Tuesday, November 30, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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GPS / NAVIGATION

1) J911: Fast GPS Jammer Detection

Link to article in GPS World:

http://www.gpsworld.com/wireless/infrastructure/j911-fast-jammer-detection-10720

OTHER

2) Florida Sued Over Sale of Drivers’ Personal Information

Link to article in the Sun Sentinel:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-dmv-class-action-suit-20101129,0,826772.story

3) Thinking Highways – November/December 2010 North America Issue Online

Link to magazine:

http://thinkinghighways.com/Pages/View-issue.aspx?id=b97b9494-3f75-4657-a234-3b24496e4ae6&campaign=wizemail&dm_i=IDJ,BG3E,2JG1LC,W6OC,1

PARKING

4) City Parking Smartens Up with Streetline

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/11/city-parking-smartens-up-with-streetline/

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

5) Texas DOT Makes Telenovelas to Discourage Drinking and Driving

Link to story on Fox News Latino:

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/lifestyle/2010/11/30/drinking-driving-telenovelas/

ROADWAYS

6) Cranston, Rhode Island: 1/3 of Illegal Stop Signs from RI DOT

Link to story and video on WPRI-TV:

http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/west_bay/cranston-city-officials-say-department-of-transporation-installed-some-unauthorized-stop-signs

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Palm Beach County, Florida’s High-Tech Security Hub Tracks Terror Threats and Crime

Link to article in The Palm Beach Post:

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/crime/palm-beach-countys-high-tech-security-hub-tracks-1082952.html

TRANSIT

8) DC Metro Seeking to Replace $60.5 Million in Track Circuits

Link to article in The Examiner:

http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/dc/2010/11/metro-seeking-replace-605m-track-circuits

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

9) Washington State DOT Web Site Use Soars During Storm

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/theweatherbeat/2013552470_wsdotsite.html

News Releases

1) ARC Europe Takes European Traffic Information for the 40+ Million Auto Club Members to a New Level

2) USA Parking, Automated Valet to Kick Off New Computer-less Operating System: USA Parking Valet App

3) Illinois DOT Upgrades Popular Travel Web Site for Winter Driving Season

**CORRECTION**

In yesterday’s edition I posted a story about track sensors on Washington, DC’s Metro system.  The article came up on my news search as a new story but after posting the article I realized it was actually from July 2009.  An updated version of the story is in today’s edition (story #8).  My apologies for the mistake.

Upcoming Events

Webcast: Directions OnPoint – A Conversation with Steve Coast, Founder, OpenStreetMap – December 3

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/513897442

Today in Transportation History

1960 **50^th anniversary** The last DeSoto automobile was built.

http://www.duricy.com/~desoto/desaga/destop.shtml

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Associate Program Director, Operations

• Department: Engineering and Technical Services
• Grade: 13
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Supervisor’s Title: Program Director, Engineering

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Nature of Position:  The Associate Program Director for Operations assists the Program Director for Engineering in his/her role in coordinating the technical and engineering programs and the activities of the Association as assigned.

The Associate Program Director for Operations will assist the Program Director for Engineering and other senior staff in monitoring one or more transportation modes of interest to the Association, including the work of the AASHTO Standing Committee on Highways; its Subcommittees on Traffic Engineering, Maintenance, Systems Operation and Management; associated technical committees and task forces; and technical service programs in the engineering operations arena. The incumbent assists the Program Director in providing professional and logistic support to ensure that these committees understand AASHTO policies and procedures and are cognizant of key technical, legislative, and regulatory issues. With the assistance of the Program Director for Engineering, the incumbent also represents and promotes AASHTO’s position before federal agencies or other organizations. To this end, the incumbent develops working relationships with external governmental and technical organizations. The incumbent may represent the Association on panels or in workshops, and perform functions as necessary to further public comprehension of AASHTO’s purpose and activities.

The incumbent will also serve as staff liaison to one or more subcommittees or task forces. Duties will include attending meetings and providing policy or procedural advice; advising on meeting agendas and task force staffing; disseminating informational material to committee members; and providing other assistance as required. The incumbent also works with a variety of committees in the production of engineering and professional publications, and responds to technical inquiries on publications and policies.

