The 411 on 511

Since July 2000 when the Federal Communications Commission designated a dialing code to provide current travel information, 511 systems have been giving locals and visitors up to date information on traffic accidents and delays, road construction and conditions, and public transit. Currently, about 25% of the nation's population has access to 511 information either by phone or the Internet. For transportation officials, 511 systems promise improvements in transportation efficiency and roadway safety and unprecedented reach for messages such as American Message Broadcast Emergency Response (AMBER) Alerts and severe weather warnings. Two of the best examples of 511 systems can be found in North Carolina and Virginia. Virginia's travel information has evolved from the "Travel Shenandoah" 800 number in 2000 to a regional 511 system in 2002 to a statewide system launching next month. In North Carolina, the biggest test occurred in August 2004, when three hurricanes occurred right after the service launched. With 511, information was got out quickly so that people were able to access it.