InFocus Spring 2011 Multimodal 511 System for California’s Inland Empire Page 5 NaviGAtor 511 Sets Motorist Assistance Records Page 9 The History of 511 Prior to 511’s growth into a national focus, visionaries in both North Dakota and South Dakota Departments of Transportation worked with what is now Meridian Environmental Technology, Inc. (MET), an Iteris company, to establish the nation’s first multi-state single phone number Advanced Traveler Information System known as #SAFE (#7233). Page 3 In This Issue: Knowledge is Power - Advanced Traveler Information Systems Wyoming 511: Helping Travelers Brave Harsh Winter Weather Upcoming Events Iteris Software Solutions Enhance El Segundo ATIS Iteris to Provide Traffic Engineering and Planning Manuals for Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport Safety and Emergency Alerts Through 511 Iteris Launches Social Media Iteris Adds Talent 2 4 5 7 10 10 11 8
Transcript
InFocusSpring 2011
Multimodal 511 System for California’s Inland Empire
Prior to 511’s growth into a national focus, visionaries in both North Dakota and South Dakota Departments of Transportation worked with what is now Meridian Environmental Technology, Inc. (MET), an Iteris company, to establish the nation’s first multi-state single
phone number Advanced Traveler Information System known as #SAFE (#7233).
Page 3
In This Issue:
Knowledge is Power - Advanced Traveler Information Systems
Knowledge is Power - Advanced Traveler Information SystemsA key benefit of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is empowering the travelers through accurate and reliable information to make informed choices before and during a trip.
Advanced Traveler Information Systems, integrate various data provided by ITS
systems and distribute critical information from freeway traffic, roadway conditions, incidents, weather, multimodal bus, rail, and airport conditions, to AMBER Alerts and Homeland Security to provide travelers with real-time traffic information, enabling them to make optimum route and mode choice selection decisions.
Meridian Environmental Technology (MET), an Iteris company, pioneered the first multi-state, statewide ATIS in 1996 in North and South Dakota, and the first state-wide 511 ATIS in Nebraska in 2001.
This technology for single-point traveler information was recognized by the Federal Highway Administration as the model for the Nation’s First 511 Guidelines. Since then, 511 has become the choice of travelers for up-to-the-minute traveler information.
Most, if not all, 511 Traveler Information Systems communicate information in a variety of ways:
From basic telephone service to Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Over the Internet via Internet traffic maps and route planning Through mobile applications for your cell phone
In locations with Traffic Management Centers, callers can also transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Iteris and its subsidiary, MET, currently operate eight 511 systems for various state agencies and two metropolitan Traveler Information Systems throughout the United States, and utilize a mixture of dedicated and shared lines to achieve high reliability among the 511 systems. This combination results in a high-level of service with no dropped calls or down time to provide maximum benefit to the traveling public.
Each 511 system has its own specific value proposition. The rural 511 systems, understandably, focus primarily on weather-related roadway information, while in metropolitan areas, 511 systems can be a vital resource during major emergencies, such as major incidents, evacuations, and AMBER Alerts, and Homeland Security Emergency Management. This potential is likely to increase as traveler adoption grows.
I truly believe Traveler Information Systems will become even a more vital part of ITS offering and a common tool for use by travelers going forward. More data will be available, helping to improve reliability and accuracy of the information. In addition, a fully integrated multimodal system that is easy to access and use information will help the expansion of its use by the travelers.
In this issue, we highlight several projects and programs elaborating on key attributes of traveler information systems. Enjoy reading.
The History of 511Prior to 511’s growth into a national focus, visionaries in both North Dakota and South Dakota Departments of Transportation worked with what is now Meridian Environmental Technology, Inc. (MET), an Iteris company, to establish the nation’s first multi-state single phone number Advanced Traveler Information System Information System originally known as #SAFE (#7233).
While this activity began in 1996 as an Operational Traveler Information System across both Dakotas, the principles and general operating rules were later adopted by the Federal Highwaw Administration (FWHA). In an announcement during the National Conference for ITS America in Miami in May 2001, the FWHA announced that #SAFE was to be the model for the first 511 national guidelines. During this same time, MET was recognized annually for four years in a row as a finalist for “Best in ITS” during each Annual Meeting of ITS America for enhancements of services and features associated with both #SAFE and 511.
