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    2005 Press Releases

  • 11-30-2005

    WESTWOOD ONE’S SMARTROUTE SYSTEMS AND TRAFFICCAST ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT -- The Agreement Creates The Nation’s Largest Database Of Real-Time Traffic Incident, Enhanced Flow And Predictive Data, Which Is Now Available To All Metro Networks and SmartRoute Systems Broadcast and Data Customers

    New York, NY - November 30, 2005 - SmartRoute Systems (SRS), a Westwood One (NYSE: WON) company, and TrafficCast, the leader in predictive and flow traffic information in the U.S. and China, announced today an agreement to create largest traffic incident, enhanced flow, and predictive traffic services in North America.

    Combining the resources of SmartRoute Systems’ and TrafficCast’s patented systems, technologies and ITS operational expertise, creates the nation’s largest database of real-time traffic incident and flow data. Flow data is now integrated into SmartRoute Systems’ 340,000 locations and managed through its patented data architecture. SmartRoute Systems historical traffic data is now analyzed by TrafficCast’s systems, allowing SmartRoute Systems to offer predictive traffic information to its clients. In addition, the companies are working closely together to add more speed and flow markets nationwide.

    “This new agreement with TrafficCast enables customers of all platforms to do ‘one-stop shopping’ for all their traffic information needs”, said Gary Worobow, Westwood One EVP Business Affairs. “The incorporation of actual traffic speed and predictive traffic services into Westwood One’s massive traffic information gathering and reporting operation further enhances the breadth and accuracy of all of our traffic services, as well as growing our portfolio of traffic information and content for emerging markets.”

    "TrafficCast is delighted and excited to announce this association with Westwood One," said Dr. Connie Li, President/CEO of TrafficCast. "Westwood One has established the gold standard in traffic reporting and we're confident that TrafficCast technology and predictive models will combine to significantly improve traffic information and travel advisories for clients of both companies, and ultimately drivers across the country."

    SmartRoute Systems provides local traffic, news, sports and weather information to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and voice portal customers. SRS reports include: traffic incidents, road and lane closures, construction delays, scheduled roadwork, event delays, travel times and alternate routes. SRS also manages traffic information centers for state and local departments of transportation. SmartRoute Systems is part of Metro Networks, whose traffic gathering infrastructure includes more than 70 local traffic operation centers, 1800 traffic reporters, producers and broadcasters, over 100 aircraft and multiple engagements with Departments of Transportation for ITS and 511 service deployment. For more information please visit www.smartroute.com.

    Combined incident, flow & predictive services, and products are available now to existing and emerging markets - including broadcast, Departments of Transportation, telematics & automotive navigation systems, internet, wireless, fleet, and personal navigation device markets.

    TrafficCast is a leading provider of digital traffic data. The company has developed and patented software platforms and predictive models to produce route-specific travel time estimates and forecasts for traditional and emerging traffic information markets. TrafficCast's product and delivery focus is personalized travel information via interactive platforms and wireless devices. Founded by experts in traffic engineering and data analysis, TrafficCast technology fuses historic traffic patterns of the national roadway network with "live" traffic incident and flow data, weather forecasts, construction and event schedules to deliver meaningful, actionable travel advice. TrafficCast China, an affiliate of TrafficCast, is currently testing its technology in Shanghai for deployment in a national traffic system in China. TrafficCast is based in Madison, WI. For more: www.trafficcast.com

    Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features, live events and 24/7 formats. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news services and other information. Westwood One serves more than 5,000 radio stations. Westwood One is managed by Infinity Broadcasting Corporation.

    For more information on these exciting new products please contact:

    Bill Martin
    Westwood One
    617-588-3716
    bill_martin@metronetworks.com

    Press Contacts :

    Peter Sessa
    Westwood One
    212.641.2053
    peter_sessa@westwoodone.com

     

     
  • 11-09-2005

    SMARTROUTE SYSTEM’S SMARTRAVELER BECOMES FIRST TRAVELER INFORMATION SYSTEM TO RECEIVE OVER 50 MILLION CALLS:

    New York, NY - November 9, 2005
    SmarTraveler provides eastern Massachusetts drivers with the timely, accurate, and route-specific information needed navigate the busy transportation system in and around Boston. Travelers get real-time traffic and transit information with a toll-free call to *1 on their cellular phone or by dialing 617-374-1234 from a land-based phone. The information is also available at smartraveler.com. Calls to the service are on the rise, with a five-year average growth-rate of over 10 percent. Last year, SmarTraveler received 6.7 million calls and is expected to surpass seven million this year.

    “By giving motorists up-to-the-minute traffic conditions, we afford them basic information that creates smarter and better commuters,” said Massachusetts Transportation Secretary John Cogliano.

    “While 50 million calls is a milestone we’re proud of, it’s really just a waypost on the road to an exciting future,” added Jim O’Neill, the Vice President and General Manager of SmartRoute Systems.

    SmartRoute Systems provides local traffic, news, sports and weather information to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and voice portal customers. SRS reports include: traffic incidents, road and lane closures, construction delays, scheduled roadwork, event delays, travel times and alternate routes. SRS also manages traffic information centers for state and local departments of transportation. SmartRoute Systems was acquired by Westwood One in November 2000 and now has traffic incident data from Metro Networks, in addition to news and other local content from Metro Source. Westwood One provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features, live events and 24/7 formats. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services,

    Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news services and other information. Westwood One serves more than 5,000 radio stations. Westwood One is managed by Infinity Broadcasting Corporation.

    Press Contact
    Peter Sessa
    Westwood One
    212.641.2053
    peter_sessa@westwoodone.com

     

     
  • 06-02-2005

    SUNGUIDE 511 HITS 5 MILLION TRAVELER INFO CALLS:

    New York, NY – June 2, 2005 – SmartRoute Systems (SRS), a Westwood One (NYSE: WON) company, and The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), announced today that their SUNGUIDE 511 joint venture in South Florida recorded a new high, receiving its five millionth call in April 2005. The National 511 Deployment Coalition now ranks SUNGUIDE 511 South Florida second only to San Francisco’s 511 service. Launched in July 2002, the SUNGUIDE 511 partnership has emerged as one of the nation’s premier traveler information systems. Prompted by a strong marketing campaign and increased consumer awareness, SUNGUIDE 511 has become a cornerstone of the daily commute for thousands of southeast Florida residents. The SUNGUIDE 511 traffic information system processed more than 292,000 calls in the month of March, surpassing its previous high of 244,000 set only one month earlier. While usage numbers continue to rise, customer satisfaction remains high. According to customer surveys, the SUNGUIDE 511 system has one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the country. Jesus Martinez, ITS Administrator for the Florida Department of Transportation District 6, states, “We are excited that our customers have embraced this valuable service. We look forward to rolling out enhancements later this summer.” Together, SUNGUIDE 511 and the Smart Traveler Website www.511southflorida.com provide comprehensive and timely tracking of traffic conditions in the Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe County areas. In March 2005, the Smart Traveler Website received more than 395,000 hits. SUNGUIDE 511 has recorded several usage peaks in its lifespan. After replacing its original standard phone number to 511, the system experienced a 500% surge in caller volume. As consumer awareness has grown, the system has experienced a significant rise in call volume. During the 2004 hurricanes, call count and Web hits also rose significantly as 511 provided valuable traffic information for those travelers evacuating the area. With the 2005 hurricane season approaching, SUNGUIDE 511 may once again play a critical role.

    SmartRoute Systems provides local traffic, news, sports and weather information to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and voice portal customers. SRS reports include: traffic incidents, road and lane closures, construction delays, scheduled roadwork, event delays, travel times and alternate routes. SmartRoute Systems was acquired by Westwood One in November of 2000 and now has available traffic incident data from Metro Networks, in addition to news and other local content from Metro Source. Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features, live events and 24/7 Formats. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic information centers for state and local departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and voice portal customers. Westwood One serves more than 7,700 radio stations. Westwood One is managed by Infinity Broadcasting Corporation. For more information visit www.westwoodone.com.

     

     
  • 06-02-2005

    Mobile Phones Steer Listeners Clear Of LA Traffic -- KFWB Radio Station Launches Mobile Traffic Alert Service

    VIENNA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 2, 2005--KFWB (http://www.kfwb.com), Los Angeles' station for news, traffic and weather, The Mobile Media Company (www.mobilemedia.com), Westwood One and 3United Mobile Solutions (www.3united.com), today announced the launch of the KFWB Traffic On Demand service that will help listeners dodge the infamous Los Angeles traffic by receiving customized traffic text messages on their cell phones.

    KFWB's Traffic on Demand goes live just as the 2005 Urban Mobility Report(http://mobility.tamu.edu/ums/media_information/news_release.stm), published by the Texas Transportation Institute, announced that North America's traffic troubles are growing worse, costing Americans $63.1 billion a year. "For years, KFWB has been known as the station for `Traffic On The Ones,' traffic reports every ten minutes. Now we're excited to offer up to date traffic information whenever someone needs it," explains David Hall, VP of AM Programming from KFWB.

    Available to the majority of Los Angeles mobile phone subscribers, KFWB Traffic On Demand can be easily accessed by sending a chosen route number via text message to telephone number 98011. The traffic status of that highway is then sent via return text message, at a cost of $0.75 per message(1).

    In addition to KFWB's own traffic reports, further traffic information is supplied by Westwood One with 3United providing the application that enables the information to be used on mobile phones. Mobile Media is providing the connectivity to the mobile network operators and manages the mobile messaging platform.

    "KFWB Traffic on Demand requires no initial subscriptions, no up front fees or complicated sign up
    procedure," explained Steinar Svalesen, EVP and General Manager of Mobile Media North America. "Being so easy to use, we expect to see LA drivers use the service on a very regular basis."

