managing travel for planned special events - FHWA Operations ...

now be accessed en-route via cellular telephone,and decisions can be made whetherto alter travel routes. The creation of call-insystems has been a popular traffic impactmitigation strategy for many major urbanfreeway reconstruction projects in recentyears.This type of in-vehicle communication hasthe advantage over HAR of giving the motoristsome control over the type and amountof information he/she wants to obtainthrough the touch-tone menus. In addition,it is also possible to generate two-waycommunication between the motorist andthe information source.Recommendations for establishing cellulartelephone-based systems include the following:• The call must be toll-free to users.• The telephone number must be easy toremember and dial.• The information must be concise.• If a menu system is used, a long and tediousmenu selection process should beavoided.• A sufficient number of telephone linesshould be provided to prevent the majorityof users from receiving a busy signal.• If a system is going to be used to gatherinformation from users, there must be amethod of ensuring the accuracy of theincoming information.• “Official” use of tipster informationshould include procedures for verifyingthat information.• If incident information is to be received,a human operator is recommended sothat secondary questions can be asked toclarify confusing or unclear reports.As with HAR systems, this technology alsorequires action by the motorist to access information.There are also significant operatingcosts associated with this technology, asany calls made using cellular telephonesmust be paid for by either the motorist, or apublic agency, or else absorbed by the corporationproviding cellular telephone communicationcapabilities in the region. Finally,there is some concern that cellulartelephone usage while driving may degrademotorist attention and operating capabilities.Manufacturers have developed “hands-free”telephones that allow motorists to listen andtalk without holding the telephone receiver,although the need to push the telephone buttonsto go through a menu of informationoperations can defeat the “safety” purposebehind hands-free devices.Many metropolitan areas established cellular“hotlines” for motorists to call in and reporttraffic incident information to the highwayagency. Examples included #77 and *SP.However, the establishment of the 511 nationaltraveler information number is envisionedto replace these already establishednumbers.511Understanding the importance of consistencyand simplicity in providing telephonebasedtraveler information, in 1999, the U.S.Department of Transportation (USDOT) petitionedthe FCC to designate a nationwidethree-digit telephone number for travelerinformation. This petition was formallysupported by 17 state DOTs, 32 transit operators,and 23 Metropolitan Planning Organizationsand local agencies. On July 21,2000 the FCC designated 511 as the nationaltraveler information number.Simply put, 511 represents an abbreviatedthree-digit dialing code that is a short cut toa ten-digit telephone number for obtainingtraveler information from a telephone. Inpetitioning the FCC, USDOT had to demonstratethe need and benefits for such a number.To that end, the USDOT identified thefollowing: (21)6EVENT PROFILE POST-EVENT ACTIVITIES DAY-OF-EVENT ACTIVITIES ADVANCE PLANNINGOVERVIEW6-67