Turnpike Launches Hands-Free, Eyes-Free and Cost-Free Smartphone App

Motorists on the Pennsylvania Turnpike can now be forewarned about problems that could impact their travels thanks to an innovative smartphone application unveiled earlier this month.

According to a release, the Pa. Turnpike Commission launched a new iPhone and Droid application that reads audio alerts to travelers when there's a closure or delay in their way.

"One of our biggest communications challenges has been to inform customers about incidents before they enter the system, and especially getting word to anyone who's already on the road. Today, smartphone technology has evolved that enables us to answer that longtime challenge," said Turnpike COO Craig R. Shuey. "Whether customers then decide to reroute, stop for a cup of coffee at the next travel plaza or stay the course, the choice is theirs. It's like having a crystal ball that allows smartphone users see what's ahead on the Turnpike."

TRIP Talk senses your position and direction on the Turnpike and "talks" to you when it detects trouble spots nearby. Unlike other travel-alert tools out there, TRIP Talk is hands free and eyes free. Just turn it on before you depart, and it does the rest.

"It provides up-to-the minute information about accidents, construction or bad weather for the sections of Turnpike you're approaching, making you a better-informed driver," Shuey said. "And because you don't have to look at or touch the phone once you launch the app, it can also help make you a safer driver. All you have to do is listen and drive."

To download the free app, Pa. Turnpike travelers can visit http://www.paturnpike.com/triptalk.

Once activated, the application remains on during the trip, broadcasting travel-condition alerts reported within a pre-established mile range. The app picks a default range based on your region, but users can customize settings that work best for them. Conditions are broadcast once, and the broadcast stream stays quiet until it receives an alert update or when the user comes in range of a new alert. The app replays alerts that are still in range after a certain interval selected by the user. If the user gets or makes a call while an alert is playing, the alert will pause and resume playing when the call is ended.

The app is one of several ways the Pa. Turnpike communicates with motorists through its Turnpike Roadway Information Program (TRIP). Via TRIP, motorists can sign up to become Preferred Travelers and receive customized e-mail or text-message alerts about traffic and weather conditions. There's also an online travel-conditions map at www.paturnpike.com/webmap and the toll-free TRIP line - 1-866-976-TRIP (8747) - that travelers can use to check Turnpike conditions.