The FL511 Mobile App Toolkit
March 2019
To the Editor:
In this day and time-crunch age, it’s important to travel smart on the road and Connect. Know. Go.
The Florida 511 (FL511) Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) is the state’s official source for real-time traffic and travel information. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is sharing this toolkit to encourage drivers to download and use the FL511 Mobile App to plan their route to and from their destinations. It provides directions to a user’s destination with travel times and alternate routes on most roadways throughout the state.
Users can also get information on crashes, congestion, construction and closures on Florida’s interstates, toll roads, and other major roadways. New to the FL511 Mobile App is destination-based routing and the ability to use voice commands. For destination-based routing, users enter their destination and are provided multiple routes with travel times based on current traffic conditions. While in drive mode, users can receive detailed alerts for incidents occurring along their route. When requesting information using voice, users of the app can now request a city, county, or roadway and the app will play back all associated events within a specific radius. The app was updated recently and is now available for download to smartphones at the Apple App Store and Google Play.
This toolkit includes suggested article content, social media posts, public service announcements, and much more. Please feel free to share the material. FDOT want to let everyone know that by using the FL511 Mobile App, they can stay informed on traffic conditions, plan alternate routes, increase driving safety and reduce travel time to and from their destinations.
FL511 is a service provided by FDOT that provides current road and travel conditions in Florida, so drivers can make better choices about their travel plans. The user-friendly and customizable system provides real-time traffic and travel information and lets drivers know road conditions ahead. Travel smart with the FL511 Mobile App to Connect. Know. Go.
Thank you for sharing these materials with your readers and viewers.
Sincerely,
The Florida Department of Transportation
Suggested News Article:
Florida Department of Transportation releases upgrade to FL511 Mobile App
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has released an upgrade to its traveler information system mobile app. The FL511 Mobile App – Connect. Know. Go. is now available for download to smartphones at the Apple App Store and Google Play. Current users will receive an automatic update on their phones.
The mobile app is a component of the Florida 511 (FL511) Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS), which provides real-time traffic and travel conditions on Florida roads. The mobile app has been available for both Apple and Android devices since 2012. It underwent a significant upgrade in 2018 and early 2019 in response to today’s rapidly changing technology.
Improvements include a completely redesigned user interface. The following features were added: a voice interaction feature, the ability to view events within a specific radius, the ability to view camera snapshots for specific events, the ability to create and save destinations, a truck parking availability feature and the ability to display road closures and detour maps.
“This is a major enhancement to the FL511 mobile app,” said Eugene Jules, FDOT. “It includes popular features, including drive mode and voice interaction.”
ABOUT FL511:
The FL511 system is the state’s official source for traffic and travel information. FL511 provides information on congestion events, crashes, construction and maintenance activities; and travel times on all interstates and toll facilities and several other major Florida routes, so drivers can make better choices about their travel plans. This information service is accessible by mobile app, website in English and Spanish, Twitter messages, Facebook, Instagram, texts alerts and more.
FL511 provides camera views on major Florida roads, so users can see road conditions throughout the state. The goal is to provide information about current conditions to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. To accomplish its goal, FL511 offers the latest information on transportation services and conditions throughout Florida, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Before heading out, drivers should check the FL511 app or interactive road map on FL511.com for important traffic information and incident alerts. Once on the road, have a passenger check to avoid using a phone while behind the wheel. Passengers can also view roadway camera snapshots showing current driving conditions on their route. Use the Drive Mode now with voice interaction feature and speak a request to your destination. The FL511 mobile app features an interactive map showing traffic congestion, incidents and camera snapshots on roads around the user’s location.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
For more information, visit the website at www.FL511.com or download the mobile app on Apple App Store and Google Play. Travelers can also follow FL511 on 13 Twitter handles, on Facebook @FL511, and Instagram @Florida_511.
Travel smart with the FL511 Mobile App to Connect, Know and Go!
Suggested Social Media Content:
Travel Smart:
Travel smart with #FL511. Download the upgraded app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Travel smart with #FL511 and Connect, Know and Go. Download the upgraded app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Smart Moves:
Make smart moves on Florida roads with #FL511. Download the upgraded app from Apple App Store or Google Play. FL511 Mobile App – Connect. Know. Go!