Following the designation of 511 as the national traveler information number, MET created the Nation’s first statewide 511 application in 2001 beginning with the state of Nebraska. Upon completion of Nebraska’s 511 system, MET then applied its experience to converting the North Dakota and South Dakota systems to 511, followed by Montana, Kansas, Nevada, Georgia, and finally Wyoming.
MET’s innovation continued through the years with a number of “firsts” for 511 deployments that have, over time, been copied and included within the functionality of 511 across a number of other states and 511 providers. Such “firsts” include:
Developed a statewide Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) Created a fully interoperable multi-state ATIS Designed and built the nation’s only completely shared telecommunication infrastructure guaranteeing access
for each state during peak demand times at no additional equipment cost Implemented the first statewide Alert System for Amber, Homeland Security, and General Transportation
Constructed a completely integrated statewide/urban ATIS Added direction of travel as a specific report element Developed the nation’s first self-sustaining 511 system in Georgia
Over the years, MET has developed a number of enhancements to further the functionality of 511. While a traveler comment line has been used by MET since the beginning of the #SAFE systems in early 1997, by 1999 these reports were being recorded and shipped directly to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for response. This small addition to the functionality generated enormous support from the public.
An Alert System, the first if its kind, was added to Operating State Systems allowing for the immediate application of Amber, Homeland Security, or General Transportation alerts across the entire state in less than 2 minutes from any phone in the U.S. by authorized personnel within the state.
Wyoming 511: Helping Travelers Brave Harsh Winter WeatherWinter weather in any state can be hazardous and require travelers to remain alert to ever-changing road conditions, but the need for vigilance is even more important when traveling in the vastly changing terrain and climate regions of Wyoming.
Interstate 80 is a huge gateway of commerce, and when it is closed under extreme conditions for great lengths of time, millions of dollars
can be lost economically. To avoid costly closures and delays, Wyoming is very proactive in providing helpful, decision-making information to the 511 service to help travelers. In addition to 6-hour weather forecasts provided through route-specific road weather forecasts, Wyoming also includes high wind advisories and warnings to travelers. The 511 system also incorporates Wyoming’s Variable Speed Limit system to alert travelers when speed limits are reduced throughout the winter months.
Wyoming has a diverse geography, ranging from open prairies to towering mountains, and is known for its extreme winter conditions. Blizzards and strong winds can cripple traffic along the highly traveled Interstate 80 that sweeps across the south. Even with a small population and rural setting, winter weather conditions in Wyoming can in a single day yield over 100,000 calls to Meridian Environmental Technology’s (MET) 511 Advanced Traveler Information System. On April 5, 2009, MET’s 511 system took in 9,029 calls in one hour due to an Interstate 80 road closure.
Innovation for better mobility
The History of 511 (continued from page 3)
Additionally, road network differences between states have caused the development of additional features considered useful to travelers, both public and commercial, including concurrent route information and complete highway reports for interstate routes. Call transfers, tourism notices, route specific and regional reports are available as well as a menu structure that allows for future growth in the system.
MET developed a one-of-a-kind shared telephony infrastructure that remains unmatched today by any other 511 provider. Developed in 2002 and placed in operation for all Meridian 511 states in 2003, this system has never experienced any downtime within the 8 years of daily operations. Its design allows for both routine and emergency
maintenance without the necessity of taking it offline. MET’s is the only system that has never lost a call, provided a busy signal to any caller in any of the eight states, or been down for any amount of time. Additionally, it is the only shared system that provides guaranteed lines to each individual state, eliminating a major problem with other shared systems, of first come, first served.
It has been suggested that repeated use of a 511 system is an indication of both acceptance and approval, and MET must agree based on current records of use. Since its development in 1995, MET now operates 8 state 511 systems across the U.S. These eight states represent 25% of the landmass of the U.S., but only 8% of population. Yet, the information provided across these 511 systems is so popular with the traveling public that these eight states represent 20% of all calls to any of the 511 systems tracked by the National 511 Coalition. To MET, the usage mentioned above indicates that the mission of providing information to enhance traveler safety and the security of our National Surface Transportation System is being accomplished and that the traveling public recognizes the value of 511.
