Governor Rell: State Now “Tweets” Real-Time Traffic Alerts

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the State of Connecticut is now using Twitter to provide residents with real-time travel information.

Twitter is a social networking service that enables users to send short messages, known as “tweets,” to subscribers wishing to receive them.  “Tweets” can be sent directly to email addresses as well as mobile devices, such as cell phones or PDAs. 

To sign up to receive messages, go to the Connecticut Department of Transportation website at www.ct.gov/dot and click on the “e-traffic alerts” icon.  (Direct link: https://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?a=3417&Q=452396.)

“If motorists are aware of congestion areas, they can plan for it and avoid it,” Governor Rell said.  “We want to do all we can to help people get where they need to be – safely and on time.”

The Twitter initiative expands upon the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s already successful “e-traffic alert” system which has more than 11,000 subscribers, as well as the newly unveiled interactive travel information map (available here: www.ct.gov/dot/cttravel).

“I’m committed to keeping the Department moving forward on the technology front,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph F. Marie.  “By utilizing Twitter, we will be able to expand our outreach to the largest demographic possible.  That improves travel for everyone.”

Marie stressed that the information provided by this new service is not intended to be accessed by anyone operating a motor vehicle.

Twitter is a free service, but messaging charges may be applied by your provider.  Please contact your service provider to verify before signing up to receive text messages.