Need a Travel App?
Need a travel app? Download the upgraded #FL511 Mobile App from Apple App Store or Google Play. FL511 Mobile App – Connect. Know. Go.
Need Help Navigating?
Need help navigating Florida roads? Download the #FL511 mobile app today from Apple App Store or Google Play. FL511 Mobile App – Connect. Know. Go!
Need help navigating Florida roads? Download the #FL511 mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. #FL511: connect, know, go.
Need help navigating Florida roads? Download the upgraded #FL511 mobile app from Apple App Store or Google Play. Travel smart with the FL511 mobile app.
It’s got Voice Interaction feature:
It’s got a voice interaction feature, drive mode and camera snapshots. Get the upgraded #FL511 mobile app at Apple App Store or Google Play.
It’s got a voice interaction feature, drive mode and camera snapshots. Get the upgraded #FL511 mobile app at Apple App Store or Google Play. Connect. Know. Go!
It’s got a voice interaction feature, drive mode and camera snapshots. Get the upgraded FL511 mobile app at the Apple App Store or Google Play. Travel smart with #FL511 and connect, know and go.
Connect. Know. Go.:
The FL511 Mobile App – Connect. Know. Go. It’s upgraded with many new features. Download today from Apple App Store or Google Play. #FL511.
Suggested Website Text:
The Florida 511 (FL511) Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS)
Short Description:
Travel smart with the FL511 Mobile App – Connect. Know. Go.
Long Description:
• Enhanced User Interface
• Voice interaction feature functionality. Users can speak a request for a city, county, or roadway to view relevant events.
• Ability to limit events displayed to a configurable radius around the user.
• Lists of all events displayed by the app along with their associated camera snapshots.
• Ability to create and save destinations as well as import destinations from FL511.com.
• Truck parking functionality.
• Ability to display road closures and detour routes on the map.
Suggested Public Service Announcements:
Radio
PSA – :15 Seconds
“Travel smart with the FL511 Mobile App, now with voice interaction feature to speak your destination request.
Use Drive Mode to plan your route and hear upcoming incidents, travel info, and more. Download from the App Store or Google Play.”
TV
Video – :30 Seconds
“Stay informed and travel smart with the FL511 Mobile App to Connect. Know. Go.
Use the Drive Mode for up-to-the-minute, real-time traffic with camera views, travel information and much more.
Use the App now with Voice Interaction Features and speak a request for your destination.
Get the Florida 511 Mobile App on Google Play, or download it from the App Store to Connect.Know.Go.
This service is provided by the Florida Department of Transportation.”
Quick Q&A
Here’s a summary of some of the most popular questions and answers related to FL511:
The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Florida 511 (FL511) Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) provides real-time traffic information, including up to three routes to choose from, travel times for requested routes, congestion, construction, lane closures, severe weather and emergency evacuation information on Florida interstate highways, toll roads including Florida’s Turnpike, and many other major metropolitan roadways. The resource is available 24 hours a day on the web at www.FL511.com and on the mobile application for Apple and Android devices. The website is available in English and Spanish. Drivers can follow any of the statewide, regional or roadway-specific Twitter feeds (#FL511), such as @FL511_Northeast, @FL511_I10 and @FL511_I95. Also, follow us on Facebook, @FL511, and our Instagram, @Florida_511.
No. It is a public service. FL511 is a valuable resource for motorists which is provided by FDOT. FL511.com is a great website to visit, the app is an invaluable download, and there is no charge for registering for My Florida 511 personalized services.
The Florida 511 website, mobile app give real-time travel reports on Florida interstate highways and toll roads including Florida’s Turnpike, Miami-Dade Expressway Authority roads and Central Florida Expressway Authority roads; and other major metropolitan roadways. It also provides weather forecasts and severe weather alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The mobile app provides directions with travel times for specific routes. The website offers one or more routes to destinations. Drivers can follow any of the statewide, regional or roadway-specific Twitter feeds (#FL511), such as @FL511_Northeast, @FL511_I10 and @FL511_I95. Also, follow us on Facebook page, @FL511, and our new Instagram page, @Florida_511.
