Press Release

PUC Establishes the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as Administrator of Statewide 5-1-1 Dialing Code

Published on 10/23/2008

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Public Utility Commission (PUC) today established the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) as the sole administrator for the 5-1-1 abbreviated dialing code, which will be implemented statewide as a means to access traveler information.

The Commission voted 5-0 to grant PennDOT’s application to establish the three-digit number known as “5-1-1 Pennsylvania,” which will provide users with timely, reliable and relevant traffic, weather and intermodal information via telephone and the Internet.  The automated Advanced Traveler System will provide statewide traveler information including, among other things, road conditions, weather information, incidents and road closures, as well as statewide road maintenance and construction projects where potential delays might exist. 

A call to 5-1-1 will route to a toll-free number and the information provided by this system will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and will be updated as needed. 

On July 21, 2000, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled that the 5-1-1 abbreviated dialing code should be used exclusively to provide traveler information services.  The Commission has ordered all jurisdictional local exchange carriers and wireless carriers to work with PennDOT on implementation issues.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. M-2008-2061434

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov