511 Deployment Coalition

On March 8, 1999, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate a nationwide three-digit telephone number for traveler information.  This petition was formally supported by 17 State DOTs, 32 transit operators, and 23 Metropolitan Planning Organizations and local agencies. On July 21, 2000, the FCC designated 511 as the national traveler information number.

The FCC ruling leaves nearly all implementation issues and schedules to state and local agencies and telecommunications carriers. There are no Federal requirements and no mandated way to pay for 511; however, given the national scope of the designation and the scarcity of N11 codes, USDOT and FCC expect to see some type of nationwide deployment. In 2005, the FCC will review progress in implementing 511.

While the flexibility provided in the FCC ruling is highly desirable, it also presents a challenge.  There is a great deal of interest in using 511 throughout the U.S.  It is expected that there will be multiple requests for 511, at least in some parts of the U.S., from DOTs, transit agencies, regional and local transportation agencies, as well as private service providers who will offer to implement 511 services for some sort of compensation.  If not thoughtfully planned, 511 services could devolve into an inconsistent set of services widely varying in type, quality and cost.

Mindful of both the opportunities and challenges 511 presents, the American Association of State Highway and 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 USDOT, has established a 511 Deployment Coalition. The program kicked off in January 2001.

A Policy Committee of leading executives from all elements of the transportation and telecommunications sectors has been formed to guide the 511 Coalition.  The goal of the 511 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 mission of the Policy Committee is to provide guidance on how to achieve this goal.  The Chairman of the Policy Committee is Elwyn Tinklenberg, the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation.  The Vice Chairmen are Greg Cook, Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority; and, Lawrence Yermack, President of PB Farradyne.  The Chair was selected by AASHTO and Vice Chairs were selected by APTA and ITS America.  Jim Wright of the Minnesota DOT has been temporarily assigned to AASHTO to serve as the staff director of the 511 Deployment Coordination Program.