Pa. Turnpike Commission Launches Free Traveler Alert App

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission launched a new smartphone application for iPhone and Andriod phones for travelers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The free application reads audio alerts to travelers when there is a closure or delay in their way.

The app, TRIP Talk uses your position and direction on the Turnpike and “talks” to you when it detects trouble spots nearby, said a release from the Turnpike Commission.

TRIP Talk is hands and eyes free, “"It provides up-to-the minute information about accidents, construction or bad weather for the sections of Turnpike you're approaching, making you a better-informed driver," Turnpike Chief Operating Officer Craig R. Shuey said in the release. "And because you don't have to look at or touch the phone once you launch the app, it can also help make you a safer driver. All you have to do is listen and drive."

To use the app, drivers should launch and activate it before they set out on their trip. The application will remain quiet until the driver comes into range of an alert. If a call comes in during the alert, the alert will pause and resume playing when the call has ended.

The new app is one of several new ways the Pennsylvania Turnpike is communicating with motorists through its Turnpike Roadway Information Program (TRIP). Through TRIP, motorists can sign up to receive customized e-mail or text alerts about traffic and weather conditions. There is also an online travel-conditions map and toll-free TRIP line, 866-976-TRIP that travelers can use to check Turnpike conditions.