Information is updated on an ongoing basis as incidents occur and situations change on roadways. Travel times are automatically updated every few minutes around the clock.
The Florida 511 source data is Sunguide. FDOT has deployed intelligent transportation system (ITS) technology on Florida interstates and toll roads, including Florida’s Turnpike; and many other major metropolitan roadways. FDOT partners – the Central Florida Expressway Authority and Miami-Dade Expressway Authority – have also deployed similar technology along their expressways. Regional Traffic Management Centers (RTMCs) collect information about roadway conditions throughout Florida.
Florida 511 provides route-specific information, and motorists will be able to access the information on demand, whenever needed. Additionally, with My Florida 511 text and e-mail alerts, users can receive a text message or e-mail alert when there is an incident on their personal routes. Also, travelers can find out what traffic will be like by visiting FL511.com, downloading the mobile app, or following any of the statewide, regional or roadway-specific Twitter feeds (#FL511), such as @FL511_State.
From FL511.com, users can view traffic cameras under the “My Cameras” feature. Users can see where incidents are, what is on the Dynamic Message Signs (DMS), detour routes, closures, construction, congestion, weather alerts, weather forecasts, and special events on a zoomable map. Users can also consult the statewide map on the home page for detailed roadway conditions. FL511.com also provides door-to-door routing and allows users to sign up for My Florida 511 personalized services.
FL511 Fact Sheet
What is FL511?
FL511 is the abbreviated name for the Florida 511 (FL511) Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS), which is the state’s official source for real-time traffic and travel information. It is a service of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The system provides directions to any destination with travel times and alternate routes on most roadways throughout the state. Users can also get information on crashes, congestion, construction and closures on Florida’s interstates, toll roads, and other major roadways. The system includes a website, mobile app, text alerts, social media pages, and more.
Why was its mobile app upgraded?
The mobile app has been available for both Apple and Android devices since 2012. It was upgraded in 2018 and early 2019 to keep up technology advances and make it even more user-friendly.
What has changed?
It has a completely redesigned user interface.
What features have been added?
- Voice interaction feature
- The ability to view events within a specific radius
- The ability to view camera snapshots for specific events
- The ability to create and save destinations
- The ability to display road closures and detour maps, and
- A truck parking availability feature
What is the name of the app?
It is called FL511 Mobile App – Connect. Know. Go.
Where can I get the app?
It is available at the Apple App Store and Google Play.
I already have the FL511 mobile app on my smartphone. Do I need to do anything?
You don’t have to do anything if your apps are automatically updated. If not, you will need to download the updated app.
I do not use the mobile app, but would like to try it out. What do I do?
New users just download the app to their smartphone from the Apple App Store or Google Play. There is a wealth of information on the app, so it takes some time to explore and become familiar with the many features.
I use the 511 toll-free phone line in Florida. Can I use the app, too?
Yes. There is much more information on the mobile app and website, and FDOT encourages all 511 phone users to explore using the mobile app if they have access to a smartphone.
Is there a cost?
FL511 and its mobile app is a public service provided by the FDOT to increase safety and reduce driving time on Florida roads. There may be a cost for the data used on smartphones from the data provider.
What are the other components of the FL511 system?
The Florida 511 (FL511) Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) also includes a website (www.FL511.com) in English and Spanish, a 511 toll-free line, text messages, 13 Twitter feeds, and Facebook and Instagram pages.
What makes FL511 unique?
It is the only traveler information system just for Florida roads. The data is trustworthy as it comes from government sources. The system has accurate local traffic information. It has camera views on major roads throughout Florida (many of which are shown on TV by local traffic reporters and are used by print and internet media as well).
What are some of the features of the FL511 mobile app?
- Voice interaction feature
- Use the Drive Mode to plan your route and hear upcoming incidents
- Multiple routes provided for each destination
- Turn-by-turn directions
- Travel times
- Real-time traffic information including crashes, congestion, construction and closures
- Traffic cameras
- View truck parking availability at displayed locations.
Where can I find more information?
Visit www.FL511.com or download the Florida 511 Mobile App at the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Travel smart with FL511 and connect, know and go!
Images