Iteris, Inc. completed the initial development of the Inland Empire 511 (IE511) system in February 2010, under contract to the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC). RCTC working cooperatively with the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG), will oversee design and deployment of the system. RCTC and SANBAG have continued this same cooperative approach for overseeing Iteris’ activities in the hosting, operation, and maintenance of the Inland Empire 511 system.
The Inland Empire is a large and diverse area extending from the eastern edge of Los Angeles County to Arizona and Nevada to the east; San Diego County to the south; and Kern County to the north. Within this area, the travel conditions vary from heavy commute traffic towards Los Angeles and Orange Counties, as well as weekend traffic to various destinations within and beyond the Inland Empire, including the San Bernardino Mountains, the Colorado River, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Arizona, and San
Diego. The physical area of the Inland Empire also includes diverse weather conditions that subject major freeways and highways to closure and other travel restrictions due to high winds, snow and other inclement weather-related events.
Iteris was tasked with development of a multimodal 511 system that not only addresses traffic information, but also provides connections to transit services (bus transit, Metrolink, etc.), and rideshare services. This information is delivered through both the Internet website portal (www.IE511.org), Twitter and Facebook releases, and a state-of-art Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system where end users can receive travel information as their journey progresses.
Iteris completed the initial system deployment for the Inland Empire in approximately 8 months, leveraging prior Traveler Information System development and deployments in Southern California. The system was placed in a “soft launch” mode for approximately two months prior to the official “hard launch” in April 2010. The system has undergone some subtle operational changes and has added features since the official April 2010 launch. In the first 11 months of operations, the system has received over 450,000 calls.
Multimodal 511 System for California’s Inland Empire
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Innovation for better mobilityLearn more at:www.iteris.com
move itIteris can help get you moving.Iteris, Inc. is a leader in the traffic management market focused on the development and application of advanced technologies that reduce traffic congestion, minimize the environmental impact of traffic congestion, and improve the safety of surface transportation systems infrastructure. Combining outdoor image processing, traffic engineering, and information technology, Iteris offers a broad range of Intelligent Transportation Systems and driver safety solutions to customers worldwide.
From Planning, to Design, to Implementation, Integration, and Operation, Iteris has the experience and know-how to get you on your way.
Iteris Software Solutions Enhance El Segundo ATISIn 2003, Iteris was contracted by Los Angeles County Department of Public Works to design and develop a regional Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) to serve travelers in the Southern California area. This system design and development project has included the following efforts:
Defining stakeholders and their objectives for the project Translating objectives into requirements Development of a Concept of Operations
Operational Scenarios Roles & Responsibilities System Architecture Development System and Interface Requirements
Early Deployment Systems completed to date include CommuteView, CommunityView-Internet, CommunityView-Cable TV, and CommuteCall. These systems combine free public information dissemination with subscription- based personalized services.
CommunityView-Internet (CV-I) – (http://map.commuteview.net/) is a publicly facing, free to the public Internet traffic map. It can be accessed through the CommuteView portal. CommunityView-Internet provides users with integrated traffic information from across the Southern California region on a map-based traffic interface. Travel time, incident, congestion, road construction, and weather information are provided through this deployment. Several local agencies around Southern California currently provide links from their agency websites to CV-I as a service to their residents. The map application has recently evolved from a set of static map
views to a Google Maps-based interface, which includes standard Google Maps pan and zoom capabilities.
CommuteView – (www.commuteview.net) is the portal to the online services developed as part of the El Segundo ATIS project. CommuteView contains a personalized traveler information module that allows
subscribers to select the data they want to receive (congestion, incident, travel times), allows subscribers to schedule receipt of that traffic information when they want it, and allows subscribers to receive the selected information on the device of their choice. On the “backend,” CommuteView
provides a common data collection and fusion platform that feeds the other traveler information components of the El Segundo ATIS project (described below).
CommuteCall – is an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system that provides access to dynamic and personalized traveler information. This system utilizes the latest in text-to-speech and IVR capabilities to automate all of the system operations. A caller can make ad hoc information requests, as well as requests for information on pre-planned routes as established in the CommuteView subscription portal The system has been deployed since September 2004.
CommunityView-Cable TV (CV-C) – is a Television Traveler Information System based on the CommunityView-Internet service. It takes information from the CommunityView- Internet system and makes it available to end users via a Community Access Television channel, that is typically operated by a local agency (a city or a county). CV-C provides a scheduling capability that allows the local agency to develop a customized programming schedule for their local access channel.
