Voice recognition software vendor BeVocal and telecom carrier BellSouth have been selected to deploy a 511-voice recognition system as part of a multi-state consortium called CARS-511.

Two years ago, the Federal Communications Commission designated 511 as the nationwide number for travel information, as 411 was reserved for telephone listings and 911 was designated for access to emergency centers.

"This is a win-win situation for the states and their residents," said Terry Doyle of the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department. "The states win because we’re saving money by pooling phone lines and outsourcing call center capabilities to a trusted provider. The residents win because they get a best-in-class 511 system that enables them to access vital real-time information wherever they are from any telephone."

At present, only residents in Minnesota can access 511 real-time information on traffic, road conditions, public transportation scheduling and tourism. Seven other states Alaska, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Vermont will follow by the end of the year.

Components and Contributors to the Multi-State 511 Service
BeVocal said it will work with Castle Rock Consultants, a provider of consulting and operations for intelligent transportation systems, to create the CARS-511 voice-automated system. Castle Rock will utilize BeVocal’s development program to develop VoiceXML-based applications for voice-enabled information. These applications will be integrated with Castle Rock’s Condition Acquisition and Reporting System (CARS), a statewide data collection and incident management tool, enabling voice access to information.

BellSouth’s e-Businesses Centers will host the multi-state 511 service.