    KFWB is the source for news in Southern California, with traffic on "the ones" -- traffic updates every ten minutes. Owned by Infinity Broadcasting Corporation, the station recognized a high demand for live traffic news that could be accessed anytime, from anywhere by their listeners.

    "When Southern California listens for Traffic news, they listen to KFWB," explained David Hall of KFWB. "Commuters in L.A. are stuck in traffic 93 hours a year! The beauty of our mobile traffic alert service is that it will actually save people time and money by helping them to avoid jams."

    For more information about the KFWB Mobile Traffic Information services, visit www.kfwb.com

    About KFWB:
    KFWB News 980 is the place for Traffic On The Ones, breaking news, and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
    About Infinity Broadcasting Infinity Broadcasting Corporation ("Infinity") is one of the largest radio broadcasting companies in the United States, and is a division of Viacom Corporation. The company, headquartered in New York City, owns approximately 180 radio stations located in 22 states in the nation's largest markets.

    About Westwood One:
    Westwood One (NYSE:WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features, live events and 24/7 Formats. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic information centers for state and local departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to wireless, Internet, in -vehicle navigation systems and voice portal customers.

    About 3united:
    3united Mobile Solutions AG is a market leader in premium SMS, m-commerce and mobile content solutions and serves as an international hub for all Central and Eastern Europe in the field of Premium SMS connectivity. For more information, please visit www.3united.com or mail a.wiesmueller@3united.com.

    About Mobile Media:
    The Mobile Media Company is the leading producer and global distributor of branded, made -for-mobile entertainment, interactive TV formats and mobile marketing concepts. Mobile Media is headquartered in Oslo, Norway. For more information, please visit: www.mobilemedia.com or send an e-mail to info@mobilemedia.com.

    (1) $0.75 does not include standard text message costs, charged by operators.

    Contacts:
    KFWB
    David G. Hall, 323-871-4625
    DGHall@cbs.com

     

     
    • 2004 Press Releases

  • 11-11-2004

    Maptuit and SmartRoute Systems Provide Up-to-the-Minute Traffic Information to WNBC-TV New York. RealTraffic Powers WNBC-TV's Navigation 4 to Help Commuters Navigate Around New York City:

    Burlington, Mass. (November 11, 2004) -- Maptuit® Corporation, the leading provider of trucking, tracking and traffic services, together with Smart Route Systems, Inc. (SmartRoute), a Westwood (NYSE:WON) company, today announced New York's WNBC4 has licensed the companies' RealTraffic™ service and rebranded it as Navigation 4. RealTraffic now powers WNBC-TV's online traffic information service, at www.WNBC.com, to help commuters make better-informed travel decisions as they navigate through traffic around New York City on a daily basis.

    "We are thrilled to help take NBC4's Web and wireless traffic reporting to the next level with the incorporation of RealTraffic," said Pat LaPlatney, Executive Vice President, Westwood One. "Bringing this unprecedented service to the No.1 market in the country, on a station as powerful as WNBC-TV, is sure to be a model for the future of online traffic reporting across America."

    "We are impressed with the accuracy in which Navigation 4 is able to calculate the best driving directions given real-time traffic and construction conditions." said WNBC-TV. "By leveraging RealTraffic, we are able to provide commuters with the necessary information and tools to beat the congested New York City traffic."

    "Maptuit and SmartRoute Systems have designed RealTraffic to meet the needs of drivers who want to make their daily commute as efficient as possible," stated Bill Tapscott, SVP Corporate Development. "With the live traffic reports and helpful alerts we are providing, commuters are able to avoid traffic incidents and get clear directions of the shortest route to get to where they need to go."

    WNBC's Navigation 4 service, powered by RealTraffic, provides accurate online real-time traffic and construction information content. With street-level directions integrated with traffic incident information, WNBC-TV will be able to provide drivers with the ability to see conditions that will affect their daily commute or travels. Drivers can use the system to proactively search for exceptional traffic on their morning and evening commutes, and have personalized alerts sent to their cell phone or email if there are any problems. Additional alerts can made available that include weather conditions, and other important broadcast messages to the community such as Amber Alerts.

    Maptuit and Westwood One have developed the RealTraffic service by leveraging the core strengths of both companies. Together, RealTraffic is becoming a "must have" traffic service to ease the commuting experience and aid in trip planning for the professional driver.

    SmartRoute's national traffic database offers traffic and transportation information for over 100 US cities, using the largest private traffic-gathering infrastructure in the world. More than 1900 employees in 76 separate operational facilities report on accidents, breakdowns, construction and other events and their impact on traffic flow. SmartRoute's relationships with numerous departments of transportation provide access to speed and flow data where available, while SmartRoute's 150 aircraft, hundreds of camera images and mobile units visually confirm all information before it is reported, making possible the most accurate traffic information anywhere.


    About Westwood One
    Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features, live events and 24/7 Formats. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic information centers for state and local departments of transportation, provides 511 services, Websites, and markets traffic and travel content to wireless, Internet, automotive, and media customers. Westwood One serves more than 7,700 radio stations. Westwood One is managed by Infinity Broadcasting Corporation. For more information visit www.westwoodone.com.

    About Maptuit Corporation
    Founded in 1999, Maptuit provides the most comprehensive road and location information service for the consumer and transportation markets. With Maptuit's advanced Web services, companies benefit from the ability to easily look up addresses, create maps, perform proximity searches, generate optimized routes and provide directions. For more information please visit www.maptuit.com.

    Media contact:
    Noreen Vincent
    Maptuit Corporation
    781.685.4693
    (Noreen.Vincent@maptuit.com)

     

     
  • 08-25-2004

    NAVTEQ and SmartRoute Systems Collaborate to Enable North American Traffic Applications:

    August 25, 2004
    Company: NAVTEQ
    Industry: Wireless / Navigation
    Location: Chicago, IL, United States of America

    Real-Time Traffic Data Linked to NAVTEQ Maps Now Available to Both Westwood One and NAVTEQ Customers

    CHICAGO,IL-- NAVTEQ (NYSE: NVT) and SmartRoute Systems, Inc. (SmartRoute), a Westwood One company (NYSE: WON), announced today a multi-year cross-licensing agreement to integrate SmartRoute's traffic incident data into the NAVTEQ Traffic(TM) solution for certain navigation enabled devices in North America. The agreement also enables SmartRoute to offer its customers traffic data and other information geocoded to NAVTEQ(TM) maps.

    The agreement will help bring real-time traffic information to a broad range of navigation-enabled devices including in-vehicle navigation systems. With real-time traffic information linked to accurate map data, navigation device users will be able to make informed routing and re-routing decisions.

    SmartRoute's national traffic database offers traffic and transportation information for over 100 US cities, using the largest private traffic- gathering infrastructure in the world. More than 1900 employees in 76 separate operational facilities report on accidents, breakdowns, construction and other events and their impact on traffic flow. SmartRoute's relationships with numerous departments of transportation provide access to speed and flow data where available, while SmartRoute's 150 aircraft, hundreds of camera images and mobile units visually confirm all information before it is reported.

    NAVTEQ Traffic provides traffic flow rates, planned incident and unplanned incident data to enable personalized, real-time information to navigation systems. NAVTEQ Traffic quality checks and aggregates traffic data from multiple sources to provide a solution that links up-to-the minute traffic information to map data and enables wireless transmission direct to location- enabled devices such as in-vehicle navigation systems and cellular phones.

    "We are thrilled to be working together with Westwood One and SmartRoute to make real-time traffic information accessible and drive the industry's newly traffic-enabled navigation applications," commented John MacLeod, Executive Vice President - Global Marketing & Strategy for NAVTEQ. "Westwood One has revolutionized traffic information gathering and broadcasting and we're pleased to link our map data with Westwood One's high quality traffic data."

    "We are excited about the agreement with NAVTEQ," said Richard Marks, Executive Vice President of SmartRoute. "NAVTEQ plays a very important role in the traffic information industry, using their expertise in digital mapping and the in-vehicle navigation industry to create a national traffic product that works with map-based applications. Formalizing this important relationship with NAVTEQ helps us fill an immediate need for our client base by providing our traffic information referenced to NAVTEQ maps."

    About Westwood One
    Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features, live events and 24/7 Formats. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic information centers for state and local departments of transportation, provides 511 services, Websites, and markets traffic and travel content to wireless, Internet, automotive, and media customers. Westwood One serves more than 7,700 radio stations. Westwood One is managed by Infinity Broadcasting Corporation. For more information visit www.westwoodone.com .

    About NAVTEQ
    NAVTEQ is a leading provider of comprehensive digital map information for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices and Internet-based mapping applications. NAVTEQ creates the digital maps and map content that power navigation and location-based services solutions around the world. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 1,400 employees located in over 100 offices in 20 countries.

    NAVTEQ is a trademark in the US. and other countries.

    This document may include certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this report that are not historical facts as well as statements identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" or words of similar meaning. These statements are based on our current beliefs or expectations and are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and changes in circumstances, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory factors.

    NAVTEQ CONTACT:
    Laura Richey of NAVTEQ
    +1-312-894-7127
    laura.richey@navteq.com

    Bob Richter for NAVTEQ
    +1-212-802-8588
    bob@richtermedia.com

     

     
  • 08-03-2004

    Boston IVR calls hit record highs due to DNC:

    BOSTON, MA - August 3, 2004 - Last week’s Democratic National Convention focused the eyes of a nation on Boston. Hosting the DNC also had on impact on the city’s traveler information interactive voice response (IVR) telephone system, with calls hitting an all-time high of 752,785 for the month of July.

