Georgia DOT 511 Service Sets Call Records; Tops Five Million Total Calls to Date
Santa Ana, CA? Meridian Environmental Technology, Inc. (MET), a wholly owned subsidiary of Iteris, Inc., announced today that the Georgia Department of Transportation's 511 real-time traveler information system set new motorist assistance records during the recent snow and ice storm with more than 95,000 inquiries, the highest number of calls ever in a four-day period.
Over the course of one week during the storm, Georgia?s 511 system, built and operated by MET, received 19,197 calls Monday; a record 35,832 calls Tuesday; 24,925 calls Wednesday; and, 15,511 calls Thursday. The last time call volumes approached these levels was during the September 2009 floods. In addition, Georgia?s 511 reached another major milestone on December 28, 2010 receiving five million calls since its inception in August 2007.
?Tuesday?s record is an increase of 1,641 calls from the last record of 34,191 calls, set during the floods, and the third time 511 has fielded over 30,000 calls in a single day,? said Anthony Bradford, who manages Georgia DOT?s Transportation Management Center (TMC) in Atlanta, the headquarters of 511, and NaviGAtor, Georgia?s Intelligent Transportation System. ?Five million calls to-date is a true testament to the quality and dependability of the 511 service, and to the TMC?s dedication to providing timely, accurate travel information to the traveling public.?
?511 operators worked around-the-clock throughout the snowstorm, dispatching Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) Units throughout metro Atlanta; managing weather-related roadway incidents, and disseminating critical information on road conditions to travelers and the media,? said DOT Commissioner Vance C. Smith, Jr. ?They are a vital part of our operation and are much appreciated by the Department and everyone who travels in Georgia.?
?At times like these, the ability to consistently provide accurate and up-to-date information to the traveling public is crucial,? added Leon Osborne, president and chief executive officer for MET. ?I would like to congratulate both Georgia DOT?s Transportation Management Center, and Meridian Environmental Technology on a job well done. I believe this is a prime example of how MET?s strength and experience in 511 systems complements Iteris? offerings.?
MET operates a total of eight 511 systems for various state agencies throughout the United States, and utilizes 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.
Georgia?s 511 system is a free phone service and is sponsor supported. The integrated system provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers can also transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Travel information is available online, by phone, or as a hybrid solution on a smart phone. A new mobile app is currently in beta testing and available as a free download. It will continue to be upgraded in the coming weeks. More information is available at www.georgia-navigator.com.
About The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless, and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia?s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. Georgia is the 3rd fastest-growing state in the nation, yet 49th in per capita spending on transportation. Additional transportation revenues are imperative to grow and sustain Georgia's economic vitality and quality of life through the 21st Century. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit www.dot.ga.gov.
About Meridian Environmental Technology, Inc. (MET)
MET, a wholly owned subsidiary of Iteris, Inc., focuses on utilizing cutting-edge computer technology, scientific research, traveler information analysis, weather analysis, and forecasting systems to increase the productivity and decision-making capabilities of its customers primarily in the Transportation industry. MET draws from extensive public and private data resources to convert raw weather and geographic data into information to meet the needs of a diverse customer base. It offers a unique range of customer-specific environmental and operational forecasting products and services. An internally developed system, named #SAFE™, is used as the model for the 511 National Guidelines, and currently delivers customized route-specific surface weather and road condition reports statewide across several states. For additional information, go to www.meridian-enviro.com.
About Iteris, Inc.
Iteris, is a leader in traffic management 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. Iteris is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, with offices throughout North America and in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Investors are encouraged to contact us at 888-329-4483 or at www.iteris.com.
Marc Porter
Iteris, Inc.
949-270-9661
map@iteris.com