 |
|
|
|
|
|
Press Release Archive:
2006 Press Releases
- 12-28-2006
THE TOP TEN WORST TRAFFIC INCIDENTS OF 2006 -- Experts at the Nation’s Largest Traffic
Gathering Organization Unveil the Ten Worst Traffic Incidents of the Year
New York, NY--December 28, 2006 -- Metro Networks, a Westwood One (NYSE: WON) company and the largest
traffic gathering and reporting operation in America, unveiled today the list of The Top Ten Worst Traffic Incidents of
2006. Compiled by Metro Networks traffic experts from across the country, the list covers incidents from 10 top U.S.
markets.
| NEW YORK: |
Tomahawk test missile ends up on Interstate highway |
| SAN FRANCISCO: |
Meatpacking truck spills cow body parts across freeway |
| HOUSTON: |
Truck containing frozen chickens splits open |
| BOSTON: |
12-ton concrete ceiling panel falls onto car |
| DALLAS: |
Bridge damaged by rig carrying oil refinery equipment |
| DETROIT: |
Two semis collide on Northbound I-75 |
| CHICAGO: |
Summer long repairs on 4 major roads |
| ATLANTA: |
Two cars and a tractor collide backing up traffic for 10 miles |
| LOS ANGELES: |
Crash causes S/B freeway to close for almost 13 hours |
| WASHINGTON DC: |
Two tractor trailers collide on Northbound I-95 |
“Our list shows the incidents that have caused some of the biggest traffic jams this year. American’s are already
struggling with longer rush hours and more challenges to their daily commute. Metro Networks is here to help people
navigate a worsening problem in their lives," said John Frawley, EVP of Operations for Metro’s 70 traffic offices.
Frawley has been a leading traffic expert for the past 20 years. He currently helps oversee Metro’s traffic gathering
infrastructure which is the largest in the world, including more than 70 local traffic operation centers, 1,800 traffic
reporters, producers and broadcasters, over 100 aircraft and agreements with Departments of Transportation for ITS
and 511 service deployment.
THE TEN WORST TRAFFIC INCIDENTS OF 2006
New York City - In July a tractor-trailer hauling a Tomahawk test missile overturned on I-95 SB in the Bronx. The
missile ended up on the Interstate. The highway was closed that morning while ATF officials and NYPD bomb crews
investigated. Metro Network radio and TV helicopters were over the scene all morning as workers carefully removed
the missile from the highway. No serious injuries resulted. There apparently was no triggering device on the missile.
San Francisco – A meatpacking truck traveling along the NB101 in San Mateo got into a messy accident spilling cow
body parts all across the freeway. Commuters experienced heavy delays as workers cleaned up the hundreds of
strewn body parts.
Houston – An accident on the ramp from 610 North loop to the US59 resulted in a truck falling off the ramp and
breaking open. The truck contained frozen chickens which were thrown all over the freeway below.
Boston - In July a 12-ton concrete ceiling panel from a "Big Dig" connector tunnel gave way, dropping onto a passing
car. The tunnel, which connects the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) to the Ted Williams Tunnel, had to be shut down,
choking traffic between Boston's Metrowest and Logan International Airport. Thousands of commuters spilled into
downtown Boston and South Boston in search of alternate routes in a confusing sea of work crews and detours.
Dallas - A rig carrying oil refinery equipment on northbound Loop 12 in November smacked into an overhead bridge at
the Highway 183 interchange by Texas Stadium. The driver of the massive truck had permission to use Loop 12 and
was told that there would be enough clearance to get under the bridge. The wreck happened one day before a major
bridge demolition along I-30. Unfortunately Highway 183 was the scheduled alternate route for drivers heading back
and forth from Dallas to Tarrant County.
Detroit – In early November two semis collided on Northbound I-75 in Monroe. They caught on fire and flaming debris
was scattered clogging the entire freeway and involving another four semis and about six cars. The heat damage was
severe and the highway was closed for a week to repair the surface.
Chicago- The Summer of 2006 was one long traffic nightmare for commuters from the south suburbs of Chicago and
Northwest Indiana. The Dan Ryan Expressway, Chicago Skyway and I-80/94 were all under construction at the exact
same time leaving them no alternative but to sit in the long delays day in and day out.
Atlanta- Two cars and a tractor trailer collided just before the start of morning rush hour killing two people. The
interstate was closed for the entire rush hour backing up traffic almost 10 miles and clogging many alternate routes.
Los Angeles – In March, on the S/B 710 at Washington, a big rig overturned, caught fire, and burnt to the ground. The
entire S/B freeway was closed for almost 13 hours. As this is the East LA Interchange it affected every major freeway
heading in and out of Downtown Los Angeles from before the morning rush through the evening rush that day.
Washington DC – On a Friday morning in the spring, two tractor trailers collided on I-95 North in Massaponax, VA
(just south of Fredericksburg). The trucks caught fire and damaged the roads so severely that they had to be repaved.
The accident shut down I-95 North late into the night and caused major delays on I-95 South.
About Westwood One:
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features, and live
events including: The NFL and the Super Bowl; NCAA Football; NCAA Basketball and the Final Four; The NHL; The
GRAMMY Awards; the Academy of Country Music Awards; CBS, CNN and NBC News; the Radio Factor with Bill
O’Reilly; Imus in the Morning; and more. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services,
Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video
news services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic information centers for state and local
departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems
and voice portal customers. Westwood One serves more than 5,000 radio stations. Westwood One is managed by
CBS Radio.
Press Contacts:
Peter Sessa
Westwood One
212.641.2053
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
- 09-18-2006
WESTWOOD ONE CONTINUES FORWARD MOMENTUM IN DIGITAL MEDIA WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF GARY KRANTZ
TO NEWLY CREATED POSITION OF CHIEF DIGITAL MEDIA OFFICER -- Announcement Comes as Westwood One Launches Several Programming Websites Including:
The Osgood File (theosgoodfile.com) Randy Jackson's Hit List (rjhitlistonline.com), Loveline (lovelineshow.com) and Notre Dame Football
(ndfootballradio.com)
New York, NY--September 18, 2006 -- Westwood One (NYSE: WON) announced today that, effective September 25, 2006,
former Air America President Gary Krantz will assume the position of Chief Digital Media Officer at Westwood One. In this newly
created position, Krantz will oversee all aspects of Westwood One's burgeoning digital portfolio including newly launched websites
for The Osgood File (theosgoodfile.com) Randy Jackson's Hit List (rjhitlistonline.com), Loveline (lovelineshow.com) and Notre Dame
Football (ndfootballradio.com). He will be based in New York and report directly to Peter Kosann, Westwood One President and CEO.
"The appointment of Gary Krantz highlights the immediate shift of Westwood One's Digital Media portfolio from the
developmental stage to execution," said Peter Kosann, Westwood One President and CEO. "Destination web sites for key
personalities and programs have been launched and the syndication of local content to broadcast affiliates and non-
broadcast affiliates is rapidly expanding. Gary's unique strengths in programming sales, and marketing will enable our new
platforms to quickly gain traction with consumers, affiliates and advertisers."
"I am thrilled to be joining Westwood One at this perfect time in the company's growth," said Krantz "Radio is re-inventing
itself as the leading provider of audio content in all platforms, and Westwood One is a major player. This is a world class
company, with a 30-year track record in providing compelling content that is perfectly positioned to extend and develop
programming and brands in to new media platforms, and increase our ability to super-serve our advertisers, radio
affiliates, programming partners and listeners."
As President of Air America Radio, Krantz oversaw all operations of the company, including advertising sales, affiliations,
marketing, Air America's flagship station WLIB-AM, and the online web/interactive divisions. Prior to that, Krantz worked
at Premiere Radio Networks a division of Clear Channel Communications, performing in a variety of senior positions
including EVP/Operations, SVP/Music and Entertainment, and SVP/Sales of Mediabase, the leading music airplay monitoring
system in the Country. Krantz also worked directly with Clear Channel radio format directors to identify marketing,
programming and branding opportunities within Premiere and the entire Clear Channel platform. Before joining Premiere, he
served as Senior Vice President of AMFM Radio Networks where helped launch the programming arm of the network. Prior to
AMFM, he was the VP/GM of MJI Broadcasting where he was part of the core team that launched that company in 1981. At MJI he
established and oversaw the first affiliate marketing and international divisions of the company. Krantz sits on the board
of the John Bayliss Foundation, the Emerson College Board of Overseers, and is active in several industry organizations
including N.A.R.A.S, Lifebeat, The Country Music Association, The Country Radio Broadcasters, which he served as President,
and Leadership Music.
Over the past several years, Westwood One has: launched the new www.westwoodone.com, which now offers interactive,
streaming and downloadable content to a worldwide audience; launched SmartRoute System's RealTraffic, to provide real-time
traffic data to the online community; entered into an exclusive agreement with TrafficCast, the leader in predictive and
flow traffic information in the U.S. and China, to deliver integrated real-time traffic information for Yahoo! via Yahoo!
Maps; and developed a strategic relationship with NAVTEQ, a leader in premium quality digital map data, which integrates
Westwood One's traffic incident data into the NAVTEQ Traffic solution for certain navigation enabled devices in North
America.
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features, and live events.
Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV
industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages
traffic information centers for state and local departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to
wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and voice portal customers. Westwood One serves more than 5,000 radio
stations. Westwood One is managed by CBS Radio.
For more information please contact:
Peter Sessa
Westwood One
212.641.2053
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
- 07-20-2006
511 – A Move in the Right Direction -- 511 SmartRoute Systems Moves Operations to SunGuide
Transportation Management Center
Miami, FL--July 20, 2006 -- 511 SmartRoute Systems, one of the SunGuide Intelligent Transportation Systems
partners within Florida, has moved their operations to the SunGuide Transportation
Management Center. This two story 32,000 square foot facility, located at 1001 NW
111th Avenue in Miami serves as the regional command and control facility for Miami-
Dade and Monroe countries. This facility also houses the dispatchers for Troop E of the
Florida Highway Patrol, and South Florida Commuter Services. These groups seamlessly
work together to manage incidents, provide real-time traveler information, provide
commuting options and coordinate with the regional SunGuide Partners.
Jesus Martinez, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Administrator, District 6 said:
“We’re excited about having the Smart Route 511 operations here with us at FDOT
District VI headquarters. We’ll work together to provide timely traveler information
regarding accidents, traffic congestion and construction delays. It’s all designed to ease
and lessen the time a motorist has to spend on the highways. Just like Miami traffic, it’s a
24/7 operation.”
511 telephone and Internet systems use the information gathered through the utilization
of cameras and detectors monitoring traffic flow. When a motorist dials 511, the
Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) provides clear, accurate, up-to-the minute
traffic information in both an English and Spanish format. And for repeat users, there’s
no need to wait for the System’s questions or prompts if you’re looking for information
in a specific area. As soon as the 511 connection is made, even during the system’s
welcoming speech, just name the highway or road you want information for. Say,
’95…Miami’ or ‘Turnpike…Broward’ or ‘US 1…Palm Beach’. For roads with unique
names like ‘Dolphin Expressway’, ‘State Road 60’, ‘Southern Boulevard’, or ‘University
Drive’, there’s no need to add a county name. And the best part, it’s another free FDOT
service.
This same information is also available at the web site www.southflorida511.com. At
the web site, one is able to create a specific route and view any traffic problems that may
affect the route, view traffic from live cameras, and set up their own custom traffic alerts.
There is even a “511 Frequently Asked Questions” section available to guide one through
the process.
FDOT continually works to improve its current programs as well as develop new ways to
ease traffic problems and concerns within Southeast Florida. Relocating SmartRoute 511
in FDOT’s District VI SunGuide Transportation Management Center is another move in
the right direction.
For additional Information, contact:
Jonathan Fricke
Marketing Manager
SmartRoute 511 · SunGuide Transportation Management Center
1001 NW 111 Avenue · Miami, FL 33172
305.914.3900
- 05-08-2006
SMARTROUTE SYSTEMS LANDS HELICOPTER AT ITS AMERICA
PHILADELPHIA, PA--Monday, May 08, 2006 - Jim O'Neill, vice president/general manager of
SmartRoute Systems shows off a Westwood One / SmartRoute Systems helicopter at ITS America. Delegates to the annual meeting
were invited to come and visit the SmartRoute stand, check out the firm's products and have the chance to be photographed
inside the cockpit.
SmartRoute operates a network of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, plus camera networks, road
sensors and works with state DOTs to help build up its traveler information services, including live traffic incidents
reporting, congestion and flow reports and travel times.
The company reported more than six million traffic incidents last year and provided data, audio and video proudcts in the
100-plus cities it covers nationwide, gathering theinformation in more than 70 local operation centers. For more
information visit www.smartroute.com.
View Press Release & Photo
- 01-26-2006
WESTWOOD ONE'S METRO NETWORKS DRIVES OVER 110 MILLION WEBSITE
HITS WITH REALTRAFFIC -- Radio and TV Stations; Newspapers and State
Departments of Transportation nationwide that integrated Metro
Networks RealTraffic into their websites experienced A surge in page
views
New York, NY- Thursday, Jan 26, 2006 -- Metro Networks,
with its subsidiary, SmartRoute Systems, both Westwood One (NYSE:WON)
companies, together with Maptuit® Corporation, announced today that
their RealTraffic" web service drove a total of 110 million website
page views to affiliated websites since it's launch in January 2004.
More than 85 million of the total number of page views came in the
2005 calendar year. Seamlessly integrated into the websites of Radio
and TV stations; Newspapers and State Departments of Transportation
across the country, RealTraffic is the only on-line traffic
information service powered by Metro Networks, the largest traffic
gathering and reporting operation in the world.
RealTraffic partners currently include: WINS-AM, WNBC-TV (New York),
KTTV-TV (Los Angeles) WUSA-TV and WRC-TV (Washington, DC), The
Washington Post and numerous others.
"The RealTraffic interactive feature on 1010wins.com has certainly
helped to power its growth," said Mark Mason, VP News CBS Radio
Stations / Executive Editor 1010 WINS. "We exceeded 10,500,000 page
views during December and there's little doubt that this very
helpful little widget is a magnet for visitors who want to check
their route before hitting the road. I've recommended it to all of
our stations for use on their sites. It's also a perfect compliment
to our on-air Shadow traffic reports."
"The station's assignment desk uses Navigation 4 to determine where
to send Chopper 4 for the 5:00 PM newscast," said Steve Frank,
Managing Editor WNBC.com New York. "In addition, since the launch of
Navigation 4, it has averaged over 450,000 page views per month."
"After more than 30 years of helping drive rating increases for
radio stations with innovative, enthralling programming, Westwood
One has taken that drive to the interactive level with RealTraffic,"
said Chuck Bortnick, Westwood One Co-COO. "The integration of
RealTraffic turns any website into a total traffic solution, making
RealTraffic affiliated sites a "must-visit" for millions of
commuters nationwide."
"Maptuit is very proud of the close relationship we've developed
with Westwood One and we look forward to reaching many more people
in 2006 with RealTraffic alerts," stated Jeff Papows, Chairman and
CEO of Maptuit Corporation.
Westwood One and Maptuit have developed the RealTraffic service by
leveraging the core strengths of both companies. Built on Westwood
One's up-to-date traffic information, along with Maptuit's
sophisticated database of the North American road network,
RealTraffic offers personalized traffic content to ease the driving
experience for commuters, travelers, and professional drivers. With
street-level directions integrated with traffic incident
information, RealTraffic also allows drivers to choose alternate
routes and avoid problem traffic thereby making the commuting
experience less painful. Together, Westwood One and Maptuit have
developed RealTraffic as a "must have" traffic service to ease the
commuting experience and aid in trip planning for the professional
driver.
By using RealTraffic, commuters who subscribe to the service are
able to set up personalized accounts where they can enter locations
such as "work" and "home", as well as define trips between them such
as "home to the gym on weekdays at 7:30AM", or "work to home,
weekdays between 5:30PM and 7PM". At the specified time intervals,
the RealTraffic service checks each trip for traffic incidents and
notifies the commuter of any traffic advisory that will impact their
trip using a SMS (Short Message Service) or e-mail alert. Using the
website, the commuter will have the ability to request an alternate
route that avoids congestion.
Founded in 1999, Maptuit is the leading provider of location
information web services for consumer and transportation markets.
Built around the industry's most sophisticated model of the North
American road network, Maptuit has developed its services to support
the transportation, tracking and traffic markets. For more
information please visit www.maptuit.com. Maptuit is a registered
trademark in the United States, and Maptuit, RealTraffic and other
names or logos identifying the services are trademarks or service
marks of Maptuit Corporation.
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music,
talk, entertainment programs, features, live events and 24/7
formats. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast
Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV
industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news
services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic
information centers for state and local departments of
transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to wireless,
Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and voice portal customers.
Westwood One serves more than 5,000 radio stations. Westwood One is
managed by CBS Radio.
Press Contacts:
Peter Sessa
Westwood One
212.641.2053
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
Carlos Bernal
Maptuit
781.685.4693
carlos.bernal@maptuit.com
2005 Press Releases
- 11-30-2005
WESTWOOD ONE’S SMARTROUTE SYSTEMS AND TRAFFICCAST ANNOUNCE
AGREEMENT -- The Agreement Creates The Nation’s Largest Database Of Real-Time
Traffic Incident, Enhanced Flow And Predictive Data, Which Is Now
Available To All Metro Networks and SmartRoute Systems Broadcast and
Data Customers
New York, NY - November 30, 2005 - SmartRoute Systems
(SRS), a Westwood One (NYSE: WON) company, and TrafficCast, the
leader in predictive and flow traffic information in the U.S. and
China, announced today an agreement to create largest traffic
incident, enhanced flow, and predictive traffic services in North
America.
Combining the resources of SmartRoute Systems’ and TrafficCast’s
patented systems, technologies and ITS operational expertise,
creates the nation’s largest database of real-time traffic incident
and flow data. Flow data is now integrated into SmartRoute Systems’
340,000 locations and managed through its patented data
architecture. SmartRoute Systems historical traffic data is now
analyzed by TrafficCast’s systems, allowing SmartRoute Systems to
offer predictive traffic information to its clients. In addition,
the companies are working closely together to add more speed and
flow markets nationwide.
“This new agreement with TrafficCast enables customers of all
platforms to do ‘one-stop shopping’ for all their traffic
information needs”, said Gary Worobow, Westwood One EVP Business
Affairs. “The incorporation of actual traffic speed and predictive
traffic services into Westwood One’s massive traffic information
gathering and reporting operation further enhances the breadth and
accuracy of all of our traffic services, as well as growing our
portfolio of traffic information and content for emerging markets.”
"TrafficCast is delighted and excited to announce this association
with Westwood One," said Dr. Connie Li, President/CEO of TrafficCast.
"Westwood One has established the gold standard in traffic reporting
and we're confident that TrafficCast technology and predictive
models will combine to significantly improve traffic information and
travel advisories for clients of both companies, and ultimately
drivers across the country."
SmartRoute Systems provides local traffic, news, sports and weather
information to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and
voice portal customers. SRS reports include: traffic incidents, road
and lane closures, construction delays, scheduled roadwork, event
delays, travel times and alternate routes. SRS also manages traffic
information centers for state and local departments of
transportation. SmartRoute Systems is part of Metro Networks, whose
traffic gathering infrastructure includes more than 70 local traffic
operation centers, 1800 traffic reporters, producers and
broadcasters, over 100 aircraft and multiple engagements with
Departments of Transportation for ITS and 511 service deployment.
For more information please visit www.smartroute.com.
Combined incident, flow & predictive services, and products are
available now to existing and emerging markets - including
broadcast, Departments of Transportation, telematics & automotive
navigation systems, internet, wireless, fleet, and personal
navigation device markets.
