MTC Launches 511 Driving Times, Enhanced System for Traffic Information

OAKLAND, Calif., March 24 -- As part of a far-reaching plan to maintain and improve the Bay Area's transportation system, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) today unveils a new suite of enhanced traffic information features on the region's popular 511 traveler information service -- including on-demand current travel times from point to point along the Bay Area freeway network. A press conference at MTC headquarters will feature MTC Chair and Marin County Supervisor Steve Kinsey, Caltrans Deputy District Director for Operations Albert Yee, and Michael Berman and Jim Macrae of MTC's 511 project team.

511 Driving Times

511 is a partnership between MTC, Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol, RIDES For Bay Area Commuters and dozens of the region's transit and paratransit operators. Available anytime on the phone or on the Web at www.511.org, 511 Driving Times uses the newest and most reliable technology to tell motorists the current travel time between cities or major landmarks in the Bay Area, if there are any incidents on the route, and the current traffic speed for that route. Using 511's state-of-the-art voice system, callers need only say their starting point and destination, and 511 Driving Times provides the travel time and related information along the designated route.

  WHEN:        Wednesday, March 24, 2004
               12:30 p.m. (or immediately following the MTC Commission
               meeting, whichever is later)

  WHERE:       Joseph P. Bort MetroCenter
               Conference Room 171
               101 Eighth Street (across from the Lake Merritt BART station)
               Oakland, California

  WHO:         Steve Kinsey, MTC Chair
               Albert Yee, Caltrans Deputy District Director for Operations
               Michael Berman, MTC 511 Traffic Project Manager
               Jim Macrae, MTC 511 Traffic Project Staff

  WHAT:        The press event will include a live demonstration of the 511
               Driving Times service. More information and images are
               available online at www.511.org/pressroom. Other visuals
               include a number of 511 billboards and banners currently
               installed in Oakland and San Francisco, and B-roll footage of
               Bay Area traffic.

  INTERVIEWS:  Speakers and other MTC staff will be available for interview.

  CONTACT:     John Goodwin, MTC, 510-464-7862
               Randy Rentschler, MTC, 510-464-7858

PRNewswire -- March 24