    During the 13-day period of July 19-31, the Boston system exceeded 20,000 calls per day with a weekday average for the month of 27,855. There were two days during the month that the system took more than 40,000 calls in one day.

    “We exceeded our previous record month by nearly 100,000 calls,” said Jeff Larson, project manager for SmartRoute Systems, which operates the system under contract to the Massachusetts Highway Department.

    SmartRoute Systems and the Massachusetts Highway Department worked closely with DNC organizers to provide detailed travel information on the SRS website and IVR system.

    The DNC information was accessed 29,813 times during the month of July.

    “At the request of the DNC organizers, SRS acted as the real-time information conduit for closings and road restrictions to all the Boston area traffic reporting media,” said Larson. “We developed communications protocols with the other traffic reporting companies to insure that the traveling public had access to the best, most accurate and up-to-date information available,” he added.

    SRS also served as a media resource during the convention, providing interviews and information to ABC News, CNBC, CSPAN, BBC, Associated Press, New York Times, Washington Post and a number of Boston-based media outlets.

    “The DNC in Boston was a huge event, politically for the nation, and for commuters locally. Forty miles of major highways were closed through Boston,” said Larson. “This was a great opportunity to demonstrate how Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) can help manage the associated congestion and disruption to the transportation system. A lot of commuters in the Boston area were able to deal with hosting the convention by having accurate and reliable advanced and real-time information,” he added.

    CONTACT:
    Jeff Larson
    SmartRoute Systems
    (617) 588-3703


     

     
  • 04-22-2004

    Maptuit and SmartRoute Systems Deliver RealTraffic™ to Ease Commuter Experience:

    April 22, 2004
    Company: Maptuit
    Industry: Location-based Services (LBS), Location Technology
    Location: San Jose, CA, United States of America

    Personalized Web-based Application Alerts Commuters to Up-to-the-Minute Traffic Events

    Burlington, MA – Maptuit® Corporation, one of the nation’s leading street and location information service providers and SmartRoute Systems, a Westwood One Company, today announce the availability of RealTraffic. Together, Maptuit and SmartRoute Systems deliver RealTraffic as a Web-based service that offers personalized traffic information and alerts to ease the driving experience for commuters, travelers, and professional drivers. RealTraffic already boasts a strong customer base that includes State DOTs and media portals.

    "Surveys of mobile subscribers consistently indicate traffic as one of the most sought after services," said Jeff Papows, CEO for Maptuit. “No one wants to be stuck in traffic that they could have avoided through an alert on their cell phone or through an email. Our relationship with Westwood One allows us to deliver this valuable service to make life easier for commuters, professional drivers, or anyone on the go."

    “With RealTraffic, we are able to provide our customers with a traffic reporting service to integrate into their Web site, to help their subscribers make the most of their commute.” said Richard Marks, SVP, Westwood One. “We chose to work with Maptuit to develop the RealTraffic services, as they exceeded our criteria for superior technology, data, processes, and service records.”

    RealTraffic is a Web service that allows DOTs and media portals to provide accurate real-time traffic and construction information content on their site. With street-level directions integrated with traffic incident information, RealTraffic allows drivers to see conditions that will affect their daily commute or travels. RealTraffic will proactively search for exceptional traffic on each commuter’s route, and will send personalized alerts to their cell phone or email if there are any problems. Additional alerts made available through RealTraffic include weather conditions, and other important broadcast messages to the community such as Amber Alerts.

    Maptuit and Westwood One have developed the RealTraffic service by leveraging the core strengths of both companies. Together, RealTraffic is becoming a “must have” traffic service to ease the commuting experience and aid in trip planning for the professional driver, and is projected to exceed a million subscribers to the service by 2005.

    RealTraffic is currently being used by the New Jersey Department of Transportation for its statewide traveler information Website. RealTraffic is also under development for South Florida’s SunGuide traveler information service.

    About Westwood One
    Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides local content to the radio and TV industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic information centers for state and local departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and voice portal customers. Westwood One serves more than 7,700 radio stations. Westwood One is managed by Infinity Broadcasting Corporation. For more information visit www.westwoodone.com.

    About Maptuit Corporation
    Founded in 1999, Maptuit provides the most comprehensive road and location information service for the consumer and transportation markets. With Maptuit’s advanced Web services, companies benefit from the ability to easily look up addresses, create maps, perform proximity searches, generate optimized routes and provide directions. For more information please visit www.maptuit.com.
    To unsubscribe from this list, please hit reply to this email and type unsubscribe in the subject line. Thank you.

    Maptuit is a registered trademark in the United States, and Maptuit, RealTraffic and other names or logos identifying the services are trademarks or service marks of Maptuit Corporation.

    Noreen Vincent
    (Noreen.Vincent@maptuit.com)
    Phone: 781.685.4693

     

     
  • 01-16-2004

    NCDOT selects PBS&J and the National 511 Alliance to provide statewide travel information service:

    Orlando, FL – The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced today that it has selected the National 511 Alliance to provide real-time travel information to the commuters and travelers of North Carolina via a simple, easy-to-use telephone system. Starting in the summer of 2004, travelers in North Carolina will be able to access statewide information about traffic, construction zones, road conditions, and more by dialing 5-1-1 on a wireless or landline phone.

    “We are very excited about providing this new service to the travelers of North Carolina. 511 will allow NCDOT and our partners to put information about current travel conditions where it is needed most – in the hands of those using the roads,” said Jo Ann Oerter, NCDOT project manager. The voice-activated 511 system will also connect users to information about train service, ferries, and buses, allowing riders to get useful information for trip planning purposes. The 511 system will build upon the information already available to the public at www.ncsmartlink.org and www.511nc.org.

    In the western portion of neighboring Virginia, the easy-to-remember travel information system has enjoyed success with travelers since its launch in February 2002. Todd Kell, formerly the DOT project manager for Virginia’s 511 system and now with PBS&J, will lead the efforts of the “511 Alliance” to implement 511 in North Carolina.

    According to Kell, “NCDOT and its partners put a lot of time and effort into planning their 511 system. They clearly did their homework and have included some nice features that no other service in the country has.” He added, “Our job is to make it happen.”

    The National 511 Alliance, led by PBS&J, will build, operate, and maintain the 511 service under a $2.48-million contract for a minimum of two years and up to five years should NCDOT exercise all available optional years. Other members of the Alliance include SmartRoute Systems/Westwood One (SRS), Tele Atlas North America, Inc. (Tele Atlas), and Meteorlogix, each providing specialized content or delivery services for the system.

    The roles each firm plays in the Alliance are:

    • PBS&J – Coordination, Project Management, Project Design and Documentation

    • SRS/Westwood One – Traffic Content, Operations and 511 Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone system implementation

    • Tele Atlas – Map Databases, Interface Development, Traffic Workstations, and Traveler Information Servers.

    • Meteorlogix – Travel-related weather information, the projected impact of weather on travel times, and real-time alerting capabilities.

    About the National 511 Alliance (www.511alliance.com)
    In May 2003, PBS&J, SmartRoute Systems/Westwood One (SRS), Tele Atlas, and Meteorlogix combined their talents to form the National 511 Alliance with the goal of providing advanced 511 capabilities for local and state agencies that would meet and surpass the industry guidelines.

    The Alliance's goal is to assist in taking 511 from a "nice-to-have" option to a necessity with demonstrated value for the traveling public, policy makers, and the transportation community.

    For more information, please contact the National 511 Alliance at (800) 284-5182 extension 600 or info@511alliance.com.

    About PBS&J (www.pbsj.com)
    PBS&J is a leading provider of infrastructure planning, engineering, construction management, and program management services. The employee-owned firm is ranked by Engineering News-Record as 25th among the nation's top 500 consulting firms and 9th among the nation’s 50 largest transportation firms. The firm is also ranked 2nd in CE News' list of "Best Civil Engineering Firms to Work For." PBS&J has more than 3,300 employees and 60 offices located throughout the US. and abroad.

    About SmartRoute Systems/Westwood One (www.smartroute.com)
    SRS/Westwood One is a national leader in traffic information in the United States. In existence for 25 years, Westwood One operates 71 traffic operations centers in the US., delivering traffic information in 97 cities. SmartRoute Systems, established in 1988, provides local traffic, news, sports and weather information to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems, and voice portal customers. SmartRoute was acquired by Westwood One in November of 2000 and now has available traffic incident data from Metro Networks, in addition to news and other local content.

    About Tele Atlas (www.na.teleatlas.com)
    Founded in 1984, Tele Atlas is a worldwide leading provider of digital maps and dynamic location content for a variety of navigation, location-based services and geospatial products and database solutions. Tele Atlas’ database is a highly accurate reproduction of today's street network, enabling turn-by-turn route guidance on a high percentage of European, US. and Canadian roads. Tele Atlas’ compatibility with major navigation systems and its open system design have placed the company’s technology at the heart of both consumer and business-to-business applications worldwide. From logistics to marketing to traffic and fleet management, in almost every sector of today's business and consumer world, Tele Atlas has built a reputation as an acknowledged pioneer and leader in the digital map industry.

    About Meteorlogix (www.meteorlogix.com)
    Meteorlogix is an institutionally-owned private company. Based in Minneapolis, Meteorlogix delivers industry-specific weather management capabilities for its customers to manage weather-related business risks, maximize personal safety and minimize financial loss. Meteorlogix serves more than 20,000 customers with a focus on public safety, broadcast media, transportation, energy and aviation industries. Its client roster includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Reuters, Bloomberg, Union Pacific Railroad, Tennessee Valley Authority, US Airways, City of Orlando, and Travelocity.

