Effective today, Friday, July 1, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has consolidated its existing 511 traveler information service. Now, instead of getting automated recorded messages, callers will be able to speak with live operators. The consolidation will translate to a yearly savings of $115,366.
"Since the Department first launched its statewide 511 service on March 9, 2005, the need for the service and usage rates have steadily declined, due to advances in technology and other available resources," said RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr. "Through our online and 24/7 TMC access, we are focusing our efforts to continuing to provide relevant travel information to the motoring public."
Those who call 511 looking for traveler information, construction updates, or other traffic related details, will be automatically directed to the TMC. Users can also access this information online at http://www.dot.ri.gov/travel/ or by calling the TMC at (401) 222-3005.