Thursday, November 12, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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IBTTA Summit to Explore Transformational Changes in Transportation Funding System — December 13-15, 2009 in Washington, DC
If you are responsible for funding or operating surface transportation infrastructure at the state, regional, county or municipal level, we invite you to attend IBTTA’s Transportation Policy and Finance Summit and explore the transformational changes that must take place to create a sustainable and efficient transportation funding system. CFO Roundtable on December 13, 2009: This Summit will include a special CFO roundtable for chief financial officers from toll agencies, state departments of transportation, and individuals in similar positions to share knowledge and ideas, network, and learn from one another. For registration, hotel and travel information or to view the preliminary agenda, visit www.IBTTA.org.

AVIATION

1) Alaska Airport Environmental Impact Statement Draft a Mystery to Citizens’ Advisory Board

FAA says long-standing policy dictates who receives document.

Link to article in the Kodiak Daily Mirror:

http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=8214

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

2) ‘Expert’: Maine Turnpike Tolls Advice is Nonsense

Link to article in the York County Coast Star:

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20091112-NEWS-911120431

Link to editorial in Tollroadsnews:

http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/4441

Link to news release from the Maine Turnpike Authority:

http://www.maineturnpike.com/about/press_release.html?recordid=164

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) Potholes Take a Toll on Milwaukee Fire Department GPS Units

Link to article in the Journal Sentinel:

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/69819627.html

OTHER

4) Publicly, a Whole New Lewdness

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/11/AR2009111127404.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

5) Jamaica National Works Agency to Launch Road Ed Campaign in Schools

Link to article in the Jamaica Observer:

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/westernnews/html/20091111T190000-0500_163593_OBS_NWA_TO_LAUNCH_ROAD_ED_CAMPAIGN.asp

ROADWAYS

6) Chicago to Use Technology to Remove Snow, Avoid Blowing Budget

Link to article in the Chicago Sun-Times:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/1881042,technology-snow-removal-budget-111209.article

7) New Web Site Launched to Track Wildlife Along Interstate 70 in Colorado

Link to AP article:

http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20091111/NEWS/911119998/1079&ParentProfile=1067

Link to site: http://www.I-70WildlifeWatch.org/

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Security Advisories Could Come to Facebook and Twitter

Link to story and video on WFTS-TV:

http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Security-advisories-could-come-to-Facebook-and/3QIhsXhTLk6zmeWMbxvynA.cspx

TRANSIT

9) Rail Company London Midland Rapped for Causing Chaos for Passengers

Company will have to spend millions on new information services.

Link to article in the Birmingham Mail:

http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2009/11/12/rail-company-london-midland-rapped-for-causing-chaos-for-passengers-97319-25146768/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Queensland Motorways Developing ‘Motorways that Think’

Link to article in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/326016/queensland_motoways_developing_motorways_think

News Releases

1) BART Web Site Provides Real-Time Muni Metro Arrivals for Shared Stations

2) Denver RTD Adds Spanish Language Option to MyStop Automated Telephone System

3) Montego, Jamaica Welcomes New Traffic System

Solicitation

–  Request for Proposals – Michigan IntelliDrive Test Bed Operation and Maintenance – FHWA

http://www.its.dot.gov/intellidrive/meetings/michigan_intellidrive.htm

Upcoming Events

CeBIT 2010 – March 2-6 – Hannover, Germany

http://www.cebit.de/homepage_e

Today in Transportation History

1954 **55^th anniversary** – Ellis Island closed as a receiving station for immigrants entering the United States.

http://www.nps.gov/elis/historyculture/index.htm

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast