Slide1: Module 1: History and 511 Deployment Coalition


Overview: Overview History of 511 What is “511” Rationale for 511 FCC Ruling 511 Deployment Coalition Overview and Partners Vision Goals Accomplishments


What is 511?: What is 511? An abbreviated three-digit dialing code A short-cut to a ten-digit telephone number


Rationale For 511: Rationale For 511 Over 300 telephone travel information systems in the U.S. Demonstrated value of travel information services to the public 72% call volume increase with 3 digits (Cincinnati) N11 vs. easy 7-digit number 10-digit dialing makes numbers harder to remember Area code expansion making 7-digit numbers less plausible


How was 511 Established ?: How was 511 Established ? U.S. DOT petitioned the FCC for an N11 number in March 1999 Petition had great support 17 state DOTs 32 transit agencies 23 Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) FCC Ruling took place 15 months from the petition


FCC’s Report and Order Facts: FCC’s Report and Order Facts July 21, 2000, the FCC assigned 511 for nationwide access to travel information services Key points: state public utilities commissions continue to exercise jurisdiction over 511 (where PUCs have such authority) government entity must be the requestor wireline and wireless cost recovery and other technical issues not addressed -- up to PUCs/implementers encourage regional approach encourage national deployment/consistency will revisit assignment in 5 years


FCC Report and Order “Myths”: FCC Report and Order “Myths” “Must be operated by public sector” Public sector can designate operator – public or private “Mandated free public service” Not so Carriers free to recoup costs “Language is very directive and prescriptive” Language encourages widespread use, coordination and federal leadership No mandates


FCC Report and OrderFinal Thoughts: FCC Report and Order Final Thoughts By nature, orders are often ambiguous For instance, multiple public agencies could lay claim to 511 in the same area Intent was to maximize implementer flexibility in providing 511, but Encouraging the emergence of a “national” system Find Order: - http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/Travel/fedregro.htm


511 Deployment Coalition Overview: 511 Deployment Coalition Overview Who is the Coalition? Structure Goals Vision Accomplishments


Who is the 511 Deployment Coalition?: Who is the 511 Deployment Coalition? AASHTO State Departments of Transportation APTA Public Transportation Agencies ITS America ITS Industry – including above agencies U.S. DOT Federal leadership


Coalition Structure: Coalition Structure


Coalition Goal for 511 Deployment: Coalition Goal for 511 Deployment Establishment of a single, easy to remember, three digit travel information service number that: Provides value to its users Is sustainable Allows easier access to desired travel information Overcomes confusion caused by vast array of existing travel information numbers Majority of Americans have access to 511 by 2005


Coalition Vision for 511 Deployment: Coalition Vision for 511 Deployment Regional systems building from the bottom-up, with consistency in: Basic content User interface, policies and procedures If 511 is “on” in an area, the user knows what to expect of the “basic” service Regions can add additional publicly- and/or commercially-supported services at their option


Coalition Accomplishments: Coalition Accomplishments Implementation Guidelines for Launching 511 Services 511 Business Models and Costs Considerations Issue Papers 911 call transfers Transfers between 511 systems 511 and Homeland Security 511 and Reauthorization Marketing and Outreach Program for Deployers National 511 Deployment Conference, March 2002


Coalition Milestones: Coalition Milestones 1999 2000 2001 March 1999: U.S. DOT Petitions FCC July 2000: FCC Designates 511 Fall 2000: AASHTO, APTA, ITS America, U.S. DOT establish 511 Deployment Coalition March 29-30, 2001: 511 Policy Retreat August 23, 2001: 511 Policy Retreat #2 2002 November, 2001: Guidelines, v1.0 March 2002: 511 Conference