what is 511

511 is an easy-to-remember 3-digit telephone number that provides current information about travel and traffic conditions in some regions of the United States and Canada. It was designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2000 as the single traffic information telephone number to be made available to states and local jurisdictions across the country. Travelers can dial 511 on landlines and most mobile phones to access information such as highway conditions, weather conditions, road closures, construction status, accident information, detour recommendations, ride-sharing details, public transportation information, and cycling information. The information provided by 511 varies from state to state, and the system is being promoted by the USDOTs ITS initiative. Although there are no federal requirements and no mandated way to pay for 511, the goal of the 511 Deployment Coalition is "the timely establishment of a national 511 traveler information service that is sustainable and provides value to users".