Traveler Information

511 Traveler Information System

Providing motorists with real-time traffic information is serving to improve the mobility and safety of our existing highway systems.

Disseminating reports that help drivers make informed decisions before leaving to their destination is a critical component in congestion management.

In support of this viewpoint, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) launched the 511 Traveler Information System as a federal initiative that consolidated all previous traffic information telephone numbers into one, free, easy-to-remember, three-digit dialing code. Before its implementation, more than 300 telephone numbers were available to the public with information stemming from a variety of sources. The three-digit dialing code was assigned by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on July 21, 2000, and the travel information service launched less than one year later. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has been committed to providing residents with this service since 2002, and in 2009, expanded the system from a regional traffic information service into one statewide system with enhanced capabilities in both English and Spanish.

The 511 Traveler Information System is a free phone and FL511.com that provides real-time traffic reports 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. 511 offers users up-to-the minute reports on traffic conditions, travel times, construction events, links to other agencies and more. The system covers major highways and freeways in Florida and offers route-specific information to help motorists make informed travel decisions before leaving for their destination. 511 is helping users save time and money – making commuting along Florida easier, safer and a lot less stressful.

511 is part of Florida’s Advanced Traveler Information System (FLATIS) program that is operated under the SunGuide Software. The District Six SunGuide® Transportation Management Center (TMC) operations staff gathers and collects traffic information for Miami-Dade and Monroe counties generated from a series of integrated resources and technologies, such as its Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) devices, partner agencies and Service Patrol Units to disseminate it through the statewide 511 system. Traffic data is continually updated into the system to inform motorists of real-time travel conditions that may impact their commute.