SEATTLE — March 29, 2007 — TrafficGauge Inc., a company committed to reducing wasted time and unnecessary stress on the road, is making it easier to navigate our region's traffic woes with its latest device. Recently introduced into the marketplace, orders for the unit created a complete sell out within days. The reason is simple; the new TrafficGauge® Mobile Traffic Map nearly triples the coverage area originally offered to Seattle area commuters, saving drivers thousands of hours of wasted time in traffic. In fact, the device is so valued by international traffic professionals that recently the University of Washington and WSDOT purchased 2,400 TrafficGauge devices to study the impact smart drivers have on the efficiency of the highway infrastructure with results reported by year end.
Washington State Secretary of Transportation Doug MacDonald observed "We recently expanded our traffic sensor network in Puget Sound as part of our on-going effort to provide more complete, real-time traffic conditions information to assist drivers. We are pleased that TrafficGauge is quickly accessing and communicating this expanded information, which is provided free to private companies to encourage broader distribution."
Since launching the initial product in Seattle in 2003, the company has brought real time traffic information to tens of thousands of drivers in 17 cities across America, through a variety of services. This has been made possible through TrafficGauge's work with DOTs, to not only utilize existing data but to help in garnering upgrades to systems. In developing its latest device for Seattle, TrafficGauge worked with Congress, state and local governments to improve the sensor networks along Washington highways. This resulted in the WSDOT putting $2 million dollars into sensor expansion. Similarly in California, TrafficGauge's efforts resulted in Caltrans putting in nearly $20 million for their sensor expansion and repair.
“I am very pleased that the Washington State Department of Transportation has expanded its traffic sensor network south to Tacoma and that TrafficGauge is launching a new mobile traffic map product that utilizes that expanded network. I believe the new capability will help Tacoma area commuters reduce the amount of time they spend in traffic," said Representative Norm Dicks, who helped secure federal funding for the southward expansion.
The New Device
The new TrafficGauge for Seattle gives drivers a birds-eye view of the major highways from Everett to Tacoma, Canadian border crossing backups, and mountain pass delay information. TrafficGauge helps drivers pinpoint traffic slowdowns to make better driving decisions, such as taking an alternative route, knowing how much time to allow for a trip, or by simply deciding to not venture into traffic altogether. The handheld, wireless device works right out of the box and can be carried in a pocket or purse, or mounted on the vehicle dashboard or windshield. With a quick glance at the TrafficGauge fixed map, commuters can quickly assess which freeway is stop-and-go, slow or clear, right from the driver's seat. The device requires no scrolling and is always on. Customer's benefit by saving an average of nine hours a month and reduced stress on the roadway.
Peterson says, "the new device features our ground-breaking technology introduced in the first Seattle device to great commercial success. The fundamentals are the same with best-in-class traffic information, easy to view display for driving, and the convenience of AA batteries lasting three months, and the always-on display of traffic information. The product was successfully designed for ease of use on the road".
The new TrafficGauge device for Seattle can be purchased for $79.95, which includes one free month of traffic service, with updates as often as every four minutes. There is no activation fee and no required contract. Additional service can be purchased from $4.99 to $9.99 a month. Discounts are available for longer-term subscriptions. TrafficGauge comes with a 30-day, no-risk money- back guarantee as well as a one-year warranty. It is currently sold online at www.trafficgauge.com, and Amazon.com and at retail locations such as CarToys and soon Costco.
TrafficGauge originally launched its first product in 2003 in Seattle. Since that time, high demand for products created by TrafficGauge has supported continued market growth and technology expansions. TrafficGauge has successfully launched second-generation devices in Los Angeles/Orange County, the San Francisco Bay area and Singapore. The devices appeal to business professional and soccer moms who deeply value their time.
As part of the company's growth strategy, recently announced the release of its newest service, TrafficGauge for Cell Phone a free service, which sends detailed traffic maps directly to cellular phones via text and picture messaging. TrafficGauge also offers TrafficGauge for PC, a free download that puts real-time traffic one click away by instantly displaying freeway conditions at a home or office PC. Both TrafficGauge for Cell Phone and TrafficGauge for PC are currently available in 17 cities throughout the country.
About TrafficGauge
TrafficGauge®, Inc. is dedicated to easing traffic problems in major cities around the world. It does this by empowering people with real-time traffic information, allowing them to make better decisions for their commute. Its primary product is the TrafficGauge® Mobile Traffic Map “the first real-time mobile traffic map”, which first launched in Seattle where the company is headquartered. TrafficGauge's always on, traffic map gives drivers an overview of freeway grids and pinpoints traffic slowdowns. Data for TrafficGauge is sourced from department of transportation wire loop sensors embedded in freeways. Founded in 2001, privately-held TrafficGauge has launched practical time-saving TrafficGauge Mobile Traffic Map Handheld for Seattle, Los Angeles/Orange County, the San Francisco Bay Area and Singapore, with more cities to follow. Additionally, the company offers a free download of its service with TrafficGauge for PC, TrafficGauge for Cell Phone and other applications. Both services show real-time traffic information for most major U.S. cities. For additional information about TrafficGauge, its products, and cities served visit www.trafficgauge.com.
Stacia Kirby
(206) 363-1492
stacia@trafficgauge.com