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NEW TRAVELER INFORMATION SERVICE IN THE PHILADELPHIA AREA
By Lowman S. Henry

Plan to drive the Turnpike in the Philadelphia area? Interested in knowing what traffic conditions are like on the Turnpike and other major roadways around the City of Brotherly Love? A new Advanced Traveler Information System known as SmarTraveler is now available with "real-time" traffic information that is only a phone call away.

SmarTraveler, operated by Massachusetts-based SmartRoute Systems, Inc., now offers up-to-the-minute, route specific travel information which can be obtained by telephone, or via the World Wide Web.

Traffic and transit reports are available weekdays from 5:30 A.M. until 7:30 P.M. Construction and special event information is available from SmarTraveler 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Travel time and travel speed information are also available from SmarTraveler.

The number also has direct connections to information lines provided by various transportation agencies including the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, SEPTA (Southeast Pennsylvania Transit Authority), Philadelphia International Airport, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitor's Bureau and the Mid-Atlantic AAA.

When driving in the Philadelphia area, SmarTraveler can be accessed by dialing (215) 567-5678. Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile, Comcast Metrophone and Spring PCS customers can also access SmarTraveler by dialing #211. After you dial, listen to the system's audio menu to obtain information on specific routes or to gather other information.

If you're planning your trip in advance, SmarTraveler information is available on the World Wide Web at www.smartraveler.com.

Information is available through the SmarTraveler system for roadways in the five county Greater Philadelphia region (Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware and Chester) and for a portion of southern New Jersey adjacent to Philadelphia and for northern Delaware.

SmarTraveler is being funded through a public-private partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) and SmarRoute Systems, Inc. There is no charge (except personal long distance charges) for anyone to access the system by touchtone telephone, cellular phone or via the Internet.

"This innovative service is part of Governor Tom Ridge's commitment to create a more intelligent and effective transportation system in Pennsylvania," said Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Bradley L. Mallory. "SmartRoute Systems is a proven leader in providing exceptional real-time traveler information and PENNDOT is excited to offer this valuable service to citizens and travelers throughout the Greater Philadelphia region."

The traffic information collected by SmarTraveler comes from a number of sources. The firm begins with a static database of construction, events, mapping and alternative route information. That is supplemented by over 45 full color digital cameras; 1,000 regularly scheduled mobile probe trips; 14 electronic scanners; a two-way radio system for traffic reporting; special events coordination and assistance with incident management; two fixed-wing aircraft; SEPTA and New Jersey Transit real-time information; and communications with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, PENNDOT, PA State Police, Delaware River Port Authority, City of Philadelphia, county and township emergency services, Transcom, New Jersey DOT, the New Jersey Turnpike and the Delaware State Police.

PENNDOT is investing $3.2 million dollars in the SmarTraveler project over the length of a three year contract with SmartRoute Systems, Inc. The service contract is financed completely by state funds with SmartRoute Systems, Inc. investing $2.5 million in start-up, capital and ongoing operational costs.

SmarTraveler provides a similar service in the Greater Boston, Cincinnati and Washington, D.C. areas. Additional operations are scheduled to begin later this year in New York City and Minneapolis.

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For more SmarTraveler information phone 215-567-5678 #211.

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