Tampa, Orlando and Miami Drivers Now Have Alternative to 511 Traffic Information System

Feb. 11, 2011 - PRLog -- TrafficTalk recently released an innovative traffic information service for commuters, aiming to become the first choice among drivers looking to avoid traffic jams.  As part of its national launch covering the 20 “most traffic-congested” U.S. cities, TrafficTalk is now available in the Tampa Bay, Orlando and Miami areas.

Applying the power of social networking to solving a vexing real-world problem, TrafficTalk service brings drivers together into localized "communities" so they share information with one another-- live--about traffic conditions and alternate routes—all through the use of their mobile phones.  

The service is easy to access – from any phone, users dial the phone number and access code for their closest community.  Users hear live conversations from drivers which include the location of traffic jams, suggestions on alternate routes and updates on delay times.  Callers can contribute information when they have something useful to share with other drivers.

“Traffic is one of the biggest problems we all face every day,” said TrafficTalk CEO, Larry Greenfield. “People rely mainly on the radio for traffic information, but in Florida, many commuters feel that radio reports and 511 traffic status recordings are oversimplified, and there are delays in getting the information out, which can often lead to inaccuracies.  TrafficTalk is working to provide a better solution.”

Tested over several months in the busy suburbs of Washington DC, TrafficTalk demonstrated that this live approach addressed some big unmet needs.  The service brings people into helpful communities, where drivers become connected – through the shared pain of their daily commute – to others sharing the same roads.
 
“During our testing, users understood immediately that the service was about helping one another—they eagerly shared information on traffic conditions,” said Greenfield. “One driver passing an accident helps dozens or hundreds of others, while another person testing an alternate route tells everyone whether it was really any quicker.  It’s very empowering, and you could tell through the grateful voices of people receiving this information, that it was much appreciated.”

Anyone can connect to TrafficTalk’s free service, from any phone.  Drivers can connect to TrafficTalk through a free iPhone app, or obtain the access numbers from www.traffictalk.info.   The number to call for Tampa traffic is 805-309-5917; for Orlando call 805-309-5915; and for Miami call 805-309-5908.

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TrafficTalk is a traffic information service which enables drivers using mobile phones to come together in an audio conference environment, where they can share details about traffic conditions and help each other avoid or escape back-ups.