What initially began as an experiment using volunteer probes equipped with cellular telephones evolved into an effort to use AVI technology and the web site to present a real-time traffic map and detailed data reports to the public. In the future, TTI will use portable AVI readers to assist in shuttle bus operations for special events. Incident detection algorithms and alternate routing strategies will also be researched. AVI readers will eventually be installed along additional sections. The Benefits Less time spent on the roads saves drivers time and money.
Commuters can choose the best route to take in the shortest amount of time.
The system also helps identify stalled vehicles and accidents that can cause slow speeds on freeways, toll roads and HOV lanes. Drivers can skim five to 15 minutes off their trip by using the real-time traffic map. With approximately 23,000 accesses of the web site each day, Houstonians are taking notice. When a major stretch of I-45 that runs through downtown Houston was closed for reconstruction from December 1996 through June 1997, the web site was a major source of alternate route and travel time information. Not only does AVI save commuters time, it also helps to decrease negative environmental effects due to vehicle emissions.