Instant Traffic Alerts via Phone, Text, Email or Twitter

When driving, traffic information isn’t more than a couple of minutes away:

• 1010am on the 1’s (01, 11, 21, 31, etc)
• 1030am on the 5’s (05, 15, 25, etc)
• 880 on the 8’s (08, 18, 28, etc)

XM radio has dedicated weather/traffic stations for most major cities that just go on infinite loops.

But these are all passive methods. You have to wait through commercials, or other content before you get the exact information you’re seeking.

Now, there’s another way (or two or three. . .).

• 511 info has set-up customized alerts which you can set-up online
• I subscribe to the 511 New Jersey specific Twitter account Other accounts based on georgraphy are also available
• DIAL 511 on your cell phone and you can go through the automated menus to get traffic or transit info the specific bridge, tunnel or highway you’re planning to use.

  Sometimes it’s better to be in the know. Now it’s just fingertips away.

  What do you use to get the scoop on traffic reports?

  Tags: 511, commute, driving, New Jersey, twitter

How To Get Into New York City for a Buck (Actually Two)

If you drive into NYC regularly, you probably use E-Z Pass.

And even if you’re paying cash every time, you’re hit with a sky-high bill just to drive into the city over the GW Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, etc. It’s almost as high as a movie ticket!

Right now, the Lincoln Tunnel will set you back $8 EACH TIME you go into the Big Apple!

But there’s a way to go through the same toll booths and get through for only $2.00!

The Port Authority Carpool Plan provides the largest toll discount at the Port Authority bridges and tunnels.

• The toll for Port Authority Carpool customers is $2 at all hours – 24/7.
• You must have an E-ZPass account and you must register for the Port Authority Carpool Discount Plan.
• To register for the Carpool Plan, call 1-800-333-8655 (New York Service Center) or 1-888-288-6865 (New Jersey Service Center). Be sure to have your account number or tag number and PIN for account access.
• Three or more people must be in a vehicle to be eligible for the Carpool toll rate (no commercial vehicles qualify).
• Customers must use a staffed “Cash-E-ZPass” toll lane and come to a complete stop so the toll collector can verify the number of occupants in the vehicle.

There’s no cost to sign-up, so you should do it regardless! And the next time you go through with 3 people in your car, you’ll save at least $6 each time.