SANDAG
  
banner

This Month

SANDAG newsletter
provides information
on key projects & services
rule
California Transportation Commission holds hearing
at SANDAG
rule
511 celebrates its first year
in operation rule
Alcohol-related fatalities decline, but DUIs remain concern
rule
Local companies can glitter
with Diamond Awards rule
Free workshop aims to
increase workplace flexibility
rule
Work begins on
SR 52 extension rule
SANDAG receives
upgraded bond ratings
rule
January Board Actions available online
rule


   the rEgion
 

511 celebrates its first year in operation 511

Since SANDAG and its partners launched 511 a year ago this month, 700,000 people have called the free service. Another 230,000 visitors have accessed information on the Web at www.511sd.com.

Thirty-five new 511 signs also have been installed along San Diego freeways and in all 70 of the region's Park and Ride lots, reminding motorists of the free phone and Web service designed to be a one-stop shop for transportation information – including real-time traffic conditions to help commuters avoid trouble spots on the region’s highways.

“Dialing 511 is a simple way to get where you’re going faster and smarter,” said SANDAG Executive Director Gary Gallegos. “We expect a big boost in the number of callers to 511 now that the service is being permanently advertised along all of the county’s major highway corridors.”

In addition to up-to-the-minute reports on traffic conditions and incidents, 511 provides driving times, San Diego public transit schedules, route and fare information, as well as roadside assistance, carpool and vanpool referrals, bicycling information, and more –  24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Some of the more prominent sign locations are: I-5 just south of SR 52; along I-15 and SR 163 north of downtown; on I-5 and I-805 in South Bay; I-8 between I-15 and SR 125; on SR 78 at I-5 and I-15; and several along I-5 and I-15 in North County.

Whether you’re in a car or taking a bus, the 511 system can help.  Through 511, users can access real-time incident reports from Caltrans and pinpoint congestion delays that could affect their commute. Users also can get drive times for all major highways in the San Diego region. The 511 Web site offers users camera views of traffic conditions at more than 70 different locations on San Diego highways.

Transit riders can use 511 to conveniently obtain a trip plan that best meets their needs, as well as get schedule and fare information for Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) routes.

The 511 service stems from a collaborative partnership among SANDAG, Caltrans, MTS, NCTD, California Highway Patrol, and San Diego County Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE).

You can access the service by dialing 511 from any phone or go online to www.511sd.com.

Project Manager:
Thomas Bruccoleri, Senior Regional Planner
Phone: (619) 699-7381, E-mail: tbr@sandag.org