in Florida
Identify and Analyze Existing Transportation Information Answering Points (TIAP’s): analysis of existing TIAP’s, to include identifying technologies implemented and system ownership; identify lessons learned by agencies that have already implemented TIAP’s
Analyze Existing Telecommunications Environment: detailed analysis of the existing telecommunications infrastructure including the Public Service Commission, wireline carriers, and wireless carriers
Partnership Development: work with Public Service Commission (PSC) to identify their planned involvement, identify and contact state telephone associations and understand the various carriers operating within Florida, coordinate with other agencies to obtain "approval" to lead effort within state, may utilize ITS Florida to facilitate; also support FDOT in securing 511 for the SunGuide ATIS in SE Florida and for FDOT’s "ownership" of the number statewide
Statewide and Regional Business Models: establish a vision of what 511 will become in Florida, provide regional breakdown of 511 answering points and services to be provided, may utilize ITS Florida to facilitate
Implementation Plan: contingent upon business models, develop a plan to implement 511 in Florida, requires close coordination with Districts and other agencies in addition to fitting within other ATIS projects and corridor design criteria packages
This implementation plan is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2001.
Gene Glotzbach of the ITS Office is serving on a national subcommittee of the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) to address national deployment issues for 511/IVR. Rick Schuman of PBS&J serves as the professional staff for this national coordination effort. Together they are representing Florida’s interest in providing a coordinated, effective 511 service.
Additionally, U.S. DOT issued a Request for Participation on August 1, 2000 for a $5 million grant program to assist agencies converting existing telephone services to 511. This program is anticipated to provide a $50,000 grant per application (with minimum 20% non-federal match) to support system design, conversion support (software and hardware) and system and acceptance testing. Once the implementation plan is complete, FDOT may possibly apply for participation in this program.
Please contact Gene Glotzbach at (850) 410-5616 or gene.glotzbach@ dot.state.fl.us for additional information.