Seattle First City to Receive TrafficGauge Mobile Traffic Map

New Technology Enables Commuters to Outsmart Traffic Right From The Driver's Seat

SEATTLE, June 13, 2003 -- This summer, TrafficGauge Inc., a company committed to reducing wasted time and unnecessary stress on the road, will forever change the way Seattle drivers receive traffic updates as they introduce the first real-time mobile traffic map right to the driver's seat.

The device, aptly named the TrafficGauge(TM) Mobile Traffic Map -- will provide relief to frustrated drivers who want to spend more time out of their sweltering hot car than stuck inside due to never-ending summer gridlock. Today marks the Seattle (as well as the very first in U.S.) launch of the innovative, affordable device that helps commuters make better drive- time choices to outsmart freeway traffic. TrafficGauge can be purchased by visiting the website at http://www.trafficgauge.com.

"As both a Rep driving from appointment to appointment all day and a mom chauffeuring kids around town, I can't afford to spend any more time stuck in traffic than I have to," states Toni McElroy, Sales Representative for Marchon Eyewear in Seattle. "TrafficGauge helps me regain control over my time - - it's consistently helped me out by giving me a heads-up on unexpected traffic, allowing me to stay on time by changing my route or at least calling ahead if I'm running a little late."

TrafficGauge helps commuters pinpoint traffic slowdowns to make better driving decisions, such as taking an alternative route, knowing how much time to allow for a trip, or by simply deciding to not venture into traffic altogether. TrafficGauge, which fits in the palm of the hand, can be carried in a pocket or purse, or mounted on the dashboard. The traffic map screen, designed to be viewed in a quarter of a second, was developed by a team that included a human factors specialist who designs jet fighter cockpit instruments. With a quick glance at TrafficGauge, commuters can quickly assess traffic conditions right from the driver's seat.

The TrafficGauge traffic map covers greater Seattle-Bellevue area freeways I-5, I-405, I-90 and 520. The screen even indicates when there's a Mariners, Sonics, Huskies or Seahawks home game, so that drivers can be prepared for slow-moving game day traffic. TrafficGauge is particularly useful for commuters, sales professionals, mobile moms, and people who navigate Seattle area freeways for their livelihood, such as delivery drivers.

According to Mike Edwards, a driver for United Parcel Service (UPS), "In my job it's critical to be on time -- otherwise I've got a bunch of very unhappy customers. TrafficGauge not only saved me time by helping me pick better routes, but also gave me peace of mind by knowing what traffic was ahead of me -- no bad surprises!"

TrafficGauge partnered with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to tap the same data source that drives the popular WSDOT traffic web site. WSDOT gathers data from wire loops under roadways and then uses complex formulas to calculate traffic speed, and then provides this information as a public service to the community. Accessing and broadcasting this data as often as every four minutes, TrafficGauge provides a continuously updated snapshot of ever-changing traffic conditions -- which can be dramatically different even by the time one walks from office to car.

"Washington drivers have a big need for up-to-date traffic information. The WSDOT web site averages between one and two million page views per day," states Doug MacDonald, Secretary of Transportation. "We're pleased that TrafficGauge will further extend WSDOT traffic data to commuters so they can make smart choices about their travel."

The TrafficGauge device:

-- Pinpoints traffic slowdowns -- indicating light, medium or heavy traffic

-- Always on -- no power button, no "boot up" time, 2 AA batteries last 6 months

-- Shirt-pocket portable -- easily fits in a pocket or small handbag, or mounts on dash

-- Backlight for easy night viewing

-- Game day symbols -- for Mariners, Sonics, Huskies and Seahawks home games

-- At-a-glance fixed display -- high resolution, no scrolling required

-- Express lane direction and traffic conditions

-- 176 miles of Seattle roadways -- covers the area's major wired freeways

Starting today, TrafficGauge can be purchased for $49.99 with a minimum of six months of service at $4.99 per month. TrafficGauge comes with a 30- day money back guarantee as well as with a one-year warranty. TrafficGauge is available directly through the manufacturer at http://www.trafficgauge.com.

TrafficGauge Inc., a privately-held corporation, was founded in 2002 by Ryan Peterson who conceived of TrafficGauge during his own frustrating commute between Edmonds and Redmond. The company is committed to saving wasted time and unnecessary stress on the roadway by delivering real-time traffic information where it's needed most-in the car, the home, or at the office.

SOURCE TrafficGauge Inc.
Web Site: http://www.trafficgauge.com