TrafficCast is a leading provider of digital traffic data. The
company has developed and patented software platforms and predictive
models to produce route-specific travel time estimates and forecasts
for traditional and emerging traffic information markets.
TrafficCast's product and delivery focus is personalized travel
information via interactive platforms and wireless devices. Founded
by experts in traffic engineering and data analysis, TrafficCast
technology fuses historic traffic patterns of the national roadway
network with "live" traffic incident and flow data, weather
forecasts, construction and event schedules to deliver meaningful,
actionable travel advice. TrafficCast China, an affiliate of
TrafficCast, is currently testing its technology in Shanghai for
deployment in a national traffic system in China. TrafficCast is
based in Madison, WI. For more: www.trafficcast.com
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music,
talk, entertainment programs, features, live events and 24/7
formats. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast
Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV
industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news
services and other information. Westwood One serves more than 5,000
radio stations. Westwood One is managed by Infinity Broadcasting
Corporation.
For more information on these exciting new products please contact:
Bill Martin
Westwood One
617-588-3716
bill_martin@metronetworks.com
Press Contacts :
Peter Sessa
Westwood One
212.641.2053
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
- 11-09-2005
SMARTROUTE SYSTEM’S SMARTRAVELER BECOMES FIRST TRAVELER
INFORMATION SYSTEM TO RECEIVE OVER 50 MILLION CALLS:
New York, NY - November 9, 2005
SmarTraveler provides eastern Massachusetts drivers with the timely,
accurate, and route-specific information needed navigate the busy
transportation system in and around Boston. Travelers get real-time
traffic and transit information with a toll-free call to *1 on their
cellular phone or by dialing 617-374-1234 from a land-based phone.
The information is also available at smartraveler.com. Calls to the
service are on the rise, with a five-year average growth-rate of
over 10 percent. Last year, SmarTraveler received 6.7 million calls
and is expected to surpass seven million this year.
“By giving motorists up-to-the-minute traffic conditions, we afford
them basic information that creates smarter and better commuters,”
said Massachusetts Transportation Secretary John Cogliano.
“While 50 million calls is a milestone we’re proud of, it’s really
just a waypost on the road to an exciting future,” added Jim
O’Neill, the Vice President and General Manager of SmartRoute
Systems.
SmartRoute Systems provides local traffic, news, sports and weather
information to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and
voice portal customers. SRS reports include: traffic incidents, road
and lane closures, construction delays, scheduled roadwork, event
delays, travel times and alternate routes. SRS also manages traffic
information centers for state and local departments of
transportation. SmartRoute Systems was acquired by Westwood One in
November 2000 and now has traffic incident data from Metro Networks,
in addition to news and other local content from Metro Source.
Westwood One provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk,
entertainment programs, features, live events and 24/7 formats.
Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services,
Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV industries
including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news services and
other information. Westwood One serves more than 5,000 radio
stations. Westwood One is managed by Infinity Broadcasting
Corporation.
Press Contact
Peter Sessa
Westwood One
212.641.2053
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
- 06-02-2005
SUNGUIDE 511 HITS 5 MILLION TRAVELER INFO CALLS:
New York, NY – June 2, 2005 – SmartRoute Systems
(SRS), a Westwood One (NYSE: WON) company, and The Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT), announced today that their
SUNGUIDE 511 joint venture in South Florida recorded a new high,
receiving its five millionth call in April 2005. The National 511
Deployment Coalition now ranks SUNGUIDE 511 South Florida second
only to San Francisco’s 511 service. Launched in July 2002, the
SUNGUIDE 511 partnership has emerged as one of the nation’s premier
traveler information systems. Prompted by a strong marketing
campaign and increased consumer awareness, SUNGUIDE 511 has become a
cornerstone of the daily commute for thousands of southeast Florida
residents. The SUNGUIDE 511 traffic information system processed
more than 292,000 calls in the month of March, surpassing its
previous high of 244,000 set only one month earlier. While usage
numbers continue to rise, customer satisfaction remains high.
According to customer surveys, the SUNGUIDE 511 system has one of
the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the country. Jesus
Martinez, ITS Administrator for the Florida Department of
Transportation District 6, states, “We are excited that our
customers have embraced this valuable service. We look forward to
rolling out enhancements later this summer.” Together, SUNGUIDE 511
and the Smart Traveler Website www.511southflorida.com provide
comprehensive and timely tracking of traffic conditions in the Palm
Beach, Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe County areas. In March 2005,
the Smart Traveler Website received more than 395,000 hits. SUNGUIDE
511 has recorded several usage peaks in its lifespan. After
replacing its original standard phone number to 511, the system
experienced a 500% surge in caller volume. As consumer awareness has
grown, the system has experienced a significant rise in call volume.
During the 2004 hurricanes, call count and Web hits also rose
significantly as 511 provided valuable traffic information for those
travelers evacuating the area. With the 2005 hurricane season
approaching, SUNGUIDE 511 may once again play a critical role.
SmartRoute Systems provides local traffic, news, sports and weather
information to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and
voice portal customers. SRS reports include: traffic incidents, road
and lane closures, construction delays, scheduled roadwork, event
delays, travel times and alternate routes. SmartRoute Systems was
acquired by Westwood One in November of 2000 and now has available
traffic incident data from Metro Networks, in addition to news and
other local content from Metro Source. Westwood One (NYSE: WON)
provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs,
features, live events and 24/7 Formats. Through its subsidiaries,
Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services, Westwood One provides
local content to the radio and TV industries including news, sports,
weather, traffic, video news services and other information.
SmartRoute Systems manages traffic information centers for state and
local departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel
content to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and
voice portal customers. Westwood One serves more than 7,700 radio
stations. Westwood One is managed by Infinity Broadcasting
Corporation. For more information visit
www.westwoodone.com.
- 06-02-2005
Mobile Phones Steer Listeners Clear Of LA Traffic -- KFWB Radio
Station Launches Mobile Traffic Alert Service
VIENNA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 2, 2005--KFWB
(http://www.kfwb.com), Los Angeles' station for news, traffic and
weather, The Mobile Media Company (www.mobilemedia.com), Westwood
One and 3United Mobile Solutions (www.3united.com), today announced
the launch of the KFWB Traffic On Demand service that will help
listeners dodge the infamous Los Angeles traffic by receiving
customized traffic text messages on their cell phones.
KFWB's Traffic on Demand goes live just as the 2005 Urban Mobility
Report(http://mobility.tamu.edu/ums/media_information/news_release.stm),
published by the Texas Transportation Institute, announced that
North America's traffic troubles are growing worse, costing
Americans $63.1 billion a year. "For years, KFWB has been known as
the station for `Traffic On The Ones,' traffic reports every ten
minutes. Now we're excited to offer up to date traffic information
whenever someone needs it," explains David Hall, VP of AM
Programming from KFWB.
Available to the majority of Los Angeles mobile phone subscribers,
KFWB Traffic On Demand can be easily accessed by sending a chosen
route number via text message to telephone number 98011. The traffic
status of that highway is then sent via return text message, at a
cost of $0.75 per message(1).
In addition to KFWB's own traffic reports, further traffic
information is supplied by Westwood One with 3United providing the
application that enables the information to be used on mobile
phones. Mobile Media is providing the connectivity to the mobile
network operators and manages the mobile messaging platform.
"KFWB Traffic on Demand requires no initial subscriptions, no up
front fees or complicated sign up
procedure," explained Steinar Svalesen, EVP and General Manager of
Mobile Media North America. "Being so easy to use, we expect to see
LA drivers use the service on a very regular basis."
KFWB is the source for news in Southern California, with traffic on
"the ones" -- traffic updates every ten minutes. Owned by Infinity
Broadcasting Corporation, the station recognized a high demand for
live traffic news that could be accessed anytime, from anywhere by
their listeners.
"When Southern California listens for Traffic news, they listen to
KFWB," explained David Hall of KFWB. "Commuters in L.A. are stuck in
traffic 93 hours a year! The beauty of our mobile traffic alert
service is that it will actually save people time and money by
helping them to avoid jams."
For more information about the KFWB Mobile Traffic Information
services, visit www.kfwb.com
About KFWB:
KFWB News 980 is the place for Traffic On The Ones, breaking news,
and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
About Infinity Broadcasting Infinity Broadcasting Corporation
("Infinity") is one of the largest radio broadcasting companies in
the United States, and is a division of Viacom Corporation. The
company, headquartered in New York City, owns approximately 180
radio stations located in 22 states in the nation's largest markets.
About Westwood One:
Westwood One (NYSE:WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk,
entertainment programs, features, live events and 24/7 Formats.
SmartRoute Systems manages traffic information centers for state and
local departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel
content to wireless, Internet, in -vehicle navigation systems and
voice portal customers.
About 3united:
3united Mobile Solutions AG is a market leader in premium SMS,
m-commerce and mobile content solutions and serves as an
international hub for all Central and Eastern Europe in the field of
Premium SMS connectivity. For more information, please visit
www.3united.com or mail
a.wiesmueller@3united.com.
About Mobile Media:
The Mobile Media Company is the leading producer and global
distributor of branded, made -for-mobile entertainment, interactive
TV formats and mobile marketing concepts. Mobile Media is
headquartered in Oslo, Norway. For more information, please visit:
www.mobilemedia.com or send
an e-mail to info@mobilemedia.com.
(1) $0.75 does not include standard text message costs, charged by
operators.
Contacts:
KFWB
David G. Hall, 323-871-4625
DGHall@cbs.com
2004 Press Releases
- 11-11-2004
Maptuit and SmartRoute Systems Provide Up-to-the-Minute
Traffic Information to WNBC-TV New York. RealTraffic Powers WNBC-TV's
Navigation 4 to Help Commuters Navigate Around New York City:
Burlington, Mass. (November 11, 2004) -- Maptuit®
Corporation, the leading provider of trucking, tracking and traffic
services, together with Smart Route Systems, Inc. (SmartRoute), a
Westwood (NYSE:WON) company, today announced New York's WNBC4 has
licensed the companies' RealTraffic™ service and rebranded it as
Navigation 4. RealTraffic now powers WNBC-TV's online traffic
information service, at www.WNBC.com, to help commuters make
better-informed travel decisions as they navigate through traffic
around New York City on a daily basis.
"We are thrilled to help take NBC4's Web and wireless traffic
reporting to the next level with the incorporation of RealTraffic,"
said Pat LaPlatney, Executive Vice President, Westwood One.
"Bringing this unprecedented service to the No.1 market in the
country, on a station as powerful as WNBC-TV, is sure to be a model
for the future of online traffic reporting across America."
"We are impressed with the accuracy in which Navigation 4 is able to
calculate the best driving directions given real-time traffic and
construction conditions." said WNBC-TV. "By leveraging RealTraffic,
we are able to provide commuters with the necessary information and
tools to beat the congested New York City traffic."
"Maptuit and SmartRoute Systems have designed RealTraffic to meet
the needs of drivers who want to make their daily commute as
efficient as possible," stated Bill Tapscott, SVP Corporate
Development. "With the live traffic reports and helpful alerts we
are providing, commuters are able to avoid traffic incidents and get
clear directions of the shortest route to get to where they need to
go."
WNBC's Navigation 4 service, powered by RealTraffic, provides
accurate online real-time traffic and construction information
content. With street-level directions integrated with traffic
incident information, WNBC-TV will be able to provide drivers with
the ability to see conditions that will affect their daily commute
or travels. Drivers can use the system to proactively search for
exceptional traffic on their morning and evening commutes, and have
personalized alerts sent to their cell phone or email if there are
any problems. Additional alerts can made available that include
weather conditions, and other important broadcast messages to the
community such as Amber Alerts.
Maptuit and Westwood One have developed the RealTraffic service by
leveraging the core strengths of both companies. Together,
RealTraffic is becoming a "must have" traffic service to ease the
commuting experience and aid in trip planning for the professional
driver.
SmartRoute's national traffic database offers traffic and
transportation information for over 100 US cities, using the largest
private traffic-gathering infrastructure in the world. More than
1900 employees in 76 separate operational facilities report on
accidents, breakdowns, construction and other events and their
impact on traffic flow. SmartRoute's relationships with numerous
departments of transportation provide access to speed and flow data
where available, while SmartRoute's 150 aircraft, hundreds of camera
images and mobile units visually confirm all information before it
is reported, making possible the most accurate traffic information
anywhere.
About Westwood One
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music,
talk, entertainment programs, features, live events and 24/7
Formats. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast
Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV
industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news
services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic
information centers for state and local departments of
transportation, provides 511 services, Websites, and markets traffic
and travel content to wireless, Internet, automotive, and media
customers. Westwood One serves more than 7,700 radio stations.
Westwood One is managed by Infinity Broadcasting Corporation. For
more information visit www.westwoodone.com.
About Maptuit Corporation
Founded in 1999, Maptuit provides the most comprehensive road and
location information service for the consumer and transportation
markets. With Maptuit's advanced Web services, companies benefit
from the ability to easily look up addresses, create maps, perform
proximity searches, generate optimized routes and provide
directions. For more information please visit www.maptuit.com.
Media contact:
Noreen Vincent
Maptuit Corporation
781.685.4693
(Noreen.Vincent@maptuit.com)
- 08-25-2004
NAVTEQ and SmartRoute Systems Collaborate to Enable North
American Traffic Applications:
August 25, 2004
Company: NAVTEQ
Industry: Wireless / Navigation
Location: Chicago, IL, United States of America
Real-Time Traffic Data Linked to NAVTEQ Maps Now Available to Both
Westwood One and NAVTEQ Customers
CHICAGO,IL-- NAVTEQ (NYSE: NVT) and SmartRoute Systems, Inc. (SmartRoute),
a Westwood One company (NYSE: WON), announced today a multi-year
cross-licensing agreement to integrate SmartRoute's traffic incident
data into the NAVTEQ Traffic(TM) solution for certain navigation
enabled devices in North America. The agreement also enables
SmartRoute to offer its customers traffic data and other information
geocoded to NAVTEQ(TM) maps.
The agreement will help bring real-time traffic information to a
broad range of navigation-enabled devices including in-vehicle
navigation systems. With real-time traffic information linked to
accurate map data, navigation device users will be able to make
informed routing and re-routing decisions.
SmartRoute's national traffic database offers traffic and
transportation information for over 100 US cities, using the largest
private traffic- gathering infrastructure in the world. More than
1900 employees in 76 separate operational facilities report on
accidents, breakdowns, construction and other events and their
impact on traffic flow. SmartRoute's relationships with numerous
departments of transportation provide access to speed and flow data
where available, while SmartRoute's 150 aircraft, hundreds of camera
images and mobile units visually confirm all information before it
is reported.
NAVTEQ Traffic provides traffic flow rates, planned incident and
unplanned incident data to enable personalized, real-time
information to navigation systems. NAVTEQ Traffic quality checks and
aggregates traffic data from multiple sources to provide a solution
that links up-to-the minute traffic information to map data and
enables wireless transmission direct to location- enabled devices
such as in-vehicle navigation systems and cellular phones.
"We are thrilled to be working together with Westwood One and
SmartRoute to make real-time traffic information accessible and
drive the industry's newly traffic-enabled navigation applications,"
commented John MacLeod, Executive Vice President - Global Marketing
& Strategy for NAVTEQ. "Westwood One has revolutionized traffic
information gathering and broadcasting and we're pleased to link our
map data with Westwood One's high quality traffic data."
"We are excited about the agreement with NAVTEQ," said Richard
Marks, Executive Vice President of SmartRoute. "NAVTEQ plays a very
important role in the traffic information industry, using their
expertise in digital mapping and the in-vehicle navigation industry
to create a national traffic product that works with map-based
applications. Formalizing this important relationship with NAVTEQ
helps us fill an immediate need for our client base by providing our
traffic information referenced to NAVTEQ maps."
About Westwood One
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music,
talk, entertainment programs, features, live events and 24/7
Formats. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast
Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV
industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news
services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic
information centers for state and local departments of
transportation, provides 511 services, Websites, and markets traffic
and travel content to wireless, Internet, automotive, and media
customers. Westwood One serves more than 7,700 radio stations.
Westwood One is managed by Infinity Broadcasting Corporation. For
more information visit www.westwoodone.com .
About NAVTEQ
NAVTEQ is a leading provider of comprehensive digital map
information for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation
devices and Internet-based mapping applications. NAVTEQ creates the
digital maps and map content that power navigation and
location-based services solutions around the world. The
Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately
1,400 employees located in over 100 offices in 20 countries.
NAVTEQ is a trademark in the US. and other countries.
This document may include certain "forward-looking statements"
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not
limited to our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and
other statements contained in this report that are not historical
facts as well as statements identified by words such as "expects,"
"anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates"
or words of similar meaning. These statements are based on our
current beliefs or expectations and are inherently subject to
significant uncertainties and changes in circumstances, many of
which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially
from these expectations due to changes in global political,
economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory factors.
NAVTEQ CONTACT:
Laura Richey of NAVTEQ
+1-312-894-7127
laura.richey@navteq.com
Bob Richter for NAVTEQ
+1-212-802-8588
bob@richtermedia.com
- 08-03-2004
Boston IVR calls hit record highs due to DNC:
BOSTON, MA - August 3, 2004 - Last week’s Democratic National Convention focused the eyes of a
nation on Boston. Hosting the DNC also had on impact on the city’s traveler information interactive voice response
(IVR) telephone system, with calls hitting an all-time high of 752,785 for the month of July.
During the 13-day period of July 19-31, the Boston system exceeded 20,000 calls per day with a weekday average for the
month of 27,855. There were two days during the month that the system took more than 40,000 calls in one day.
“We exceeded our previous record month by nearly 100,000 calls,” said Jeff Larson, project manager for SmartRoute Systems,
which operates the system under contract to the Massachusetts Highway Department.
SmartRoute Systems and the Massachusetts Highway Department worked closely with DNC organizers to provide detailed travel
information on the SRS website and IVR system.
The DNC information was accessed 29,813 times during the month of July.
“At the request of the DNC organizers, SRS acted as the real-time information conduit for closings and road restrictions to
all the Boston area traffic reporting media,” said Larson. “We developed communications protocols with the other traffic
reporting companies to insure that the traveling public had access to the best, most accurate and up-to-date information
available,” he added.
SRS also served as a media resource during the convention, providing interviews and information to ABC News, CNBC, CSPAN,
BBC, Associated Press, New York Times, Washington Post and a number of Boston-based media outlets.
“The DNC in Boston was a huge event, politically for the nation, and for commuters locally. Forty miles of major highways
were closed through Boston,” said Larson. “This was a great opportunity to demonstrate how Intelligent Transportation
Systems (ITS) can help manage the associated congestion and disruption to the transportation system. A lot of commuters in
the Boston area were able to deal with hosting the convention by having accurate and reliable advanced and real-time
information,” he added.
CONTACT:
Jeff Larson
SmartRoute Systems
(617) 588-3703
- 04-22-2004
Maptuit and SmartRoute Systems Deliver RealTraffic™ to Ease
Commuter Experience:
April 22, 2004
Company: Maptuit
Industry: Location-based Services (LBS), Location Technology
Location: San Jose, CA, United States of America
Personalized Web-based Application Alerts Commuters to
Up-to-the-Minute Traffic Events
Burlington, MA – Maptuit® Corporation, one of the nation’s leading
street and location information service providers and SmartRoute
Systems, a Westwood One Company, today announce the availability of
RealTraffic. Together, Maptuit and SmartRoute Systems deliver
RealTraffic as a Web-based service that offers personalized traffic
information and alerts to ease the driving experience for commuters,
travelers, and professional drivers. RealTraffic already boasts a
strong customer base that includes State DOTs and media portals.
"Surveys of mobile subscribers consistently indicate traffic as one
of the most sought after services," said Jeff Papows, CEO for
Maptuit. “No one wants to be stuck in traffic that they could have
avoided through an alert on their cell phone or through an email.
