Multimodal 511 System for California`s Inland Empire Page 5

InFocus
Spring 2011
Multimodal 511 System for California’s
Inland Empire
Page 5
NaviGAtor 511 Sets Motorist
Assistance Records
Page 9
The History of 511
Prior to 511’s growth into a national focus, visionaries in both North Dakota and South
Dakota Departments of Transportation worked with what is now Meridian Environmental
Technology, Inc. (MET), an Iteris company, to establish the nation’s first multi-state single
phone number Advanced Traveler Information System known as #SAFE (#7233).
Page 3
In This Issue:
2
Knowledge is Power Advanced Traveler Information Systems
8
Iteris to Provide Traffic Engineering and Planning Manuals
for Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport
4
Wyoming 511: Helping Travelers
Brave Harsh Winter Weather
10
Safety and Emergency Alerts Through 511
5
Upcoming Events
10
Iteris Launches Social Media
7
Iteris Software Solutions Enhance El Segundo ATIS
11
Iteris Adds Talent
Page 2
Knowledge is Power - Advanced Traveler Information Systems
A key benefit of Intelligent Transportation
Systems (ITS) is empowering the travelers
through accurate and reliable information to
make informed choices before and during
a trip.
Iteris and its subsidiary, MET, currently operate eight 511 systems
for various state agencies and two metropolitan Traveler Information
Systems throughout the United States, and utilize a mixture of dedicated
and shared lines to achieve high reliability among the 511 systems. This
combination results in a high-level of service with no dropped calls or
down time to provide maximum benefit to the traveling public.
Advanced Traveler Information Systems,
integrate various data provided by ITS
systems and distribute critical information from freeway traffic,
roadway conditions, incidents, weather, multimodal bus, rail, and
airport conditions, to AMBER Alerts and Homeland Security to provide
travelers with real-time traffic information, enabling them to make
optimum route and mode choice selection decisions.
Meridian Environmental Technology (MET), an Iteris company,
pioneered the first multi-state, statewide ATIS in 1996 in North and
South Dakota, and the first state-wide 511 ATIS in Nebraska in 2001.
Each 511 system has its own specific value proposition. The rural
511 systems, understandably, focus primarily on weather-related
roadway information, while in metropolitan areas, 511 systems can be
a vital resource during major emergencies, such as major incidents,
evacuations, and AMBER Alerts, and Homeland Security Emergency
Management. This potential is likely to increase as traveler adoption
grows.
This technology for single-point traveler information was recognized by
the Federal Highway Administration as the model for the Nation’s First
511 Guidelines. Since then, 511 has become the choice of travelers for
up-to-the-minute traveler information.
Most, if not all, 511 Traveler Information Systems communicate
information in a variety of ways:
From basic telephone service to Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
Over the Internet via Internet traffic maps and route planning
Through mobile applications for your cell phone
In locations with Traffic Management Centers, callers can also transfer
to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
I truly believe Traveler Information Systems will become even a more
vital part of ITS offering and a common tool for use by travelers going
forward. More data will be available, helping to improve reliability and
accuracy of the information. In addition, a fully integrated multimodal
system that is easy to access and use information will help the
expansion of its use by the travelers.
In this issue, we highlight several projects and programs elaborating on
key attributes of traveler information systems. Enjoy reading.
Sincerely,
Abbas Mohaddes
President & CEO
Iteris, Inc.
Innovation for better mobility
InFocus
The History of 511
Prior to 511’s growth into a national focus, visionaries in both North Dakota and South Dakota Departments of
Transportation worked with what is now Meridian Environmental Technology, Inc. (MET), an Iteris company, to
establish the nation’s first multi-state single phone number Advanced Traveler Information System Information
System originally known as #SAFE (#7233).
While this activity began in 1996 as an Operational Traveler Information System across both Dakotas, the principles
and general operating rules were later adopted
by the Federal Highwaw Administration (FWHA).
