Image Courtesy: joannapenabickley.typepad.com

Personally, I am a big fan of Google Transit and Google’s approach to making transit a bit more easy for the general public. Today (June 18) being the “Dump the Pump Day” sponsored by the American Public Transit Association, the good folks at Google Transit published a post on their LatLong blog outlining how Google can help you find the transit options in the cities you live.

Here is an excerpt from the blog post by Jessica Wei, Strategic Partner Development Manager, Google Transit: Now, you may wonder how you can plan a transit trip easily if you’re not familiar with your local agency. The answer is – go to Google Maps. So far more than 100 agencies in the United States have made their data available in Google Maps through Google Transit Partner Program. In addition, Los Angeles Metro, City of Edmonton, Houston Metro, and Calgary Transit have released their GTFS data feed to the public so that developers can create innovative transit applications to further promote the awareness of public transportation.Now go to Google Maps on your computer or your cell phone, plan a transit trip, and go catch a train or bus. I bet your won’t miss the congested highway or increasing gas price!”

The last statement in the blog post caught my curiosity leaping and promoted a search on the web (of course using Google)to find out the mobile applications.  Surprise, Surprise!  I found out that this past weekend Google introduced a new version of its glossyMaps application for Android phones.

Version 3.1.0 brings with it several new features, including voice search to go with its text search field and transit and walking directions to go with step-by-step driving directions. “Whether you’re searching for an address, a business, or nearby windsurfing sports, just speak your query and Google Maps will find it,” Google wrote on its mobile blog. “After your search, you’ll see a map of places. To help you decide where to go, we’ve improved our business listings to include content such as store hours, prices, ratings, and reviews.”  Urbanites must be thrilled with this new addition!

Image Courtesy: Google Mobile Blog

The new features were tested by the folks at CNET and they were clearly impressed – an outcome that we have come to expect out of most Google products these days.

Here is what they had to say about the Trip Planner tool:  The trip planner in particular worked extremely well for San Francisco. As with the online version, Google’s Transit works in 250 cities. Indeed, Google Maps quickly and accurately planned and timed my commute, providing options for other routes in the near past and future. To get directions with public transit, tap “Directions'” from the menu, select the middle icon, of a bus, and enter the end point, which can be an address or a business name.

You’re also able to set a specific departure time or arrival time and day. For city-dwellers, accurate walking and transportation directions are a necessity.   Rolled into the release is an experimental feature. Updates, which is connected to Google Latitude, lets you actively change your Latitude status for friends to see–so long as they’re also using the latest version of Maps.

The erasure of Street View as its own map mode is another change you’ll see. Instead, it has been integrated into any search result where the view is applicable. Pressing a point on the map will also bring up a Street View thumbnail if there’s an available image.”

With the growing popularity of transit,  spread of Google Transit in more cities around the globe, such cool new features would make transit a compelling option.  It is a good time to recall that quote by New York Governor David Patterson “Google Maps for Transit is a truly innovative marriage of information and infrastructure. It is a perfect example of how the public and private sectors can partner together to benefit us all — and it didn’t cost New York taxpayers a penny. I applaud my colleagues at the MTA and Port Authority for making this a priority, and our friends at Google for continuing to make the world an easier place to navigate.”

We gotta admit that it definitely got a lot more easier to navigate as of this past weekend!

(Source: Google, CNET)

Thursday, June 18, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

IBTTA’s 77^th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, September 13-16, 2009, in Chicago, Illinois is the most significant gathering of toll industry professionals and business partners in the world. Delegates from 25 countries on six continents will meet in Chicago to examine best practices and critical innovations in toll industry finance, marketing, technology and innovation, customer service, sustainability, operations, and related issues. Register by August 14 and receive a $100 discount off your registration fee. This meeting is hosted by the Illinois Tollway and will be held at the Hyatt Regency. For more information on registration, hotel reservations, exhibiting or sponsorship, visit IBTTA’s website at www.ibtta.org. Register online today!