Our relationship with Westwood One allows us to deliver this
valuable service to make life easier for commuters, professional
drivers, or anyone on the go."
“With RealTraffic, we are able to provide our customers with a
traffic reporting service to integrate into their Web site, to help
their subscribers make the most of their commute.” said Richard
Marks, SVP, Westwood One. “We chose to work with Maptuit to develop
the RealTraffic services, as they exceeded our criteria for superior
technology, data, processes, and service records.”
RealTraffic is a Web service that allows DOTs and media portals to
provide accurate real-time traffic and construction information
content on their site. With street-level directions integrated with
traffic incident information, RealTraffic allows drivers to see
conditions that will affect their daily commute or travels.
RealTraffic will proactively search for exceptional traffic on each
commuter’s route, and will send personalized alerts to their cell
phone or email if there are any problems. Additional alerts made
available through RealTraffic include weather conditions, and other
important broadcast messages to the community such as Amber Alerts.
Maptuit and Westwood One have developed the RealTraffic service by
leveraging the core strengths of both companies. Together,
RealTraffic is becoming a “must have” traffic service to ease the
commuting experience and aid in trip planning for the professional
driver, and is projected to exceed a million subscribers to the
service by 2005.
RealTraffic is currently being used by the New Jersey Department of
Transportation for its statewide traveler information Website.
RealTraffic is also under development for South Florida’s SunGuide
traveler information service.
About Westwood One
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides local content to the radio and TV
industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news
services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic
information centers for state and local departments of
transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to wireless,
Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and voice portal customers.
Westwood One serves more than 7,700 radio stations. Westwood One is
managed by Infinity Broadcasting Corporation. For more information
visit www.westwoodone.com.
About Maptuit Corporation
Founded in 1999, Maptuit provides the most comprehensive road and
location information service for the consumer and transportation
markets. With Maptuit’s advanced Web services, companies benefit
from the ability to easily look up addresses, create maps, perform
proximity searches, generate optimized routes and provide
directions. For more information please visit www.maptuit.com.
To unsubscribe from this list, please hit reply to this email and
type unsubscribe in the subject line. Thank you.
Maptuit is a registered trademark in the United States, and Maptuit,
RealTraffic and other names or logos identifying the services are
trademarks or service marks of Maptuit Corporation.
Noreen Vincent
(Noreen.Vincent@maptuit.com)
Phone: 781.685.4693
- 01-16-2004
NCDOT selects PBS&J and the National 511 Alliance to provide
statewide travel information service:
Orlando, FL
– The North Carolina
Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced today that it has
selected the National 511 Alliance to provide real-time travel
information to the commuters and travelers of North Carolina via a
simple, easy-to-use telephone system. Starting in the summer of
2004, travelers in North Carolina will be able to access statewide
information about traffic, construction zones, road conditions, and
more by dialing 5-1-1 on a wireless or landline phone.
“We are very excited about providing this new service to the
travelers of North Carolina. 511 will allow NCDOT and our partners
to put information about current travel conditions where it is
needed most – in the hands of those using the roads,” said Jo Ann
Oerter, NCDOT project manager. The voice-activated 511 system will
also connect users to information about train service, ferries, and
buses, allowing riders to get useful information for trip planning
purposes. The 511 system will build upon the information already
available to the public at www.ncsmartlink.org and www.511nc.org.
In the western portion of neighboring Virginia, the easy-to-remember
travel information system has enjoyed success with travelers since
its launch in February 2002. Todd Kell, formerly the DOT project
manager for Virginia’s 511 system and now with PBS&J, will lead the
efforts of the “511 Alliance” to implement 511 in North Carolina.
According to Kell, “NCDOT and its partners put a lot of time and
effort into planning their 511 system. They clearly did their
homework and have included some nice features that no other service
in the country has.” He added, “Our job is to make it happen.”
The National 511 Alliance, led by PBS&J, will build, operate, and
maintain the 511 service under a $2.48-million contract for a
minimum of two years and up to five years should NCDOT exercise all
available optional years. Other members of the Alliance include
SmartRoute Systems/Westwood One (SRS), Tele Atlas North America,
Inc. (Tele Atlas), and Meteorlogix, each providing specialized
content or delivery services for the system.
The roles each firm plays in the Alliance are:
• PBS&J – Coordination, Project Management, Project Design and
Documentation
• SRS/Westwood One – Traffic Content, Operations and 511 Interactive
Voice Response (IVR) telephone system implementation
• Tele Atlas – Map Databases, Interface Development, Traffic
Workstations, and Traveler Information Servers.
• Meteorlogix – Travel-related weather information, the projected
impact of weather on travel times, and real-time alerting
capabilities.
About the National 511 Alliance (www.511alliance.com)
In May 2003, PBS&J, SmartRoute Systems/Westwood One (SRS), Tele
Atlas, and Meteorlogix combined their talents to form the National
511 Alliance with the goal of providing advanced 511 capabilities
for local and state agencies that would meet and surpass the
industry guidelines.
The Alliance's goal is to assist in taking 511 from a "nice-to-have"
option to a necessity with demonstrated value for the traveling
public, policy makers, and the transportation community.
For more information, please contact the National 511 Alliance at
(800) 284-5182 extension 600 or info@511alliance.com.
About PBS&J (www.pbsj.com)
PBS&J is a leading provider of infrastructure planning, engineering,
construction management, and program management services. The
employee-owned firm is ranked by Engineering News-Record as 25th
among the nation's top 500 consulting firms and 9th among the
nation’s 50 largest transportation firms. The firm is also ranked
2nd in CE News' list of "Best Civil Engineering Firms to Work For."
PBS&J has more than 3,300 employees and 60 offices located
throughout the US. and abroad.
About SmartRoute Systems/Westwood One (www.smartroute.com)
SRS/Westwood One is a national leader in traffic information in the
United States. In existence for 25 years, Westwood One operates 71
traffic operations centers in the US., delivering traffic
information in 97 cities. SmartRoute Systems, established in 1988,
provides local traffic, news, sports and weather information to
wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems, and voice portal
customers. SmartRoute was acquired by Westwood One in November of
2000 and now has available traffic incident data from Metro
Networks, in addition to news and other local content.
About Tele Atlas (www.na.teleatlas.com)
Founded in 1984, Tele Atlas is a worldwide leading provider of
digital maps and dynamic location content for a variety of
navigation, location-based services and geospatial products and
database solutions. Tele Atlas’ database is a highly accurate
reproduction of today's street network, enabling turn-by-turn route
guidance on a high percentage of European, US. and Canadian roads.
Tele Atlas’ compatibility with major navigation systems and its open
system design have placed the company’s technology at the heart of
both consumer and business-to-business applications worldwide. From
logistics to marketing to traffic and fleet management, in almost
every sector of today's business and consumer world, Tele Atlas has
built a reputation as an acknowledged pioneer and leader in the
digital map industry.
About Meteorlogix (www.meteorlogix.com)
Meteorlogix is an institutionally-owned private company. Based in
Minneapolis, Meteorlogix delivers industry-specific weather
management capabilities for its customers to manage weather-related
business risks, maximize personal safety and minimize financial
loss. Meteorlogix serves more than 20,000 customers with a focus on
public safety, broadcast media, transportation, energy and aviation
industries. Its client roster includes the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, Reuters, Bloomberg, Union Pacific Railroad,
Tennessee Valley Authority, US Airways, City of Orlando, and
Travelocity.
Contact:
Kathe Riley Jackson
Corporate Communications Manager
800-284-5182 (ext 331)
krjackson@pbsj.com
Mailing Address:
PBS&J
482 S. Keller Road
Orlando, Florida 32810
North Carolina DOT Contact:
Jo Ann Oerter
511 Project Manager
NCDOT
919-233-9331 (ext 233)
joerter@dot.state.nc.us
2000 Press Releases
- 06-12-2000
WESTWOOD ONE, INC. TO ACQUIRE SMARTROUTE SYSTEMS, INC. -- WESTWOOD ONE EXPANDS TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
TO FOCUS ON INTERNET, WIRELESS AND IN-VEHICLE MARKETS:
CAMBRIDGE, MA--(PRNewswire)--June 12, 2000 -- Westwood One, Inc. (NYSE: WON) and
affiliates of Sandler Capital Management today announced a definitive agreement by which Westwood One will acquire the operating assets
of SmartRoute Systems.
The acquisition will allow Westwood One to utilize the technology developed by SmartRoute to expand its delivery of local traffic and
other related content via new and emerging technologies, as well as to enhance the services currently provided by SmartRoute to various
government agencies. SmartRoute's technology, combined with Westwood One's traffic content available through its Metro Networks/Shadow
Broadcast Services subsidiaries, will enable Westwood One to provide its content to new media outlets including the Internet, wireless
and in-vehicle markets. The completion of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including the expiration of the
Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period.
Arnold Sheiffer, Chief Executive Officer, SmartRoute Systems stated: "The agreement with Westwood represents the best opportunity for both
companies to continue to develop new products and services for our public and private clients."
Joel Hollander, Westwood One President and Chief Executive Officer stated: "Westwood's extensive information databases and sales organization
combined with SmartRoute's WINGS delivery system will strategically position the company as the preeminent supplier of local traffic content
and information to the Internet and other wireless technologies."
SmartRoute, Systems, headquartered in Cambridge, MA, provides traffic and travel information services to consumers in the home, office and
vehicle. The Company disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response,
in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler.. SmartRoute will continue to provide these
services to the public, private and emerging business sectors. For more information about SmartRoute Systems, log onto the Company's website
at www.smartraveler.com.
Westwood One provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features, live events and 24-hour Formats. Through its
subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV industries including news,
sports, weather, traffic video news services and other information. Westwood One serves more than 7500 radio stations. Westwood One, Inc. is
managed by Infinity Broadcasting.
Contact:
Beth Bower
617-494-8100
bbower@smartroute.com
- 04-25-2000
New Jersey DOT adds SmarTraveler Information Service to South Jersey/Camden Area :
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J.--April 25, 2000 -- Southern New Jersey commuters now have access to real-time traffic information as part
of an expansion of SmarTraveler services provided by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and SmartRoute Systems Inc. of
Cambridge, MA. SmartRoute has been providing similar services in southeastern Pennsylvania under an agreement with the Pennsylvania Department
of Transportation since 1997.
Starting this week, South Jersey/Camden area commuters have access to up-to-the-minute, route-specific traffic and transit information via mobile
and landline telephone as well as the Internet. Commuters can reach the service by dialing (856) 795-9400. Mobile phone users can reach the service
with a call by dialing Cellular #211 from most mobile phones (a free call from CellularOne and SprintPCS). Online traffic information is available
at www.SmarTraveler.com.
The coverage area for the service includes roadways and major thoroughfares from Trenton to the Delaware Memorial Bridge in southwestern New Jersey.
Highways covered include: Interstate 76/NJ 42, I-95 and I-295; US 1, 30 and 322; NJ 38, 70, and 90; all of the Delaware River bridges and the New
Jersey Turnpike. The service also includes information on current transit conditions on PATCO, NJ Transit and Mercer Metro buses. SmartRoute Systems
has established a workstation at the New Jersey Department of Transportation Traffic Operations Center in Mount Laurel, staffed by a Traffic Information
Manager.
Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related travel information services to consumers under the brand name
SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country.
For more information or to schedule a photo opportunity at the NJDOT Traffic Operations Center, please contact Bob Murphy at 215-567-0100.
Contact:
Bob Murphy
215-567-0100
David Fierro
352-258-2791
NJDOT Contact:
Jim Berzok
609-530-2034
- 03-20-2000
Point, Click and Move-on! SmarTraveler.com Launches in the Denver Metropolitan Area -- National Expansion Continues
With Online Traffic Information Now Available in 13 Markets:
Denver, CO.--March 20, 2000 -- SmartRoute Systems announces the availability of up-to-the-minute, route-specific traffic
information for the Denver metropolitan area on the Internet at www.smartraveler.com.
The addition of Denver to the family of SmarTraveler cities marks the continuation of an aggressive national expansion effort in the year 2000.
"Adding Denver to our deployed city list is an important step towards our company's stronghold on a national footprint for SmarTraveler
traffic information services," stated Arnie Sheiffer, chairman and CEO of SmartRoute Systems. Internet users can now access the Denver area's latest
traffic and transit conditions for their commutes by simply clicking on the SmarTraveler.com route map. Statewide road and weather condition
information can also be accessed. Helpful features of the site include:
- Icons - which are color-coded for the user to quickly see whether a route is "ok", "slow" or experiencing delays.
- Text Reports - details of any incidents on the roadways.
- Travel Times - that tell the user exactly how long a drive
will take along a specific road segment.
- Construction/Event Information - that is displayed on appropriate route pages to notify users of construction and events that may affect
traffic
- Statewide Road and Weather Conditions - updated throughout the day.
SmartRoute Systems is under contract to Lockheed Martin to provide the SmarTraveler.com service as part of the Colorado Department
of Transportation's Colorado Statewide Transportation Management System. Data collection resources for the service include: CCTV cameras, road
sensors, fixed-wing aircraft, SmartRoute Systems Road Reporters, CDOT road maintenance crews, the Colorado State Patrol, the Regional Transportation
District (RTD), Mile High Courtesy Patrol, greater Denver police and other emergency service agencies. Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides
traffic and related traveler information services to consumers in the home, office, and vehicle. The company currently disseminates a range
of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast
media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information on SmartRoute Systems, log
on to the company's website at www.smartraveler.com.
Contact:
Brad Patterson
(303) 512-5824
Katy Wallace
617-494-8100
- 03-13-2000
Audiopoint Teams with SmarTraveler® to Provide On-Demand Web Traffic Updates by Phone -- Now Mobile Consumers in Nation's
Capital Can Get Road-Specific Traffic Information When They Need It :
WASHINGTON, DC--March 13, 2000 -- Audiopoint, America's free interactive voice connection to the Web, and SmarTraveler®, the nation's premier
provider of traffic and related travel information, have joined forces to provide mobile consumers in the Greater WASHINGTON, DC area with on-demand traffic
updates over any phone. SmarTraveler is a service of SmartRoute Systems, Inc.
Audiopoint combines SmarTraveler content with leading-edge speech recognition technology to give callers free access to real-time traffic information. With the
D.C. metro area rated second-worst in the nation for traffic congestion (behind Los Angeles), and recent surveys showing Beltway tie-ups worsening, the
Audiopoint/SmarTraveler "traffic team" gives Washingtonians more traffic information options than ever before.
"Audiopoint and SmarTraveler pick up where traditional traffic reports leave off," said Nick Unger, president and CEO of Audiopoint. "We provide road-specific
traffic information when, where and how you want it. Our on-demand delivery over any phone means our callers can check their route before they get stuck in traffic,
saving valuable time."
"As a working parent, I'm always running from one commitment to another, " said Audrey Schaefer of Derwood, Md. "With Audiopoint, I can check road traffic conditions
real-time, so I don't hit unexpected traffic jams which could throw off my tight schedule. "
"Wireless information services are fast becoming integral to people's daily lives," said Arnold Sheiffer, chairman and CEO of SmartRoute Systems. "We view our
partnership with Audiopoint as an important way to further advance our company's position as the dominant traffic content provider to this explosive market."
Accessing traffic information on Audiopoint is as quick and easy as talking on the phone, says Unger. First, dial 888-38-AUDIO (888-382-8346) from any wireless or
landline phone or #AUDIO on select wireless carriers. After the voice prompt, say "Traffic Report." Then, say your particular route and Audiopoint and SmarTraveler
will do the rest.
For example, say "Interstate 66 " and the service will tell you how traffic is running on I-66 both eastbound and westbound between Centreville, Va. and the Theodore
Roosevelt Bridge. Thanks to SmarTraveler, Audiopoint gives commuters added benefits of traffic volume reports and causes of tie-ups.
Over the next few months, Audiopoint plans to expand the voice portal menu to include movie listings, restaurants, airline schedules and customized information.
Through the new myAudiopoint feature - to be added in the second quarter of calendar year 2000 - Web users will be able to pre-select and customize information
through http://www.myaudiopoint.com.
About Audiopoint
Based in Fairfax, Va., Audiopoint is a fast, free interactive service that combines the information-on-demand capabilities of the Web with advanced speech recognition
technology and the convenience of the telephone. Audiopoint gives people on-the-go instant access to stock quotes, weather reports, sports scores and traffic updates
- precisely the information they specify. The privately held firm was founded in June 1999 in partnership with Reston-based PriceInteractive. For more information,
call (703) 279-3410 or visit www.myaudiopoint.com.
About SmartRoute Systems
Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related travel information services to consumers in the home, office and vehicle. The
Company currently disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device
and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler® in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information about SmartRoute Systems, log onto
the Company's Web site at www.smartraveler.com.
Contact:
Katy Wallace
617-494-8100
kwallace@smartroute.com
Bill Holleran or Chris Lee
Boscobel Communications for Audiopoint
301.588.2900
estn@boscobel.com
clee@boscobel.com
- 03-10-2000
SmarTraveler.com and GiantBear.com Enter Agreement to Deliver Traffic Information Content for New Wireless Applications:
Cambridge, MA--March 10, 2000 -- SmarTraveler.com, providing access to real-time, route-specific traffic and related travel information, has
partnered with GiantBear.com to provide content distribution through new web-to-wireless devices. The GiantBear.com system allows wireless users to access websites
or web-based information on portable phones, pagers and other pervasive computing devices.
"We are pleased to offer our subscribers mobile access to SmarTraveler.com information. This robust and accurate local content will prove to be invaluable to their
busy daily lives", stated Steven Price, chief executive officer of GiantBear.com.
Headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., GiantBear.com was founded by Steven Price and Stuart Rosenstein, seasoned wireless industry executives who ran PriCellular
Corporation, a rural wireless carrier -- and created LiveWire --a diversified software and Internet company focused on business-to-business and mission critical
software products and services for media, telecom and new media companies. The management team includes numerous wireless and Internet industry professionals with
extensive wireless carrier as well as web development and back-end integration experience.
"The explosive growth of wireless information devices has created an ideal market for SmarTraveler real-time, traffic information," stated Arnold Sheiffer, SmartRoute
Systems' chairman and CEO. "Our partnership with GiantBear.com strengthens our position as the dominant traffic information provider to the wireless community."
Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related travel information services to consumers in the home, office and vehicle. The
Company currently disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device
and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information about SmartRoute Systems, log onto
the Company's website at www.smartraveler.com.
Contact:
Katy Wallace
617-494-8100
kwallace@smartroute.com
- 02-22-2000
ORACLEMOBILE AND SMARTRAVELER.COM CLEAR THE ROAD FOR WIRELESS ACCESS TO UP-TO-THE-MINUTE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS:
NEW YORK, NY--February 22, 2000 -- SmartRoute Systems, Inc., the nation's premier provider of traffic and related travel information, today
announced they are working with OracleMobile, a subsidiary of Oracle Corp to provide SmarTraveler.com traffic content and services to wireless devices. OracleMobile
customers will have the ability to access real-time traffic information that is customized to the routes they travel. OracleMobile's service is immediately available
at http://www.oramobile.com/.
"With OracleMobile, SmarTraveler.com customers will be able to take advantage of accessing the latest, route-specific traffic conditions for their area from mobile
devices for the first time," said Denise Lahey, CEO of OracleMobile. "At the touch of a button, OracleMobile gets you from where you are to where you want to be."
OracleMobile was formed by Oracle Corp. to focus on the rapidly emerging wireless Internet market. OracleMobile is effectively mobilizing the Web with initial access
to content and services from 20 leading Internet sites. OracleMobile's service is free of charge to consumers and supports wireless devices with Web or messaging
capabilities.