    Contact:
    Kathe Riley Jackson
    Corporate Communications Manager
    800-284-5182 (ext 331)
    krjackson@pbsj.com

    Mailing Address:
    PBS&J
    482 S. Keller Road
    Orlando, Florida 32810

    North Carolina DOT Contact:
    Jo Ann Oerter
    511 Project Manager
    NCDOT
    919-233-9331 (ext 233)
    joerter@dot.state.nc.us

     

     
    • 2000 Press Releases

  • 06-12-2000

    WESTWOOD ONE, INC. TO ACQUIRE SMARTROUTE SYSTEMS, INC. -- WESTWOOD ONE EXPANDS TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES TO FOCUS ON INTERNET, WIRELESS AND IN-VEHICLE MARKETS:

    CAMBRIDGE, MA--(PRNewswire)--June 12, 2000 -- Westwood One, Inc. (NYSE: WON) and affiliates of Sandler Capital Management today announced a definitive agreement by which Westwood One will acquire the operating assets of SmartRoute Systems.

    The acquisition will allow Westwood One to utilize the technology developed by SmartRoute to expand its delivery of local traffic and other related content via new and emerging technologies, as well as to enhance the services currently provided by SmartRoute to various government agencies. SmartRoute's technology, combined with Westwood One's traffic content available through its Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services subsidiaries, will enable Westwood One to provide its content to new media outlets including the Internet, wireless and in-vehicle markets. The completion of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including the expiration of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period.

    Arnold Sheiffer, Chief Executive Officer, SmartRoute Systems stated: "The agreement with Westwood represents the best opportunity for both companies to continue to develop new products and services for our public and private clients."

    Joel Hollander, Westwood One President and Chief Executive Officer stated: "Westwood's extensive information databases and sales organization combined with SmartRoute's WINGS delivery system will strategically position the company as the preeminent supplier of local traffic content and information to the Internet and other wireless technologies."

    SmartRoute, Systems, headquartered in Cambridge, MA, provides traffic and travel information services to consumers in the home, office and vehicle. The Company disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler.. SmartRoute will continue to provide these services to the public, private and emerging business sectors. For more information about SmartRoute Systems, log onto the Company's website at www.smartraveler.com.

    Westwood One provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features, live events and 24-hour Formats. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV industries including news, sports, weather, traffic video news services and other information. Westwood One serves more than 7500 radio stations. Westwood One, Inc. is managed by Infinity Broadcasting.

    Contact:
    Beth Bower
    617-494-8100
    bbower@smartroute.com

     

     
  • 04-25-2000

    New Jersey DOT adds SmarTraveler Information Service to South Jersey/Camden Area :

    MOUNT LAUREL, N.J.--April 25, 2000 -- Southern New Jersey commuters now have access to real-time traffic information as part of an expansion of SmarTraveler services provided by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and SmartRoute Systems Inc. of Cambridge, MA. SmartRoute has been providing similar services in southeastern Pennsylvania under an agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation since 1997.

    Starting this week, South Jersey/Camden area commuters have access to up-to-the-minute, route-specific traffic and transit information via mobile and landline telephone as well as the Internet. Commuters can reach the service by dialing (856) 795-9400. Mobile phone users can reach the service with a call by dialing Cellular #211 from most mobile phones (a free call from CellularOne and SprintPCS). Online traffic information is available at www.SmarTraveler.com.

    The coverage area for the service includes roadways and major thoroughfares from Trenton to the Delaware Memorial Bridge in southwestern New Jersey. Highways covered include: Interstate 76/NJ 42, I-95 and I-295; US 1, 30 and 322; NJ 38, 70, and 90; all of the Delaware River bridges and the New Jersey Turnpike. The service also includes information on current transit conditions on PATCO, NJ Transit and Mercer Metro buses. SmartRoute Systems has established a workstation at the New Jersey Department of Transportation Traffic Operations Center in Mount Laurel, staffed by a Traffic Information Manager.

    Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related travel information services to consumers under the brand name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country.

    For more information or to schedule a photo opportunity at the NJDOT Traffic Operations Center, please contact Bob Murphy at 215-567-0100.

    Contact:
    Bob Murphy
    215-567-0100
    David Fierro
    352-258-2791

    NJDOT Contact:
    Jim Berzok
    609-530-2034

     

     
  • 03-20-2000

    Point, Click and Move-on! SmarTraveler.com Launches in the Denver Metropolitan Area -- National Expansion Continues With Online Traffic Information Now Available in 13 Markets:

    Denver, CO.--March 20, 2000 -- SmartRoute Systems announces the availability of up-to-the-minute, route-specific traffic information for the Denver metropolitan area on the Internet at www.smartraveler.com. The addition of Denver to the family of SmarTraveler cities marks the continuation of an aggressive national expansion effort in the year 2000. "Adding Denver to our deployed city list is an important step towards our company's stronghold on a national footprint for SmarTraveler traffic information services," stated Arnie Sheiffer, chairman and CEO of SmartRoute Systems. Internet users can now access the Denver area's latest traffic and transit conditions for their commutes by simply clicking on the SmarTraveler.com route map. Statewide road and weather condition information can also be accessed. Helpful features of the site include:
    • Icons - which are color-coded for the user to quickly see whether a route is "ok", "slow" or experiencing delays.
    • Text Reports - details of any incidents on the roadways.
    • Travel Times - that tell the user exactly how long a drive will take along a specific road segment.
    • Construction/Event Information - that is displayed on appropriate route pages to notify users of construction and events that may affect traffic
    • Statewide Road and Weather Conditions - updated throughout the day.
    SmartRoute Systems is under contract to Lockheed Martin to provide the SmarTraveler.com service as part of the Colorado Department of Transportation's Colorado Statewide Transportation Management System. Data collection resources for the service include: CCTV cameras, road sensors, fixed-wing aircraft, SmartRoute Systems Road Reporters, CDOT road maintenance crews, the Colorado State Patrol, the Regional Transportation District (RTD), Mile High Courtesy Patrol, greater Denver police and other emergency service agencies. Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related traveler information services to consumers in the home, office, and vehicle. The company currently disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information on SmartRoute Systems, log on to the company's website at www.smartraveler.com.

    Contact:
    Brad Patterson
    (303) 512-5824
    Katy Wallace
    617-494-8100

     

     
  • 03-13-2000

    Audiopoint Teams with SmarTraveler® to Provide On-Demand Web Traffic Updates by Phone -- Now Mobile Consumers in Nation's Capital Can Get Road-Specific Traffic Information When They Need It :

    WASHINGTON, DC--March 13, 2000 -- Audiopoint, America's free interactive voice connection to the Web, and SmarTraveler®, the nation's premier provider of traffic and related travel information, have joined forces to provide mobile consumers in the Greater WASHINGTON, DC area with on-demand traffic updates over any phone. SmarTraveler is a service of SmartRoute Systems, Inc.

    Audiopoint combines SmarTraveler content with leading-edge speech recognition technology to give callers free access to real-time traffic information. With the D.C. metro area rated second-worst in the nation for traffic congestion (behind Los Angeles), and recent surveys showing Beltway tie-ups worsening, the Audiopoint/SmarTraveler "traffic team" gives Washingtonians more traffic information options than ever before.

    "Audiopoint and SmarTraveler pick up where traditional traffic reports leave off," said Nick Unger, president and CEO of Audiopoint. "We provide road-specific traffic information when, where and how you want it. Our on-demand delivery over any phone means our callers can check their route before they get stuck in traffic, saving valuable time."

    "As a working parent, I'm always running from one commitment to another, " said Audrey Schaefer of Derwood, Md. "With Audiopoint, I can check road traffic conditions real-time, so I don't hit unexpected traffic jams which could throw off my tight schedule. "

    "Wireless information services are fast becoming integral to people's daily lives," said Arnold Sheiffer, chairman and CEO of SmartRoute Systems. "We view our partnership with Audiopoint as an important way to further advance our company's position as the dominant traffic content provider to this explosive market."

    Accessing traffic information on Audiopoint is as quick and easy as talking on the phone, says Unger. First, dial 888-38-AUDIO (888-382-8346) from any wireless or landline phone or #AUDIO on select wireless carriers. After the voice prompt, say "Traffic Report." Then, say your particular route and Audiopoint and SmarTraveler will do the rest.

    For example, say "Interstate 66 " and the service will tell you how traffic is running on I-66 both eastbound and westbound between Centreville, Va. and the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge. Thanks to SmarTraveler, Audiopoint gives commuters added benefits of traffic volume reports and causes of tie-ups.

    Over the next few months, Audiopoint plans to expand the voice portal menu to include movie listings, restaurants, airline schedules and customized information. Through the new myAudiopoint feature - to be added in the second quarter of calendar year 2000 - Web users will be able to pre-select and customize information through http://www.myaudiopoint.com.

    About Audiopoint
    Based in Fairfax, Va., Audiopoint is a fast, free interactive service that combines the information-on-demand capabilities of the Web with advanced speech recognition technology and the convenience of the telephone. Audiopoint gives people on-the-go instant access to stock quotes, weather reports, sports scores and traffic updates - precisely the information they specify. The privately held firm was founded in June 1999 in partnership with Reston-based PriceInteractive. For more information, call (703) 279-3410 or visit www.myaudiopoint.com.

    About SmartRoute Systems
    Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related travel information services to consumers in the home, office and vehicle. The Company currently disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler® in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information about SmartRoute Systems, log onto the Company's Web site at www.smartraveler.com.

    Contact:
    Katy Wallace
    617-494-8100
    kwallace@smartroute.com

    Bill Holleran or Chris Lee
    Boscobel Communications for Audiopoint
    301.588.2900
    estn@boscobel.com
    clee@boscobel.com

     

     
  • 03-10-2000

    SmarTraveler.com and GiantBear.com Enter Agreement to Deliver Traffic Information Content for New Wireless Applications:

    Cambridge, MA--March 10, 2000 -- SmarTraveler.com, providing access to real-time, route-specific traffic and related travel information, has partnered with GiantBear.com to provide content distribution through new web-to-wireless devices. The GiantBear.com system allows wireless users to access websites or web-based information on portable phones, pagers and other pervasive computing devices.

