VERIZON WIRELESS JOINS SOUTH DAKOTA 511 TRAVELER INFORMATION PROGRAM


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Verizon Wireless has joined South Dakota's 511 Statewide Traveler Information Service, according to Verizon Wireless and the South Dakota Department of Transportation. South Dakota is the first state in the country to extend 511 services to all phone and wireless companies, including Verizon Wireless, operating within its borders.
 
511 is a toll-free number that provides callers with up-to-date, location-specific road and weather information on any Interstate, US, or state highway in South Dakota and in the adjoining states of North Dakota and Minnesota. South Dakota's 511 initiative is part of a nationwide program to establish 511 as the universal Traveler Information Number throughout the country. The initiative represents a partnership between the Department of Transportation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the state's telephone and wireless service providers who have programmed their systems to recognize 511.
 
Since South Dakota's 511 system was launched on November 22, over 40,000 calls have have been made to request information on current and forecast weather, winter road conditions, and construction along the state's highways.
 
According to David Huft, Intelligent Transportation Systems Coordinator for SDDOT, Verizon Wireless participation is particularly welcome. "Many South Dakotans are Verizon Wireless customers, and they now have the same easy access to road and weather information so important during the winter months."
 
511 calls can be placed from any landline or wireless telephone in South Dakota 24 hours per day.
 
For further information contact David Huft, Intelligent Transportation Systems Coordinator, South Dakota Department of Transportation, 700 East Broadway, Pierre, SD 57501-2586, 605.773.3358, dave.huft@state.sd.us