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See the Web for Washington
Area Technologies

	The brochure includes many new technologies already in use in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, such as a quick response system for clearing accidents from the road, truck rollover sensors (photo), and the Dulles Toll Road pre-paid toll facilities.

The Washington Metropolitan Region Technology Brochure is now available on the World Wide Web at www.hend.com/techmap. The publication and Web page show new transportation technologies that are being implemented in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

The publication enhances the service-oriented images of transportation agencies by showing how new technologies are being used to make travel quicker, safer, and easier. The principal target audience for the publication is the general public. The text and pictures emphasize user benefits in contrast to most publications about transportation technology that emphasize the technology. Response to the publication, which has been distributed at conferences, to groups that visit partnering agencies, and to public officials, has been very positive.

The technology brochure and Web page project is a joint effort of the Virginia DOT, Maryland DOT, District of Columbia Department of Public Works, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, AAA Potomac, and FHWA.

Technology coordinators from the participating agencies helped develop the publication's content, while marketing and public relations personnel worked on the design and distribution strategies, which ultimately will be expanded to include AAA offices and Interstate areas. After the initial printing and distribution in January 1997, additional partners are being sought to broaden the content before the brochure is revised and reprinted. The revised publication will include more information about the Washington metropolitan area's Traveler Information System, which will be unveiled this month.

The project was designed to serve as a model for similar efforts elsewhere. FHWA's Region 7, in cooperation with the Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri DOT's, is working on a similar publication showcasing products from the Priority Technologies Program. Other States and regions also are considering doing their own tech maps.
- Margie Sheriff, (202) 366-1747.