    "We are pleased to offer our subscribers mobile access to SmarTraveler.com information. This robust and accurate local content will prove to be invaluable to their busy daily lives", stated Steven Price, chief executive officer of GiantBear.com.

    Headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., GiantBear.com was founded by Steven Price and Stuart Rosenstein, seasoned wireless industry executives who ran PriCellular Corporation, a rural wireless carrier -- and created LiveWire --a diversified software and Internet company focused on business-to-business and mission critical software products and services for media, telecom and new media companies. The management team includes numerous wireless and Internet industry professionals with extensive wireless carrier as well as web development and back-end integration experience.

    "The explosive growth of wireless information devices has created an ideal market for SmarTraveler real-time, traffic information," stated Arnold Sheiffer, SmartRoute Systems' chairman and CEO. "Our partnership with GiantBear.com strengthens our position as the dominant traffic information provider to the wireless community."

    Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related travel information services to consumers in the home, office and vehicle. The Company currently disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information about SmartRoute Systems, log onto the Company's website at www.smartraveler.com.

    Contact:
    Katy Wallace
    617-494-8100
    kwallace@smartroute.com

     

     
  • 02-22-2000

    ORACLEMOBILE AND SMARTRAVELER.COM CLEAR THE ROAD FOR WIRELESS ACCESS TO UP-TO-THE-MINUTE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS:

    NEW YORK, NY--February 22, 2000 -- SmartRoute Systems, Inc., the nation's premier provider of traffic and related travel information, today announced they are working with OracleMobile, a subsidiary of Oracle Corp to provide SmarTraveler.com traffic content and services to wireless devices. OracleMobile customers will have the ability to access real-time traffic information that is customized to the routes they travel. OracleMobile's service is immediately available at http://www.oramobile.com/.

    "With OracleMobile, SmarTraveler.com customers will be able to take advantage of accessing the latest, route-specific traffic conditions for their area from mobile devices for the first time," said Denise Lahey, CEO of OracleMobile. "At the touch of a button, OracleMobile gets you from where you are to where you want to be."

    OracleMobile was formed by Oracle Corp. to focus on the rapidly emerging wireless Internet market. OracleMobile is effectively mobilizing the Web with initial access to content and services from 20 leading Internet sites. OracleMobile's service is free of charge to consumers and supports wireless devices with Web or messaging capabilities.

    "OracleMobile is poised to change the way people access the Internet," said Arnie Sheiffer, Chairman and CEO of SmartRoute Systems. "We are excited to offer SmarTraveler.com traffic information through this groundbreaking dissemination platform."

    About SmartRoute Systems
    Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related travel information services to consumers in the home, office and vehicle. The Company currently disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information about SmartRoute Systems, log onto the Company's website at www.smartraveler.com.

    *Trademarks Oracle is a registered trademark and OracleMobile is a trademark or registered trademark of Oracle Corporation. SmarTraveler is a registered trademark of SmartRoute Systems, Inc.

    Contact:
    Katy Wallace
    617-494-8100
    kwallace@smartroute.com

     

     
  • 01-25-2000

    SmartRoute Systems Now Providing Traffic Information to Detroit's Top Rated Radio Station, WWJ-AM 950 and Top Rated Television Station, WXYZ-TV -- Company continues to expand list of television and radio media clients:

    Detroit, MI--January 25, 2000 -- SmartRoute Systems now provides traffic information to the Detroit metropolitan area's #1 radio station, WWJ News Radio 950 (CBS Radio), and #1 television station, WXYZ-TV(ABC/Disney Affiliate).

    WWJ News Radio 950
    SmartRoute Systems provides WWJ radio with traffic reports broadcast live from the SmartRoute Systems Operations Center. The reports air every 10 minutes on WWJ, and include accurate, high quality details on current traffic conditions in the region.

    WXYZ-TV
    SmartRoute Systems began providing WXYZ-TV with traffic information this past November. WXYZ broadcasts real-time video from 158 of the Michigan Department of Transportation's highway cameras located at the SmartRoute Systems Operations Center. SmartRoute Systems also provides the station with traffic information on all major interstate freeways and state trunkline highways for incorporation into their traffic reports. WXYZ gained #1 rating status in the adult 25-54 demographic for their morning news broadcasts this past fall -- which coincides with the premier of SmarTraveler traffic reports.

    WWJ and WXYZ join other major media outlets on SmartRoute Systems' growing client list including: WCVB-TV, Boston; WPVI-TV Philadelphia; WCPO-TV Cincinnati; Jacor Broadcasting, Cablevision, Media One, Cox Communications, and Jones Cable.

    "We are thrilled to be servicing high caliber media outlets such as WWJ radio and WXYZ-TV", stated Arnie Sheiffer, Chairman and CEO of SmartRoute Systems. "The addition of these stations to our client roster further secures SmartRoute Systems position as a major player in the TV and radio traffic business."

    SmartRoute Systems operates in the Detroit area out of the Michigan Department of Transportation's Intelligent Transportation Systems Center under a unique public-private partnership agreement. This high-tech Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) collects and disseminates the region's most accurate travel information. Data collection resources include: 158 CCTV cameras, 2,600 mainline loop sensors, the Michigan State Police; 7 County Sheriffs; 250 local police agencies; MDOT; 9 County Road Commissions; numerous EMS companies, fire departments, emergency management agencies; over 440 mobile probes, the Michigan Emergency Patrol, various towing companies, trucking companies, and media partners.

    Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related travel information services to consumers in the home, office and vehicle. The Company currently disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information about SmartRoute Systems, log onto the Company's website at www.smartraveler.com.

    Contact:
    Jeff Bauer
    (313) 964-8490
    Katy Wallace
    (617) 494-8100

     

     
  • 01-19-2000

    SmartRoute Systems Appoints Kate Adams as Chief Operating Officer:

    Cambridge, MA--January 19, 2000 -- SmartRoute Systems' Board of Directors announces the appointment of Kate Adams as Chief Operating Officer effective today. Ms. Adams will oversee the company's engineering, sales and operations functions as SmartRoute continues to expand into new regions and increases its market penetration.

    "We are pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Adams to this key senior management position", stated Arnie Sheiffer, Chairman and CEO of SmartRoute Systems. "Her extensive leadership experience in product development and operations will greatly benefit the company as we increase our product offerings and our geographic expansion."

    Ms. Adams comes to SmartRoute Systems from CableSoft Incorporated (recently purchased by Motorola Corporation) where she served as Executive Vice President. In this position, she was instrumental in the development and launch of a successful interactive local information product for cable viewers. Prior to joining CableSoft, Ms. Adams was Vice President/General Manager for Bell Atlantic Video Services.

    Ms. Adams also brings over 15 years of management, marketing, operations and product development experience in the cable/broadband industry to her new position at SmartRoute Systems. She held various management positions at both Cablevision Systems and Viacom Cablevision, most notably as General Manager of Cablevision's largest system serving over 400,000 customers in New York. Ms. Adams has an MBA from The Wharton School and a BA from Wheaton College.

    Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related travel information services to consumers in the home, office and vehicle. The Company currently disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information about SmartRoute Systems, log onto the Company's website at www.smartraveler.com.

    Contact:
    Katy Wallace
    617-494-8100

     

     
  • 01-11-2000

    SmartRoute Systems Debuts "SmarTravelerTV" on MediaOne -- Cable Television Program Now Providing Continuous Traffic, Transit, and Weather for the Morning Rush Hour Commute to 575,000 MediaOne Customers:

    Cambridge, MA--January 11, 2000 -- SmartRoute Systems, the leading high-tech content provider of continuous traffic and related traveler information, announces the premier of its live, continuous rush-hour cable television program SmarTravelerTV to 575,000 of MediaOne's cable customers in Eastern Massachusetts.

    The first and only program of its kind in the country, SmarTravelerTV provides an invaluable information service a cable television program containing accurate, route-specific traffic, transit, and weather information broadcast continuously to keep morning rush hour travelers up-to-date about their commutes. Broadcast live from the high-tech SmarTraveler Control Center in Cambridge, MA, SmarTravelerTV anchor reporters are aided by live highway cameras and sophisticated maps to report the latest commuter news to viewers. This fast-paced, advertiser-sponsored program was launched nationally in the Washington, DC metropolitan area in 1998, and is also carried locally by Cablevision, Boston/Brookline.

    "MediaOne is pleased to bring SmarTravelerTV's up to the minute commuter information to our Eastern Massachusetts customers. The launch of this informative program, which is exclusive to MediaOne in its franchise communities, is part of MediaOne's ongoing commitment to provide more local, community-focused programming to our customers," said R.B. Lerch, vice-president of original programming for MediaOne's Northeast Region.

    The show will be available initially to approximately 575,000 of Media-One's subscribers and will provide new traffic, transit and weather and updates every five minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. [Editor's Note: A complete listing of communities and channel access information is attached.]

    MediaOne Group (NYSE: UMG) is one of the world's largest Broadband communications companies, bringing the power of Broadband and the Internet to customers in the United States, Europe and Asia. The company also has interests in some of the fastest-growing wireless communications businesses outside the U.S. For 1998, the businesses that comprise MediaOne Group produced $7.1 billion in proportionate revenue. On May 6, 1999, the company entered into an agreement to merge with AT&T.

    Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related travel information services to consumers in the home, office and vehicle. The Company currently disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information about SmartRoute Systems, log onto the Company's website at www.smartraveler.com.