"OracleMobile is poised to change the way people access the Internet," said Arnie Sheiffer, Chairman and CEO of SmartRoute Systems. "We are excited to offer
SmarTraveler.com traffic information through this groundbreaking dissemination platform."
About SmartRoute Systems
Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related travel information services to consumers in the home, office and vehicle. The
Company currently disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device
and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information about SmartRoute Systems, log onto
the Company's website at www.smartraveler.com.
*Trademarks Oracle is a registered trademark and OracleMobile is a trademark or registered trademark of Oracle Corporation. SmarTraveler is a registered trademark
of SmartRoute Systems, Inc.
Contact:
Katy Wallace
617-494-8100
kwallace@smartroute.com
- 01-25-2000
SmartRoute Systems Now Providing Traffic Information to Detroit's Top Rated Radio Station, WWJ-AM 950 and Top Rated Television
Station, WXYZ-TV -- Company continues to expand list of television and radio media clients:
Detroit, MI--January 25, 2000 -- SmartRoute Systems now provides traffic information to the Detroit metropolitan area's #1 radio station,
WWJ News Radio 950 (CBS Radio), and #1 television station, WXYZ-TV(ABC/Disney Affiliate).
WWJ News Radio 950
SmartRoute Systems provides WWJ radio with traffic reports broadcast live from the SmartRoute Systems Operations Center. The reports air every 10 minutes on WWJ,
and include accurate, high quality details on current traffic conditions in the region.
WXYZ-TV
SmartRoute Systems began providing WXYZ-TV with traffic information this past November. WXYZ broadcasts real-time video from 158 of the Michigan Department of
Transportation's highway cameras located at the SmartRoute Systems Operations Center. SmartRoute Systems also provides the station with traffic information on
all major interstate freeways and state trunkline highways for incorporation into their traffic reports. WXYZ gained #1 rating status in the adult 25-54
demographic for their morning news broadcasts this past fall -- which coincides with the premier of SmarTraveler traffic reports.
WWJ and WXYZ join other major media outlets on SmartRoute Systems' growing client list including: WCVB-TV, Boston; WPVI-TV Philadelphia; WCPO-TV Cincinnati;
Jacor Broadcasting, Cablevision, Media One, Cox Communications, and Jones Cable.
"We are thrilled to be servicing high caliber media outlets such as WWJ radio and WXYZ-TV", stated Arnie Sheiffer, Chairman and CEO of SmartRoute Systems.
"The addition of these stations to our client roster further secures SmartRoute Systems position as a major player in the TV and radio traffic business."
SmartRoute Systems operates in the Detroit area out of the Michigan Department of Transportation's Intelligent Transportation Systems Center under a unique
public-private partnership agreement. This high-tech Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) collects and disseminates the region's most accurate travel
information. Data collection resources include: 158 CCTV cameras, 2,600 mainline loop sensors, the Michigan State Police; 7 County Sheriffs; 250 local police
agencies; MDOT; 9 County Road Commissions; numerous EMS companies, fire departments, emergency management agencies; over 440 mobile probes, the Michigan
Emergency Patrol, various towing companies, trucking companies, and media partners.
Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related travel information services to consumers in the home, office and vehicle.
The Company currently disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle
navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information about
SmartRoute Systems, log onto the Company's website at www.smartraveler.com.
Contact:
Jeff Bauer
(313) 964-8490
Katy Wallace
(617) 494-8100
- 01-19-2000
SmartRoute Systems Appoints Kate Adams as Chief Operating Officer:
Cambridge, MA--January 19, 2000 -- SmartRoute Systems' Board of Directors announces the appointment of Kate Adams as Chief Operating
Officer effective today. Ms. Adams will oversee the company's engineering, sales and operations functions
as SmartRoute continues to expand into new regions and increases its market penetration.
"We are pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Adams to this key senior management position", stated Arnie Sheiffer,
Chairman and CEO of SmartRoute Systems. "Her extensive leadership experience in product development and operations will
greatly benefit the company as we increase our product offerings and our geographic expansion."
Ms. Adams comes to SmartRoute Systems from CableSoft Incorporated (recently purchased by Motorola Corporation) where she
served as Executive Vice President. In this position, she was instrumental in the development and launch of a successful
interactive local information product for cable viewers. Prior to joining CableSoft, Ms. Adams was Vice President/General
Manager for Bell Atlantic Video Services.
Ms. Adams also brings over 15 years of management, marketing, operations and product development experience in the
cable/broadband industry to her new position at SmartRoute Systems. She held various management positions at both
Cablevision Systems and Viacom Cablevision, most notably as General Manager of Cablevision's largest system serving over
400,000 customers in New York. Ms. Adams has an MBA from The Wharton School and a BA from Wheaton College.
Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related travel information services to consumers in
the home, office and vehicle. The Company currently disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the
wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name
SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information about SmartRoute Systems, log onto the
Company's website at www.smartraveler.com.
Contact:
Katy Wallace
617-494-8100
- 01-11-2000
SmartRoute Systems Debuts "SmarTravelerTV" on MediaOne -- Cable Television Program Now
Providing Continuous Traffic, Transit, and Weather for the Morning Rush Hour Commute to 575,000 MediaOne Customers:
Cambridge, MA--January 11, 2000 -- SmartRoute Systems, the leading high-tech content provider of continuous traffic and related traveler information,
announces the premier of its live, continuous rush-hour cable television program SmarTravelerTV to 575,000 of MediaOne's
cable customers in Eastern Massachusetts.
The first and only program of its kind in the country, SmarTravelerTV provides an invaluable information service a cable
television program containing accurate, route-specific traffic, transit, and weather information broadcast continuously to
keep morning rush hour travelers up-to-date about their commutes. Broadcast live from the high-tech SmarTraveler Control
Center in Cambridge, MA, SmarTravelerTV anchor reporters are aided by live highway cameras and sophisticated maps to report
the latest commuter news to viewers. This fast-paced, advertiser-sponsored program was launched nationally in the
Washington, DC metropolitan area in 1998, and is also carried locally by Cablevision, Boston/Brookline.
"MediaOne is pleased to bring SmarTravelerTV's up to the minute commuter information to our Eastern Massachusetts
customers. The launch of this informative program, which is exclusive to MediaOne in its franchise communities, is part of
MediaOne's ongoing commitment to provide more local, community-focused programming to our customers," said R.B. Lerch,
vice-president of original programming for MediaOne's Northeast Region.
The show will be available initially to approximately 575,000 of Media-One's subscribers and will provide new traffic,
transit and weather and updates every five minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. [Editor's Note: A complete listing of
communities and channel access information is attached.]
MediaOne Group (NYSE: UMG) is one of the world's largest Broadband communications companies, bringing the power of
Broadband and the Internet to customers in the United States, Europe and Asia. The company also has interests in some of
the fastest-growing wireless communications businesses outside the U.S. For 1998, the businesses that comprise MediaOne
Group produced $7.1 billion in proportionate revenue. On May 6, 1999, the company entered into an agreement to merge with
AT&T.
Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related travel information services to consumers in
the home, office and vehicle. The Company currently disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the
wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name
SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information about SmartRoute Systems, log onto the
Company's website at www.smartraveler.com.
SmarTravelerTV Media One Access Listing
| Town |
Channel
|
|
Town |
Channel
|
| Andover |
8
|
|
Needham |
8
|
| Arlington |
8
|
|
Newburyport |
8
|
| Attleboro |
9
|
|
Newburyport |
8
|
| Avon |
9
|
|
Newton |
8
|
| Beverly |
8
|
|
North Andover |
8
|
| Billerica |
8
|
|
North Reading |
8
|
| Bolton |
8
|
|
Norwell |
8
|
| Boxford |
9
|
|
Quincy |
8
|
| Brockton |
9
|
|
Randolph |
8
|
| Burlington |
8
|
|
Raynham |
9
|
| Cambridge |
8
|
|
Reading |
8
|
| Chemlsford |
8
|
|
Rehoboth |
9
|
| Clinton |
8
|
|
Revere |
8
|
| Cohassett |
8
|
|
Rowley |
8
|
| Dedham |
8
|
|
Saugus |
8
|
| Dracut |
8
|
|
Scituate |
8
|
| E. Bridgewater |
9
|
|
Sherborn |
8
|
| Easton |
9
|
|
Sterling |
8
|
| Hamilton |
8
|
|
Stoneham |
8
|
| Hanover |
8
|
|
Stoughton |
9
|
| Hanson |
9
|
|
Tewksbury |
8
|
| Hingham |
8
|
|
Topsfield |
8
|
| Holbrook |
9
|
|
Waltham |
8
|
| Hopkinton |
8
|
|
Watertown |
8
|
| Hull |
8
|
|
Wayland |
8
|
| Ipswich |
8
|
|
Wellesley |
8
|
| Lancaster |
8
|
|
Wenham |
8
|
| Lawrence |
8
|
|
W. Bridgewater |
9
|
| Lowell |
8
|
|
West Newbury |
8
|
| Marblehead |
8
|
|
Weston |
8
|
| Marlboro |
8
|
|
Weymouth |
8
|
| Methuen |
8
|
|
Whitman |
8
|
| Middleton |
8
|
|
Wilmington |
9
|
| Milford |
8
|
|
Winchester |
8
|
| Milton |
8
|
|
Woburn |
8
|
| Nahant |
8
|
|
|
|
| Natick |
8
|
|
|
|
Contact:
Jeff Larson
Katy Wallace
617-494-8100
1999 Press Releases
- 12-21-1999
Smartraveler.com Launches in the Detroit Metropolitan Area --
Up-to-the-minute, route-specific traffic information available 24-Hours a Day/7-Days a Week:
CAMBRIDGE, MA--December 21, 1999 -- SmartRoute Systems and the Michigan Department of Transportation
announce the availability of up-to-the-minute, route-specific traffic information for the Detroit metropolitan area
on the Internet at www.smartraveler.com.
Internet users can now access the area's latest traffic and weather conditions for their commutes by simply clicking on the
smartraveler.com route map. Helpful features of the site include:
- Icons - which are color-coded for the user to quickly see whether a
route is "ok", "slow" or experiencing delays
- Text Reports - details of any incidents on the roadways
- Travel Times - that tell the user exactly how long a drive will take
along a specific road segment
- Construction/Event Information - that is displayed on appropriate route
pages to notify users of construction and events that may affect traffic
- Weather - extraordinary weather events forecast or occurring in the
area
In addition to this website, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic information to Detroit's top-rated WXYZ-TV, and plans to
launch other wireless, broadcast, in-vehicle and interactive voice-response traveler information products in the coming
year.
SmartRoute Systems operates in the Detroit area out of the Michigan Department of Transportation's Intelligent
Transportation Systems Center under a unique public-private partnership agreement. This high-tech Advanced Traffic
Management System (ATMS) collects and disseminates the region's most accurate travel information. Data collection resources
include: 158 CCTV cameras, 2,600 mainline loop sensors, the Michigan State Police; 7 County Sheriffs; 250 local police
agencies; MDOT; 9 County Road Commissions; numerous EMS companies, fire departments, emergency management agencies; over
440 mobile probes, the Michigan Emergency Patrol, various towing companies, trucking companies, and media partners.
The coverage area for this system includes 180 miles of expressways in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties. The system
allows for information to be disseminated 24-hours per day, 7-days a week.
"We are very pleased to partner with SmartRoute Systems to expand our real-time traffic information available via the
Internet," said State Transportation Director, James DeSana. "This is just one of the many exciting enhancements planned to
improve the safety and efficiency of our transportation system."
Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related traveler information services to consumers
in the home, office, and vehicle. The company currently disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to
the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand
name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information on SmartRoute Systems, log on to the
company's website at www.smartroute.com.
Contact:
Katy Wallace
(617) 494-8100
Jeff Bauer
(313) 964-8490
- 12-15-1999
SUNGUIDE Agencies Select SmartRoute Systems for Public-Private Partnership To Deliver
Advanced Traveler Information Services (ATIS) To South Florida -- Deployment to Begin 1st Quarter 2000, with System Available
to the Public by End of Year 2000.:
CAMBRIDGE, MA--December 15, 1999 -- The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced today that the
SUNGUIDE partners, consisting of transportation agencies in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, have selected SmartRoute
Systems to design, deploy and operate Advanced Traveler Information Services in South Florida.
SmartRoute Systems' selection was made following a competitive public bid process for this five-year, $4 million contract.
Under the contract, SmartRoute Systems will provide an interactive voice response (IVR) telephone system and a web site -
both free to the public. The IVR system will provide landline and mobile callers with up-to-the-minute, route specific
traffic and transit information on demand. The web site will allow users to simply point and click on a regional map to
access the latest route-specific travel conditions for the area. The company plans to launch other enhanced wireless, in-
vehicle, cable and broadcast products in the region. SmartRoute Systems will begin the design and deployment process early
in 2000, with services available to the traveling public by end of year 2000.
These services are components of the regional SUNGUIDE program for South Florida. SUNGUIDE is a comprehensive Intelligent
Transportation Systems (ITS) initiative provided by FDOT's District 4 (Broward and Palm Beach Counties), District 6 (Miami-
Dade County), Florida's Turnpike, as well as regional transit agencies and Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
In addition, SmartRoute Systems has selected a handful of prominent local southern Florida companies to serve as sub-
contractors on this project. They are Frederick R. Harris, Kimley- Horn, David Fierro & Associates and the Center for Urban
Transportation Research.
Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related traveler information services to consumers
in the home, office, and vehicle. The company currently provides a range of multimedia traveler information services to the
wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name
SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information on SmartRoute Systems, log on to the
company's website at www.smartroute.com.
Contact:
Katy Wallace
(617) 494-8100
David Fierro
(305) 245-9267
- 11-04-1999
SmartRoute Systems to Provide WPVI-TV Philadelphia with Live Traffic Reports -- Deployment
to Begin 1st Quarter 2000, with System Available -- Company Now Services Four Network TV Affiliates, Radio Stations and Three
Cable TV Providers.:
CAMBRIDGE, MA--November 04, 1999 -- SmartRoute Systems, Inc. has announced that it will provide WPVI-TV,
Channel 6 - the number one rated station in the Philadelphia market - with live traffic reports beginning November 8, 1999.
Broadcast live from the SmarTraveler® Operations Center in Philadelphia, these traffic reports will provide viewers with high
quality and informative traffic reports using high-tech mapping and graphics, as well as a look at live traffic cameras throughout
the area. Veteran Philadelphia area traffic reporter, John Valerio will serve as the live anchor.
WPVI-TV joins WCVB-TV Boston, WXYZ-TV Detroit and WCPO-TV Cincinnati in the list of major network affiliate stations that
recognize the depth and breadth of traffic information that only SmartRoute Systems is capable of providing. SmartRoutes
also services several radio stations with traffic information and three cable TV providers with the unique and popular
SmarTravelerTV™ morning traffic show.
"We are pleased and privileged to add powerhouse WPVI-TV to our fast growing list of broadcast clients", stated SmartRoute
Systems' CEO Arnie Sheiffer. "This deal represents a major step towards securing SmartRoutes as a significant player in the
broadcast traffic report business".
Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related traveler information services to consumers
in the home, office, and vehicle.. The company currently provides a range of multimedia traveler information services to
the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand
name SmarTraveler® in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information on SmartRoute Systems, log on to the
company's website at www.smartroute.com.
Contact:
Katy Wallace
SmartRoute Systems
(617) 494-8100
- 11-01-1999
SmartRoute Systems Selected to Operate Two Major ITS Operation Centers - Boston's Central
Artery/Tunnel Project Interim Operations Center and the Central Indiana Advanced Traffic Management System:
CAMBRIDGE, MA--November 01, 1999 -- SmartRoute Systems, Inc. has been recently selected to operate two major
metropolitan ITS Operations Centers.
The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority has selected SmartRoute Systems to negotiate a three year contract (with a two year
renewal option) to continue to operate the Central Artery/Tunnel Project's Interim Operation Center. This high-tech nerve
center for the nation's largest public works project uses a sophisticated system including cameras, electronic message
signs and direct communications with construction and project personnel to collect and disseminate project information to
residents, businesses and public agencies. SmartRoute Systems has been operating this center since 1995.
The Indiana Department of Transportation (InDOT) is in the process of deploying a statewide traffic management/advanced
traveler information system called ATIS. SmartRoute Systems (under a 2 year sub-contract with HNTB) has been chosen to
provide operation support for InDOT's Traffic Management Center which includes the collection and dissemination of incident
data through Changeable Message Signs, Highway Advisory Radio, pagers, and the internet.
Arnie Sheiffer, CEO of SmartRoute Systems states that, "we are pleased to continue our strong and important partnership
with the Central Artery Tunnel Project, and the management of InDOT's traffic management center is a welcome addition to
our public sector project list."
With the continuation of the Central Artery / Tunnel Project's Interim Operations Center contract, and the addition of the
Central Indiana Traffic Management Center, SmartRoute Systems is now
operating high tech ITS operations facilities for five jurisdictions. In addition to the above mentioned facilities the
company operates traffic management centers in Cincinnati, Detroit and Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related traveler information services to consumers
in the home, office and vehicle. Information is delivered via the Internet, wireless devices, in-vehicle computers,
interactive voice response systems and broadcast media under the SmarTraveler® brand name in metropolitan areas across the
country, including Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, DC, the Twin Cities, Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cincinnati, Los
Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. For more information about SmartRoute Systems, visit the company's website at
www.smartroute.com.
Contact:
Katy Wallace
SmartRoute Systems
(617) 494-8100
- 10-21-1999
Philly.com and SmarTraveler Announce New Traffic Information Service On www.philly.com:
Philadelphia, PA--October 21, 1999 -- A new service providing up-to-the-minute information on traffic and
commuter conditions has launched on philly.com, the online service of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News.
This new service, called SmarTraveler, gives commuters up-to-the-minute, route-specific information about the highways
they travel each day, including current travel times, construction information and incident reports of accidents or
breakdowns.
The SmarTraveler service uses information and technology developed by SmartRoute Systems, Inc., in cooperation with the
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and it is designed to take some of the uncertainty and frustration out of
everyday travel.
The new SmarTraveler service on philly.com gives customers up-to-the-minute traffic conditions and expected travel times
and speeds on 40 major highways segments in the region; updates on SEPTA and New Jersey transit lines; and information on
regional special events and construction projects. SmarTraveler's coverage area includes major highways in Philadelphia,
Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties; the urbanized area of New Jersey adjacent to Philadelphia; and northern
Delaware.
The new service can be found by logging onto www.philly.com/traffic. In addition, there will be links to the service from
the home page of philly.com.
"SmarTraveler is another example of philly.com's commitment to expanding its local content and providing our users with
timely, useful information," said philly.com Managing Editor, John McQuiggan.
"We are very excited about this new partnership with philly.com that brings the SmarTraveler information service to more
and more Philadelphia area residents and visitors," said Bob Murphy, general manager of SmartRoute Systems' Philadelphia
operation.
The SmarTraveler traffic information service is also available free via touch-tone phone at 215-567-5678 or by dialing #211
from most wireless phones (a free call for Sprint PCS and Cellular One customers).
Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related traveler information services to consumers
in the home, office and vehicle. The company provides a range of multimedia traveler information services under the
"SmarTraveler" brand name in metropolitan areas across the country, including Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, DC, the
Twin Cities, Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. More information on
SmartRoute Systems can be found on the company's Web site at www.smartroute.com.
Contact:
Bob Murphy
SmarTraveler
215-567-0100
bmurphy@smartroute.com
- 09-22-1999
INTELLIGENT INFORMATION INCORPORATED -- DETOURS TRAFFIC CONGESTION WITH SMARTROUTE SYSTEMS:
NEW ORLEANS, LA--September 22, 1999 -- Intelligent Information Incorporated (III), a
leading provider of personalized wireless content and commerce services, has announced a partnership with SmartRoute Systems,
a top provider of traffic information nationwide, to provide personalized traffic alerts to consumers’ digital phones and
alphanumeric pagers. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
This partnership represents III’s commitment to personalized services that inform consumers and make their lives easier,
explained Stephen G. Maloney, President and CEO of III. The service will be available in the first quarter of 2000 for the
Boston, New York City, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington, DC metro areas.