Education:  A bachelor’s of science degree in engineering is preferred. Evidence of a higher degree of professional development is desirable.  Professional registration is desired.

Skill Requirements:  A broad understanding of transportation engineering and the technical aspects of one or more modes of transportation, as well as legal, legislative, and regulatory history of that transportation mode, and current developments and trends in that sector. Sound comprehension of the administrative, legislative, and regulatory process at the federal and state levels. Sound project management skills, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills.  The incumbent must be available to travel.

Relevant Experience:   Approximately ten years or more of professional experience in one of the transportation modes is required, with demonstrated evidence of professional growth, increasing responsibility, and project management/consultant oversight skills.  Some of the previous experience should be in design, construction, operations, maintenance, and/or planning in a state, local, or federal transportation agency.

Relationships With:

• Members: Maintain regular and frequent contact with committee members through meeting attendance, newsletters or correspondence, e-mail, and telephone contacts.
• Governing Structure: The position involves a close and continuing responsibility to committee officers of assigned committees.
• Government: The incumbent is responsible for maintaining contact with appropriate state, local and Federal government personnel.
• Public: Responds to certain public written and telephone inquiries, especially in technical areas, and may have occasional contact with media representatives.
• Other Organizations: The incumbent is expected to maintain good working relationships with other interest groups or associations, and may represent AASHTO on panels.  Depending on the specific duties assigned, the incumbent may be responsible for helping to negotiate contracts and for monitoring assigned professional consulting contracts.
• Association Office Personnel: May assist other staff members as required.

Position Responsibilities:

• Association Policy Formulation: The incumbent is expected to assist the Program Director in the development and implementation of association policies.
• Planning: May be called upon to participate in various long-range planning efforts, and is responsible for planning pertinent elements of the Association’s annual conference. Depending on the specific duties assigned, the incumbent may be expected to assist in planning annual publication activities, budget preparation, and planning of the Association’s annual budget..
• Transportation Policy Formation: The incumbent is expected on occasion to draft, write, or edit transportation policy statements or resolutions related to the assigned transportation modes, or other areas of interest to the Association; however, such positions may not be established without approval by higher authorities.
• Decision Authority: As assigned by the Program Director.
• Budgetary Responsibility: Assists the Program Director for Engineering in recommending and controlling his/her budget ranging from $50,000 to $3,000,000.
• Supervisory Responsibility: Supervises Program Manager for Engineering, Telecommunications Manager, and several consulting contract employees.  May be designated to perform the duties of the Program Director in his/her absence or as assigned.
• Supervision Received: Supervision is provided in terms of general objectives, rather than on a day-to-day basis.  Significant decisions will be reviewed by the Program Director for Engineering.
• Availability of Qualified Personnel: The recruitment of a qualified replacement is estimated to require from three to four months.

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

Program Manager for Engineering

• Department: Engineering and Technical Services
• Grade: 10
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Supervisor’s Title: Associate Program Director, Operations

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Nature of Position:  The Program Manager for Engineering assists the Associate Program Director for Operations and other senior staff in the work of the AASHTO Standing Committee on Highways and its Subcommittees (to include one or more of the following: Traffic Engineering, Maintenance, and/or Systems Operation and Management), as well as technical service programs in these areas, as assigned.  Duties will include attending meetings and providing policy or procedural advice; advising on meeting agendas and task force staffing; disseminating informational material to committee members; and providing other assistance as required.  The incumbent will also work with a variety of committees in the production of engineering and related professional publications, and may respond to technical inquiries on publications and policies.

Education:  A bachelor’s of science degree in engineering is required, preferably in civil engineering, and professional development such as postgraduate education.  Professional registration is desired.

Skill Requirements:  A broad understanding of the technical aspects of highway engineering, to include traffic engineering, maintenance, and/or systems operation and management, and a sound comprehension of the administrative, legislative, and regulatory process at the federal and state levels.  Sound project management skills, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills.  Basic use of the computer for word processing, spreadsheet analysis, and use of databases.  The incumbent must be able to travel 50-70 days per year.

