Smart Trek also reports traffic over a cable TV channel that broadcasts maps and live pictures of congestion on freeways. The TV display, the information on the TV display, is updated every 20 seconds, so it's truly real-time information about the highway. This is different than what you might get on a radio traffic report, where the information can be somewhat old because it requires a series of steps to get that information to you. Private companies are being encouraged to participate in and profit from Smart Trek with innovations of their own. Traffic, one message.
Private companies offer their service.
One company manufactures a computer that mounts into the dashboard of a car. Auto-P.C. Using data beamed over F.M. radio and satellite, it can alert drivers to traffic jams along their route. The system responds to voice commands. Intersection State Highway 522 and 68th Avenue Northeast. February 11, 1999.