Subscribers will receive "incident oriented" traffic alerts based on individual route and time preferences. Using a Web-
based provisioning system, subscribers will be able to choose the specific routes for which they wish to receive alerts,
and the times during which they want to be alerted. III expects coverage to be expanded to eventually include the Detroit,
Cincinnati, Denver, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Phoenix, Baltimore, Dallas and Houston metro areas.
"Traffic alerts are a high-demand service because they have the potential to considerably ease the stress of commuting for
many customers, especially in our target markets," commented Maloney. "We want to do more than just tell people that
traffic is bad. By partnering with SmartRoute Systems, we will empower our customers with the most detailed traffic
information possible, as quickly as possible."
"The strong relationships that III has with its wireless carrier partners provides us with a highly effective vehicle for
distributing our information," said Arnold (Arnie) Sheiffer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SmartRoute Systems
Inc. in Boston. "III is highly experienced at delivering real-time, customized information to meet the specific needs of
individuals."
Intelligent Information Incorporated (III) has created more than 20 interactive wireless portals for major North American
wireless carriers and new media organizations. Founded in 1991, III is the leading provider of personalized information and
consumer e-commerce services to mobile phones, pagers and palmtops. Customizable text and voice-based services, including
news, sports, weather, traffic, and stock quotes, help wireless carriers increase revenue and reduce churn. III's services
for Web sites extend the sites' presence beyond the time a user spends online and provide a higher level of "stickiness."
SmartRoute Systems collects, processes and delivers a broad range of "real time" customized traffic information products
under the brand name SmarTraveler to consumers via all broadcast, electronic and wireless media. For more information,
visit the company's Web site at www.smartroute.com.
For more information on III, visit www.intelligentinfo.com or call (800) MARCONI.
Contact:
Stanton Crenshaw Communications
Don Gustavson/Caitlin McConoughey.
203-359-8772
- 08-11-1999
SmartRoute Systems Announces Appointment of New Board of Directors:
Cambridge, MA--August 11, 1999 -- SmartRoute Systems, Inc. has announced the appointment of its new Board
of Directors. Under the leadership of SmartRoute Systems' CEO, Arnold Sheiffer as Chairman of the Board, the new Board is
comprised of the following individuals:
John Fuji - CEO of American Cellular, one of the largest nationwide independent cellular phone companies.
Lisa Cusimano Gallagher - Managing Director of BancBoston Robertson Stephens.
Peter Goulazian - Former CEO, Katz Communications, Inc.
Michael J. Marocco - Managing Partner, Sandler Capital Management.
Douglas E. Schimmel - Partner, Sandler Capital Management.
Arnold Sheiffer states, "this newly formed Board of Directors will give SmartRoute Systems valuable resources to further
solidify the company's position as the nation's premier traffic information entity. The new Board will work diligently to
assist the company in focusing on revenue streams in the broadcast television and radio, cable television, online, in-
vehicle and wireless markets, while continuing to broaden our public sector client roster."
SmartRoute Systems collects, processes and delivers a broad range of "real time" customized traffic information products
under the brand name SmarTraveler to consumers via all broadcast, electronic and wireless media. For more information,
visit the company's website at www.smartroute.com
Contact:
Claire Cowart/Katy Wallace
SmartRoute Systems, Inc.
617-494-8100
- 06-21-1999
SmartRoute Systems Names Arnold Sheiffer Chairman/CEO -- Former Katz Media Chief Will Refocus
Corporate Strategy Of Intelligent Transportation Systems Leader -- Paul Hamnett upped to Exec VP/COO: Susan Dalton to CFO; Claire
Cowart Continues as Senior VP Market Development/Sales:
Cambridge, MA--June 21, 1999 -- Arnold (Arnie) Sheiffer has been named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
SmartRoute Systems Inc. (SRS) it was announced today by the company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Sheiffer’s appointment is part of a
corporate reorganization including a major commitment on the part of Sandler Media, SRS’ financial partner, according to Doug
Schimmel, SRS Board spokesperson.
"SmartRoute Systems' Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) platform is already the nation’s technological leader," said
Mr. Sheiffer. "Our plan is to refocus our strategy by leveraging this competitive advantage to better service existing
clients as well as increasing our client roster."
Mr. Sheiffer was formerly COO of Katz Media, the largest broadcast TV and radio station representative in the world. During
his tenure at Katz, he successfully negotiated the acquisition of a competitive television representative, a cable
representative and a European representation company, which made Katz the only world-wide rep in the industry.
He was the architect of several financial instruments, which not only ensured the company’s financial stability but also
allowed for growth via acquisition or potential internal expansion. Mr. Sheiffer was also the primary negotiator of the
largest commercial real estate lease in New York City in 1991 when Katz moved to its present west side headquarters.
Other significant appointments at SmartRoute Systems were that of Paul Hamnett to Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer and Susan Dalton to Chief Financial Officer.
Mr. Hamnett served as the company’s Vice President of Engineering since 1996. He is the creator of SRS’ proprietary WINGS
system architecture. WINGS provides a high-speed entry system for information management flexible enough to act as a
single dissemination system for a broad scope of consumer devices (telephone, wireless messaging services, on-line, in-
vehicle).
Ms. Dalton has been with SRS since 1993. She was most recently the company’s Vice President and Corporate Controller.
Claire Cowart continues as Senior Vice President, Market Development and Sales. Ms. Cowart joined the company in 1998 and
is responsible for all private sector product lines. Her vast experience in media and converging technologies includes
stints with AT&T, Showtime Networks and Primestar.
SmartRoute Systems collects, processes and delivers a broad range of "real time" customized traffic information to
consumers via all electronic and wireless media. The company serves major market television and radio stations affiliated
with the ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox television networks as well as cable systems, newspaper and online services. This elite list
includes WCVB-TV, The Boston Globe, New England Cable News and Cablevision Systems in Boston; Media General Cable, Jones
Cable Systems, the Washington Post and News Channel 8 in Washington, DC; WXYZ in Detroit; the Philadelphia Inquirer; the
Star Tribune Company in Minneapolis; and WCPO-TV, Jacor/Clear Channel and the Cincinnati Enquirer. Other clients include
companies in the wireless and in-vehicle navigation product categories, as well as state departments of transportation in
the public sector arena.
According to Mr. Sheiffer, "The refocus of the company will take SmartRoute Systems' superb technological platform into the
21st century. Our immediate objectives—expand our presence and continue to refine our products; explore, identify and
develop new product opportunities; and position SRS to capitalize on expansion opportunities. We plan to make SRS the
dominant provider of real time travel information to consumers at home, in the office, in the car, on the phone, on TV,
radio, the web, the newspaper, pagers, mobile phones and all other evolving technologies."
SmartRoute Systems was founded in 1988 and currently provides a range of multimedia traveler information services under the
brand name SmarTraveler in 13 metropolitan regions across the country.
Contact:
Katy Wallace/Claire Cowart
SmartRoute Systems, Inc.
617-494-8100
- 04-21-1999
PageNet Joins SmartRoute and Navtech in In-Vehicle Information Services Alliance --
Leader in Wireless Messaging to Provide Nationwide Coverage for Integrated Traffic and Navigation Information:
Cambridge, MA--April 21, 1999 -- SmartRoute Systems, Inc., the leading high-tech traffic information
content company and Navigation Technologies, the leading turn-by-turn in-vehicle navigation company, have been joined by
PageNet (NASDAQ: PAGE), the leading provider of wireless messaging and information, to offer enhanced in-vehicle traffic
and navigation information.
The result of this agreement will be nationwide traveler information products that provide drivers with enhanced route
directions -- including the quickest route to a destination based on current traffic conditions. These "traffic aware" and
"dynamic route guidance" information services have been in development between SmartRoute and Navigation Technologies since
September 1998. Now, PageNet will provide the communication link to launch these services nationwide later this year.
The three companies are pursuing a place on consumers’ dashboards—through emerging in-vehicle information systems. The
market for these systems and services is expected to explode in the next five years to nine million users in North America,
according to market researchers Price Waterhouse and Dataquest.
"PageNet is pleased to join the SmartRoute and NavTech alliance in pursuing the burgeoning market for in-vehicle
information services," said Scott D. Grimes, senior vice president of corporate development for PageNet. "Our proprietary
information hub and wireless networks provide the optimal solution for this market, delivering to travelers continually
updated route information based on up-to-the-minute traffic reports."
Said Stephen Crosby, chairman and chief executive officer of SmartRoute: "With PageNet joining our alliance we are now able
to offer an end-to-end solution for the rapid deployment of in-vehicle navigation with real-time traffic data. This meets
the urgent need that has been repeatedly expressed by both automotive companies and systems manufacturers."
Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems was founded in 1988 to provide traffic and related traveler information
services to consumers in the home, office, and vehicle. The company currently provides a range of multimedia traveler
information services under the brand name "SmarTraveler" in metropolitan regions across the country.
PageNet is the leading provider of wireless messaging and information services with approximately 10 million subscribers in
all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Canada and Spain. The company offers a full
range of paging and advanced messaging services, including assured-delivery messaging, two-way wireless e-mail, and global
messaging. This year, the company plans to introduce a variety of customizable information services for pagers and other
devices, partnering with content providers such as Yahoo!, CNN, ESPN and others. Additionally, the company develops
integrated wireless solutions to increase productivity and improve performance for major corporations. Detailed information
and coverage maps for PageNet service are available on the Internet at www.pagenet.com.
Contact:
Joy Jennings
PageNet
972-801-8181
John Rourke
SmartRoute Systems, Inc.
617-494-8100
- 03-31-1999
Shadow Broadcast Services and SmartRoute Systems Form Strategic Alliance:
New York, NY--March 31, 1999 -- Shadow Broadcast Services, the national information provider
of news, weather, sports, entertainment, business and traffic to radio and television stations, and SmartRoute
Systems, the high-tech traffic information and services company, have created a strategic alliance to merge traffic operations
in order to provide the public with the most up-to-date travel information.
The partnership between Shadow Broadcast Services and SmartRoute Systems involves the integration of SmartRoute's state-of-
the-art traffic information systems architecture into Shadow's top-notch traffic operations across the country. The
combined traffic gathering and dissemination alliance will allow Shadow to supply the most comprehensive, accurate and
sophisticated travel information for radio, television and other news media.
"Our mission at Shadow has always been to provide our broadcasting and advertising clients with custom programs," stated
Shadow Broadcast Services CEO A. Richard Marks. "This combined effort between our organizations will enable us to super
serve our existing clients and reach out to new customers in both traditional and high-tech media."
SmartRoute Systems' CEO Steve Crosby added, "Integrating SmartRoute's traffic information systems architecture into
Shadow's operation centers across the country ushers in a new level of quality traffic reports for broadcasters, and
facilitates the national roll-out of SmartRoute to the top thirty U.S. metropolitan markets."
About Shadow Broadcast Services: Shadow Broadcast Services, a division of Westwood One, Inc., is America's premier
provider of traffic, news, sports, weather and entertainment programming: partnering with more than 350 of the nation's
highest rated and most respected radio and TV stations in 15 major markets.
About SmartRoute Systems: Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems was founded in 1988 to provide traffic and
related traveler information services to consumers in the home, office, and vehicle. The company currently provides a range
of multimedia traveler information services under the brand name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country.
Contact:
John Rourke
Vice President of Marketing
SmartRoute Systems, Inc.
Boston
617-494-8100
jrourke@smartroute.com
1998 Press Releases
- 11-17-1998
Twin Cities Travelers Outsmart Traffic With New SmarTraveler Information Service -- High-Tech
Mn/DOT Initiative Provides Free Real-time, Route-Specific Traffic and Transit Information Via Telephone and Web Site:
St. Paul, MN--November 17, 1998 -- The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Orion ITS
deployment initiative today announced the launch of the SmarTraveler Information Service. The service utilizes state-of-the-art
technology to provide free, on-demand, real-time, route-specific traffic and transit information for the Twin Cities metropolitan
region to anyone with a touch-tone telephone, mobile phone or access to the Internet. The service is one of the Orion Program’s five Intelligent
Transportation System (ITS) technology initiatives (see fact sheet for additional information).
Beginning today, travelers in the region can access SmarTraveler Information Services through three easy ways:
- Dialing 651-633-8383 from any touch-tone or mobile phone. - Once connected to the
service, an audio menu allows callers to select specific routes and transit services. The
information includes travel times and road conditions as well as event, construction and
congestion information. Users also can connect to area transportation information lines
including Northwest Airlines flight arrival and departure information, Metro Transit fare
and schedule information, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport parking information,
and other transit/rideshare services. Parking information for downtown Minneapolis,
downtown St. Paul, and the University of Minnesota will be added in the coming months.
- Dialing #211 from select wireless phone carriers. - Sprint PCS wireless customers can
dial into the SmarTraveler service by dialing #211, and will not be charged airtime.
AirTouch Cellular expects to offer airtime free #211 access to SmarTraveler by the end of
the week. The project hopes other area wireless carriers will provide their customers with
#211 abbreviated access to SmarTraveler in the near future.
- Connecting to www.smartraveler.com on the
Internet. - This Web site features a point and click map, providing text-based traffic
reports on a six- to ten-mile section of the roadway selected, as well as color-coded
icons for the user to quickly see whether a route is "ok," "slow," or
experiencing "delay" or "alert" conditions. Roadwork construction
information also is provided on appropriate route pages.
"The SmarTraveler Information Service is the first component of the Orion Program that allows citizens to reach out and
make use of this technology initiative," said Jim Wright, Orion’s program director. "With its real-time traffic
information, SmarTraveler goes a long way toward fulfilling Orion’s goal of creating a regional transportation system that
utilizes technology to allow travelers to make informed decisions that will get them to their destinations safely and with
minimal delay."
The SmarTraveler Information Service is a high-tech operation that enhances MnDOT’s existing traffic management system
through a partnership between private industry and several government agencies. SmarTraveler is operated by SmartRoute
Systems, Inc., of Cambridge, Mass., under a four-year contract with Lockheed Martin, general contractor for the Orion
Program.
The SmarTraveler Information Center's extensive data collection resources include: MnDOT’s Traffic Management Center and
freeway surveillance equipment, the ongoing installation of an additional 30 SmarTraveler freeway and arterial cameras,
fixed-wing aircraft, mobile units, and direct communications with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the
Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, Metro Transit, weather information services and others. Data from these sources
is instantaneously loaded into the SmarTraveler database which then disseminates real-time traffic and transit reports
through the telephone and online services.
"We are delighted to bring to this partnership our expertise in providing accurate information to travelers when they want
it, and how they want it," said Steve Crosby, Chairman and CEO of SmartRoute Systems. "Based on our experience in other large metropolitan areas, we think the traveling public will begin to realize
the benefits of this system immediately and commutes will be more pleasant for everyone."
SmartRoute Systems, headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., was founded in 1988 to provide traveler information services to the
home, office, and vehicle. The company currently provides a range of voice, video and data information services under the
brand name SmarTraveler in Boston, Philadelphia, WASHINGTON, DC, and Cincinnati, and now in the Twin Cities. SmartRoute Systems is launching its traffic and traveler
information services in Detroit this month, and plans to be operational in 30 US cities within the next two years.
The Orion Program demonstrates Minnesota’s commitment to the Federal Highway Administration's national vision for using
technology to address transportation needs. The goals of the federal initiative call for programs like Orion to reduce
travel time for Americans by 15 percent, encourage the public and private sectors to "buy smart" rather than spend tax
dollars on new infrastructure, plan for the future and use innovative cost-sharing methods.
SmarTraveler is a registered trademark of SmartRoute Systems, Inc.
Contact:
Andy Brown
MnDOT Orion Program
(651) 582-1406
Bill Gardner/Katy Wallace
SmartRoute Systems, Inc
(651) 582-8030
Greg Bury
Fleishman-Hillard
(612) 573-3104
- 11-03-1998
SmartRoute Systems Acquires Maxwell Technologies’ ITS Division -- SmartRoute Systems
Now to Provide Traffic Information Nationally:
Cambridge, MA--November 03, 1998 -- SmartRoute Systems, the leading high-tech traffic information company,
has acquired the Intelligent Transportation Systems division of Maxwell Technologies. Maxwell’s ITS division currently collects
and processes real-time traffic information in six major US markets, predominantly on the West Coast. The acquisition will
immediately give SmartRoute Systems nationwide major metropolitan coverage for the collection, processing and dissemination
of traffic information, delivered to people through radio, television, internet, paging, and emerging in-vehicle navigation systems.
"The acquisition of Maxwell Technologies’ traffic collection technology and operating sites is a natural fit for
SmartRoute’s national roll-out of our traffic information services," said Steve Crosby, CEO of SmartRoute Systems, "With
Maxwell, we’re now in 12 major metropolitan markets, and the Maxwell assets substantially deepen our strategic skills in
automated data collection and internet applications."
SmartRoute Systems acquired Maxwell’s ITS division with its stock, for an undisclosed value. SmartRoute will acquire all
the assets, contracts, and customers of the Maxwell ITS division, and the companies will immediately begin development to
integrate Maxwell’s public sector automated traffic data into the SmartRoute’s server technology. "When we decided to exit
the ITS business, we wanted to sell our assets to the strongest, long-term player in the traffic information business,"
said Ken Potashner, CEO of Maxwell Technologies, Inc., (NASDAQ: MXWL). "We have tremendous respect for SmartRoute’s
technology and strategy, and we are very excited about their future."
SmartRoute Systems, headquartered in Cambridge, MA, was founded in 1988 to provide traveler information services to the
home, office, and vehicle. The company currently provides a range of voice, video and data information services under the
brand name SmarTraveler in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Cincinnati. SmartRoute Systems is launching its
traffic and traveler information services in Detroit and Minneapolis this month, and will be operational in 30 US cities
within the next two years.
SmarTraveler is a registered trademark of SmartRoute Systems, Inc.
Contact:
John Rourke
SmartRoute Systems
(617) 494-8100
- 11-03-1998
PageNet and SmartRoute Systems Enter Pact To Provide Traffic Reports to Wireless Customers:
DALLAS, TX--November 03, 1998 -- PageNet (NASDAQ: PAGE), the leading wireless messaging and information provider,
and SmartRoute Systems, the leading high-tech traffic information company, announced today that they have entered an agreement to
provide real-time, personalized traffic reports to PageNet subscribers. PageNet expects to offer services with SmartRoute initially
in eight U.S. markets and expanding to additional markets throughout 1999.
"Through market research and our own discussions with customers, we have identified a strong interest in timely traffic
information, delivered wirelessly to our subscribers wherever they are," said John P. Frazee, Jr., chairman, president and
chief executive officer of PageNet.
"Commuters want current information about delays and other relevant traffic data, customized to the daily routes they take
or other specifications. Commercial vehicle operators, frequent business travelers and others also desire traffic
information personalized to their needs."
"SmartRoute Systems is the clear leader in the delivery of customized data to travelers," Mr. Frazee added, "and our
partnership will enable us to deliver this valuable information to a full range of one-way and two-way devices."
"PageNet is the wireless messaging industry leader and is committed to providing the broadest, most diverse range of
information services to its customers," said Steve Crosby, chairman and chief executive officer of SmartRoute. "This
partnership will enable SmartRoute to do what it does best – collect, process and deliver a wide range of electronic
traveler information – through PageNet’s state-of-the-art wireless network and backed by PageNet’s nationwide sales and
marketing infrastructure."