AVIATION

1) Regulators Zero In on Risks of Airbus Sensors

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/18/world/europe/18iht-plane.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

2) Eye-in-Sky Satellite Storm Alert May Avert Future Air Disasters

Link to Bloomberg News story:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=a.s6Gdc8Ww8s

3) Eyes in the Sky Make Aircraft More Visible

New Zealand surveillance sites will improve safety.

Link to story in the Mountain Scene:

http://www.scene.co.nz/24157a1.page

CAMERAS

4) Arizona Senate Panel Vote Would Add Points for Photo Radar Tickets, Notify Insurers

Link to Capitol Media Services story:

http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/297547

OTHER

5) June Issue of the National Weather Service’s The Front Online

Link to newsletter:

http://www.weather.gov/os/aviation/front/09jun-front.pdf

ROADWAYS

6) Georgia Told Better Exit Signs Needed

Link to story in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2008/08/21/ntsb.html

7) ‘Share the Road’ Sign Design Hits Bump on the Regulatory Road

Link to story in The Wenatchee World:

http://wenatcheeworld.com/article/20090618/NEWS04/706189907/-1/NEWS90?Sign-design-hits-bump-on-the-regulatory-road

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Canada Amends ‘Dangerous Goods’ Act to Prevent Haz-Mat Accidents

Amendment requires transporters to develop and maintain pre-approved emergency response assistance plans and that ‘dangerous goods’ be tracked.

Link to story in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=20671

9) First Implementations of New Activate It Mobile Alerting System Next Month

Link to story in Traffic Technology International:

http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news.php?NewsID=13166

TRANSIT

10) Miami-Dade Train Tracker Wins Award

Link to story in Metro Magazine:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2009/06/Miami-Dade-Transit-s-Train-Tracker-wins-award.aspx

11) In a Month, Chandigarh Buses to be GPS-Ready

Link to story in the Indian Express:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/In-a-month–buses-to-be-GPS-ready/478622

12) National Campaign Urges Drivers to Give Public Transportation a Chance

Link to story in The Indianapolis Star:

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090618/LOCAL18/906180417/National+campaign+urges+drivers+to+give+public+transportation+a+chance

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Europe Split Over Best Way Forward for Traffic Systems

Countries, including the UK, are resisting efforts by the European Commission to impose an EU-wide framework for intelligent traffic systems.

Link to story in Computing:

http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/analysis/2244382/europe-split-best-way-forward-4723503

14) Ontario Ministry of Transportation Mobile Radio Network a Success

Link to story in Road Talk:

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/transtek/roadtalk/rt15-2/#a6

VEHICLES

15) UPS to Allow Hard-of-Hearing Drivers

Link to story in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/17/BA5A188DRO.DTL

News Releases

1) DART Features Employees in Online Rail Construction Promotion

2) TomTom Selects Inrix as Strategic Partner for Traffic and Fuel Prices in North America

3) Frost & Sullivan Presents European Automotive Safety Systems Product Innovation of the Year Award to Navteq

Job Postings

–  Operations Research Analyst, GS-1515-13 EG – Research and Innovative Technology Administration – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=81453292&rc=5&TabNum=1

–  Operations Research Analyst, GS-1515-12 EG – Research and Innovative Technology Administration – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=81453244

Upcoming Events

MetaPlaces ’09 – September 22-23 – San Jose, California

http://www.thewherebusiness.com/metaplaces/index.shtml

Today in Transportation History

1934 **75^th anniversary** – Design began of the Boeing Model 299 which eventually became the B-17 Flying Fortress.

http://www.1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/KleinBernhard/7102.htm

=============================================================================================

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com

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TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at i95berniew@aol.com.

(Source: Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, The Auto Channel, The Examiner, EEtimes.com)

Cash for Clunkers hit a speed bump Tuesday, June 16, 2009, in the U.S. Senate. It appears some Senators have “bailout fatigue” in general and “auto industry bailout fatigue” in particular. According to The Detroit News, Republican Senators are pushing back, citing the $85 billion in aid already provided to prop up ailing and bankrupt GM and Chrysler.