Iteris Software Solutions Enhance El Segundo ATIS (continued from page 7)
After the Initial Early Deployment Phase One, Iteris has been contracted to continue the development towards a full scale operational Advanced Traveler Information System including arterial information and personalized services, and operating the system for 2 more years. Of particular interest is the provision of arterial information as the missing link for door-to-door travel times. Issues such as data availability, coverage, accuracy, cost, and scalability will be considered. Iteris is currently working on adding arterial coverage in the El Segundo area through 3rd party data providers – and potentially augmenting the coverage in certain problem spots with additional innovative data collection methods, such as using Bluetooth MAC address matching, to calculate travel times.
The El Segundo ATIS continues to be an excellent opportunity to enhance Iteris’ solution portfolio in ATIS as well as innovative data collection and performance measurements – providing a basis and showcase for further project deployments, such as the Inland Empire 511.
Iteris to Provide Traffi c Engineering and Planning Manuals for Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport
Iteris will work with the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (Abu Dhabi DOT) to develop manuals, guidelines, and procedures tailored to the particular needs of the Emirate based on best practices from around the world. Iteris teamed with TrafQuest, whom they had worked with to develop an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Strategy and Action Plan for the Abu Dhabi DOT, including the development of an ITS Architecture. The joint contract is valued at approximately $1.3 million for Iteris.
Georgia NaviGAtor 511 Sets Motorist Assistance RecordsGeorgia’s Department of Transportation (GDOT) NaviGAtor 511 system continues to be one of the most popular and heavily used Real-Time Traveler Information systems in the US.
During last winter’s snow and ice storm, the NaviGAtor 511 system, built and operated by Meridian Environmental Technology, an Iteris company, set new motorist assistance records with the highest number of calls ever in a four-
day period. The last time call volumes approached these levels was during the September 2009 floods. On December 28, 2010 the service reached a major milestone: five million calls since its inception in August 2007.
The ability to consistently provide accurate and up-to-date information to the traveling public is crucial. Five million calls to-date is a testament to the quality and dependability of the 511 service, and to GDOT’s dedication to providing timely, accurate travel information to the traveling public. GDOT is continuing that commitment by adding several enhancements, including a redesigned website and a robust foundation for future expansions.
In April, Georgia 511 was relaunched to coincide with the GDOT’s upgraded NaviGAtor system. This was the first major upgrade of the NaviGAtor system since its inception for the 1996 Olympic Games and is part of a federal effort to establish traveler information services nationwide. The new Georgia 511 platform creates a foundation for many new traveler information enhancements
planned for the future, such as statewide congestion reporting and 511 services in Spanish.
“People are very mobile and need to know traffic and road conditions before and during their trip,” said Leon Osborne, president and CEO of Meridian Environmental Technology, Inc. “The new NaviGAtor website will make it easier to plan trips, avoid problem areas, and reach destinations more quickly and safely.”
GDOT’s ongoing mission is to keep travelers safe and informed and to provide for their mobility throughout the state, and is recognized as a national leader in traveler information services. This represents a natural growth and progression of that innovation.
To demonstrate the power of the system, the new applications, and the special offers available, Georgia 511 is planning a major summer promotion to coincide with the summer travel and construction season.
To promote additional safety and keep people aware while on the go, Meridian Environmental Technology Inc. (MET) was the first in the nation to develop and deploy an alert mechanism for 511 traveler information systems. This alert system allows state authorities to immediately provide public safety information for AMBER, Homeland Security, or General Transportation alerts to the public when necessary.
MET’s alert system allows for a two-minute message to be processed and activated on a statewide 511 system within seconds. Upon notification, adjoining states may review the alert and immediately activate the same alert on their representative 511 system by pressing a single key. Complete interoperability of the system is key to regional support, from road conditions and construction to protection of our children, allowing the systems of the member states to work together enhancing safety and security.
Each state, through their designated representatives, manages and controls the alert functions contained within 511 without need for any MET interaction. Each alert type can be authorized and controlled
from different agencies within the state, and authorized personnel may activate an alert from the office, home or cell phones. The state and their respective agencies of responsibility decide agency specific policies and procedures for the operation of each alert type.“This alert system does not replace any current systems for alerts, but augments them. It is just another layer of protection against those that would seek to harm our children, way of life or country,” says Mark Owens, Senior Transportation Analyst for MET.