In an announcement during the National
Conference for ITS America in Miami in May
2001, the FWHA announced that #SAFE was to
be the model for the first 511 national guidelines.
During this same time, MET was recognized
annually for four years in a row as a finalist for
“Best in ITS” during each Annual Meeting of
ITS America for enhancements of services and
features associated with both #SAFE and 511.
Following the designation of 511 as the national traveler information number, MET created the Nation’s first
statewide 511 application in 2001 beginning with the state of Nebraska. Upon completion of Nebraska’s 511 system,
MET then applied its experience to converting the North Dakota and South Dakota systems to 511, followed by
Montana, Kansas, Nevada, Georgia, and finally Wyoming.
MET’s innovation continued through the years with a number of “firsts” for 511 deployments that have, over time,
been copied and included within the functionality of 511 across a number of other states and 511 providers.
Such “firsts” include:
Developed a statewide Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS)
Created a fully interoperable multi-state ATIS
Designed and built the nation’s only completely shared telecommunication infrastructure guaranteeing access
for each state during peak demand times at no additional equipment cost
Implemented the first statewide Alert System for Amber, Homeland Security, and General Transportation
Constructed a completely integrated statewide/urban ATIS
Added direction of travel as a specific report element
Developed the nation’s first self-sustaining 511 system in Georgia

Over the years, MET has developed a number of enhancements to further the functionality of 511. While a traveler
comment line has been used by MET since the beginning of the #SAFE systems in early 1997, by 1999 these
reports were being recorded and shipped directly to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for response. This
small addition to the functionality generated enormous support from the public.
An Alert System, the first if its kind, was added to Operating State Systems allowing for the immediate application of
Amber, Homeland Security, or General Transportation alerts across the entire state in less than 2 minutes from any
phone in the U.S. by authorized personnel within the state.
continued on page 4
Page 3
Page 4
Wyoming 511: Helping Travelers Brave Harsh Winter Weather
Winter weather in any state can be hazardous and require travelers to
remain alert to ever-changing road conditions, but the need for vigilance
is even more important when traveling in the vastly changing terrain and
climate regions of Wyoming.
Interstate 80 is a huge gateway of commerce, and when it is closed
under extreme conditions for great lengths of time, millions of dollars
can be lost economically. To avoid costly closures and delays, Wyoming
is very proactive in providing helpful, decision-making information to the
511 service to help travelers. In addition to 6-hour weather forecasts
provided through route-specific road weather forecasts, Wyoming also
includes high wind advisories and warnings to travelers. The 511 system
also incorporates Wyoming’s Variable Speed Limit system to alert
travelers when speed limits are reduced throughout the winter months.
Wyoming has a diverse geography, ranging from open prairies to
towering mountains, and is known for its extreme winter conditions.
Blizzards and strong winds can cripple traffic along the highly traveled
Interstate 80 that sweeps across the south. Even with a small
population and rural setting, winter weather conditions in Wyoming
can in a single day yield over 100,000 calls to Meridian Environmental
Technology’s (MET) 511 Advanced Traveler Information System. On
April 5, 2009, MET’s 511 system took in 9,029 calls in one hour due to
an Interstate 80 road closure. 
The History of 511 (continued from page 3)
Additionally, road network differences between states have caused
the development of additional features considered useful to travelers,
both public and commercial, including concurrent route information and
complete highway reports for interstate routes. Call transfers, tourism
notices, route specific and regional reports are available as well as a
menu structure that allows for future growth in the system.
maintenance without the necessity of taking it offline. MET’s is the
only system that has never lost a call, provided a busy signal to any
caller in any of the eight states, or been down for any amount of time.
Additionally, it is the only shared system that provides guaranteed lines
to each individual state, eliminating a major problem with other shared
systems, of first come, first served.