    SmarTravelerTV Media One Access Listing
    Town
    Channel
    		   Town
    Channel
    Andover
    8
    		   Needham
    8
    Arlington
    8
    		   Newburyport
    8
    Attleboro
    9
    		   Newburyport
    8
    Avon
    9
    		   Newton
    8
    Beverly
    8
    		   North Andover
    8
    Billerica
    8
    		   North Reading
    8
    Bolton
    8
    		   Norwell
    8
    Boxford
    9
    		   Quincy
    8
    Brockton
    9
    		   Randolph
    8
    Burlington
    8
    		   Raynham
    9
    Cambridge
    8
    		   Reading
    8
    Chemlsford
    8
    		   Rehoboth
    9
    Clinton
    8
    		   Revere
    8
    Cohassett
    8
    		   Rowley
    8
    Dedham
    8
    		   Saugus
    8
    Dracut
    8
    		   Scituate
    8
    E. Bridgewater
    9
    		   Sherborn
    8
    Easton
    9
    		   Sterling
    8
    Hamilton
    8
    		   Stoneham
    8
    Hanover
    8
    		   Stoughton
    9
    Hanson
    9
    		   Tewksbury
    8
    Hingham
    8
    		   Topsfield
    8
    Holbrook
    9
    		   Waltham
    8
    Hopkinton
    8
    		   Watertown
    8
    Hull
    8
    		   Wayland
    8
    Ipswich
    8
    		   Wellesley
    8
    Lancaster
    8
    		   Wenham
    8
    Lawrence
    8
    		   W. Bridgewater
    9
    Lowell
    8
    		   West Newbury
    8
    Marblehead
    8
    		   Weston
    8
    Marlboro
    8
    		   Weymouth
    8
    Methuen
    8
    		   Whitman
    8
    Middleton
    8
    		   Wilmington
    9
    Milford
    8
    		   Winchester
    8
    Milton
    8
    		   Woburn
    8
    Nahant
    8
    		    
    Natick
    8
    		    

    Contact:
    Jeff Larson
    Katy Wallace
    617-494-8100

     

     
    • 1999 Press Releases

  • 12-21-1999

    Smartraveler.com Launches in the Detroit Metropolitan Area -- Up-to-the-minute, route-specific traffic information available 24-Hours a Day/7-Days a Week:

    CAMBRIDGE, MA--December 21, 1999 -- SmartRoute Systems and the Michigan Department of Transportation announce the availability of up-to-the-minute, route-specific traffic information for the Detroit metropolitan area on the Internet at www.smartraveler.com.

    Internet users can now access the area's latest traffic and weather conditions for their commutes by simply clicking on the smartraveler.com route map. Helpful features of the site include:
    • Icons - which are color-coded for the user to quickly see whether a route is "ok", "slow" or experiencing delays
    • Text Reports - details of any incidents on the roadways
    • Travel Times - that tell the user exactly how long a drive will take along a specific road segment
    • Construction/Event Information - that is displayed on appropriate route pages to notify users of construction and events that may affect traffic
    • Weather - extraordinary weather events forecast or occurring in the area
    In addition to this website, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic information to Detroit's top-rated WXYZ-TV, and plans to launch other wireless, broadcast, in-vehicle and interactive voice-response traveler information products in the coming year.

    SmartRoute Systems operates in the Detroit area out of the Michigan Department of Transportation's Intelligent Transportation Systems Center under a unique public-private partnership agreement. This high-tech Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) collects and disseminates the region's most accurate travel information. Data collection resources include: 158 CCTV cameras, 2,600 mainline loop sensors, the Michigan State Police; 7 County Sheriffs; 250 local police agencies; MDOT; 9 County Road Commissions; numerous EMS companies, fire departments, emergency management agencies; over 440 mobile probes, the Michigan Emergency Patrol, various towing companies, trucking companies, and media partners.

    The coverage area for this system includes 180 miles of expressways in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties. The system allows for information to be disseminated 24-hours per day, 7-days a week.

    "We are very pleased to partner with SmartRoute Systems to expand our real-time traffic information available via the Internet," said State Transportation Director, James DeSana. "This is just one of the many exciting enhancements planned to improve the safety and efficiency of our transportation system."

    Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related traveler information services to consumers in the home, office, and vehicle. The company currently disseminates a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information on SmartRoute Systems, log on to the company's website at www.smartroute.com.

    Contact:
    Katy Wallace
    (617) 494-8100
    Jeff Bauer
    (313) 964-8490

     

     
  • 12-15-1999

    SUNGUIDE Agencies Select SmartRoute Systems for Public-Private Partnership To Deliver Advanced Traveler Information Services (ATIS) To South Florida -- Deployment to Begin 1st Quarter 2000, with System Available to the Public by End of Year 2000.:

    CAMBRIDGE, MA--December 15, 1999 -- The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced today that the SUNGUIDE partners, consisting of transportation agencies in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, have selected SmartRoute Systems to design, deploy and operate Advanced Traveler Information Services in South Florida.

    SmartRoute Systems' selection was made following a competitive public bid process for this five-year, $4 million contract.

    Under the contract, SmartRoute Systems will provide an interactive voice response (IVR) telephone system and a web site - both free to the public. The IVR system will provide landline and mobile callers with up-to-the-minute, route specific traffic and transit information on demand. The web site will allow users to simply point and click on a regional map to access the latest route-specific travel conditions for the area. The company plans to launch other enhanced wireless, in- vehicle, cable and broadcast products in the region. SmartRoute Systems will begin the design and deployment process early in 2000, with services available to the traveling public by end of year 2000.

    These services are components of the regional SUNGUIDE program for South Florida. SUNGUIDE is a comprehensive Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) initiative provided by FDOT's District 4 (Broward and Palm Beach Counties), District 6 (Miami- Dade County), Florida's Turnpike, as well as regional transit agencies and Metropolitan Planning Organizations.

    In addition, SmartRoute Systems has selected a handful of prominent local southern Florida companies to serve as sub- contractors on this project. They are Frederick R. Harris, Kimley- Horn, David Fierro & Associates and the Center for Urban Transportation Research.

    Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related traveler information services to consumers in the home, office, and vehicle. The company currently provides a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information on SmartRoute Systems, log on to the company's website at www.smartroute.com.

    Contact:
    Katy Wallace
    (617) 494-8100
    David Fierro
    (305) 245-9267

     

     
  • 11-04-1999

    SmartRoute Systems to Provide WPVI-TV Philadelphia with Live Traffic Reports -- Deployment to Begin 1st Quarter 2000, with System Available -- Company Now Services Four Network TV Affiliates, Radio Stations and Three Cable TV Providers.:

    CAMBRIDGE, MA--November 04, 1999 -- SmartRoute Systems, Inc. has announced that it will provide WPVI-TV, Channel 6 - the number one rated station in the Philadelphia market - with live traffic reports beginning November 8, 1999. Broadcast live from the SmarTraveler® Operations Center in Philadelphia, these traffic reports will provide viewers with high quality and informative traffic reports using high-tech mapping and graphics, as well as a look at live traffic cameras throughout the area. Veteran Philadelphia area traffic reporter, John Valerio will serve as the live anchor.

    WPVI-TV joins WCVB-TV Boston, WXYZ-TV Detroit and WCPO-TV Cincinnati in the list of major network affiliate stations that recognize the depth and breadth of traffic information that only SmartRoute Systems is capable of providing. SmartRoutes also services several radio stations with traffic information and three cable TV providers with the unique and popular SmarTravelerTV™ morning traffic show.

    "We are pleased and privileged to add powerhouse WPVI-TV to our fast growing list of broadcast clients", stated SmartRoute Systems' CEO Arnie Sheiffer. "This deal represents a major step towards securing SmartRoutes as a significant player in the broadcast traffic report business".

    Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related traveler information services to consumers in the home, office, and vehicle.. The company currently provides a range of multimedia traveler information services to the wireless, online, interactive voice response, in-vehicle navigation device and broadcast media markets under the brand name SmarTraveler® in metropolitan regions across the country. For more information on SmartRoute Systems, log on to the company's website at www.smartroute.com.

    Contact:
    Katy Wallace
    SmartRoute Systems
    (617) 494-8100

     

     
  • 11-01-1999

    SmartRoute Systems Selected to Operate Two Major ITS Operation Centers - Boston's Central Artery/Tunnel Project Interim Operations Center and the Central Indiana Advanced Traffic Management System:

    CAMBRIDGE, MA--November 01, 1999 -- SmartRoute Systems, Inc. has been recently selected to operate two major metropolitan ITS Operations Centers.

    The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority has selected SmartRoute Systems to negotiate a three year contract (with a two year renewal option) to continue to operate the Central Artery/Tunnel Project's Interim Operation Center. This high-tech nerve center for the nation's largest public works project uses a sophisticated system including cameras, electronic message signs and direct communications with construction and project personnel to collect and disseminate project information to residents, businesses and public agencies. SmartRoute Systems has been operating this center since 1995.

    The Indiana Department of Transportation (InDOT) is in the process of deploying a statewide traffic management/advanced traveler information system called ATIS. SmartRoute Systems (under a 2 year sub-contract with HNTB) has been chosen to provide operation support for InDOT's Traffic Management Center which includes the collection and dissemination of incident data through Changeable Message Signs, Highway Advisory Radio, pagers, and the internet.

    Arnie Sheiffer, CEO of SmartRoute Systems states that, "we are pleased to continue our strong and important partnership with the Central Artery Tunnel Project, and the management of InDOT's traffic management center is a welcome addition to our public sector project list."

