Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Announces Creation of New Mobile App for New Yorkers to Gain Real-Time Travel Info

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the state Department of Transportation has upgraded its 511 New York system, including a new free mobile device application that provides New Yorkers with up-to-the-minute information regarding traffic, transit and emergency service notifications as well as weather advisories.

The 511NY Mobile Application is a free app that Blackberry, iPhone and Google Android mobile device users can download to easily access weather, transit and traffic conditions. The app, which is operated by the state Department of Transportation (DOT), can be found in respective app stores and will be made available on additional platforms in the near future. The new services make real-time travel information, already available via phone and Web through 511NY, more accessible to people as they are traveling.

"As we've seen with this harsh winter, it's vital that New Yorkers have immediate access to urgent information regarding travel, transit and emergency notifications," Governor Cuomo said. "This new app, along with additional features to this innovative DOT program, is an example of how government is making full use of the technological platforms that are not just gaining popularity, but revolutionizing how we interact."

The new app is part of an upgrade to DOT's existing 511 New York system, which was created in 2008 to provide real-time critical information to travelers, such as road closures, accidents, construction, transit delays and inclement weather information. Other additions to 511 New York include:

• 511NY Mobile Web: A new Web page formatted specifically for ease-of-use on smart mobile devices, available at http://m.511ny.org, www.511ny.mobi or www.511ny.org/511NYMobile.

• My511NY: A free, personalized service where accounts can be customized for both phone and Web service. Users can define and save up to six traffic and transit trips and access specific information relevant to those routes. More information is available at www.511ny.org/MY511NY/.

The award-winning 511 New York Travel Information System is the largest such entity in the country and now offers more mobile offerings than any other system. More information about 511 New York's new features can be found at www.511ny.org. Motorists are reminded that it is illegal to use mobile hand-held devices while driving. To use 511NY Mobile Web or App while en route, motorists should pull off the highway to a safe location or have a passenger access the service.

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