MET developed a one-of-a-kind shared telephony infrastructure that
remains unmatched today by any other 511 provider. Developed in
2002 and placed in operation for all Meridian 511 states in 2003, this
system has never experienced any downtime within the 8 years of
daily operations. Its design allows for both routine and emergency
It has been suggested that repeated use of a 511 system is an
indication of both acceptance and approval, and MET must agree
based on current records of use. Since its development in 1995, MET
now operates 8 state 511 systems across the U.S. These eight states
represent 25% of the landmass of the U.S., but only 8% of population.
Yet, the information provided across these 511 systems is so popular
with the traveling public that these eight states represent 20% of all
calls to any of the 511 systems tracked by the National 511 Coalition. To
MET, the usage mentioned above indicates that the mission of providing
information to enhance traveler safety and the security of our National
Surface Transportation System is being accomplished and that the
traveling public recognizes the value of 511. 
Innovation for better mobility
InFocus
Page 5
Multimodal 511 System for California’s Inland Empire
Iteris, Inc. completed the initial development of the Inland Empire 511 (IE511) system in February 2010, under
contract to the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC). RCTC working cooperatively with the San
Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG), will oversee design and deployment of the system. RCTC and
SANBAG have continued this same cooperative approach for overseeing Iteris’ activities in the hosting, operation,
and maintenance of the Inland Empire 511 system.
The Inland Empire is a large and diverse area
extending from the eastern edge of Los Angeles
County to Arizona and Nevada to the east; San
Diego County to the south; and Kern County to the
north. Within this area, the travel conditions vary
from heavy commute traffic towards Los Angeles and
Orange Counties, as well as weekend traffic to various
destinations within and beyond the Inland Empire,
including the San Bernardino Mountains, the Colorado
River, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Arizona, and San
Diego. The physical area of the Inland Empire also includes diverse weather conditions that subject major freeways
and highways to closure and other travel restrictions due to high winds, snow and other inclement weather-related
events.
Iteris was tasked with development of a multimodal 511 system that not only addresses traffic information, but also
provides connections to transit services (bus transit, Metrolink, etc.), and rideshare services. This information is
delivered through both the Internet website portal (www.IE511.org), Twitter and Facebook releases, and a stateof-art Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system where end users can receive travel information as their journey
progresses.
Iteris completed the initial system deployment for the Inland Empire in approximately 8 months, leveraging prior
Traveler Information System development and deployments in Southern California. The system was placed in a
“soft launch” mode for approximately two months prior to the official “hard launch” in April 2010. The system has
undergone some subtle operational changes and has added features since the official April 2010 launch. In the first
11 months of operations, the system has received over 450,000 calls. 
Upcoming Events
ITSVA 17th Annual Conference & Exhibition
2011 ITS Michigan Annual Meeting and Exposition
May 4-5, 2011
Richmond, VA
June 1, 2011
Dearborn, MI
TCA Safety & Security Annual Meeting
116th Annual IMSA Conference
May 15-17, 2011
Murfreesboro, TN
July 7-15, 2011
Bellevue, WA
63rd Annual Conference &
Tank Truck Equipment Show
2011 ITE Western District Annual Meeting
May 22-24, 2011
Baltimore, MD
July 10-13, 2011
Anchorage, AK
move it
Measure it. Manage it. Improve it.
Iteris can help get you moving.
Iteris, Inc. is a leader in the traffic management market focused on the development and application
of advanced technologies that reduce traffic congestion, minimize the environmental impact of traffic
congestion, and improve the safety of surface transportation systems infrastructure. Combining
outdoor image processing, traffic engineering, and information technology, Iteris offers a broad range
of Intelligent Transportation Systems and driver safety solutions to customers worldwide.
From Planning, to Design, to Implementation, Integration, and Operation, Iteris has the
experience and know-how to get you on your way.