Image Courtesy: Apture

Some Democrats, including Diane Feinstien (D-California) also oppose the bill in its current form because they think it does not go far enough to improve fuel economy of vehicles on American Roads (there are, of course, Republicans in the opposition, but they oppose the measure because they think we’ve already spent too much money on the auto industry). As reported earlier, a Cash for Clunkers provision was added last week to a $106 billion bill to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The idea was to attach a Cash for Clunkers provision to an existing bill already moving through the Senate so quick passage could be assured. Wrong.

Senators who support Cash for Clunkers need 60 votes to keep the Cash for Clunkers provision from being removed from the wartime funding bill. That could prove to be a problem.

Just hours after Sen. Judd Gregg, a New Hampshire Republican, denounced the inclusion of the cash-for-clunkers amendment as “unfunded baggage” on the war spending bill this evening, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid delayed a vote until Thursday.

“It passes on new debt. Why would we do that?” Gregg asked in a floor speech. He said he would challenge the measure “at the appropriate time.” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid delayed voting on the bill until Thursday.

Democrats control 58 seats in the Senate. But two — Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts and Robert Byrd of West Virginia — are ill. And Democrats led by Diane Feinstein of California have opposed the legislation as it stands, saying it does not do enough to boost fuel efficiency.

The legislation narrowly survived in the House, but for reasons mostly unrelated to the car-sales measure. Republicans were near unanimous in opposing the spending bill, objecting mostly to a provision that would boost International Monetary Fund lending.

“This bad legislation runs a con game on the American taxpayers and America’s military men and women,” said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton. He and five other Michigan Republicans voted no.

Michigan Democrat Debbie Stabenow urged quick passage of the stimulus.

“It will not help as a stimulus if it is done six months or a year from now,” she said.

If the Senate approves it, the measure will go to President Barack Obama for his signature. Then the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will have 30 days to put regulations in place for the program which – under the war spending provision – will expire on Nov. 1.

In a related news item from across the Atlantic, Phakamisa Ndzamela writing for Reuters reported that South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Company has so far received the lion’s share of new car orders under the British government’s vehicle scrappage scheme, with sales boosted by an interest in smaller cars, according to figures obtained by Reuters.

The 300 million-pound ($491.9 million) scheme invites motorists to trade in cars more than 10 years old in return for a 2,000 pound subsidy to buy a new vehicle, in an effort to help an industry which has been severely dented by the recession.

The government earlier in the week said the scrappage scheme had resulted in 60,000 new orders in the period from April 22 to June 7.  Out of the 15 car companies in the UK that Reuters contacted, Hyundai was in pole position, stating that its latest figures, which covered the period from April 23 to June 7, amounted to 8,246 new orders

Ford came second in the number of car orders at 8,050 followed by Toyota at about 7,800 vehicles.  Following are company estimates of scrappage scheme new car orders covering the period April 22 to June 17:

• Hyundai 8,246
• Ford Motor Company 8,050
• Toyota Motor Corp 7,800
• Kia Motors UK 7,300
• Volkswagen 4,591
• Vauxhall 3,909
• Nissan 3,202
• Renault 2,600
• Peugeot 2,500
• Citroen 2,500
• Honda 2,335
• BMW and MINI 1,722
• Mazda 1,355
• Volvo 1,161
• Chevrolet 950

EETimes.com reports thatcrisis in the global automotive market is far from over. In May, the European market fell by 5 percent against the same month last year. Nevertheless, within the region, local markets developed extremely different, with Germany adding 40 percent (in terms of units) and Russia declining 57 percent. The reason for the hefty differences were the public incentives for buyers who scrapped their old car and bought a new one in some countries.  The US market has declined by 37 percent over the first five months this year. In may, sales for light vehicles declined by almost 34 percent to 923.000 units.  In contrast to other countries, the incentives in the United States will be connected to the fuel efficiency difference between old and new car.  Japan also fared weak, with sales declining 17 percent in May and 22 percent for the first five months.  the emerging markets, the crisis was far less pronounced. Brazil added 3 percent, boosted by an incentive program. India declined 1 percent in May, but over the first five months the market developed slightly positive with a plus of 2 percent. In China, the economic stimulus package and the reduction of sales tax on cars led to an increase by 55 percent in May. In that month, in China 728.000 light vehicles were sold. Thus, the Chinese market has become extremely relevant for European and Japanese car exporters. As a comparison: The entire European market (not restricted to EC countries) had a volume of 1.3 million units.