In addition to MET’s pioneering Alert System appearing at the beginning of 511 messages and being non-interruptible, the need for route-specific Floodgate messages that are interruptible was recognized and implemented. Floodgates are route-specific agency-issued advisory messages played at the travel segment level. Also, during the development of the Alert System, it was recognized that access to the system may need to be shared among different state agencies responsible for specific actions.
The MET Alert and Floodgate Clients include a monitoring tool to ensure that 511 managers are kept informed of messages being presented to the public over 511. This feature is very important if the state wishes to maintain a level of distributive authority for those agencies with the responsibility over certain areas associated with the alert system. For example, if the State requires that only the Highway Patrol may issue AMBER Alerts, then the Highway Patrol is the only authorized agency that may process an AMBER Alert on the 511 system. However, since the DOT owns the 511 system, an e-mail is sent to identified personnel provided by the DOT notifying them that an Amber Alert has been issued. This tool can be provided for all levels of Alert and Floodgate messages.
Safety and Emergency Alerts Through 511
Iteris is pleased to announce that the company has launched the first major phase of its social media objectives on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Going social can be a great opportunity to make connections with our customers, clients, investors and partners worldwide, while distributing helpful information in real-time. The company will post Iteris news, pictures, and videos, as well as interesting industry-related articles to
help followers find out more about our business and what we can do to solve today’s transportation challenges. It’s a smart and easy way to stay current with the latest information Iteris has to offer.
Please take a moment to “Like” us on Facebook, “Follow us” on Twitter, and “Subscribe” to our YouTube Channels. All the links are on our website, www.Iteris.com.
Iteris Launches Social Media
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Glenn Grayson, P.E. has 35 years of public and private sector experience including municipal traffic and transportation engineering, traffic signal systems, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
Glenn previously served as Director of the RTC of Southern Nevada’s FAST division, a rare blended combination of both arterial and freeway traffic management within a single agency. Under Glenn’s tenure at FAST, many advancements were made in the scope and approach for intelligently managing traffic. Prior to his public sector service, Glenn spent 10 years as an Associate Principal at Iteris, and also held city traffic engineer roles with the cities of Las Vegas, Nevada; Richardson and Wichita Falls, Texas.
Glenn earned BSCE and MSCE degrees in Transportation Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He currently serves as a Board member of ITS Nevada, the statewide chapter of ITS America.
Bernard Li, E.E., T.E., P.T.O.E., Associate Vice President
Bernard Li, E.E., T.E., P.T.O.E. will focus on business development and project execution, with an emphasis on ITS design and operations in Southern California and the western United States.
Bernard brings over 22 years of experience of providing professional services in planning, design, and implementation of electrical and traffic engineering. He has served as Project Manager or Project Director on numerous traffic and ITS design/construction projects, traffic signal timing and synchronization, operational analysis, feasibility studies, and municipal traffic engineering.
Bernard holds a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Southern California, and is a Registered Professional Engineer in California (Electrical and Traffic), Nevada (Electrical) and Arizona (Electrical); as well as a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer.
Joe De La Garza, P.E., Associate Vice President
Joe De La Garza, P.E. is responsible for establishing and growing the Iteris office in the San Diego region. De La Garza brings over 17 years of private sector experience in traffic and transportation engineering including studies, design, and operations in Southern California.
Joe has been involved in a number of innovative and high profile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects in the San Diego Region. Joe has managed a vast array of engineering projects and designed numerous transportation, pedestrian, and traffic calming improvements including traffic signals, signing and striping, traffic control plans. Part of his experience includes developing the City of San Diego’s Traffic Calming Program and managing citywide traffic signal timing projects for multiple public agencies. Joe is a licensed Civil and Traffic Engineer in California.
Joe has been involved in the Institute of Transportation Engineers and has been the local San Diego Section President, as well as held numerous committee chairs, at both the local and district level. He received a Distinguished Service Award from the ITE Western District in 2009. Joe is a graduate of Lawrence Technological University with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. Joe is also a guest lecturer at the San Diego State University Civil Engineering Department.
Innovation for better mobilityLearn more atwww.iteris.com
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