SmartRoute Systems, headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., was founded in 1988 to provide traveler information services to the
home, office and vehicle. The company currently provides a range of voice, video and data information services under the
brand name "SmarTraveler" in Boston, Philadelphia, WASHINGTON, DC, and Cincinnati. SmartRoute Systems is launching its
traveler information services in Detroit and Minneapolis later this month, and will be operational in 30 U.S. cities in the
next two years. Company information is available on the Internet at www.smartroute.com
PageNet provides wireless messaging and information services to more than 10 million subscribers in the United States,
Canada and Spain. The company provides a full range of paging and advanced messaging services, including Internet
messaging, assured-delivery messaging and two-way interactive messaging. In addition to these services, the company has
announced its intention to create and deliver a wide array of branded, customized, value-added wireless information
services. Detailed information and coverage maps for PageNet service are available on the Internet at www.pagenet.com.
SmarTraveler is a registered trademark of SmartRoute Systems.
Contact:
Scott Baradell
PageNet
(972) 801-8180
John Rourke
SmartRoute Systems
(617) 494-8100
- 09-14-1998
Navigation Technologies and SmartRoute Systems Team Together on Dynamic Route Guidance Applications:
SUNNYVALE, CA--September 14, 1998 -- Navigation Technologies Corporation (NavTech), the leading supplier of route
guidance map databases, and SmartRoute Systems, the leading high-tech traffic information company, will work together on product
development to create new traveler information services and accelerate the integration of valuable in-vehicle information with route
guidance for navigation systems.
The companies will jointly develop the ability for SmartRoute's real-time traffic database to be merged with the NavTech
Database in major metropolitan markets to create "dynamic route guidance" applications. This information service will allow
drivers with an in-vehicle navigation system to easily receive dynamic route guidance to or from work, for instance, based
on real-time roadway conditions. The SmartRoute and NavTech dynamic route guidance service will also be available on other
media, including the Internet and wireless messaging services. SmartRoute and NavTech will point their combined
capabilities and new data services to automobile companies, electronics equipment manufacturers, emergency service
operators, and wireless communication providers. The companies also will direct their integrated services to commercial
vehicle operators and Departments of Transportation across the country.
"The technology is available now; the quality of navigable databases and traffic data is at a very high level today," said
Harry Voccola, Senior Vice President, Navigation Technologies. "Drivers have been anticipating such a service for some
time. Together we will merge these capabilities to provide a truly valuable service - one that will save time and money for
the travelling public."
"This alliance in the integration of traffic and map data and the associated creation of common link references on roadways
will become the de facto standard the automobile industry is seeking for their navigation-equipped vehicles for the year
2000 and beyond," said Steve Crosby, Chairman and CEO of SmartRoute. "It combines the best map data with the best traffic
data and it will help all automotive companies in servicing their on-board and off-board in-vehicle navigation devices," he
added.
As part of this effort, NavTech and SmartRoute will host an invitation-only conference in Boston later this year to present
the leading edge traffic and navigation applications to automotive and electronics companies.
About Navigation Technologies
NavTech is a global company recognized as the premier supplier of superior quality, continuously updated route guidance map
databases for both North America and Europe. The NavTech Database contains an extensive and precise digital representation
of the road network that provides the depth, accuracy and coverage needed to enable turn-by-turn, door-to-door route
guidance. Applications using the NavTech Database include in-vehicle navigation products, fleet management systems,
personal navigation products, web sites and online services, kiosk-based directions, advanced traffic and traveler
information systems and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
NavTech headquarters: Corporate, Rosemont, Illinois USA; North America, Sunnyvale, California USA; Europe, Best, The
Netherlands. In addition, NavTech has a customer support center in Yokohama, Japan and more than 70 field offices and 800
employees worldwide.
About SmartRoute Systems, Inc.
SmartRoute Systems, headquartered in Cambridge, MA, was founded in 1988 to provide traveler information services to the
home, office, and vehicle. The company currently provides a range of voice, video and data information services under the
brand name "SmarTraveler" in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Cincinnati. SmartRoute Systems is launching its
traveler information services in Detroit and Minneapolis in October, and will be operational in thirty US cities within the next two years.
Note to editors: For additional information on NavTech, please visit the NavTech Web site ahttp://www.navtech.com. For additional
information on SmartRoute Systems, please visit the SmartRoute Web site at http://www.smartroute.com.
Contact:
Katy Miller Wallace
SmartRoute Systems
617-494-8100
kwallace@smartroute.com
- 06-22-1998
Sunoco Invites Customers to Use Philadelphia SmarTraveler Information Service:
PHILADELPHIA, PA--June 22, 1998 -- What commuters want from a traffic service is detailed information about traffic on
the route they take to and from work. And they want it in time to avoid a traffic jam, not after they’re already stuck in one.
What commuters usually get is a rapid-fire summary that covers every major roadway, with about three seconds devoted to
their route. And it’s available only when it’s broadcast, not on the commuter’s schedule.
Now, thanks to SmarTraveler, Sunoco and PennDOT, commuters in the greater Philadelphia area can get the travel information
they want, when they want it -- by phone or on the Internet. As part of a joint partnership to provide improved traffic
information, Sunoco service stations and Aplus Mini-Markets are giving motorists a handy information card showing how to
access the Greater Philadelphia SmarTraveler Information Service.
SmarTraveler is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to help reduce congestion on area highways and
improve air quality by the more efficient use of private and public transportation. It is the region’s only route-specific
traveler information service, providing FREE up-to-the-minute information on 23 highways in southeastern Pennsylvania and
the adjacent New Jersey and Delaware regions. Commuters can select which highways they want and get a report that includes
travel times and speeds, road conditions, construction projects, and special events.
There are three ways to access the SmarTraveler Information Service:
- 15-567-5678 from any touch-tone telephone
- #211 from any mobile phone (a FREE call for Comcast Metrophone & Sprint PCS customers)
- http://www.smartraveler.com on the World Wide Web
SmarTraveler collects information via closed circuit cameras, over 200 mobile units, aircraft surveillance, and direct
communications with state and local police, SEPTA and the Philadelphia International Airport.
Callers can also locate Sunoco service stations for emergency repairs, get information on area transportation lines,
including SEPTA, and check flight arrival and departure information at Philadelphia International Airport. A rundown on
upcoming Sunoco Welcome America! events is also available.
Information cards listing the codes for all routes and services covered by SmarTraveler are available free of charge at
area Sunoco service stations and Aplus Mini-Markets.
Contact:
Bud Davis
Sunoco
215-977-3435
Bob Murphy
SmarTraveler
215-567-0100
- 05-14-1998
SmartRoute Systems Adds New Features to smartraveler.com Web Site:
Cambridge, MA--May 14, 1998 -- SmartRoute Systems, Inc. has enhanced its Boston SmarTraveler web site
with the incorporation of four new features to www.smartraveler.com.
To date, Internet users have accessed route-specific, up-to-the-minute traffic and transit information for their commutes
by clicking on the Smartraveler.com route map and getting text-based reports. Now, new features include:
- Traffic Camera Images from the SmarTraveler Control Center that complement the clickable maps by showing congestion hot
spots around Greater Boston. (Users can even see streaming video if they have Netscape or Internet Explorer 4.0 browsers.)
- Icons which are color-coded for the user to quickly see whether a route is "ok", "slow", or experiencing "delay" or
"alert" conditions.
- Travel Times that tell the user exactly how long a drive will take along a specific route segment.
- Roadwork Construction Information that is displayed on appropriate route pages to notify the commuter of upcoming problems
along a route.
SmartRoute Systems, Inc., developed the SmarTraveler web site as one of several traveler information services available to
commuters in a given metropolitan region. The Company provides an array of SmarTraveler-branded information services
designed to deliver real-time, route-specific traveler information to the home, office, and vehicle. Delivered via
telephone, Internet, pagers, radio and television broadcast, cable television and emerging in-vehicle information systems,
SmarTraveler information services are currently available in Boston, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.
SmartRoute Systems is expanding its operations into thirty additional major metropolitan areas.
Contact:
John Rourke
SmartRoute Systems
(617) 494-8100
jrourke@smartroute.com
- 04-15-1998
Comcast Online Communications and SmartRoute Systems To Provide Traveler Information On
INYOURTOWN Sites -- Real-Time Traffic and Transit Information Available on InYourTown Sites:
Bala Cynwyd, PA--April 15, 1998 -- Comcast Online Communications today announced that it has reached an
agreement with SmartRoute Systems, the nation’s leading high-tech provider of traveler information services, to provide
traffic and transit information for use on Comcast’s InYourTown sites for Internet users. Visitors to the InYourTown sites
will find real-time traffic and travel information from Philadelphia and WASHINGTON, DC, updated every three minutes,
5:30 a.m. through 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Access to the SmarTraveler service will be available over the Comcast@Home
high-speed cable modem service or a traditional Internet connection.
"We are thrilled that Internet users will now be able to turn to our InYourTown sites to find up to the minute traffic and
other travel information from SmartRoute Systems in Philadelphia and WASHINGTON, DC as an added benefit to our users,"
said Gaurav Suri, Director, Content for Comcast Online Communications. "We look forward to providing travel information for
additional cities in the future," added Suri.
InYourTown provides unique local content for Comcast@Home in 20 different Comcast Cable markets around the country, and all
Internet users worldwide. The InYourTown sites provide a unique multimedia experience and local content that is invaluable
to users, such as arts, entertainment, music, education, dining, sports, community events, and other information that is
created by local Comcast Online Content teams and content partners.
SmartRoute Systems, Inc., a privately held company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, leads the country in the
dissemination of advanced traveler information services. The Company provides an array of SmarTraveler products designed to
deliver real-time, route-specific traveler information to the home, office, or vehicle. Delivered via telephone, Internet,
pagers, radio, television and emerging in-vehicle information systems, the SmarTraveler service is currently available in
Boston, WASHINGTON, DC, Cincinnati and Philadelphia. Throughout 1998 and 1999 the company will expand its operations into
thirty additional major metropolitan areas.
Comcast Online Communications, through its partnership with @Home Network, offers residential customers the fastest,
easiest, and most entertaining way to access the Internet from home in 6 markets. InYourTown provides unique and local
Internet content for Comcast@Home subscribers, as well as all Internet users in 20 markets. Comcast Online Communications
can be found on the web at www.ComcastOnline.com, InYourTown can be found at www.InYourTown.com.
Comcast Corporation is principally engaged in the development, management and operation of broadband cable networks,
cellular and personal communications systems and the provision of content. Comcast, the fourth largest domestic Cable
Company, also provides satellite video service through its equity interest in Primestar and holds ownership interests in
cable and telephony businesses in the United Kingdom. Comcast’s cellular operations serve markets with a population of more
than 8.4 million, while personal communications services are provided through the Company’s investment in Sprint PCS.
Comcast provides content through its majority-owned subsidiaries, QVC, the world’s premier electronic retailer, E!
Entertainment Television, Comcast-Spectacor and Comcast SportsNet and through other investments, including The Golf
Channel, Speedvision and Outdoor Life.
Comcast’s Class A and Class A Special Common Stock are traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbols CMCSA and CMCSK,
respectively. More information on Comcast Corporation can be found on the Company’s web site on the Internet at
www.comcast.com.
Contact:
Mitchell Schmale
410-568-8803
mschmale@nevinsassociates.com
Gaurav Suri
Comcast Online Communications
610-538-2038
gsuri@comcastpc.com
Katy Miller Wallace
SmartRoute Systems
617-494-8100
kwallace@smartroute.com
1997 Press Releases
- 08-01-1997
SmartRoute Systems Hires New York Area Vice President and General Manager -- Leading
Provider of Real-Time Traveler Information Expands East Coast Operations:
CAMBRIDGE, MA--August 01, 1997 -- SmartRoute Systems, the leading provider of real-time traveler
information, has appointed William Goldstein vice-president and general manager of operations for the New York region.
He will lead the start-up and management of all operations for the SmarTraveler Information Service, SmartRoute Systems'
state-of-the-art traveler information service. Goldstein's responsibilities include managing SmartRoute Systems'
relationships with transportation agencies in the Tri-state area and developing new private sector business. SmartRoute
Systems will launch the SmarTraveler Information Service in New York early next year.
Prior to joining SmartRoute Systems, Goldstein was with O'Brien Kreitzberg, Inc., a major program and project management
consulting firm in New York. As Senior Project Officer, he was in charge of business development for major transportation
and infrastructure projects in the New York City area.
Previously he was the Deputy Executive Director of Capital Programs for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey,
where he was responsible for the management and oversight of the Port Authority's $4 billion capital improvement program.
While at the Port Authority, he played a key management role in the reconstruction of the World Trade Center following the
February 1993 bombing. Goldstein also held the position of Director of Capital Program Management at the New York
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), where he managed the development and implementation of the MTA's $16 billion,
ten year rebuilding program. He holds a B.S. in Economics and a Masters in City Planning from the University of
Pennsylvania.
SmartRoute Systems is focused on the provision of real time travel information delivered to individuals in their home, at
work, or as they travel. This time-saving travel information encompasses route specific, real-time traffic and transit
information and will soon offer turn-by-turn street directions, up to date weather conditions, real time flight arrival and
departure times, parking availability, and rental car, hotel, restaurant, and entertainment listings. The service is called
the SmarTraveler Information Service, and it is available to consumers via radio, television, personal communication
devices, Internet, cable, direct broadcast satellite, broadband networks, and in-vehicle navigation systems.
SmartRoute Systems, headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, inaugurated its real-time, on-demand and location-specific
traveler information system in the Greater Boston area in May 1991. SmartRoute Systems has since launched the SmarTraveler
Information Service in Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, with a Minneapolis launch scheduled for later this
year.
Contact:
Katy Miller Wallace
SmartRoute Systems
617-494-8100
Martha Keeley
Rasky & Co.
617-742-7077
- 07-01-1997
Transportation Officals Launch High-tech Traveler Information Service -- Washington area
travelers can now obtain up-to-the-minute traffic and transit information:
WASHINGTON, DC--August 01, 1997 -- Federal and state transportation officials joined with private sector
partners this morning to launch the SmarTraveler Information System(the first phase of a new state-of-the-art traveler information
service for the region. The SmarTraveler Information System, created to give residents, tourists and commercial vehicle operators
easy access to on-demand, real-time, route-specific information regarding traffic and transit conditions, will also provide
construction, weather and special event information that could affect travel in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
Beginning today, travelers in this region can dial (202) 863-1313 to gain access to the SmarTraveler Information system.
Mobile phone customers may also access the SmarTraveler Information system by dialing #211. (Always a free call for Sprint
Spectrum subscribers. Also a free call for CellularOne customers through October 31, 1997, and Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile
customers through September 1, 1997.) In addition, travelers can access this new service online at www.smartraveler.com.
This free telephone and Internet service is sponsored by Partners in Motion, a transportation partnership composed of 25
public agenc2ies and 12 private organizations. The SmarTraveler Information System will help travelers to make informed
decisions on the most efficient means of reaching their destinations, thereby reducing travel time and travel-related
stress.
"The future is now," said U.S. department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Mortimer L. Downey, who joined Maryland
Transportation Secretary David L. Winstead, Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner David R. Gehr and Acting Director of
the District of Columbia Department of Public Works Cell Bernardino to launch the SmarTraveler Information system and tour
the SmarTraveler Information Center. "The three regions; Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia; have combinedresources to bring to this area a high-tech, reliable method of obtaining pertinent travel information. Now we can make
informed travel-related decisions simply by picking up a telephone or clicking on the World Wide Web."
The SmarTraveler Information system provides up-to-the-minute traffic and transit reports weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 7:00
p.m. Construction and special event information is available 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week.
The coverage area for the SmarTraveler Information System encompasses the Washington metropolitan region, which includes
Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland; Arlington, Fairfax, Londoun and Prince William counties in Virginia;
and approach routes covering a 25-mile radius from the center of WASHINGTON, DC, as well as commuter rail and bus routes
coming into the region from even greater distances.
"SmarTraveler complements Maryland's ongoing efforts to reduce congestion through the use of technology," said Secretary
Winstead. "Regional cooperation is critical in addressing and solving this area's mobility needs, and Maryland is proud to
be part of this program."
"With more information at their disposal," added Gehr, "area residents, visitors and others will be able to spend their
time more productively and experience considerably less travel-related stress than they do today. Our region will become an
even better place to live, work and visit."
"As the hub of the metropolitan Washington region, with a highly-developed transportation infrastructure and considerable
traffic density, we welcome this opportunity to apply the new technologies that will improve the safe and efficient
movement of people and goods," said Bernardino. "We also are proud to be the home of the SmarTraveler Information Center,
and look froward to the interest and recognition that will be generated by this tremendous facility."
Joining the public sector speakers were David J. Mitchell, vice President and General Manager of Battelle Memorial
Institute's Transportation systems Division, and Steve Crosby, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SmartRoute Systems,
Inc.
The SmarTraveler Information System is operated by SmartRoute Systems, Inc. of Cambridge, Mass., under a six-year contract
to Battelle, prime contractor for Partners in Motion. Battelle, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, managed the federally-
funded Atlanta Traveler Information Showcase during the 1996 Summer Olympics.
"A key feature of the SmarTraveler Information system is that it enables the traveler to obtain the information when the
traveler wants it," said Crosby of SmartRoute Systems. "The service also provides the specific type of information
travelers ask for, such as expected travel times and average roadway speeds."
By early 1998, Partners in Motion plans to introduce additional ways travelers can receive information. Besides the
telephone and Internet access, other possible means of obtaining traveler information include in-vehicle navigation
devices, cable television, personal pagers and kiosks at major sporting, shopping and employment areas.
Under the current funding arrangement, the private sector is paying for one-third of the service's $12.2 million in costs.
After three years, the plan is to expand the program using private funding generated by revenue from various travel
information products. At that time, the program will not require public monies but will be self-supporting. The
SmarTraveler telephone service and web page will remain free to the public.
SmartRoute Systems, Inc. inaugurated its SmarTraveler real-time, on-demand traffic and transit traveler information system
in the greater Boston area in 1991. The company launched the second service in Cincinnati in June 1995, and third site in
Philadelphia in May 1997. In addition to WASHINGTON, DC, the service is slated to begin in New York City and Minneapolis
this year.
Contact:
Jennifer Garfinkel
Partners in Motion
301-656-3100
- 07-01-1997
Downey Kicks Off High-Tech 'SmarTraveler' Information System:
WASHINGTON, DC--August 01, 1997 -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Mortimer L. Downey today
led the opening ceremonies for the kick off of SmarTraveler, a state-of-the-art information network that will help travelers
make smarter decisions on when, where, and how to reach their destinations.
Downey was joined by Maryland Transportation Secretary David L. Winstead, Virginia Transportation Commissioner David Gehr
and Acting Director of the District of Columbia Department of Public Works Cell Bernardino and representatives of Partners
in Motion, a public-private sector initiative that developed SmarTraveler.
"President Clinton and Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater are committed to using advanced technology and public-private
partnerships to provide a traveler-friendly environment and help reduce congestion," said Downey. "Imagine the convenience
of using one call or one connection, with no service charge, to find out which roads might be crowded or closed or when the
next train leaves - what a saving of time, fuel and frustration!"
Downey noted that the Washington metropolitan region is the nation's second most congested area with the second longest
commute time. Every day people in the Washington area spend a total of more than a half million hours stuck in traffic.
The project is expected to cost a total of $12.2 million, with $9.4 million in federal funds and $2.8 million from the
private sector.
SmarTraveler offers free, on-demand, up-to-the-minute, route specific traffic and transit information to anyone in the
Washington metropolitan area with a touch-tone or mobile phone access to the Internet. Users also have the option of a
direct connection to area transportation information lines. Traffic and transit information is available Monday through
Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; event construction information is available around the clock, seven days a week.
