The Baltimore region will soon benefit from an exciting new technology designed to offer travelers real-time information on traffic conditions – The Baltimore Multi-Modal Traveler Information System. 

What is MMTIS?
MMTIS is a regional initiative to provide accurate and timely traveler information. The two-year demonstration project which began in October 2004 is a partnership between the Maryland Department of Transportation and a private sector team headed by Delcan-NET. The Maryland State Highway Administration acts as the Project Manager for the public sector.

How does MMTIS work?
This technology works with the cellular telephone network, anonymously sampling the movement of cell phones, and processing it into a representation of speeds on selected roads. Combining this data with information from roadside sensors, police activity, construction schedules, transit vehicle movement, and weather conditions will create a highly accurate snapshot of traffic conditions across the region.

• Real-time information – transportation providers and the public will be able to get near real-time information about how the system is performing
  
• Travel times – users will be able to see estimated travel times and congestion on both highways and area roads.  This could encourage drivers to take alternate routes or choosing to use transit instead.
  
• Improving the system – transportation planners and providers can use data collected to reduce or manage congestion and update short and long range transportation plans.
  
• Safety and Homeland security – provides an integrated approach to managing incidents, such as crashes and other emergencies, as well as improving public safety.

Implementing MMTIS in the Baltimore Region
The Baltimore region MMTIS will be the first full scale commercial release of its kind in North America and possibly a model for other regions to follow in providing high quality traffic information.  Currently, project members are evaluating and testing the system. 

Once the system is up and running, travelers will have free access to the new speed data via the Maryland State Highway Administration Coordinated Highway Action Response Team (known as CHART) web site. 

Looking to the future
The information is also planned to be the foundation for developing an interactive telephone based traveler information resource. Integrating transit information is a priority as well, so that travelers might someday use this system to plan complete itineraries including personal vehicle and transit options, travel times, and costs.

For more information:
Bala Akundi, bakundi@baltometro.org or 410-732-0500 1019.