14 DAY TRIAL // KHCW-TV channel 39, the local CW network affiliate in Houston, has launched a free mobile traffic service. The ad-supported service, called KHCW Traffic Jam Cell Cams, enables commuters to view traffic tie-ups on their mobile devices before leaving their home or office, to help them plan the quickest and safest route.
To use the service users must first download and install a mobile application on their phone. Using the application drivers can choose to view near real-time traffic images from any of the cameras along their route and can even program keys on their phone to quickly access their favorites.
The service relies on more than 600 traffic cameras operated by Houston TranStar - a partnership between four government agencies that are responsible for providing transportation and emergency management services to the Greater Houston region. Cameras are mounted along freeways, tollways and some major county arterials in the region, which includes Harris, Galveston, Montgomery Fort Bend, Brazoria and Waller counties. This area has an estimated population of 5.16 million inhabitants and 4.3 million registered vehicles.
The technology that powers the service was developed by 3rd Dimension, a company specialized in the creation and distribution of real-time video content to consumers through their mobile devices. Houston is the second market in the country to launch the mobile traffic service. The first was launched by 3rd Dimension in early 2007 in collaboration with WCBS Newsradio 880 in New York City. 3rd Dimension plans to launch the service in additional markets in 2008, including Milwaukee, Indianapolis and Kansas City.
The KHCW Traffic Jam Cell Cams application is compatible with data enabled phones on the Sprint, Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile networks, including handsets such as the BlackBerry, Palm Treo and the Motorola Q. Mobile users can download the application by calling 888-990-CW39 from their cell phone, or by visiting www.3tcam.com/houston from their handset's browser.