In light of all that’s reported, it seems the U.S. politicans needs to do everything to promote Automobile sales, including the passage of this Cash for Clunkers bill.  Wrangling over the details of a bill that can spur auto sales could have some severe consequences on the economy.  Will they do it?  Let’s hope so!

(Source: WorldChanging & Times of India)

Proposal brings worldwide carbon tax for airline passengers closer

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

If you’re on Facebook and/or LinkedIn I invite you to connect with me.  My Facebook page is at http://www.facebook.com/brwagenblast and on LinkedIn at

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bernie-wagenblast/0/62/190.

AVIATION

1) FAA InFO Notice Takes on Sailplane Transponders

Link to story on the Aero-News Network:

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?ContentBlockID=ac106c0d-1ce4-4c4b-922e-ea50bbcd29c4

Link to notice from the Federal Aviation Administration:

http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info/all_infos/media/2009/info09009.pdf

2) Business Jet Group Tries to Block Freedom of Information Request

Link to story on ProPublica:

http://www.propublica.org/article/business-jet-group-tries-to-block-foia-request-616

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) GPS Satellite Glitches Fuel Concern on Next Generation

Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124520702464422059.html

RAILROADS

4) Amtrak Promises Better Communication with Public About Projects Affecting Connecticut

Link to story in The Day:

http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=8ce574a4-2b74-40eb-ae60-5394933b3ae4

5) Amtrak Criticized for Pennsylvania Fires

Fire officials say railroad initially refused to stop defective train or halt rail traffic. Amtrak blames miscommunication.

Link to story in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/health_science/daily/20090617_Amtrak_criticized_for_Main_Line_fires.html

ROADWAYS

6) Safety Sign or Massachusetts Governor Campaign Ad?

Link to story and video on WBZ-TV:

http://wbztv.com/local/patrick.highway.signs.2.1048088.html

7) ‘Smart’ Bridges Harness Technology to Stay Safe

Link to story in Scientific American:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=smart-bridges-harness-tech

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) US Department of Homeland Security Launches Second Test of Biometric Exit Processes

Link to story on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090610_9479.php

9) Transportation Security Administration’s Role in General Aviation Security

Link to report from the US Department of Homeland Security Inspector General:

http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_09-69_May09.pdf

TRANSIT

10) Turban-Wearing Transit Workers Demand New York MTA Drop Mandated Logo on Headwear

Link to story in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/06/16/2009-06-16_turbanwearing_transit_workers_demand_mta_.html

11) Prank SEPTA Signs Offend, Amuse

Link to story in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/48196332.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) $22 Million from Feds Will Help Traffic Monitoring on Philadelphia’s I-95 and Vine Street Expressway

Link to story on KYW Radio:

http://www.kyw1060.com/-22-Million-from-Feds-Will-Help-Monitor-I-95-and-V/4620155

13) Dubai Motorists to Get SMS Alert on Heavy Fog Conditions

Link to story in Gulf News:

http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Traffic_and_Transport/10323554.html

News Releases

1) New Pennsylvania DOT Web Site Designed to Enhance Highway Safety

Upcoming Events

Rail Systems Asia 2009 – September 1-3 – New Delhi

http://www.railsystemsasia.com/

Today in Transportation History

1579 **430^th anniversary** – Francis Drake landed along the west coast of the present day United States and called it Nova Albion and claimed it for England.

http://bbprivateer.com/novaalbion.htm

=============================================================================================

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com

To unsubscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at i95berniew@aol.com.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

The Federal Transit Administration’s Office of Mobility Innovation is holding a web conference on June 24, 2009 from 2:00-4:00pm to elicit discussion on the vision and direction for transit ITS research for the next five years and beyond.

