I know we have seen the latest and greatest and how it will be the best… but I honestly do not think the crowd sourcing traffic information is the best option out there.

It just depends on too many variables to fall into place, and people needed the right phone/application.  I can’t say for others… but I am not going to run out and get an iPhone for something that may or may not work well, or even be accurate.

What would be a better option though?  Well, the best one I have seen is the 511 system that many states are adopting.

America’s Traveler information number, 511, allows you to instantly access road updates from the convenience of your phone. This handy number allows you to obtain updated road and weather conditions, traffic information, and construction reports for specific routes, regions and cities. Some state systems, such as Georgia’s 511, even provides airport and train information.

This information is gathered by police reports, traffic cameras and other traffic monitoring systems.  All of which are more reliable sources.

Maybe if both were combined together, then you would have a very powerful tool.  But still limited to only certain phone users that way.