    With the continuation of the Central Artery / Tunnel Project's Interim Operations Center contract, and the addition of the Central Indiana Traffic Management Center, SmartRoute Systems is now operating high tech ITS operations facilities for five jurisdictions. In addition to the above mentioned facilities the company operates traffic management centers in Cincinnati, Detroit and Bridgeport, Connecticut.

    Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related traveler information services to consumers in the home, office and vehicle. Information is delivered via the Internet, wireless devices, in-vehicle computers, interactive voice response systems and broadcast media under the SmarTraveler® brand name in metropolitan areas across the country, including Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, DC, the Twin Cities, Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. For more information about SmartRoute Systems, visit the company's website at www.smartroute.com.

    Contact:
    Katy Wallace
    SmartRoute Systems
    (617) 494-8100

     

     
  • 10-21-1999

    Philly.com and SmarTraveler Announce New Traffic Information Service On www.philly.com:

    Philadelphia, PA--October 21, 1999 -- A new service providing up-to-the-minute information on traffic and commuter conditions has launched on philly.com, the online service of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News.

    This new service, called SmarTraveler, gives commuters up-to-the-minute, route-specific information about the highways they travel each day, including current travel times, construction information and incident reports of accidents or breakdowns.

    The SmarTraveler service uses information and technology developed by SmartRoute Systems, Inc., in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and it is designed to take some of the uncertainty and frustration out of everyday travel.

    The new SmarTraveler service on philly.com gives customers up-to-the-minute traffic conditions and expected travel times and speeds on 40 major highways segments in the region; updates on SEPTA and New Jersey transit lines; and information on regional special events and construction projects. SmarTraveler's coverage area includes major highways in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties; the urbanized area of New Jersey adjacent to Philadelphia; and northern Delaware.

    The new service can be found by logging onto www.philly.com/traffic. In addition, there will be links to the service from the home page of philly.com.

    "SmarTraveler is another example of philly.com's commitment to expanding its local content and providing our users with timely, useful information," said philly.com Managing Editor, John McQuiggan.

    "We are very excited about this new partnership with philly.com that brings the SmarTraveler information service to more and more Philadelphia area residents and visitors," said Bob Murphy, general manager of SmartRoute Systems' Philadelphia operation.

    The SmarTraveler traffic information service is also available free via touch-tone phone at 215-567-5678 or by dialing #211 from most wireless phones (a free call for Sprint PCS and Cellular One customers).

    Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems provides traffic and related traveler information services to consumers in the home, office and vehicle. The company provides a range of multimedia traveler information services under the "SmarTraveler" brand name in metropolitan areas across the country, including Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, DC, the Twin Cities, Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. More information on SmartRoute Systems can be found on the company's Web site at www.smartroute.com.

    Contact:
    Bob Murphy
    SmarTraveler
    215-567-0100
    bmurphy@smartroute.com

     

     
  • 09-22-1999

    INTELLIGENT INFORMATION INCORPORATED -- DETOURS TRAFFIC CONGESTION WITH SMARTROUTE SYSTEMS:

    NEW ORLEANS, LA--September 22, 1999 -- Intelligent Information Incorporated (III), a leading provider of personalized wireless content and commerce services, has announced a partnership with SmartRoute Systems, a top provider of traffic information nationwide, to provide personalized traffic alerts to consumers’ digital phones and alphanumeric pagers. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

    This partnership represents III’s commitment to personalized services that inform consumers and make their lives easier, explained Stephen G. Maloney, President and CEO of III. The service will be available in the first quarter of 2000 for the Boston, New York City, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington, DC metro areas. Subscribers will receive "incident oriented" traffic alerts based on individual route and time preferences. Using a Web- based provisioning system, subscribers will be able to choose the specific routes for which they wish to receive alerts, and the times during which they want to be alerted. III expects coverage to be expanded to eventually include the Detroit, Cincinnati, Denver, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Phoenix, Baltimore, Dallas and Houston metro areas.

    "Traffic alerts are a high-demand service because they have the potential to considerably ease the stress of commuting for many customers, especially in our target markets," commented Maloney. "We want to do more than just tell people that traffic is bad. By partnering with SmartRoute Systems, we will empower our customers with the most detailed traffic information possible, as quickly as possible."

    "The strong relationships that III has with its wireless carrier partners provides us with a highly effective vehicle for distributing our information," said Arnold (Arnie) Sheiffer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SmartRoute Systems Inc. in Boston. "III is highly experienced at delivering real-time, customized information to meet the specific needs of individuals."

    Intelligent Information Incorporated (III) has created more than 20 interactive wireless portals for major North American wireless carriers and new media organizations. Founded in 1991, III is the leading provider of personalized information and consumer e-commerce services to mobile phones, pagers and palmtops. Customizable text and voice-based services, including news, sports, weather, traffic, and stock quotes, help wireless carriers increase revenue and reduce churn. III's services for Web sites extend the sites' presence beyond the time a user spends online and provide a higher level of "stickiness."

    SmartRoute Systems collects, processes and delivers a broad range of "real time" customized traffic information products under the brand name SmarTraveler to consumers via all broadcast, electronic and wireless media. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.smartroute.com.

    For more information on III, visit www.intelligentinfo.com or call (800) MARCONI.

    Contact:
    Stanton Crenshaw Communications
    Don Gustavson/Caitlin McConoughey.
    203-359-8772

     

     
  • 08-11-1999

    SmartRoute Systems Announces Appointment of New Board of Directors:

    Cambridge, MA--August 11, 1999 -- SmartRoute Systems, Inc. has announced the appointment of its new Board of Directors. Under the leadership of SmartRoute Systems' CEO, Arnold Sheiffer as Chairman of the Board, the new Board is comprised of the following individuals:

    John Fuji - CEO of American Cellular, one of the largest nationwide independent cellular phone companies.

    Lisa Cusimano Gallagher - Managing Director of BancBoston Robertson Stephens.

    Peter Goulazian - Former CEO, Katz Communications, Inc.

    Michael J. Marocco - Managing Partner, Sandler Capital Management.

    Douglas E. Schimmel - Partner, Sandler Capital Management.

    Arnold Sheiffer states, "this newly formed Board of Directors will give SmartRoute Systems valuable resources to further solidify the company's position as the nation's premier traffic information entity. The new Board will work diligently to assist the company in focusing on revenue streams in the broadcast television and radio, cable television, online, in- vehicle and wireless markets, while continuing to broaden our public sector client roster."

    SmartRoute Systems collects, processes and delivers a broad range of "real time" customized traffic information products under the brand name SmarTraveler to consumers via all broadcast, electronic and wireless media. For more information, visit the company's website at www.smartroute.com

    Contact:
    Claire Cowart/Katy Wallace
    SmartRoute Systems, Inc.
    617-494-8100

     

     
  • 06-21-1999

    SmartRoute Systems Names Arnold Sheiffer Chairman/CEO -- Former Katz Media Chief Will Refocus Corporate Strategy Of Intelligent Transportation Systems Leader -- Paul Hamnett upped to Exec VP/COO: Susan Dalton to CFO; Claire Cowart Continues as Senior VP Market Development/Sales:

    Cambridge, MA--June 21, 1999 -- Arnold (Arnie) Sheiffer has been named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SmartRoute Systems Inc. (SRS) it was announced today by the company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Sheiffer’s appointment is part of a corporate reorganization including a major commitment on the part of Sandler Media, SRS’ financial partner, according to Doug Schimmel, SRS Board spokesperson.

    "SmartRoute Systems' Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) platform is already the nation’s technological leader," said Mr. Sheiffer. "Our plan is to refocus our strategy by leveraging this competitive advantage to better service existing clients as well as increasing our client roster."

    Mr. Sheiffer was formerly COO of Katz Media, the largest broadcast TV and radio station representative in the world. During his tenure at Katz, he successfully negotiated the acquisition of a competitive television representative, a cable representative and a European representation company, which made Katz the only world-wide rep in the industry.

    He was the architect of several financial instruments, which not only ensured the company’s financial stability but also allowed for growth via acquisition or potential internal expansion. Mr. Sheiffer was also the primary negotiator of the largest commercial real estate lease in New York City in 1991 when Katz moved to its present west side headquarters.

    Other significant appointments at SmartRoute Systems were that of Paul Hamnett to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Susan Dalton to Chief Financial Officer.

    Mr. Hamnett served as the company’s Vice President of Engineering since 1996. He is the creator of SRS’ proprietary WINGS system architecture. WINGS provides a high-speed entry system for information management flexible enough to act as a single dissemination system for a broad scope of consumer devices (telephone, wireless messaging services, on-line, in- vehicle).

    Ms. Dalton has been with SRS since 1993. She was most recently the company’s Vice President and Corporate Controller.

    Claire Cowart continues as Senior Vice President, Market Development and Sales. Ms. Cowart joined the company in 1998 and is responsible for all private sector product lines. Her vast experience in media and converging technologies includes stints with AT&T, Showtime Networks and Primestar.

    SmartRoute Systems collects, processes and delivers a broad range of "real time" customized traffic information to consumers via all electronic and wireless media. The company serves major market television and radio stations affiliated with the ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox television networks as well as cable systems, newspaper and online services. This elite list includes WCVB-TV, The Boston Globe, New England Cable News and Cablevision Systems in Boston; Media General Cable, Jones Cable Systems, the Washington Post and News Channel 8 in Washington, DC; WXYZ in Detroit; the Philadelphia Inquirer; the Star Tribune Company in Minneapolis; and WCPO-TV, Jacor/Clear Channel and the Cincinnati Enquirer. Other clients include companies in the wireless and in-vehicle navigation product categories, as well as state departments of transportation in the public sector arena.