Specifically, FTA seeks input and insights into a proposed set of goals and research areas. FTA is also interested in exploring new opportunities for research and development, technology transfer, and evaluation of next generation transit ITS technologies. The web conference is designed to present the results-to-date of the strategic planning effort and to invite discussion from the public. All feedback will be captured and incorporated into FTA’s ITS strategic planning effort. Using this input, the FTA’s Office of Mobility Innovation expects to be able to program a robust agenda for research and deployment assistance that reflects the current and future needs of the transit industry.

If interested in attending, please RSVP to:  Charlene.Wilder@dot.gov or   Robert.Marville@dot.gov.

Please note the connection instructions below on your calendar.  There will be no confirmation or reminder Emails sent in response to your RSVP.

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Instructions for Connecting to the Webinar:

Webinar Date:  June 24, 2009; 2:00 – 4:00 PM ET

First:  Connect to the web meeting at: https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/

Conference number: PW4373046

Audience passcode: STRATEGIC

Second:  Dial into the web meeting teleconference:

Toll Free Number: 888-677-1341

Participant passcode (verbal): STRATEGIC

Please connect to the webinar 15 – 20 minutes before the start time to facilitate the processing of attendees by the webinar operator.

Cut and paste links into your browser’s address bar if they do not open automatically.

IMPORTANT:  As of September 2008,  Live Meeting 2007 net conferencing software. You must download Live Meeting 2007 to join this Webinars. There is no upgrade from Live Meeting 2005 to the 2007 version.  Instructions are here:  http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/info_requirements.asp.  If link does not open automatically, cut and paste it into your browser’s address bar.

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Talking Operations Web Cast: Integrating Weather Information in TMC Operations

https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=17167
Category > Opportunity: June 17, 2009 (NTOC)

This free Talking Operations Web cast, taking place August 6, 2009 from 1:00 p.m.to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, will describe the work that Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has done in Traffic Management Center (TMC) weather integration, including the development of the Self-Evaluation and Planning Guide. For complete details and to register, visit the link above.

Web Briefing on Transportation Operations in Action: June 30
http://www.ite.org/education/webinars_TCWEB.asp
Category > Opportunity: June 17, 2009 (ITE)

This Web briefing is a showcase of selected presentations from the 2009 Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Technical Conference and Exhibit, Transportation Operations in Action, held in Phoenix, AZ in March 2009. The presentations are representative of each track: Planning, Safety, Traffic Engineering/Design and Transportation Operations. The Web briefing is being offered at a discounted rate with support from the FHWA Office of Operations.

Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 PM Eastern
Site Fee: $15.00 (Members/Non-Members/Full-time Students)
Credit: 1.5 PDH

For more information and to register, click on the link above.

TMC Weather Integration Self-Evaluation and Planning Guide
http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/tmctool/registration.htm
Category > Now Available: June 17, 2009 (FHWA)

The FHWA Road Weather Management Program recently developed a self-evaluation and planning guide to help Transportation Management/Operations Centers integrate weather information in their daily operations. The Guide consists of a manual document and an electronic tool to assist TMCs in identifying their weather integration needs and selecting appropriate strategies to meet those needs. FHWA is now working with several TMCs around the country in conducting the self-evaluation using the Guide.

AASHTO and Coalition Partners United for National Freight Strategy
http://aapa.files.cms-plus.com/PDFs/2009%20Freight%20Stakeholders%20Platform%20press%20release.pdf
Category > Breaking News: June 17, 2009 (NTOC)

At one time or another, just about everything we own, from the clothing we wear to the food we eat, spent time as freight. Manufacturers, shippers and businesses rely on the Nation’s seaports, highways, railroads and airports to get their raw materials and manufactured goods to the marketplace. America’s economy depends on the ability to move freight quickly and efficiently; that’s why the Freight Stakeholders Coalition (FSC)—a 17 member organization, which includes the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)—has released its 2009 Surface Transportation Reauthorization Platform. Read the platform through the link above.