Coverage includes the District of Columbia, Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudon
and Prince William counties in Virginia, and approach routes covering a 25-mile radius from the center of the city, as well
as commuter rail and bus routes coming into the region from even greater distances.
The SmarTraveler Information System is sponsored by Partners in Motion, a group of more than 25 public agencies and 12
private organizations who are pooling efforts, resources and expertise. Private companies include Battelle, Castle Rock
Consultants, Etak, Inc., Global Exchange, Inc., DeLeuw, Cather & Company (PTG, Inc)., the Scientex Corporation, SmartRoute
Systems, Street Smarts, System Resources Corporation, TransCore (a SAIC company), Transportation Research Services, Inc.
and TRW.
Deputy Secretary Downey closed the ceremony by placing the first telephone call to SmarTraveler.
SmarTraveler can be accessed by phone at (202) 863-1313, and by cellular phone at #211. Calls are free from all mobile
phones. SmarTraveler may be reached on the Web at: www.smartraveler.com
Contact:
Roslyn Kaiser
Phone: (202) 366-5580
- 05-22-1997
Transportation Secretary Mallory and SmartRoute Systems, Inc. Launch New Traveler Information
Service in Philadelphia Region -- SmarTraveler provides real-time, up-to-the-minute traffic and transit information:
PHILADELPHIA, PA--May 22, 1997 -- State Secretary of Transportation Bradley L. Mallory this morning joined SmartRoute
Systems, Inc. to launch the start of SmarTraveler - Pennsylvania’s first Advanced Traveler Information System created to give customers
easy access to real-time traffic and transit information in the Greater Philadelphia region.
Brought to the region through a public-private partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
and SmartRoute Systems, Inc. of Cambridge, Mass., SmarTraveler today began offering free, real-time, route-specific traffic
and transit information to anyone in the area with a touch-tone telephone, cellular telephone or access to the Internet.
"This innovative service is part of Governor Tom Ridge’s commitment to create a more intelligent and effective
transportation system in Pennsylvania," Mallory said at a news conference held today in Philadelphia.
"SmartRoute Systems is a proven leader in providing exceptional real-time traveler information, and PennDOT’s excited to
offer this valuable service to citizens and travelers throughout the Greater Philadelphia region."
Mallory announced the three easy ways for customers to access the SmarTraveler service:
- Call 215-567-5678 from any touch-tone telephone
- Dial #211 from any Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile, Comcast Metrophone or Sprint PCS mobile phone (all calls to SmarTraveler
are free from these services through Labor Day (Sept. 1, 1997)
- On-line at www.smartraveler.com
SmarTraveler provides up-to-the minute traffic and transit reports weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Construction and
special event information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Whether by phone or Internet, SmarTraveler gives customers up-to-the-minute traffic conditions and expected travel times
and speeds on 40 major highways segments in the region; updates on SEPTA and New Jersey transit lines; and information on
regional special events and construction projects.
SmarTraveler ’s coverage area includes major highways in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties;
the urbanized area of New Jersey adjacent to Philadelphia; and northern Delaware.
Besides travel reports, SmarTraveler also features direct connections to information lines at SEPTA, Philadelphia
International Airport, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau and AAA Mid-Atlantic.
"SmarTraveler will provide significant benefits to travelers in the Philadelphia region," Mallory said. "PennDOT’s moving
forward with this innovative public-private partnership to help citizens save time, fuel and frustration by informing them
of traffic conditions on major highways. By knowing the roads to avoid, SmarTraveler can help reduce congestion, enhance
highway safety and improve air quality."
From SmarTraveler ’s Operations Center at 20th and Market streets in Philadelphia, a team of Traveler Information Managers
oversee traffic conditions by using a network of more than 45 remote control cameras, two aircraft, radio-and-cellular-
phone equipped drivers, radio monitors and computerized traffic data.
"We are very proud to join PennDOT in bringing SmarTraveler to the Philadelphia region," said Stephen Crosby, chairman and
chief executive officer of SmartRoute Systems, Inc. "Through our partnership, this region will have access to the most
advanced traffic and transit information available. SmarTraveler will ease travelers’ worries, alleviate traffic congestion
and, simply, make the Greater Philadelphia region a better place to live, work and visit."
PennDOT made SmarTraveler available in the Greater Philadelphia region through a three-year contract with SmartRoute
Systems, Inc. The service contract is financed completely by state funds. SmartRoute Systems, Inc. is investing $2.5
million in capital and ongoing operational costs.
SmartRoute Systems, Inc. inaugurated its real-time, on-demand and location-specific traffic, transit, and road traveler
information system in the greater Boston area in 1991. The company launched its second SmarTraveler site in Cincinnati in
June 1995.
In addition to Philadelphia, SmarTraveler service will begin operating this year in WASHINGTON, DC, New York City and
Minneapolis, Minn.
CONTACT:
Gene Blaum
Assistant Press Secretary
(610) 964-6673
Katy Miller Wallace/Mary MacInnes
SmartRoute Systems, Inc.
(215) 567-0100
- 05-21-1997
Save Time, Fuel and Frustration--Go Online for Up-To-The-Minute Traveler Information --
SmarTraveler’s New Website, www.smartraveler.com,Offers Route Specific Traffic and Transit Information:
CINCINNATI, OH--May 21, 1997 -- SmarTraveler , Cincinnati’s best source for up-to-the-minute, route-specific
traffic and transit information via telephone, goes online at www.smartraveler.com. Log on from your home or office for a detailed
description of the current traffic conditions in Metropolitan Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, including: travel times;
information on roads that are closed or backed-up due to construction, traffic accidents, or bad weather; suggested alternative
routes; and links to other sites, including the Tri-states’ transportation agencies. At smartraveler.com you can also find
information on METRO, Jetport, Ride Share and TANK schedules, as well as service changes for special events and holidays.
SmarTraveler’s user friendly website is updated continuously from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. so that commuters are provided with
the most current information throughout the day, and construction and event information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week. With detailed maps of Metropolitan Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s major arteries, the site makes it easy for
users to point and click for route specific information.
"We are pleased SmarTraveler is offering online traveler information to the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
area’" said Leon Walden, ARTIMIS Program Manager from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. "This is another example of how
Kentucky, Ohio, OKI (Regional Council of Governments) and our private industry partners are working together to make
ARTIMIS (Advanced Regional Traffic Interactive Management & Information System) a valuable resource."
SmarTraveler, developed by SmartRoute Systems, Inc. gathers traveler information through a sophisticated network of traffic
surveillance cameras located throughout the region, combined with a mobile probe network, electronic surveillance field
stations, direct communication with state and local agencies, and fixed-wing aircraft. The collected data is then
disseminated through SmarTraveler’s state-of-the-art operations center. In addition to its new website, SmarTraveler
information can be accessed by dialing 513-333-3333 from any touch-tone phone or 311 from any cellular phone.
SmartRoute Systems, Inc., headquartered in Cambridge, MA, is the first and only company focused on the provision of real
time travel information delivered to individuals in their home, at work, or as they travel. This time-saving travel
information encompasses route-specific, real time traffic and transit information and will soon offer turn-by-turn street
directions, up to date weather conditions, real time flight arrival and departure times, parking availability, and rental
car, hotel, restaurant, and entertainment listings. SmarTraveler delivers this information to consumers via radio,
television, personal communications systems, Internet, cable TV, direct broadcast satellite, broadband networks, and in-
vehicle navigation systems.
SmarTraveler...an integrated multimedia database of traveler information delivered to people wherever they are...for
wherever they’re going.
Contact:
Bob Bross
513-333-3300
SmartRoute Systems
Martha Keeley
617-742-7077
Rasky & Co.
- 01-22-1997
SmartRoute Systems and CableSoft Form Strategic Alliance --
Traffic Information to be Delivered Interactively on Broadband Television Networks:
CAMBRIDGE, MA--January 22, 1997 -- SmartRoute Systems, a provider of real-time regional traveler
information, and CableSoft, a software developer in the delivery of "on-demand information" for cable television
operators, have reached an agreement where the two companies will deploy a text and graphics based traffic information
channel with interactive capability.
SmartRoute’s traffic information service, called SmarTraveler, will be packaged as part of CableSoft’s LocalWorks product.
The information service will be marketed to broadband network operators who want to offer their television viewers local
content that includes real-time traffic information. The two companies will offer the real-time traffic service in twenty
major metropolitan regions in the next two years.
"The SmarTraveler service of SmartRoute Systems is the most accurate and comprehensive database of traffic information
available," said Bruce Jones, President of CableSoft. He added, "Their high-tech approach to traffic data collection and
fusion augments CableSoft’s ability to disseminate on an interactive, on-demand basis to cable television subscribers. The
result is useful, timely and local information that people need every day."
Steve Crosby, CEO of SmartRoute Systems noted that, "CableSoft’s user friendly interface makes instant retrieval of real-
time traffic and other local information a competitive advantage for broadband network operators, who are now in market
share battles in maintaining and acquiring subscribers. This kind of unique and local content is a value added service that
helps network operators compete effectively."
In addition to route specific traffic information, the two companies will develop other SmarTraveler information products,
such as disseminating information on parking availability and airline arrival and departure times.
SmartRoute Systems, with headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a leading provider of Advanced Traveler Information
Services, or ATIS. The company works with telecommunications providers to disseminate its database of traveler information
to the home, office and vehicle. CableSoft, based in Burlington, Massachusetts, is leader in designing, developing, and
marketing on-demand personalized information applications for television.
Contact:
John Rourke
(617) 494-8100
1996 Press Releases
- 12-09-1996
SmartRoute Systems, as part of Nationwide Expansion, Announces New Appointments --
Leading Provider of Real-Time Traveler Information Hires Senior Management for Washington, DC, Philadelphia and Cambridge Operations:
CAMBRIDGE, MA--December 09, 1996 -- SmartRoute Systems, the leading provider of real-time traveler
information, has appointed Robert G. Golden, vice president of operations, Stephen Kuciemba general manager of operations
for WASHINGTON, DC, and Mary MacInnes general manager and Bob Murphy director of operations for Philadelphia. As general
managers, MacInnes and Kuciemba will lead the start-up and manage all operations in the Philadelphia and WASHINGTON, DC
market, respectively, including the introduction and implementation of SmarTraveler, real-time traveler information services.
As vice president of operations, Golden will be responsible for the management of all SmartRoute Systems facilities nationwide.
As director of operations Murphy will oversee the day-to-day implementation of SmarTraveler in the Philadelphia area.
Golden brings over fifteen years of progressive experience in managing and delivering mission critical system solutions.
Prior to joining SmartRoutes, Golden was assistant vice president of development for institutional retirement systems and
operations at Fidelity Investments in Boston. Previously, he was a consulting practice manager at Andersen Consulting,
where he worked extensively with Fortune 100 corporations in the areas of process engineering and systems integration.
Golden holds an MBA from Boston College and a BA from the University of Notre Dame.
MacInnes has been with SmartRoutes since 1994. As project director, her responsibilities included start-up and
implementation of Boston’s Central Artery/Third Harbor Tunnel Interim Operations. Prior to joining SmartRoute Systems,
MacInnes served as the director of planning for SEPTA, Philadelphia’s regional transit system.
Previously Kuciemba was Chief of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Division, Maryland State Highway Administration,
where he coordinated the planning, development, and implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology,
and played a key role in shaping their CHART program. Kuciemba also helped to launch the I-95 Corridor Coalition, has
authored numerous ITS publications, and has been active in ITS America and ITS Maryland initiatives. He holds a BS in
Industrial & Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Murphy, a Philadelphia area native, reported and produced traffic reports at the ARCO go patrol for seven years before
assuming positions in local TV as both assignment manager and producer. Immediately prior to joining SmartRoute Systems,
Murphy advised businesses on media coverage for Media Relations Consultants in Philadelphia. Murphy holds a BA from Temple
University.
SmartRoute Systems and SmarTraveler Operations Centers collect, manage, and deliver real-time traveler information helping
to mitigate the two billion hours Americans spend each year in over 181 million cars delayed in traffic jams. SmartRoute
Systems is working with leading telecommunications and content service providers, as well as public sector transportation
agencies, to deliver interactive travel information anywhere, anytime--telephone, Internet, television, radio, cable, in-
vehicle navigation systems, and personal communication devices.
SmartRoute Systems, headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, inaugurated its "real-time, on-demand and location-
specific" traffic, transit, road condition and related traveler information system in the Greater Boston area in May 1991.
SmartRoute Systems launched its second site in Cincinnati in June 1995, with the WASHINGTON, DC and Philadelphia markets
to follow early in 1997.
Contact:
Katy Miller
(617) 494-8100
- 09-23-1996
SmartRoute Systems to Launch SmarTraveler Information Systems in Washington, New York City,
and Philadelphia:
CAMBRIDGE, MA--September 23, 1996 -- SmartRoute Systems, through unique public-private ventures, is launching
its SmarTraveler commuter information system in three new East Coast cities – making it the dominant provider of traveler
information services throughout the entire Northeast Corridor.
SmartRoutes, which currently operates in Boston and Cincinnati, recently won three separate contracts to build Advanced
Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) in WASHINGTON, DC, NewYork City, and Philadelphia to aid travelers by providing them
with real time traveler information services through a variety of electronic media. Under these contracts, SmartRoutes will
privately finance the construction and operation of the ATIS systems, and will sell the traveler information collected to
both public and private entities for use by the general public.
The SmartRoutes announcement comes a week after the company closed a major financial transaction with 21st Century
Communications Partners, L.P., Wheatley Partners, L.P., and Gabelli Multimedia Partners that provided a $7 million capital
investment in the firm.
"Winning these three contracts provides us with a tremendous opportunity to show how a private company with a mix of public
and private financing can provide the public with unparalleled services – services that will save them time as commuters
and money as taxpayers," Steve Crosby, Chairman and CEO of SmartRoute Systems, said. "It is a public-private partnership in
its purest sense."
"Moving into the Washington D.C., New York, and Philadelphia markets puts SmartRoute Systems in a unique position to offer
unrivaled, real-time traveler information to markets throughout the Northeast Corridor, representing almost 20 percent of
the U.S. market," Crosby said. "Our next round of financing will enable us to complete the launch of SmarTraveler services
in the 30 largest U.S. cities."
SmartRoutes collects, processes, and delivers a broad range of traveler information to consumers through existing and
evolving electronic media, including cellular phone, on-line services, paging devices, landline telephone, and cable TV.
SmartRoutes is most widely recognized for its SmarTraveler audiotext service, a state-of-the-art Advanced Traveler
Information System (ATIS), which disseminates real-time, route-specific traffic and transit information.
Under the terms of its unique public/private financing model, the Intelligent Transportation Partnership Structure (ITPS),
SmartRoutes invests an average $2 million in the deployment of a fully-operational data collection and management system in
each market the company enters. This includes a fully staffed Traffic Operations Center, and numerous stationary and
rotating video cameras, which provide real-time information that is processed through SmartRoutes’ proprietary traffic
management software. This data, which is combined with information from electronic sensors, mobile probes, in-flight
monitors, public highway and mass transit sources, and much more, is then available for dissemination through both public
and private channels of communications.
On the public side, SmartRoute Systems, under contract to participating state agencies, makes the information available to
the public free of charge in various media formats, including the SmarTraveler telephone service. Participating public
agencies are then entitled to a percentage of the proceeds from SmartRoute’ sale of the data to private companies.
SmartRoutes will use a portion of the recent $7 million investment in private financing to build the Advanced Traveler
Information Systems for the three cities.
In WASHINGTON, DC, a SmartRoutes team, led by Battelle Memorial Institute, will build a range of Intelligent
Transportation Systems (ITS) for the National Capital Region Traveler Information Showcase (NCRTIS), a multi-year agreement
with the Virginia Department of Transportation, representing 25 D.C.-area transportation agencies. SmartRoutes will begin
building the Washington D.C. traveler information system in September; it is scheduled to be operational in February.
Similarly, in New York City, SmartRoutes was part of a winning team, led by Lockheed Martin, recently chosen by the New
York State Department of Transportation to build an ITS network, as part of a federal initiative to showcase ATIS in five
markets around the country. SmartRoutes traveler information system will be operational by mid-1997.
In Philadelphia, SmartRoutes has been selected by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to provide traveler
information systems for the Philadelphia-Southern New Jersey metropolitan area. Operations are scheduled to begin in early
Spring 1997.
"In the SmartRoute Systems public-private partnership model, the private sector incurs all start-up, system development,
and operating costs, while the public sector receives services for a fee, which is then partially offset by a revenue
sharing agreement," Crosby said. "We believe this financing mechanism sets a new standard for the term public-private
partnership.
Contact:
Katy Miller
(617) 494-8100
- 09-12-1996
SmartRoute Systems Announces $7 Million Capital Investment:
CAMBRIDGE, MA--September 12, 1996 -- SmartRoute Systems today announced it has closed a transaction with
21st Century Communications Partners, L.P., Wheatley Partners, L.P., and Gabelli Multimedia Partners that provides a $7 million
capital investment in the firm.
21st Century Communications Partners, and affiliate of Sandler Capital Management, headed the investment group. 21st
Century is an investment partnership with $240 million of assets, specializing in media, entertainment, and
telecommunications related investments.
The investment will enable SmartRoutes to deploy its SmarTraveler information system in new markets, build a second
generation system architecture for its traveler information command centers, and design new product offerings for Internet
delivery and in-vehicle navigation devices.
Commenting on the investment, Michael J. Marocco, Managing Director of Sandler Capital Management, said: "SmartRoute
Systems is at the leading edge of generating traveler information, enabling users to commute more efficiently, and save
time and money. In addition, SmartRoute Systems’ data base can be leveraged through multiple distribution outlets. With a
talented and savvy management team to maximize these opportunities, we look forward to an exciting future."
Added Francine Sommer, General Partner of Gabelli Multimedia Partners: "Gabelli Multimedia invests in companies that are in
the early stages of growth in markets that are already established. We view SmartRoutes as being at the inflection point of
the growth curve in the intelligent travel information market. SmartRoutes has a distinctive public-private business model
that capitalizes on providing real-time information through various traditional and new media distribution channels in both
the public and private sectors."
SmartRoutes collects, processes, and delivers a broad range of traveler information to consumers through existing and
evolving electronic media, including cellular phone, on-line services, paging devices, landline telephone, and cable TV.
SmartRoutes is most widely recognized for its SmarTraveler audiotext service, a state-of-the-art Advanced Traveler
Information System (ATIS), which disseminates real-time, route specific travel and traffic information. SmarTraveler is
already fully deployed in the Boston and Cincinnati metropolitan areas.
"Teaming with these three industry leaders is an important step in the development of this company," Steve Crosby, Chairman
and CEO of SmartRoute Systems, said. "We are poised to take a dominant position offering traveler information throughout
the Northeast Corridor, and to offer unique content for the rapidly proliferating multimedia delivery mechanisms to home,
office, and vehicle. 21st Century, Wheatley Partners, and Gabelli Multimedia Partners are national leaders in identifying
emerging companies and new technologies. For them to decide to invest in SmartRoutes is a vote of confidence in our ability
to execute our aggressive business plan."
Contact:
Katy Miller
(617) 494-8100
- 03-06-1996
Boston Traffic Moves On-Line: SmartRoute Systems and America Online In Digital City Partnership:
CAMBRIDGE, MA--March 06, 1996 -- SmartRoute Systems, the Cambridge based traveler information services company,
and America Online, the nation’s largest on-line service, have teamed up in Boston to provide traffic and transit information to
AOL members through "Digital City - Boston". SmartRoute Systems’ SmarTraveler service will be accessible to commuters to receive
up-to-the-minute traffic and transit information on a route specific basis. AOL members will now be able to point-and-click to
read current traffic conditions for the route they choose, and even see camera images of major congestion choke points on roads
throughout Greater Boston.
Sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the free SmarTraveler audiotext service is currently
accessible from any touch-tone telephone – 374-1234 or * 1 on cellular – and has been a tremendous success for commuters in
Eastern Massachusetts. In January of this year alone, the SmarTraveler audiotext service handled 344,059 calls, an increase
of 235% over the same month last year. Putting traveler information services in cyberspace represents a major advancement
for the dissemination of SmarRoute Systems’ SmarTraveler service. By providing this extensive database of traffic and
transit information to AOL members, SmartRoute Systems anticipates that new SmarTraveler traveler information products -
from turn-by-turn route directions to airline arrival and departure times - will soon follow.
Contact:
Katy Miller
(617) 494-8100
- 03-05-1996
SmartRoute Systems and Geotek Form Alliance:
CAMBRIDGE, MA--March 05, 1996 -- Geotek Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:NNM:GOTK) (Pacific:GEO), the wireless
communications company, and SmartRoute Systems, a content provider of traveler information, have reached an agreement where
the two companies will develop enhanced information services that will be available over the Geotek digital FHMA™ network.
The intent of the venture is to provide Geotek’s mobile users with a broad array of SmartRoute Systems traveler information,
which includes route specific traffic conditions, turn-by-turn street directions, actual airline arrival and departure times,
and dynamic route guidance, among other services. The initial target market that the companies will pursue is commercial vehicle
operators that have dispatch centers and fleets of vehicles on the roadways. The service will be offered in Boston beginning in
April and will expand to new cities. Geotek estimates the current market for its services will be the more than 2 million small
and medium sized business operating 27 million vehicles, nationwide.
"The integration of the SmartRoute traveler system into the Geotek service offering continues to position us as much more
than a commodity-like wireless provider," said Jonathan Crane, President and CEO of Geotek - US Operations. "Our alliance
with SmartRoute fits well with our overall strategy of providing business with the information they need to better manage
their mobile resources. In addition to the traditional mobile services — telephony, dispatch and paging — we will offer
automatic vehicle location, credit card authorization, database query and eventually INTERNET access."
SmartRoute’s integrated voice and data service will be easily accessed through the Geotek Mobile Workstation — the first
device to combine the features and functionality of a cellular telephone, pager, two-way radio and mobile data terminal
into one platform.
"We are very excited to be working with Geotek," said Steve Crosby, Chairman and CEO of SmartRoute Systems, "Geotek’s
customers will soon benefit by having timely, accurate, and useful traveler information that has never been available. It
will help fleets reduce costs by improving efficiency in their mobile operations."
SmartRoute Systems, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is widely considered the leading provider of Advanced Traveler
Information Systems, or ATIS. The company works with other telecommunications providers to disseminate its database of
traveler information over telephones, on-line computers, and interactive televisions.
Geotek Communications, Inc. of Montvale, New Jersey, is a wireless telecommunications company focused on technology,
equipment and network development and operation. The company’s U.S. Operations provide wireless voice and data services to
commercial businesses that require real-time communication to manage their mobile work force.
Contacts:
John Rourke
Smartroute Systems
Phone: (617) 494-8100
Randy Miller
Geotek Communications
Phone: (201) 930-9305
- 01-10-1996
Peña Announces National Initiative to Build Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure:
WASHINGTON, DC--January 10, 1996 -- Forty years ago President Eisenhower and the Congress paved
the way for a better quality of life for future generations by signing a law creating the federal interstate highway system.
As the 21st century approaches, the U.S. Department of Transportation is looking to use technology as the means to build the
transportation infrastructure needed to improve the quality of life for future generations.
With Operation TimeSaver, Transportation Secretary Federico Peña today launched a new initiative designed to cut the daily
time of Americans living in congested metropolitan areas by 15 percent over the next ten years, and give that time back to
Americans.
"I believe it’s time we set a new surface transportation goal, "Secretary Peña said during a speech to the Transportation
Research Board annual meeting in Washington, D.C. "Let us set a national goal: To build an Intelligent Transportation
Infrastructure across the United States, within a decade, to save time and lives and improve the quality of life for
Americans."
"Commuting two and three hours a day takes away time Americans could spend on the job, or at home with the kids, or
exercising, or reading,, "Peña explained. With Operation TimeSaver, Americans who commute just two hours a day would save
80 hours a year, the equivalent of two weeks work.
Operation TimeSaver challenges state and local transportation planners to "buy smart" by investing in an arsenal of new
technological tools to keep the flow of people and goods moving more smoothly, safely, and with less impact on the
environment.
The Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure (ITI) includes:
- The latest traffic information at your fingertips through your home computer, cable television, kiosk, telephone, car phone or beeper,
- Traffic control centers that use radar beacons, closed circuit video cameras, and in-road sensors to monitor major roadways
and arterials and then provide up-to-the-minute traffic and road condition information to travelers; Enhanced dispatch systems
that can quickly detect crashes or breakdowns and alert emergency service providers; and
- Smart emergency response vehicles that can send a message to a traffic signal to stay green so they can pass through an intersection.
Peña cited the following areas where transportation planners are laying the foundation for the ITI, and people are already noticing the difference:
- In Seattle, an advanced freeway management system has increased interstate speeds by up to 20 percent, reducing travel time by 50 percent;
- Minnesota Guidestar has Minneapolis/St. Paul residents driving 35 percent faster during rush hour, cutting their commute dramatically;
accident rates have dropped 25 percent; emergency response time is down by 20 minutes; and the freeway capacity has increased by 22 percent;
- In Boston, commuters are using SmarTraveler communications systems to get current traffic information over home phones and car phones.
Fifty-nine percent of users said using the service saved them time; and
- In Houston, congestion has actually declined since 1984 as a result of an integrated network of traffic control systems called TransStar.
"I am setting today a tangible measurement to focus our attention where congestion is the worst: our cities and suburbs,
"Secretary Peña said. "I want 75 of our largest metropolitan areas with a complete Intelligent Transportation
Infrastructure in 10 years. And let us make a similar commitment to upgrade technology of 450 other communities, our rural
roads, and interstates."
"Businesses lose $40 billion a year due to congestion. Just to stay even with the growth of congestion, we would need to
build 34 percent more highway capacity," Peña said. "Over the next decade, for just 50 cities, that would cost $150
billion. For the same 50 cities, implementing an intelligent infrastructure, from virtually scratch, would cost $10 billion
and increase capacity by two-thirds."
Currently, federal transportation funding to states can be used to build almost 100 percent of the ITI, and many states are
using federal funds for those purposes. In addition, state and local communities annually budget additional appropriations
for the upkeep and replacement of their current systems. With Operation TimeSaver, the federal government will offer advice
to these communities on the most efficient way for them to use their already existing funds to meet the program goal.
Building the ITI won’t mean excessive costs to communities, Peña stressed, adding that DOT’s efforts to encourage private
sector partners to invest in infrastructure projects will continue. This allows states to count private sector funds toward
their required share of construction project funding.
"Our world is changing at an extraordinary pace. No one can predict what it will be like 10 years from now," Peña said.
"This country will always build great highways. But if we just think in terms of concrete and steel, we’ll miss out on the
global communications revolution. Operation TimeSaver is one step towards making our highways safer and less congested in
the 21st century, and giving our citizens more time to enjoy a better quality of life.
Contact:
Cindy McMickens
ITS/Joint Program Office
202/366-9536
Wendy Burt
Office of the Secretary
202/366-5565
1995 Press Releases
- 06-28-1995
333-3333 and Cellular 311 – Greater Cincinnati’s Direct Line to Up-to-the-Minute Traffic and
Transit Information With New SmarTraveler:
CINCINNATI, OH--June 28, 1995 -- What’s your best source for up-to-the-minute, route-specific and transit
information?
If you’re traveling in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, it’s the new SmarTraveler transportation information
telephone system, where one local phone call gets you current, route-specific traffic information about all the major
commuter arteries in the area.
Just call 333-3333 from any touch-tone phone or 311 from your Ameritech (no airtime charges apply) or CellularOne (no
airtime charges apply through September 30) mobile phone, and you’ll reach SmarTraveler – where traffic managers operate a
high-tech network of remote control cameras, radio- and cellular-phone-equipped drivers, aircraft, radio monitors and
computerized traffic data. Select a specific route from the SmarTraveler audio menu, and you’ll hear a detailed description
of the current traffic conditions on your route, travel times and – if appropriate – suggested alternatives. SmarTraveler
is also your direct connection to schedule information on Metro and TANK buses, Jetport Express airport shuttle service and
RIDESHARE carpools.
It’s all designed to help local drivers avoid traffic tie-ups, to help facilitate smooth traffic flow through the area and
to help reduce traffic accidents, fuel consumption, and hydrocarbon/nitric oxide emissions.
"SmarTraveler is phase one of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s new Advanced Regional Traffic Interactive
Management & Information System [ARTIMIS]," SAID Kentucky Secretary of Transportation Don C. Kelly at SmarTraveler’s
official launch ceremony. "We expect ARTIMIS to have a significant impact on the safety, the air quality and the overall
quality of life in this area. We’re extremely pleased to be able to offer this service to our Northern Kentucky citizens,
and we’re very happy to be able to work with the State of Ohio, OKI [Regional Council of Governments] and our private
industry partners to make ARTIMIS a reality."
Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jerry Wray note that "The project is an excellent example of what we can
accomplish when states, local jurisdictions and the private sector all work together."
SmarTraveler and ARTIMIS are being implemented by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, ODOT, and OKI with about $33 million
provided to the states by the U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration under the Intermodal Surface
Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991. TRW Inc. of Cleveland is the project’s system manager; SmartRoute Systems,
Inc., of Cambridge, MA, is providing the SmarTraveler System for TRW.
In addition to the SmarTraveler telephone service, ARTIMIS will include 88 miles of monitored, instrumented highways and
traffic advisory messages delivered by 44 changeable message sings and area-wide highway advisory radio coverage.
Officials estimate that ARTIMIS will reduce the accident rate on Interstate highways by at least 10%, cut hydrocarbon and
nitric oxide emissions by more than 45 tons annually, and save 1,000,000 gallons of fuel per year. Annual savings in
reduced accidents, traffic delays, and fuel consumption is expected to be $15.9 million.
Contact:
Katy Miller
(617) 494-8100
1993 Press Releases
- 05-23-1993
SmarTraveler Enjoys Early Success: Early Findings Report Indicates Advanced Traveler Information
Service Can Help Mitigate Congestion and Reduce Travel Delays:
CAMBRIDGE, MA--May 23, 1993 -- SmarTraveler (617/374-1234), the first-in-the-nation, real-time traffic and
transit information service available to residents of eastern Massachusetts with a touch-tone telephone, generated 130,000
calls in its 2 1/2 months of operation, including 11,000 calls during the weekend "Blizzard of ’93", according to a report
published by SmartRoute Systems of Cambridge.
The SmarTraveler service, launched January 13, 1993, is designed to provide up-to-the-minute traveler information to
individuals in their home, at work, or in their car. SmarTraveler provides information on traffic and road conditions,
transit options, alternative routes, and construction and maintenance activities as they may influence travel conditions.
SmarTraveler is funded with public and private monies, and is administered under a contract with the Massachusetts
Department of Transportation.
During the first three month of operations, the report indicates that:
- 82% of the users found the service "very useful";
- 96% of the users changed the time, route, or mode of their travel at least occasionally due to information they received from SmarTraveler; and
- 30% of the users change the time, route, or mode of their travel frequently based on the information they received from SmarTraveler.
Users rank the importance of information they receive from SmarTraveler "very important" as follows:
- 65% - Alternative routes,
- 51% - Scheduled events and construction,
- 46% - Travel times.
SmarTraveler represents a new collaborative approach in public/private partnership resulting in a highly-efficient, low-
cost public service which has the dual benefit of improving traffic flow throughout the region and contributing to the
efforts underway to reduce mobile-source air pollution.
According to Transportation Secretary James Kerasiotes, who is responsible for the development of SmarTraveler,
"SmarTraveler is an innovative example of the gains that can be made in creative public/private collaboration designed to
service both the public-at-large and the environment."
The SmarTraveler service operates out of a high-tech traffic operations center in Kendall Square. The SmarTraveler traffic
and transit surveillance which produces comprehensive, up-to-the-minute, location-specific traffic reports, consists of 47
cameras located at strategic locations around greater Boston; nearly 400 regularly-scheduled "mobile probes" reporting the
operations center by mobile phone or two-way radio; monitoring of 350 publicly available radio frequencies for police,
fire, ambulance, etc., direct "ring-down" lines to the State Police Communications Center, two Amtrack dispatchers, the
Massachusetts Highway Department radio room, and MBTA operations center.
Partners in the SmarTraveler project include Massachusetts Department of Transportation, MBTA, Massachusetts Turnpike
Authority, the State Police, the Federal Highway Administration, WCVB Channel 5, WODS Radio, the American Trucking
Association Foundation, and Cellular One.
Contact:
Katy Miller
(617) 494-8100
- 01-13-1993
Federal/State Agencies and Private Companies Launch $3 Million "SmarTraveler" Project for
Eastern Massachusetts Residents:
CAMBRIDGE, MA--January 13, 1993 -- A first in the nation "Advanced Traveler Information System" –
SmarTraveler—was launched today at a Cambridge, MA, press conference sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, the
Massachusetts Highway Department and SmartRoute Systems, in conjunction with the MBTA Pike, Massport, and the Massachusetts
State Police.
For the first time, residents of Eastern Massachusetts will be able to call one telephone number, 374-1234, for up-to-the-
minute, location-specific traffic and transit information throughout the week. From area codes 508 and 617, the cost of
calling SmarTraveler is the cost of a local call from any touch-tone telephone in the home, at the office, or in the car.
Information provided will include traffic and road conditions, travel times, transit options, alternate routes and
construction sites.
The service area in Eastern Massachusetts covers approximately: 1,400 square miles, encompassing 122 cites and towns, an
estimated 2.9 million licensed drivers and 2.8 million registered vehicles. Eighteen separate roadways or roadway segments
totaling 701 miles and carrying 1.7 million vehicles daily are included in the SmarTraveler monitoring and reporting.
Covered routes are the Central Artery, Storrow and Memorial Drives, Logan Airport, Mass Pike (I-90), and Routes 1, 2, 3, 9,
24, 93, 95, 128, and 495.
"The SmarTraveler project focuses on a number of important priorities of the Weld-Cellucci administration, specifically the
need for a low-cost and highly efficient program to reduce congestion and improve air quality in Eastern Massachusetts.
This project encourages the use of public transit and it supports the development of a new technology – Intelligent Vehicle
Highway Systems (IVHS) – in Massachusetts, which takes advantage of the State’s high-tech resources. Finally, this project
is a creative collaboration between public and private sectors. The commuters of Massachusetts will be the first in the
nation to be able to get real-time, location-specific traffic and transit information," said Lieutenant Governor Paul
Cellucci as he demonstrated SmarTraveler for those in attendance.
The new service also covers the MBTA commuter rail (Amtrak), bus and subway systems which carry 663,000 people daily within
the coverage area. The project is a Federal Highway Administration "operational test" funded 50% by the Federal Highway
Administration, with a matching 50% contributed by private companies and other public sector agencies. The SmarTraveler
contract is managed by the Mass Highway Department.
Transportation Secretary, James Kerasiotes, who initiated support for this project when he was commissioner of The Mass
Highway Department said, "By improving commuters’ access to information on traffic conditions and public transit options,
we are giving them the tools to make informed and immediate transportation choices. We’ll have less congested roadways and
better air quality which contribute to economic productivity and quality of life."
Allan R. McKinnon, Chairman of The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, commented, "The Turnpike Authority is strongly
committed to quality traffic management and patron service programs. We are eager to participate in innovative initiatives
that will enhance our services along the Turnpike and at the Sumner and Callahan Tunnels. SmarTraveler is a remarkable way
to improve patron services and is an exciting medium in which we can promote our programs to reduce congestion and reduce
air pollution through ride-sharing, HOV lanes and corporate van pool programs."
Alden S. Raine, Massport Executive Director said, "Massport is, by its very nature, an intermodal agency servicing
automobile traffic, public transit, commuter boats as well as airplanes and ships. We are pleased to be part of a statewide
effort to foster this intermodality and are particularly supportive of the concept of teaching people to call one number
for SmarTraveler information before they leave for Logan Airport from home or office."
MBTA General Manager John J. Haley said, "The SmarTraveler project takes a major step in improving the marketing of public
transportation by giving people the real-time service information they need in making their travel decisions. This is the
type of innovative marketing we’ve been working on to encourage people to get out of their cars and onto the MBTA."
Private sector partners of the SmarTraveler project include: WCVB-TV (Channel 5), WODS Radio (Oldies 103), Cellular One,
American Automotive Association (AAA), and the American Trucking Association Foundation.
The project is being implemented by SmartRoute Systems of Cambridge, the brainchild of President and CEO John Liebesny
after extensive research into the dynamics of traffic congestion and corresponding emerging technologies. The proprietary
software which will operate the SmarTraveler system was developed by Liebesny, together with Micrologic of Watertown, MA,
developers of the LoJack vehicle recovery system. Liebesny was joined by Chairman Stephen P. Crosby in 1990 and since that
time SmartRoutes has refined and begun to operate its traffic and road condition information system in the Greater Boston
area. These project executives, as well as SmartRoutes Executive Vice President and SmarTraveler Project Manager, David E.
Stein, can be contacted at (617) 494-8100.
Contact:
Katy Miller
(617) 494-8100
1991 Press Releases
- 08-22-1991
Newscenter 5 Will Introduce New TV Traffic Reports, Joining Forces With Sophisticated "SmartRoute Systems":
BOSTON, MA--August 22, 1991 -- WCVB-TV’s NewsCenter 5 will join forces, beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 3, with
the sophisticated traffic information network SmartRoute Systems to provide Channel 5 viewers with the most complete, most
timely traffic reports available in the area.
Periodically, through its morning 5:30-7AM EyeOpener newscast and during the five-minute news updates at 7:25AM and 8:25AM
in Good Morning America, WCVB will switch to the SmartRoute Systems operations center in Kendall Square, Cambridge, for up-
to-the-minute reports on rush hour traffic in Metropolitan Boston. Eli Sherer, a veteran traffic reporter and director of
operations for SmartRoute Systems, will report for WCVB from the computerized $2 million SmartRoute Systems headquarters.
The station will also switch to SmartRoute Systems headquarters during other newscasts or when the need arises, not only
for routine traffic reports, but also for insight into news stories involving Greater Boston’s road network.
According to WCVB News Director Emily Rooney, "With the Central Artery project about to take off, we believe we have
attached ourselves to the foremost experts on traffic in our area. We will be able to use the SmartRoute traffic center for
all kinds of news stories and features on the Artery and for other traffic and environmental stories for all our
newscasts."
SmartRoute Systems employs a sophisticated network of live and slow-scan TV cameras located at crucial intersections
throughout the city, combined with a team of mobile "eyes and ears," electronic surveillance field stations, and fixed-wing
aircraft, all reporting into a central command headquarters. The flow of information is received and managed by several
SmartRoute Systems state-of-the-art computers and its audiotext equipment.
One important feature offered by SmartRoute Systems – which will be incorporated into Channel 5 reports – is the ability of
that organization to offer tips on "SmartRoutes" around traffic jams. Similar information is offered to motorists in
printed SmartRoute Systems "ByPass Guides," available by calling 617-494-8100.
NYNEX Mobile offers its car-phone customers, who call a special number, free, location-specific SmartRoute Systems traffic
information. Effective on Sept. 3, others can access the same information through the new Channel 5 reports or by calling
976-5555 at a cost of 80 cents per minute.
Contact:
Burt Peretsky or Ethel Shepard
(617) 449-0400
|
|
|
|
|
|
