ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 4, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley announced today that beginning fall 2011, Maryland  travelers will be able to access real-time traffic information, statewide,  by dialing “511.”  The service will be free and can be accessed at any time, day or night.  The Board of Public Works recently approved a five-year, $4.7 million contract with Telvent of Rockville, Md. to provide Maryland’s “511” state-wide traveler information service. 

“On a daily basis, the State Highway Administration uses technology to obtain real-time traffic information and manage the flow of traffic throughout the state,” said Governor O’Malley.  “With the “511” system, the public will be able to access much of the same information.  Knowing traffic conditions along a particular route will allow a motorist to make an informed decision on how best to avoid a bottleneck or crash site, saving time and fuel.” 

Managed by the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA), the contractor will pull from a variety of traffic information sources and make it available to the public for free through an automated telephone line, “511”, a website and social networking outlets.  The contract also includes the future enhancement of personalized “511” service in which customers can register for specific information that is automatically provided to his/her email address or text service.

“From Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, the deployment of 511 next fall will be a tremendous value for customers, saving them precious time otherwise wasted sitting in traffic,” said Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley. 

The three-digit “511” number was designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as the national telephone number for traveler information.  “511” is used by nearly 40 state or municipal transportation departments and transit agencies in the US.  Telvent will design, build, implement, operate, host and maintain Maryland’s state-wide 511 program.  Telvent previously implemented 511 systems including Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) in California, New York State and Pennsylvania. 

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