TDOT Joins Waze Connected Citizen Program
Two-Way Data Sharing Helps Drivers Avoid Congestion
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Transportation is announcing a data-sharing partnership with Waze, the free navigation app powered by the world’s largest community of drivers. Designed as a two-way data share of publicly available traffic information, the Connected Citizens Program promotes greater efficiency, more real-time information, and safer roads for Tennessee drivers, along with more than 55 other partners around the world.
“TDOT is always looking for ways we can provide motorists with information that can make their commutes safer and faster,” TDOT Commissioner John Schroer said. “By partnering with Waze, we’re doing just that. We’ve taken our SmartWay website that provides information for motorists on highway incidents, construction activities and traffic information and elevated it’s accuracy by allowing Waze users to report issues and concerns they see each day during their commutes. It’s a perfect partnership.”
The Waze Connected Citizen Program provides an unprecedented look at real-time road activity, giving motorists the ability to change their routes, adjust their commute times, and avoid unnecessary delays.
“We’re excited to be partnering with the Tennessee Department of Transportation”, said Paige Fitzgerald, Connected Citizens Program Manager at Waze. “Waze is only as strong as the information it receives from its users. The immense data TDOT can contribute on statewide road conditions, closures and traffic within the Waze app makes them a valued partner moving forward.”
You can access Waze traffic information on TDOT SmartWay by going to the feature menu and clicking on the Waze icon. TDOT Smartway insights are also now available within the Waze app on IOS and Android.
In addition to the Waze data feature, TDOT is unveiling other upgrades to the SmartWay web application. Traffic incidents now appear by default. Red badges will indicate any lane blockages or full closures. Several weather icons have also been added to describe snow, hazardous weather, flooding or ponding, and storm damage. Users can click on the “more information” icon in the bottom right of the screen for full details on the new SmartWay features.
**ATTENTION MEDIA** - B-roll of TDOT SmartWay website and Waze application are available here:
https://youtu.be/LeIhDEDYUJc?list=PL6hC2tzJMjXGB66HBaszDEpV2CQvcF0aK
From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel.
As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
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