Collaboration Recognized as a Model Traffic Management System for other Cities

CHICAGO, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital map data for location-based solutions and vehicle navigation, has been granted the "Best of ITS" award to recognize its traffic information system and agency partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) in St. Louis. In an effort to monitor traffic and relieve congestion in the St. Louis area, MoDOT sought out the expertise of NAVTEQ Traffic(TM) to launch the NAVTEQ-MoDOT Advanced Traveler Information Services project. In addition to recognition for its achievements in providing real-time flow and volume updates to drivers, the NAVTEQ-MoDOT project was also credited as a model for other public-private collaborations to effectively manage road closures and other congestion-causing events.

In January 2008, MoDOT closed the major I-64 interstate highway serving St. Louis. This effort is part of MoDOT's major reconstruction of I-64 -- a project that will take approximately two years. Because of the closure's potentially severe impact on commuter and truck traffic flow, MoDOT embarked on an ambitious plan to provide as much information to travelers as possible to better handle frequent congestion.

The NAVTEQ-MoDOT Advanced Traveler Information Services project involved a comprehensive approach to effectively leverage a number of NAVTEQ Traffic solutions. This award-winning suite of traffic solutions, used to advance MoDOT's traveler information services, includes:

    -- the installation of additional traffic sensors to increase real-time
       data;
    -- incorporating data from MoDOT traffic sensors;
    -- the use of vehicle GPS data to provide additional traffic data
       coverage;
    -- staffing the NAVTEQ Traffic operations centers 24/7;
    -- placing NAVTEQ Traffic staff in the MoDOT Gateway Guide operations
       center;
    -- providing NAVTEQ Traffic.com511(TM) (ATIS) services by phone, web and
       email; and
    -- disseminating NAVTEQ Traffic to XM satellite radio, local TV and radio
       stations.

The result of this coordinated effort was an all-encompassing system of real-time flow and volume information on the major expressways in the St. Louis region, giving commuters automated traffic updates every 60 seconds.

"By providing drivers with up-to-date information on traffic conditions, commuters in the St. Louis region can make more informed decisions about which route to take. This allows drivers to avoid congested areas and get to destinations faster. We are proud of our award-winning collaboration with MoDOT and believe it is an initiative that can ultimately pave the way for other public/private efforts," said Howard Hayes, vice president for NAVTEQ Traffic.

About ITS World Congress

ITS Connections: Saving Time. Saving Lives.

The continuing goal of the World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) is to promote awareness and deployment of ITS technologies. ITS enables people to make transport choices that save lives, time, and money. With a focus on practical deployment, as well as on education and innovation, the World Congress on ITS enhances our ability to work together to provide users of the world's transport systems new levels of safety, reliability, convenience, accessibility, and choice. Transport executives and ITS professionals from around the globe will come together at the World Congress & Annual Meeting in New York. We encourage you to join us at this landmark conference and exposition.

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is a leading provider of comprehensive digital map information for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices, Internet-based mapping applications, and government and business solutions. NAVTEQ creates the digital maps and map content that power navigation and location-based services solutions around the world. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 4,000 employees located in 196 offices in 43 countries.

NAVTEQ, NAVTEQ Traffic and NAVTEQ Traffic.com511 are trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.

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