Real-Time Traffic Delivered to the Driver's Seat Provides Alternative Gridlock

SEATTLE — November 4, 2005 — Help is on the way for commuters who get stuck in Bay Area traffic jams, including all 10 “hot spots” that cost drivers over 42,000 hours of wasted time each day. To recover some of those lost hours, the TrafficGauge Mobile Traffic map, which delivers real-time traffic conditions anytime and anywhere, is coming today to the San Francisco Bay Area.

TrafficGauge is the first and only dedicated mobile traffic map covering the San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose region. This wireless device helps users outsmart traffic right from their drivers' seats by pinpointing gridlocked areas, enabling drivers to pick an alternate route to save time and gas.

Freeway congestion in the San Francisco/Oakland area, already the 3rd worst in the country, is on the rise for the first time since 2000 according to a recent report by Caltrans and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. The report attributes this increase to the area's economic rebound, a trend that is expected to continue with growth in the local economy.

The launch of TrafficGauge won't reverse this trend, but it will enable drivers to recapture some lost time. Drivers using TrafficGauge in Los Angeles and Seattle report saving more than eight hours each month by avoiding traffic.

TrafficGauge gives drivers a birds-eye view of over 900 miles of freeways in and around San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, and wirelessly updates traffic conditions every four minutes during peak driving periods. This simple-to-view, handheld device enables drivers to make better decisions, such as taking an alternative route, knowing when to leave to get there on time, or by deciding to forego a face-to-face meeting and using the phone instead. With a quick glance at the device's fixed map, users can quickly assess whether a freeway is stop-and-go, slow, or clear. To test drive TrafficGauge, the company is offering “Virtual TrafficGauge”, a free downloadable traffic map that automatically updates and displays conditions on a home or office computer. The free download is available at www.trafficgauge.com.

Data for TrafficGauge is sourced from Caltrans “wire loop” sensors embedded in freeways and roadside sensors from SpeedInfo, a private company that is coordinating with Caltrans to supplement the traffic monitoring system for the region. "Caltrans has taken another step toward improving mobility on our freeways by making real-time traffic data available to TrafficGauge. The mobile traffic map is yet another example of Caltrans' support of smart new technologies being introduced at the Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress that maximize efficient use of our existing freeway grid," said Will Kempton, Director, California Department of Transportation. “The more we can arm drivers with devices like TrafficGauge that help them make smarter decisions like avoiding congested areas at peak times, the more our region benefits by better utilization of our roads.”

TrafficGauge CEO Eric Meyer sees TrafficGauge as a time and gas saving tool for Bay Area commuters and ‘road warriors' such as sales people, contractors and mobile moms. According to Meyer, “The Bay Area was the next logical step for TrafficGauge, even before recent increases in the area's traffic. People here embrace new technology especially when it delivers a simple and affordable solution to a big problem most of us face daily. With TrafficGauge, you really know your way around traffic.”

The TrafficGauge Mobile Traffic Map covers major freeways throughout the Bay Area and all three international airports. The fixed map, which is non-scrolling to minimize driver distraction, covers the freeway systems north to Novato and Vallejo; east to Antioch and Livermore; south to San Jose and Santa Cruz (including 17); and west to San Francisco and I-280 corridor. The high-resolution LCD screen also indicates when there are home games for the Giants, Athletics, 49ers, Raiders and Warriors, allowing drivers to prepare for slow-moving traffic around sports venues.

TrafficGauge is simple and affordable by design. TrafficGauge works right out of the box – just one button press and real-time traffic is received in minutes. TrafficGauge is $79.95, including one free month of traffic service. There is no activation fee and no contract required. Additional service is $6.99 a month or less for pre-purchased service. TrafficGauge comes with a 30-day, no-risk money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty. The Bay Area device is currently only available direct from the company at www.trafficgauge.com or by calling 1-866-872-5551. TrafficGauges for Los Angeles and Seattle are available at Nordstrom, Fry's Electronics and CompUSA. A free “Virtual TrafficGauge” is available to test drive a real-time traffic map on the computer desktop, and can be downloaded at www.trafficgauge.com.

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.