Relevant Experience:  A minimum of seven years of professional experience in transportation engineering is required, to include traffic engineering, maintenance, and/or systems operation and management, with demonstrated evidence of professional growth, increasing responsibility, and project management/consultant oversight skills.  Some of the previous experience should be at a policy planning or management level in a state, local, or federal transportation agency.

Relationships With:

• Members:  Maintain regular and frequent contact with committee members and task forces through meeting attendance, newsletters or other correspondence, e-mail, and telephone calls.
• Governing Structure:  The incumbent provides support to the Associate Program Director for Operations and to AASHTO committees, has frequent contact with certain committee officers, and may communicate with officers and members of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
• Government:  Initiates and maintains direct contacts with state, local and Federal government personnel.
• Public:  Responds to written and telephone inquiries, particularly those relating to engineering projects.  Occasional contact with media.
• Other Organizations:  The incumbent is expected to maintain good working relationships with other interest groups and associations.  Depending on the specific duties assigned, the incumbent may be responsible for monitoring assigned professional consulting contracts.
• Association Office Personnel:  As directed, the incumbent is expected to assist, from time to time, other professional staff.

Position Responsibilities:

• Association Policy Formulation:  The incumbent shall assist the Associate Program Director for Operations and other senior AASHTO staff in proposing, developing, and implementing association policies.
• Planning:  May be called on to participate in various long-range planning efforts, and is responsible for strategic and operational planning for the Association’s activities relevant to assigned engineering projects.  Depending on the specific duties assigned, the incumbent may be expected to assist in planning annual publication activities, budget preparation, and planning of the Association’s annual budget.
• Transportation Policy Formulation:  The incumbent is expected, on occasion, to draft, write, or edit transportation policy statements or resolutions related to assigned transportation modes, or other areas of interest to the Association; however, such positions may not be established without approval by higher authorities.
• Decision Authority:  Participates in the selection of contractors for technical services and bids in various committee decisions.
• Budgetary Responsibility:  Responsible for developing and maintaining the budget for assigned committees and technical service areas and other areas as assigned.
• Supervisory Responsibility:  None.
• Supervision Received:  Supervision is provided in terms of general objectives, rather than on a day-to-day basis.  Direct supervision on non-routine tasks is provided by the Program Director for Engineering.
• Availability of Qualified Personnel:  The recruitment of a qualified replacement is estimated to require three months.

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) invites interested parties to submit a proposal for developing a Feasibility Analysis and Implementation Plan for a Monterey Bay Area 511 Traveler Information System. The Request for Proposals has been published and can be accessed at the Monterey Bay Area’s 511 project website.

General information is listed below for quick reference:

• Proposal Due Date: Proposals must be submitted no later than 4:00pm, PacificStandard Time, Thursday, January 6, 2011.

• Proposers’ Conference: A proposers’ conference will be held on Monday,December 6, 2010 at 2:00pm in the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation CommissionConference Room, 1523 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. Participation will also be available by conference call. To ensure that sufficient resources are available for this meeting, RSVPs to info@sccrtc.org or (831) 460-3200 are requested by Wednesday, December1st at Noon. Please indicate whether you plan to attend in person or by phone.

• Requests for clarification or exceptions: Requests for clarification or exceptions to RFP requirements must be received byRTC no later than 4:00pm on Monday, December 13, 2010 to guarantee response or consideration.

Addenda:

This RFP and any addenda will be posted on the 511 project website(www.511montereybay.org). All potential bidders should review this pageperiodically for any updated information about the Request for Proposals. To receive email notifications of addenda to this RFP, prospective proposers must submit an email request to the RTC Project Manager.

