Project. 511 Virginia Email Alert System

Principal investigator. Dr. Aaron D. Schroeder, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute,
540-231-6243, aaron@vtti.vt.edu

Project objective. Provide 511-based email alerts to the public in html and SMS formats.

Project Abstract. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute currently operates, as part of its 511 data clearinghouse function, an email alert system that distributes 511 alerts to VDOT and its 511 contractors. The purpose of this project proposal is to enhance this current system in certain key respects so that it may be offered as a traveler information product to the public.

The current "in-house" system relies on manual assignment of email address and road preferences (which road incidents will be reported, e.g. I-66, I-81), and assumes a computer-based email client is being used to receive the alerts. The new public system will need to be enhanced in several ways in order to produce a satisfactory product. These enhancements include, specifically, an automated online subscription system, the ability to customize which sections of a particular road are of interest, and the ability to receive alerts formatted for the device that will be receiving them.

Tasks Online Subscription. The new system will allow any interested 511 customer to register multiple email addresses to receive 511 traffic alerts. Additionally, the customer will be able to select the type(s) of alert(s) they wish to receive (e.g. accidents, road conditions).

Road Sections. The new system will allow the 511 customer to select the roads for which they would like to receive alerts. In addition, the customer will be able to select specific regions within which alerts for that road are processed (e.g. Capital region vs. Richmond region).

Device Formatting. The new system will allow the 511 customer to select the type of device that will be receiving the alerts. For example, many customers will likely choose to receive alerts via their cell phones.

Operations. Operations and maintenance of the system will be conducted by VTTI programming staff.

Milestones. Initial systems rollout by March 31, 2006.   Enhanced area selections by July 31, 2006.

Student Involvement.  NA

Budget
FY 06
      Faculty $50,000
      Match $50,000 VDOT's 511 operations contract with VTTI.

Relation to Other Research. This project represents an enhancement to the 511 services already provided by VTTI to VDOT.

Technology Transfer. This project provides direct technology services to the public for VDOT.

Potential Benefits. Increased usage of VDOT 511 technologies by the traveling public.
Enhanced traveler satisfaction.

TRB Keywords. 511, Email, Travel Alerts, ITS, Cell Phone, Web Site, SMS