Innovation for better mobility
Learn more at:
www.iteris.com
InFocus
Iteris Software Solutions Enhance El Segundo ATIS
In 2003, Iteris was contracted by Los Angeles County Department of Public Works to design and develop a regional
Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) to serve travelers in the Southern California area. This system
design and development project has included the following efforts:
Defining stakeholders and their objectives for the project
Translating objectives into requirements
Development of a Concept of Operations
 Operational Scenarios
 Roles & Responsibilities
 System Architecture Development
 System and Interface Requirements
Completion of Alternatives Analysis
Conceptual Design Report
Strategic Implementation Plan/Business Plan/O&M Analysis


Early Deployment Systems completed to date include CommuteView, CommunityView-Internet, CommunityViewCable TV, and CommuteCall. These systems combine free public information dissemination with subscriptionbased personalized services.
CommunityView-Internet (CV-I) –
(http://map.commuteview.net/) is a publicly
facing, free to the public Internet traffic
map. It can be accessed through the
CommuteView portal. CommunityViewInternet provides users with integrated
traffic information from across the Southern
California region on a map-based traffic
interface. Travel time, incident, congestion,
road construction, and weather information
are provided through this deployment.
Several local agencies around Southern
California currently provide links from their
agency websites to CV-I as a service to
their residents. The map application has
recently evolved from a set of static map
views to a Google Maps-based interface, which includes standard Google Maps pan and zoom capabilities.
CommuteView – (www.commuteview.net) is the portal to the online services developed as part of the
El Segundo ATIS project. CommuteView contains a personalized traveler information module that allows
subscribers to select the data they want to
receive (congestion, incident, travel times),
allows subscribers to schedule receipt of
that traffic information when they want
it, and allows subscribers to receive the
selected information on the device of their
choice. On the “backend,” CommuteView
provides a common data collection and fusion platform that feeds the other traveler information components of the
El Segundo ATIS project (described below).
continued on page 8
Page 7
Page 8
Iteris to Provide Traffic Engineering and Planning Manuals for
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport
Iteris will work with the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (Abu Dhabi
DOT) to develop manuals, guidelines, and procedures tailored to the
particular needs of the Emirate based on best practices from around
the world. Iteris teamed with TrafQuest, whom they had worked with to
develop an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Strategy and Action
Plan for the Abu Dhabi DOT, including the development of an ITS
Architecture. The joint contract is valued at approximately $1.3 million
for Iteris. 
Iteris Software Solutions Enhance El Segundo ATIS (continued from page 7)
CommuteCall – is an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system
that provides access to dynamic and personalized traveler information.
This system utilizes the latest in text-to-speech and IVR capabilities
to automate all of the system operations. A caller can make ad hoc
information requests, as well as requests for information on pre-planned
routes as established in the CommuteView subscription portal The
system has been deployed since September 2004.
CommunityView-Cable TV (CV-C) – is a Television Traveler
Information System based on the CommunityView-Internet service. It
takes information from the CommunityView- Internet system and makes
it available to end users via a Community Access Television channel,
that is typically operated by a local agency (a city or a county). CV-C
provides a scheduling capability that allows the local agency to develop
a customized programming schedule for their local access channel.
After the Initial Early Deployment Phase One, Iteris has been contracted
to continue the development towards a full scale operational Advanced
Traveler Information System including arterial information and
personalized services, and operating the system for 2 more years. Of
particular interest is the provision of arterial information as the missing
link for door-to-door travel times. Issues such as data availability,
coverage, accuracy, cost, and scalability will be considered. Iteris
is currently working on adding arterial coverage in the El Segundo
area through 3rd party data providers – and potentially augmenting
the coverage in certain problem spots with additional innovative data
collection methods, such as using Bluetooth MAC address matching, to
calculate travel times.
The El Segundo ATIS continues to be an excellent opportunity to
enhance Iteris’ solution portfolio in ATIS as well as innovative data
collection and performance measurements – providing a basis
and showcase for further project deployments, such as the Inland
Empire 511. 
Innovation for better mobility
InFocus
Georgia NaviGAtor 511 Sets Motorist Assistance Records
Georgia’s Department of Transportation (GDOT) NaviGAtor 511 system continues to be one of the most popular and
heavily used Real-Time Traveler Information systems in the US.
