Abstract: A system and method is provided to allow users to receive and transmit real-time traffic flow information. A service provider can utilize information gathering infrastructure to receive, store, and transmit the real-time traffic data to groups or individual users. An information-generating subscriber can provide information required to determine road traffic conditions using a cellular telephone. A system of incentives is provided to overcome the reluctance of users to transmit their individual traffic data to the service provider by assigning some amount of positive points for data transmission to a central network. Users who choose only to receive data are assigned some amount of negative points. Points are converted during the billing process to fees for using the system, whereby users who both transmit and receive data ultimately pay less for utilizing the system than users who choose only to receive data.