Iso-frequency radio to receive on-board traffic information

Radio programmes dedicated to traffic information are broadcast on the same frequency (FM) within each country. These radio programmes give accurate information on the traffic conditions and any events occurring on the related network.

On behalf of the RDS (Radio Data System) technology including TA (Traffic Announcements) and EON (Enhance Other Network) functionalities, drivers listening to any FM radio programme, could be informed in real time of any relevant traffic information concerning their immediate network. During holidays peak periods, some traffic information programmes are provided in several languages (Spanish, Catalan, Italian, English and French) on the main corridors.

RDS-TMC, border-less information

RDS-TMC enables the reception of traffic information in real time and in the language chosen by the drivers. Information, once collected, is encoded, sent via an FM programme then decoded by a receiver. Drivers receive the information in their chosen language in either audio or visual format. A description of the incident (accident, traffic jam or road works, etc.), its exact location and direction with easily identifiable reference points and any possible complementary information (length, traffic restrictions, probable duration etc.) is provided to the drivers.

SERTI has resulted in the deployment of RDS-TMC in the South of Europe. At the beginning of 2004, RDS-TMC was being broadcast in France along the ASF and APRR motorways network (via the 107.7 FM frequency) and on all the French network via Visionaute, in Italy via the national radio (RAI) and in Spain, on the whole territory, via the national radio (RNE), in Baden-Württemberg (Ari System) and Switzerland (SSR). The services and receivers are regularly assessed to ensure high quality.