511 Phone Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What changes are coming to 511 on the phone?

As of July 1, 2017, LA SAFE will deploy a new Southern California 511 (SoCal 511) traveler information phone service.  Callers will still be able to get all the automated information they could before, including traffic reports, transit schedules, and Motorist Aid. Also, callers will be able to transfer their call to a transit agency or Metro Express Lanes, get information on Carpool, Vanpool, Bicycling, Parking, Metrolink, and Access Services.

What will be different about 511 on the phone?
Callers will now hear the most important, up-to-date traveler information without having to navigate a complicated list of choices.   The new phone system will enhance the user experience by including improved navigation of the menus, and the ability to find information faster.  Also, you will notice the voice sounds different when you call 511.  That is because LA SAFE has improved the system to operate more efficiently, with a computerized voice that can provide up-to-date information without having to record new words or sentences.  

What information can I get from 511 on the phone?
SoCal 511 provides locally generated information about live traffic including travel times, traffic incidents, public transit, motorist aid, parking, and commuter services (carpool and vanpool).  511 can give you traffic reports for specific highways, transfer you to a bus or train agency and help you find a carpool or vanpool partner in your area.

Soon 511 will allow you to personalize your experience. You’ll hear customized traffic reports based on the travel routes you’ve saved on Go511.com.

How do I switch to touchtone mode?

Dial *8 to switch to touchtone mode. Dial *8 to switch back to voice mode. Note that some features are not allowed in touchtone mode for safety and/or efficiency – in these cases, the system will automatically switch you to voice mode.

How do I get help?

 At any point in the system, just say “Help” to get system help or press 00 (zero-zero) if touchtone is allowed.

How do I go back to the Main Menu?

At any point in the system, just say “Main Menu” to go back to the beginning, or press *6 if touchtone is allowed.

What is the recorded message I sometimes hear when I call?

If there is critical or impactful information to share about traffic, transit, or an emergency in Southern California, you may hear a message, called a floodgate, at the beginning of the call.  This message has been provided by LA SAFE staff, to direct your attention to a critical event or item. After the message plays, you will be back in the Main Menu and can ask for any of the covered information.

How do I get personalized traffic information?

Soon SoCal 511 will offer personalized traffic information.  You will need to register and set up an account at go511.com. After you have set up your routes at go511.com, you can ask for them by name when you call 511.

How do I get transit schedule information?

You can get transit schedule information by saying “Transit Schedules” at the Main Menu.  Then, at the prompt, provide the name of the transit provider you want, such as “Metro” or “Foothill Transit” or “Montebello Transit”.   Or, you can say the name of your transit provider and the Stop number, like “Metro 1234”.

How do I get traffic reports?

You can hear traffic reports by saying “Traffic Reports” or “Traffic” at the Main Menu.  At that point, you can hear the up-to-date Go511 Southern California traffic report.

Once you are in the Traffic Report menu, you can say the name of the freeway you want, such as “Interstate 10 or I-10” . You can also say the freeway plus the direction, such as “I-10 Eastbound”. Or you can say the freeway plus the direction plus the interchange, such as “Interstate 10 Eastbound at Interstate 5”.

How do I get Motorist Aid?

You can ask for Motorist Aid by saying “Motorist Aid” at the Main Menu.  The system will transfer you to the Motorist Aid customer service representative for your county if your county offers the service.

How do I get parking information?

SoCal 511 provides information for parking in Westwood, Downtown LA, and Hollywood.  You can get parking information by saying “More Choices” at the Main Menu, then “Parking”.  Once in the Parking menu, you can say an address, intersection or landmark where you want to find parking.

How do I get Access Services?

You can get Access Services information by saying “More Choices” at the Main Menu, then “Access Services”.  Once in the “Access Services” menu, you can say the city for which you want to check service area, or you can be transferred to a customer service representative by saying “Transfer”.

How do I get carpool / vanpool information?

You can get carpool and vanpool information by saying “More Choices” at the Main Menu, then “Carpool” or “Vanpool”.  Then, just say the area you work in, such as “Pasadena” or “Azusa”.  Then, you will be transferred to a customer service representative who can help you.

How do I get bicycling information?

You can get bicycling information by saying “More Choices” at the Main Menu, then “Bicycling.” Then, just say the name of the city you want information for, such as “Norwalk” or “Encino”.  Then, you will be transferred to a customer service representative who can help you.

What is a Hotspot?

A “Hotspot” is the name of an area where traffic congestion usually occurs. For example, “Downtown LA”, “The El Toro Y”, and “Dodger Stadium” are hotspots. The system will provide a traffic report for that area without you having to request the traffic on individual freeway segments. Just say the name of the hotspot.

What is “Barge In”?

When the system is in voice command mode, you do not have to wait for the system to complete what its saying – you can issue a new command and interrupt what the system is saying. Because the system is always listening for voice commands even when it is speaking, it may become confused from background noise or someone speaking nearby – if this happens, please be patient, repeat the command if necessary, and try to eliminate as much background noise as possible.

How do I Use Voice Command Shortcuts or Touch Tone Keys?

Shortcuts are voice commands and touchtone sequences that take you directly to your choice.

The following table shows voice command shortcuts and touchtone keys, where you can say them, and what will happen when you use them.

Note that touchtone command shortcuts can be used even when the system is in voice mode; however, voice command shortcuts can only be used when the system is in voice mode.