MTA Introduces New 511 Service

The New York State Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Transportation Authority introduced Tuesday a new 511 information phone number which reduces 117 lines into one.

The streamlined 511 service will now direct MTA customers through a single portal with an interactive voice response system connecting to customer service and travel information for all MTA agencies.

"Customers now have a single phone number for all transportation-related questions, instead of a long and sometimes confusing list of agencies and departments," ," said MTA Managing Director Diana Jones Ritter Tuesday.

According to the MTA, the 511 gateway directs callers to information on all rail and transit schedules; trip planning; lost and found; MetroCard, rail ticket, or Bridges and Tunnels tolls; Mail & Ride and other public services, and subway and bus customers options not previously available through voice recognition.Callers will be able to select additional functions such as Lost & Found, MetroCard Balance Protection, comments and concerns, ticket machines, ticket refunds, and group travel.

"All people have to do is call 511 or visit the website at 511NY.org, and the service is available 24 hours a day seven days a week," said NYSDOT Commissioner Joan McDonald.

511NY is fully funded by the New York State Department of Transportation.