National Conference of State Legislatures Brief on “Beyond Highway Construction”
http://www.ncsl.org/?tabid=16809
Category > Now Available: June 17, 2009 (NCSL)

As of March 31, 2009, at least 1/3 of the states that have submitted highway project lists for federal recovery act (ARRA) funding have gone beyond traditional construction by choosing to invest in “intelligent transportation systems” (ITS) technology projects that will enhance the capacity and performance of existing highway infrastructure. This National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) brief describes ARRA surface transportation provisions and makes the case for ITS projects as innovative, cost-effective alternatives for ARRA highway infrastructure and grant funds. To access the brief, click on the link above. For further information please contact Jaime Rall at jaime.rall@ncsl.org.

DOT Secretary LaHood, HUD Secretary Donovan and EPA Administrator Jackson Announce Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities
http://fastlane.dot.gov/2009/06/livability-principles-will-guide-federal-housing-environmental-and-transportation-policy-.html
Category > Breaking News: June 17, 2009 (USDOT)

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced an interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities to help improve access to affordable housing, more transportation options, and lower transportation costs while protecting the environment in communities nationwide.

Testifying together at a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing chaired by U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd, Secretary LaHood, Secretary Donovan and Administrator Jackson outlined the six guiding ‘livability principles’ they will use to coordinate federal transportation, environmental protection, and housing investments at their respective agencies.

Earlier this year, HUD and DOT announced an unprecedented agreement to implement joint housing and transportation initiatives.  With EPA joining the partnership, the three agencies will work together to ensure that these housing and transportation goals are met while simultaneously protecting the environment, promoting equitable development, and helping to address the challenges of climate change.

DOT Secretary LaHood said, “Creating livable communities will result in improved quality of life for all Americans and create a more efficient and more accessible transportation network that serves the needs of individual communities.  Fostering the concept of livability in transportation projects and programs will help America’s neighborhoods become safer, healthier and more vibrant.”

New Online Forum Addresses Traffic Calming, Traffic Congestion, School Zone Safety and Other Traffic-Related Topics
http://www.informationdisplay.com/traffic_calming_blog/.
Category > Breaking News: June 17, 2009 (NTOC)

Information Display Company has launched Traffic Calming Matters, a blog for traffic engineers and other industry professionals interested in traffic related issues. The blog provides industry experts with a forum to discuss experiences, ask questions and share opinions on all subjects related to traffic management.

“New technologies and a growing list of newly published reports are helping to change the way professionals address traffic-related concerns,” said Gary ODell, president of Information Display Company. “This new blog is intended to help traffic engineers and safety professionals keep abreast of the latest developments and exchange ideas with each other.”

The content of Traffic Calming Matters is provided by a variety of guest writers including experts at IDC and its partner companies. Those wishing to contribute opinions or engage in dialogue with other professionals can do so through the blog’s comment section or by submitting topic ideas directly to the blog administrator.

Current posts address a variety of subject matter including the effectiveness of radar speed check signs vs. speed bumps, the benefits of traffic light synchronization and thoughts on federal stimulus money projects.

Traffic Calming Matters can be found at http://www.informationdisplay.com/traffic_calming_blog/.

New TrafficFlow Manager Works with Traffic Signal Timing to Eliminate Traffic Congestion and Reduce Fuel Consumption
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/06/prweb2500254.htm
Category > Breaking News: June 17, 2009 (NTOC)

A growing number of cities across the U.S. are finding the use of timed traffic signals can dramatically improve traffic flow and reduce fuel consumption. The Institute of Traffic Engineers reports that a comprehensive signal timing program can reduce overall travel time by 7-13 percent, reduce delays by 15-37 percent and reduce fuel usage by 6-9 percent.

Information Display Company, a leading developer and manufacturer of radar speed sign technology, announced the launch of TrafficFlow Manager™, a driver alert display that works with traffic signal timing to alleviate traffic congestion. When mounted along a route with timed traffic signals, the display informs drivers that the lights are synchronized and lets them know the proper speed they must maintain in order to avoid having to stop for a red light.

“TrafficFlow Manager can be a key component of a total traffic signal synchronization strategy,” said Gary ODell, president of Information Display Company. “Studies have shown that comprehensive programs that include both operational and technical components such as TrafficFlow Manager, can significantly increase the benefits these programs provide.”

