General Phone Help
What do I do when the system cannot recognize what I am saying?
The IE511 phone system uses an Interactive Voice Recognition system to guide you through the menu options. If the system has a problem recognizing your request, it is usually a result of one of the following:
You are saying something that the system is not programmed to recognize for that particular menu. For example, you say “Car Accident Information” instead of “Traffic.”
We have made every attempt to ensure that 511 is usable by as many people as possible, however, the system might be having difficulty understanding your voice.
There could be background noise that prevents the system from recognizing your request.
SOLUTIONS: Please speak as clearly as possible and try to minimize any background noise. If this is still unsuccessful, 511 also offers a touch-tone system that you can use. Just Press “0” at each menu, and the system will list the options with a corresponding number to Press . Remember, you need to Press zero at every new menu to hear the touch-tone codes. Once you’ve learned the touch-tones, however, there is no need to Press zero to hear the list of choices; just enter your selection. The number to enter will correspond to the order that the menu options are presented. For example, if you are in the Transit menu and want to access the list of San Bernardino County transit operators, you will hear it listed as the second item. By Press ing 2 immediately you will gain access.
All I want to do is talk to a live operator. What do I do?
The system does not provide a live operator to help you with the phone system. You may say “Help” while using the system and receive recorded help information.
How do I give my feedback on the IE511 service?
The best way to give feedback is to use the contact form on this website. An alternate way to give feedback is to say “Comment” when using the phone service. The system will prompt you to leave a recorded message. Periodically, we will offer phone surveys on the system as a way to get feedback.
How do I use the system if I am hearing-impaired?
Hearing-impaired callers can dial 711 and access all of the IE511 transportation information. 711 is the national three-digit number for access to Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS). Callers dial 711 and ask the operator to connect them to the 511 service. Once connected, the 711 operator acts as a go-between, relaying callers’ requests for travel information to the Inland Empire 511 system and then providing system responses back to the callers. Click here for more accessibility information.
How do I use the system if I am speech-impaired?
Speech-impaired callers can use the touch-tone back-up system to access all of the Inland Empire 511 transportation information. To use touch-tone selections, just Press “0” at each menu. The system will list the menu options with a corresponding number. You simply Press the number that matches your choice. Every time you reach a new menu or choice, you must Press zero to hear the touch-tone options, but once you’ve learned the touch-tones, there is no need to Press zero to hear the list of choices; just enter your selection. The number to enter will correspond to the order that the menu options are presented. When you use the touch-tone system, press keys slowly and firmly. Click here for more accessibility information.
What if the system is busy when I call?
The system may be experiencing an unusually high volume of calls when you called, so the best advice is to call back. We are monitoring call volumes, and if we need to increase system capacity, we will do so.
Why do I not reach the Inland Empire 511 System when I dial 511?
There are four main reasons why you might not reach the 511 System when dialing it.
- You are out of our service area. (See service area map)
- Your telephone company currently does not provide access to 511. We have tried to make sure we have included all cell and landline carriers in our operations. The landline carriers include AT&T and Verizon. Cell carriers include AT&T, MetroPCS, Nextel, T-Mobil and Verizon. If you still can’t connect to 511 using one of these providers, contact them directly. In the meantime, you can dial 1‑877‑MYIE511 toll free.
- You are calling from a centralized phone system such as a Private Business Exchange (PBX). PBXs are systems that allow for four-digit calling within your business. Therefore, you may need to take a few simple steps to program your PBX to allow for 511 calling. If you need assistance with any programming questions, please call your PBX vendor.
- You are calling from a cable or internet phone service. The Federal Communications Commission does not require cable providers or internet-based phone services to implement the 511 shortcut. You can dial 1‑877‑MYIE511 toll-free.
What are the tricks for navigating the system faster and more efficiently?
The number one way to move through the system faster is to interrupt. After you have listened to the introductory message, you can “barge in.” Once you know what questions will be asked, you can answer them as soon as the system starts asking them. You DO NOT need to wait for the system to finish the question before answering. For example, you can say the name of your starting point once you are in Freeway Traffic section. You do not need to wait for the system to ask for your starting point.
Another trick to better navigate the system is to use shortcuts. Shortcuts are requests, made after the introductory message at the Main Menu is complete, that bypass the menu structure and take you directly to the feature you requested. See the next question, “What are the shortcuts at the Main Menu?” for the specific shortcuts.
What are the shortcuts at the Main Menu?
What are the Menus and Options?
Freeways Menu
For freeway traffic
Freeway Traffic Menu
For freeway traffic
Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) Menu
For freeway and highway conditions from the automated Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN)
Caltrans Construction Information Menu
Speak with Caltrans Public Information about construction on state highways
Metrolink Menu
For Metrolink information
Bus Transit Menu
For bus transit information
Riverside County Bus Transit Menu
To transfer to a Riverside County bus transit operator
Riverside County Dial-A-Ride Menu
For Riverside County Dial-A-Ride services
San Bernardino County Bus Transit Menu
To transfer to a San Bernardino County bus transit operator
San Bernardino County Dial-A-Ride Menu
For San Bernardino County Dial-A-Ride services
San Bernardino Mountain Bus Transit Menu
For the Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority (MARTA), serving Big Bear Lake and the San Bernardino Mountain communities
San Bernardino Mountain Dial-A-Ride Menu
For the Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) Dial-A-Ride Services
Barstow Dial-A-Ride Menu
For Barstow City Dial-A-Ride and the County Dial-A-Ride services
Other Bus Transit Menu
For Transit operators outside the Inland Empire
San Diego County Bus Transit Menu
To transfer to a San Diego County bus transit operator
Rideshare Menu
For ridesharing information
Other 511 Menu
Transfer to a neighboring 511 system
and San Bernardino Associated Governments [www.sanbag.ca.gov]