During last winter’s snow and ice storm, the NaviGAtor 511 system, built and operated by Meridian Environmental
Technology, an Iteris company, set new motorist assistance records with the highest number of calls ever in a fourday period. The last time call volumes approached
these levels was during the September 2009 floods.
On December 28, 2010 the service reached a
major milestone: five million calls since its inception
in August 2007.
The ability to consistently provide accurate and
up-to-date information to the traveling public is
crucial. Five million calls to-date is a testament to
the quality and dependability of the 511 service, and
to GDOT’s dedication to providing timely, accurate
travel information to the traveling public. GDOT
is continuing that commitment by adding several
enhancements, including a redesigned website and
a robust foundation for future expansions.
In April, Georgia 511 was relaunched to coincide
with the GDOT’s upgraded NaviGAtor system. This was the first major upgrade of the NaviGAtor system since
its inception for the 1996 Olympic Games and is part of a federal effort to establish traveler information services
nationwide. The new Georgia 511 platform creates a foundation for many new traveler information enhancements
planned for the future, such as statewide congestion
reporting and 511 services in Spanish.
“People are very mobile and need to know traffic
and road conditions before and during their trip,”
said Leon Osborne, president and CEO of Meridian
Environmental Technology, Inc. “The new NaviGAtor
website will make it easier to plan trips, avoid problem
areas, and reach destinations more quickly and
safely.”
GDOT’s ongoing mission is to keep travelers safe and informed and to provide for their mobility throughout the
state, and is recognized as a national leader in traveler information services. This represents a natural growth and
progression of that innovation.
To demonstrate the power of the system, the new applications, and the special offers available, Georgia 511 is
planning a major summer promotion to coincide with the summer travel and construction season. 
Page 9
Page 10
Safety and Emergency Alerts Through 511
To promote additional safety and keep people aware while on the
go, Meridian Environmental Technology Inc. (MET) was the first in
the nation to develop and deploy an alert mechanism for 511 traveler
information systems. This alert system allows state authorities to
immediately provide public safety information for AMBER, Homeland
Security, or General Transportation alerts to the public when necessary.
MET’s alert system allows for a two-minute message to be processed
and activated on a statewide 511 system within seconds. Upon
notification, adjoining states may review the alert and immediately
activate the same alert on their representative 511 system by pressing
a single key. Complete interoperability of the system is key to regional
support, from road conditions and construction to protection of our
children, allowing the systems of the member states to work together
enhancing safety and security.
Each state, through their designated representatives, manages and
controls the alert functions contained within 511 without need for any
MET interaction. Each alert type can be authorized and controlled
from different agencies within the state, and authorized personnel
may activate an alert from the office, home or cell phones. The state
and their respective agencies of responsibility decide agency specific
policies and procedures for the operation of each alert type.
“This alert system does not replace any current systems for alerts,
but augments them. It is just another layer of protection against those
that would seek to harm our children, way of life or country,” says Mark
Owens, Senior Transportation Analyst for MET.
In addition to MET’s pioneering Alert System appearing at the beginning
of 511 messages and being non-interruptible, the need for routespecific Floodgate messages that are interruptible was recognized
and implemented. Floodgates are route-specific agency-issued
advisory messages played at the travel segment level. Also, during
the development of the Alert System, it was recognized that access
to the system may need to be shared among different state agencies
responsible for specific actions.
The MET Alert and Floodgate Clients include a monitoring tool to ensure
that 511 managers are kept informed of messages being presented to
the public over 511. This feature is very important if the state wishes
to maintain a level of distributive authority for those agencies with the
responsibility over certain areas associated with the alert system. For
example, if the State requires that only the Highway Patrol may issue
AMBER Alerts, then the Highway Patrol is the only authorized agency
that may process an AMBER Alert on the 511 system. However, since
the DOT owns the 511 system, an e-mail is sent to identified personnel
provided by the DOT notifying them that an Amber Alert has been
issued. This tool can be provided for all levels of Alert and Floodgate
messages. 