A report issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation showed that a traffic light synchronization program in Texas reduced delays by 24.6 percent and fuel consumption by 14.2 percent. A similar program in Austin Texas saved commuters 2.3 million hours of their time and 1.2 million gallons of fuel usage.

Energy Efficiency/Conservation Grants – June 25 Deadline!
http://www.apwa.net/SuperPush/index.asp?ID=147
Category > Opportunity: June 17, 2009 (APWA)

The U.S. American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) included $3.2 billion for states, local governments and tribes for energy efficiency and conservation projects under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program (EECBG). A total of $1.9 billion is allocated to eligible cities and counties. This is a block grant program, so for cities of 35,000 or more population and counties of 200,000 or more population (or the top ten highest populated cities and counties in each state, regardless of population) funds are allocated on a formula basis. In addition, $456 million is set aside to fund other local energy efficiency projects through a competitive solicitation process.

There are numerous “public works” related projects that can be funded under this new program. It is a tremendous opportunity to advance energy efficiency and conservation projects in local communities. If your city or county is allocated funds directly and has not yet completed its application, you are encouraged to do so by the June 25 deadline. For public works departments that may not typically apply for this type of federal grant funding, we encourage you to take this opportunity to reach out to other departments within your city or county and work with them to take advantage of the federal resources that are available.

Of note to NTOC members, the following are eligible activities under the program: transportation programs to conserve energy and installation of energy efficient traffic signals and street lighting.

Comprehensive information on the EECBG program is at: http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/.  Contact your State Energy Office for information on criteria for eligibility as it may differ from state to state.  For more information, please see the Web site noted above; smaller communities may contact your State Energy Office. If APWA can be of assistance, please contact Colene Roberts in Kansas City at croberts@apwa.net.

ITS JPO Lesson of the Month for June
http://www.itslessons.its.dot.gov/its/benecost.nsf/summID/LL2009-00471?OpenDocument&^LOTM
Category > Now Available: June 17, 2009 (ITS JPO)

The ITS Joint Program Office (JPO) Lesson of the Month is, “Use the Electronic Freight Management (EFM) system as a supplement to existing systems and design the EFM system flexible enough to accept and provide data about any partner within the supply chain.” This lesson describes Columbus, Ohio’s experience in the electronic freight management system deployment test. To read the complete lesson, click on the link above.

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(Source: Wall Street Journal, T4America@twitter)

Sec. LaHood proposes 18-month extension for SAFEAT-LU  and shortly thereafter Rep. Oberstar says delay is unacceptable (via T4America@Twitter & WSJ)

Image Courtesy: Apture - Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood

USDOT published a news release this afternoon offering Sec. Ray LaHood’s proposed extension:

“This morning, I went to Capitol Hill to brief members of Congress on the situation with the Highway Trust Fund. I am proposing an immediate 18-month highway reauthorization that will replenish the Highway Trust Fund. If this step is not taken the trust fund will run out of money as soon as late August and states will be in danger of losing the vital transportation funding they need and expect.

“As part of this, I am proposing that we enact critical reforms to help us make better investment decisions with cost-benefit analysis, focus on more investments in metropolitan areas and promote the concept of livability to more closely link home and work. The Administration opposes a gas tax increase during this challenging, recessionary period, which has hit consumers and businesses hard across our country.

“I recognize that there will be concerns raised about this approach. However, with the reality of our fiscal environment and the critical demand to address our infrastructure investments in a smarter, more focused approach, we should not rush legislation. We should work together on a full reauthorization that best meets the demands of the country. The first step is making sure that the Highway Trust Fund is solvent. The next step is addressing our transportation priorities over the long term.”

Shortwhile ago, WSJ published an article covering today’s development, which featured Secrtary’s proposal to delay the reauthorization.  This aricle also captured an interesting response from Rep. Oberstar, delivered his press conference Wednesday.  It notes that Rep. Oberstar was adamant that Congress must pass a new law before the current one expires.

“Extension of current law is unacceptable,” Mr. Oberstar said. “Now is the time to move.”

