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Knowing the situation they face (or are currently in) can save these daily travelers time by directing them to a better route. Cellular services to deliver this type of information traditionally arrive directly from wireless carriers and third-party software vendors.

Today, mobile device vendorPalm, Inc. enters the fray with Traffic for Treo, an application to help users make commute decisions quickly with interactive maps and incident information located on their Treo 600 or Treo 650 smartphone. The service provides updates on primary, secondary and tertiary roads, while letting you bookmark important routes and tap on flashing alerts to get more information, if available.

Palm Data Solutions Group director Andrew Breen says, “With commute congestion on the rise, more than ever drivers need quick traffic updates on routes that matter to them, so they can spend less time in their cars and get home to family and friends faster.”

According to the 2005 Urban Mobility Report, traffic congestion occurs for longer portions of the day and delays more travelers than ever before. In 2003, 51 urban areas experienced more than 20 hours of delay per rush-hour traveler.

Traffic for Treo debuts for ten of these urban areas: Atlanta, Baltimore/DC, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle.

"Now, Treo users can receive traffic updates as they’re walking out the door, stopping for gas or at any time that is most convenient. Traffic for Treo is one more way customers can take advantage of the wireless capabilities and versatility of Treo smartphones,” asserts Breen.

Traffic information aggregator Metrocommute supplies the raw numbers used for Traffic for Treo. The company starts with sensor and incident data from local Departments of Transportation and complements it with facts collected by its operations staff, and extra cameras and speed detectors at major “choke points,” such as bridges and tolls.

Traffic for Treo plans costs at $4.99 per month for one city. Users may choose two cities for $7.99 per month, or all cities for $14.99/month.