Iteris Launches Social Media
Iteris is pleased to announce that the company has launched the first major
phase of its social media objectives on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Going social can be a great opportunity to make connections with our
customers, clients, investors and partners worldwide, while distributing
helpful information in real-time. The company will post Iteris news,
pictures, and videos, as well as interesting industry-related articles to
Transportation Systems
help followers find out more about our business and what we can do to
solve today’s transportation challenges. It’s a smart and easy way to
stay current with the latest information Iteris has to offer.
Please take a moment to “Like” us on Facebook, “Follow us” on Twitter,
and “Subscribe” to our YouTube Channels. All the links are on our
website, www.Iteris.com. 
Roadway Sensors
Vehicle Sensors
Innovation for better mobility
InFocus
Iteris Adds Talent
Glenn Grayson, P.E.,
Associate Vice President
Glenn Grayson, P.E. has 35 years of public and private sector experience including municipal traffic
and transportation engineering, traffic signal systems, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
Glenn previously served as Director of the RTC of Southern Nevada’s FAST division, a rare blended combination
of both arterial and freeway traffic management within a single agency. Under Glenn’s tenure at FAST, many
advancements were made in the scope and approach for intelligently managing traffic. Prior to his public sector
service, Glenn spent 10 years as an Associate Principal at Iteris, and also held city traffic engineer roles with the
cities of Las Vegas, Nevada; Richardson and Wichita Falls, Texas.
Glenn earned BSCE and MSCE degrees in Transportation Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He
currently serves as a Board member of ITS Nevada, the statewide chapter of ITS America.
Bernard Li, E.E., T.E., P.T.O.E.,
Associate Vice President
Bernard Li, E.E., T.E., P.T.O.E. will focus on business development and project execution, with an
emphasis on ITS design and operations in Southern California and the western United States.
Bernard brings over 22 years of experience of providing professional services in planning, design, and
implementation of electrical and traffic engineering. He has served as Project Manager or Project Director on
numerous traffic and ITS design/construction projects, traffic signal timing and synchronization, operational
analysis, feasibility studies, and municipal traffic engineering.
Bernard holds a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Southern California, and is a Registered
Professional Engineer in California (Electrical and Traffic), Nevada (Electrical) and Arizona (Electrical); as well as
a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer.
Joe De La Garza, P.E.,
Associate Vice President
Joe De La Garza, P.E. is responsible for establishing and growing the Iteris office in the San Diego
region. De La Garza brings over 17 years of private sector experience in traffic and transportation
engineering including studies, design, and operations in Southern California.
Joe has been involved in a number of innovative and high profile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects in the San
Diego Region. Joe has managed a vast array of engineering projects and designed numerous transportation,
pedestrian, and traffic calming improvements including traffic signals, signing and striping, traffic control plans.
Part of his experience includes developing the City of San Diego’s Traffic Calming Program and managing
citywide traffic signal timing projects for multiple public agencies. Joe is a licensed Civil and Traffic Engineer in
California.
Joe has been involved in the Institute of Transportation Engineers and has been the local San Diego Section
President, as well as held numerous committee chairs, at both the local and district level. He received a
Distinguished Service Award from the ITE Western District in 2009. Joe is a graduate of Lawrence Technological
University with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. Joe is also a guest lecturer at the San Diego State University
Civil Engineering Department.
Page 11
Measure it. Manage it. Improve it.
EdgeConnect
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Connect
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Manage your video detection system remotely.
Iteris’ EdgeConnect quad-view remote communications module provides both local and remote management of
data and video over Ethernet – allowing traffic managers to view real-time video for up to four Vantage® video
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
Review the operation of an entire intersection on one screen
MPEG4/H.264 video compression scalable to fit the bandwidth available
Simple to use interface reduces training time
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Innovation for better mobility
Learn more at
www.iteris.com