Bill in the Works at Congress (via WSJ)

House Democrats are busy crafting a transportation spending bill that would cost roughly $450 billion over six years, but no consensus has emerged on how to fund it, reports WSJ citing familiar sources.

The bill for the first time would establish standards — like reducing oil consumption and spurring economic growth — that would influence which highway and transit projects get federal funding. It would also consolidate to six or fewer the number of Transportation Department programs used to channel money to states, giving local officials more flexibility to combat their transportation challenges.

Image Courtesy: Apture

The legislation is being drafted by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D., Minn.), who plans to release a blueprint of his bill tomorrow at a press conference starting at 11:00AM.  Since this is the internet age, there will be a live webcast of the news conference (an invitation-only press conference). Transportation for America informs that Chairman Oberstar is releasing a 12-page paper and a 100-page outline of the bill and it’s likely that at least one of those — probably the shorter white paper — will be released the first press conference.

The current system relies heavily on taxes from gasoline and vehicle purchases. Revenue from these sources is dropping as Americans drive less and opt for more fuel-efficient cars and trucks. Meanwhile, states are encountering similar funding problems due to declines in tax revenue. The result is a growing gap between the nation’s infrastructure needs and what is being spent to maintain and upgrade it.

The Obama administration has opposed any gas-tax increase. The White House also opposes any quick transition to a new system, which has been tested in Oregon, where drivers are taxed based on the miles they drive rather than the number of gallons they pump into their gas tanks.

People familiar with the matter say Mr. Oberstar hasn’t come up with a funding solution, and the task of writing the bill’s funding component will fall to the Ways and Means Committee. Things may proceed even slower in the Senate. That makes it unlikely Congress will pass a new bill by the time the old one expires at the end of September.

Meanwhile, states may be forced to further curb their transportation spending if Congress doesn’t come up with more money soon. Last year, Congress opted to transfer $8 billion from the Treasury’s general fund into the Highway Trust Fund to prevent last-minute cutbacks.   Click here to read the entire article.

Grading the Transportation Bill (via T4America)

To help us all judge whether the bill delivers the promised transformation, Transportation for America has developed this scorecard (see below) laying out the changes that must be included to clear the bar. When the bill is released, we can begin using this as our measuring stick. Click here to download the PDF version of this awesome scorecard.

(Source: Streetsblog)

The federal DOT has just released its guidance for states seeking a share of its $8 billion in high-speed rail funding — and tucked in the rules are standards that could prove crucial to the project’s success.

The definition of high-speed rail can vary depending on the source. The original White House outline cited a top speed of 150 mph, while European and Asian networks can go as high as 200 mph.  Today’s DOT guidance uses the same standard that was outlined in last year’s Amtrak reauthorization bill: high-speed trains are those “reasonably expected to reach speeds of at least 110 mph.”

That standard appears flexible enough to include most regional rail plans. California’s high-speed authority believes the state’s service can reach a top speed of 220pm. The states working on a midwestern rail network with Chicago at the center, however, envision their trains achieving an average of 67 mph for local service and 78 mph for express rides.

Secretary LaHood observed the following on his blog:

“And now, the time has finally come for the United States to get serious about building a national network of high-speed rail corridors we can all be proud of.  A robust 21st Century economy requires efficient transportation of people from urban center to urban center. And, the guidance we publish today will evaluate proposals for their ability to:

• Make trips quicker and more convenient;
• Reduce congestion on highways and at airports; and
• Meet other environmental, energy and safety goals.

So, today the guidance; in mid-September we’ll be back with the first round of grant awards. I am proud to say the DOT is meeting its ARRA commitments and meeting them responsibly.

High-speed rail can reduce traffic congestion on the roads and in the skies, and it links conveniently with light rail, subways and buses for competitive door-to-door travel times. It will encourage economic growth and create new domestic jobs even as it makes our communities more livable.

The guidelines require rigorous financial and environmental planning to make sure projects are worthy of investment and likely to be successful. Both planning and construction are eligible, so states can apply for funds no matter what stage of development their project is in. ”

Click here to read the entire Streetsblog post.