    According to Mr. Sheiffer, "The refocus of the company will take SmartRoute Systems' superb technological platform into the 21st century. Our immediate objectives—expand our presence and continue to refine our products; explore, identify and develop new product opportunities; and position SRS to capitalize on expansion opportunities. We plan to make SRS the dominant provider of real time travel information to consumers at home, in the office, in the car, on the phone, on TV, radio, the web, the newspaper, pagers, mobile phones and all other evolving technologies."

    SmartRoute Systems was founded in 1988 and currently provides a range of multimedia traveler information services under the brand name SmarTraveler in 13 metropolitan regions across the country.

    Contact:
    Katy Wallace/Claire Cowart
    SmartRoute Systems, Inc.
    617-494-8100

     

     
  • 04-21-1999

    PageNet Joins SmartRoute and Navtech in In-Vehicle Information Services Alliance -- Leader in Wireless Messaging to Provide Nationwide Coverage for Integrated Traffic and Navigation Information:

    Cambridge, MA--April 21, 1999 -- SmartRoute Systems, Inc., the leading high-tech traffic information content company and Navigation Technologies, the leading turn-by-turn in-vehicle navigation company, have been joined by PageNet (NASDAQ: PAGE), the leading provider of wireless messaging and information, to offer enhanced in-vehicle traffic and navigation information.

    The result of this agreement will be nationwide traveler information products that provide drivers with enhanced route directions -- including the quickest route to a destination based on current traffic conditions. These "traffic aware" and "dynamic route guidance" information services have been in development between SmartRoute and Navigation Technologies since September 1998. Now, PageNet will provide the communication link to launch these services nationwide later this year.

    The three companies are pursuing a place on consumers’ dashboards—through emerging in-vehicle information systems. The market for these systems and services is expected to explode in the next five years to nine million users in North America, according to market researchers Price Waterhouse and Dataquest.

    "PageNet is pleased to join the SmartRoute and NavTech alliance in pursuing the burgeoning market for in-vehicle information services," said Scott D. Grimes, senior vice president of corporate development for PageNet. "Our proprietary information hub and wireless networks provide the optimal solution for this market, delivering to travelers continually updated route information based on up-to-the-minute traffic reports."

    Said Stephen Crosby, chairman and chief executive officer of SmartRoute: "With PageNet joining our alliance we are now able to offer an end-to-end solution for the rapid deployment of in-vehicle navigation with real-time traffic data. This meets the urgent need that has been repeatedly expressed by both automotive companies and systems manufacturers."

    Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems was founded in 1988 to provide traffic and related traveler information services to consumers in the home, office, and vehicle. The company currently provides a range of multimedia traveler information services under the brand name "SmarTraveler" in metropolitan regions across the country.

    PageNet is the leading provider of wireless messaging and information services with approximately 10 million subscribers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Canada and Spain. The company offers a full range of paging and advanced messaging services, including assured-delivery messaging, two-way wireless e-mail, and global messaging. This year, the company plans to introduce a variety of customizable information services for pagers and other devices, partnering with content providers such as Yahoo!, CNN, ESPN and others. Additionally, the company develops integrated wireless solutions to increase productivity and improve performance for major corporations. Detailed information and coverage maps for PageNet service are available on the Internet at www.pagenet.com.

    Contact:
    Joy Jennings
    PageNet
    972-801-8181

    John Rourke
    SmartRoute Systems, Inc.
    617-494-8100

     

     
  • 03-31-1999

    Shadow Broadcast Services and SmartRoute Systems Form Strategic Alliance:

    New York, NY--March 31, 1999 -- Shadow Broadcast Services, the national information provider of news, weather, sports, entertainment, business and traffic to radio and television stations, and SmartRoute Systems, the high-tech traffic information and services company, have created a strategic alliance to merge traffic operations in order to provide the public with the most up-to-date travel information.

    The partnership between Shadow Broadcast Services and SmartRoute Systems involves the integration of SmartRoute's state-of- the-art traffic information systems architecture into Shadow's top-notch traffic operations across the country. The combined traffic gathering and dissemination alliance will allow Shadow to supply the most comprehensive, accurate and sophisticated travel information for radio, television and other news media.

    "Our mission at Shadow has always been to provide our broadcasting and advertising clients with custom programs," stated Shadow Broadcast Services CEO A. Richard Marks. "This combined effort between our organizations will enable us to super serve our existing clients and reach out to new customers in both traditional and high-tech media."

    SmartRoute Systems' CEO Steve Crosby added, "Integrating SmartRoute's traffic information systems architecture into Shadow's operation centers across the country ushers in a new level of quality traffic reports for broadcasters, and facilitates the national roll-out of SmartRoute to the top thirty U.S. metropolitan markets."

    About Shadow Broadcast Services: Shadow Broadcast Services, a division of Westwood One, Inc., is America's premier provider of traffic, news, sports, weather and entertainment programming: partnering with more than 350 of the nation's highest rated and most respected radio and TV stations in 15 major markets.

    About SmartRoute Systems: Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, SmartRoute Systems was founded in 1988 to provide traffic and related traveler information services to consumers in the home, office, and vehicle. The company currently provides a range of multimedia traveler information services under the brand name SmarTraveler in metropolitan regions across the country.

    Contact:
    John Rourke
    Vice President of Marketing
    SmartRoute Systems, Inc.
    Boston
    617-494-8100
    jrourke@smartroute.com

     

     
    • 1998 Press Releases

  • 11-17-1998

    Twin Cities Travelers Outsmart Traffic With New SmarTraveler Information Service -- High-Tech Mn/DOT Initiative Provides Free Real-time, Route-Specific Traffic and Transit Information Via Telephone and Web Site:

    St. Paul, MN--November 17, 1998 -- The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Orion ITS deployment initiative today announced the launch of the SmarTraveler Information Service. The service utilizes state-of-the-art technology to provide free, on-demand, real-time, route-specific traffic and transit information for the Twin Cities metropolitan region to anyone with a touch-tone telephone, mobile phone or access to the Internet. The service is one of the Orion Program’s five Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology initiatives (see fact sheet for additional information).

    Beginning today, travelers in the region can access SmarTraveler Information Services through three easy ways:

    1. Dialing 651-633-8383 from any touch-tone or mobile phone. - Once connected to the service, an audio menu allows callers to select specific routes and transit services. The information includes travel times and road conditions as well as event, construction and congestion information. Users also can connect to area transportation information lines including Northwest Airlines flight arrival and departure information, Metro Transit fare and schedule information, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport parking information, and other transit/rideshare services. Parking information for downtown Minneapolis, downtown St. Paul, and the University of Minnesota will be added in the coming months.
    2. Dialing #211 from select wireless phone carriers. - Sprint PCS wireless customers can dial into the SmarTraveler service by dialing #211, and will not be charged airtime. AirTouch Cellular expects to offer airtime free #211 access to SmarTraveler by the end of the week. The project hopes other area wireless carriers will provide their customers with #211 abbreviated access to SmarTraveler in the near future.
    3. Connecting to www.smartraveler.com on the Internet. - This Web site features a point and click map, providing text-based traffic reports on a six- to ten-mile section of the roadway selected, as well as color-coded icons for the user to quickly see whether a route is "ok," "slow," or experiencing "delay" or "alert" conditions. Roadwork construction information also is provided on appropriate route pages.

    "The SmarTraveler Information Service is the first component of the Orion Program that allows citizens to reach out and make use of this technology initiative," said Jim Wright, Orion’s program director. "With its real-time traffic information, SmarTraveler goes a long way toward fulfilling Orion’s goal of creating a regional transportation system that utilizes technology to allow travelers to make informed decisions that will get them to their destinations safely and with minimal delay."

    The SmarTraveler Information Service is a high-tech operation that enhances MnDOT’s existing traffic management system through a partnership between private industry and several government agencies. SmarTraveler is operated by SmartRoute Systems, Inc., of Cambridge, Mass., under a four-year contract with Lockheed Martin, general contractor for the Orion Program.

    The SmarTraveler Information Center's extensive data collection resources include: MnDOT’s Traffic Management Center and freeway surveillance equipment, the ongoing installation of an additional 30 SmarTraveler freeway and arterial cameras, fixed-wing aircraft, mobile units, and direct communications with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, Metro Transit, weather information services and others. Data from these sources is instantaneously loaded into the SmarTraveler database which then disseminates real-time traffic and transit reports through the telephone and online services.

    "We are delighted to bring to this partnership our expertise in providing accurate information to travelers when they want it, and how they want it," said Steve Crosby, Chairman and CEO of SmartRoute Systems. "Based on our experience in other large metropolitan areas, we think the traveling public will begin to realize the benefits of this system immediately and commutes will be more pleasant for everyone."

    SmartRoute Systems, headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., was founded in 1988 to provide traveler information services to the home, office, and vehicle. The company currently provides a range of voice, video and data information services under the brand name SmarTraveler in Boston, Philadelphia, WASHINGTON, DC, and Cincinnati, and now in the Twin Cities. SmartRoute Systems is launching its traffic and traveler information services in Detroit this month, and plans to be operational in 30 US cities within the next two years.

    The Orion Program demonstrates Minnesota’s commitment to the Federal Highway Administration's national vision for using technology to address transportation needs. The goals of the federal initiative call for programs like Orion to reduce travel time for Americans by 15 percent, encourage the public and private sectors to "buy smart" rather than spend tax dollars on new infrastructure, plan for the future and use innovative cost-sharing methods.

    SmarTraveler is a registered trademark of SmartRoute Systems, Inc.

    Contact:
    Andy Brown
    MnDOT Orion Program
    (651) 582-1406

    Bill Gardner/Katy Wallace
    SmartRoute Systems, Inc
    (651) 582-8030

    Greg Bury
    Fleishman-Hillard
    (612) 573-3104

    &nbs