511 Deployment Coalition Information

The 511 Deployment Coalition was an online resource with a repository of research, contacts and materials designed to help state and city planners to develop, launch, publicize, maintain, evaluate, and improve their 511 systems.

The coalition was establish in conjunction with several organizations including, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (ASSHTO), American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) and with support from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The goal of the 511 Deployment Coalition was "the timely establishment of a national 511 traveler information service that is sustainable and provides value to users." The intent is to implement 511 nationally using a bottom up approach facilitated by information sharing and a cooperative dialogue through the national associations represented on the Policy Committee, the governing body of the program. The mission of the Policy Committee is to provide guidance on how to achieve this goal.

What is 511?

511 is the Federal Communications Commission's designated nationwide three-digit telephone number for traveler information. Established in 1999, information provided by 511 services varies widely by provider, by the information provided and by method of delivering the information.

511 was initially designated for road weather and transportation/traffic information in regions of the USA and Canada. Travelers can dial the three-digit telephone number 5-1-1 on traditional landline telephones and most mobile phones. It is an N11 code of the North American Numbering Plan that are used for special services.

Some 5-1-1 services have limited scope, such as limited to information for drivers regarding road conditions and traffic. Other providers will also provide information on public transit and carpooling services.