VDOT, Waze partner to improve traffic safety

VDOT and Waze, the real-time, crowdsourced navigation app, have launched a partnership to improve travel information

Designed to share publicly available traffic information, the partnership will be facilitated through the Waze Connected Citizens Program. Established as a two-way data share, Waze will provide VDOT with real-time, anonymous, Waze-generated incident and slow-down information directly from the source: drivers themselves. This data will complement VDOT’s 511Virginia traveler information tools. In exchange, the agency will provide real-time verified construction (work zones), crash and road closure data from 511Virginia to Waze.

“Virginia welcomes innovative partnerships of all kinds that bring the best of what the public and private sectors has to offer, which ultimately benefits the public,” said Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne. “We’re excited to partner with an international industry leader like Waze to continue to offer only the best real-time traffic information resources to Virginia’s travelers.”

“Technologies and methods of receiving and sharing information continue to evolve and transform significantly,” said VDOT Commissioner Charles Kilpatrick. “VDOT has provided traveler information to Virginia’s citizens through our 511Virginia program since 2005, and we welcome this partnership with Waze to provide the best information possible to travelers.”

The Waze map evolves with every driver and data point it receives about potential delays to their commutes. The Connected Citizens Program yields even more data, giving local citizens a greater ability to circumvent road closures and traffic jams within the app. VDOT can also provide Wazers with advanced notice of planned events such as parades, races or construction that will affect their daily routes.

“Waze is only as strong as the information it receives from its users and partners,” said Adam Fried, New Business Development Manager at Waze. “VDOT will be able to use these anonymous insights to further promote safer roads. In exchange, VDOT is providing critical road closure and incident data to Waze, helping Wazers better circumvent major traffic events and real-time traffic blocks.”

To find out more about Connected Citizens visit http://waze.com/ccp. To download the free Waze app for iOS or Android, visit www.waze.com Also, real-time information about traffic, incidents and congestion on Virginia roads is available at 511Virginia.org. Download VDOT’s free 511 app, or call 5-1-1 from any phone in Virginia.