Point of Contact:

Tegan Speiser, Project ManagerSanta Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission1523 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060831-460-3200 ~ tspeiser@sccrtc.org

RITA strongly encourages comments on the Real-Time System Management Information Program Final Rule Request:

Rule: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2010_register&docid=fr08no10-4 Comments: http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#submitComment?R=0900006480b84022 BACKGROUND The concept for establishing a Real-Time System Management Information Program was included in federal transportation legislation in 2005 (specifically known as Section 1201 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, or SAFETEA-LU). The Real-Time System Management Information Program would provide the capability to monitor in real-time the traffic and travel conditions of the major highways across the U.S. and provide a means of sharing these data with state and local governments and with the traveling public. The SAFETEA-LU legislation required the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to establish a formal rule in order to define minimum parameters and requirements for states to make available and share traffic and travel conditions information via real-time information programs. The Federal Highway Administration has released the proposed rule, and is seeking comments from stakeholders across the public and private sectors. The Research and Innovative Technology Administration, which oversees the U.S. Intelligent Transportation Systems Program, is actively encouraging innovation in data collection, management, and dissemination across a wide array of communications platforms, and also encourages stakeholders to provide detailed comments regarding this rule. RITA is particularly interested in responses to questions below from the Notice:

1. Given the research investment into wireless communications systems in the 5.9 GHz spectrum for Intelligent Transportation Systems applications, to what extent could systems in this spectrum also be used to fulfill the requirements of this rule and/or enable other applications?
2. Given that there are legacy technologies in place now, and that there are new technologies on the horizon that are being adopted, how can we ensure that investments made today to comply with this rule are sustainable over the long term?

DATES:

This rule will be effective December 23, 2010. Establishment of the real-time information program for traffic and travel conditions reporting along the Interstate highway system will be completed no later than November 8, 2014. Establishment of the real-time information program for traffic and travel conditions reporting along the State-designated metropolitan area routes of significance will be completed no later than November 8, 2016. We request that comments be submitted via the link above no later than December 23, 2010.

Monday, November 29, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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November Fundraiser

Thank you to everyone who has helped support the TCN during my November fundraising drive!  As I mentioned at the beginning of the month, this is part of a twice-a-year fundraising effort for the TCN.  In case you missed my previous notes, you can contribute to the TCN with a check or via PayPal.  For those who prefer, I can even send you an invoice.

Information on how to contribute is included at the bottom of today’s edition.  In addition to financial support, there are other ways you can help the TCN.  You can tell others about the TCN and let them know they can subscribe by sending me a note.  You can also buy an ad or use my transportation voice-over services.  More information on my voice-over work can be found atwww.bwcommunications.net.  Please let me know if you have any questions and again, thank you.

AVIATION

1) Laser-Driven System Replaces Ground Personnel Who Directed Pilots Into Gates

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-1128-docking-guidance-20101128,0,1380803.story

2) World-Class Air Traffic Management System for Oman

Link to article in the Oman Daily Observer:

http://main.omanobserver.om/node/31460

3) How Intelligent Flight Paths Can Reduce Delays, Noise, Carbon Emissions

Link to blog on SmartPlanet:

http://www.smartplanet.com/people/blog/pure-genius/how-intelligent-flight-paths-can-reduce-delays-noise-carbon-emissions/5033/

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Google Maps Faces July 2010 Deadline on China Regulations

Link to IDG News Service article:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9198218/Google_Maps_faces_July_2011_deadline_on_China_regulations

5) Does GPS Spell the End to Maps?

While technology is having an impact on the art of map-reading, it’s not charting the end for cartography.

Link to article in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/110497584.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

6) Mandatory Use of In-Car Devices for Tolls is Questioned in Taiwan

Link to article in the Taipei Times:

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2010/11/30/2003489790

MARITIME

7) Florida Goes After Abandoned Boats

Database will track derelict and abandoned vessels.

Link to article in The Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/11/29/1947751/state-goes-after-abandoned-boats.html

Link to news release from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:

http://www.myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/10/statewide/News_10_X_AtRiskVessels.htm

RAILROADS

8) Russian Railways and Italian Firm to Work to Modernize Technology on Rail System

Link to article in The Moscow Times:

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/railways-to-modernize-with-15bln-euros-of-italian-help/425147.html

Link to news release from Russian Railways:

http://eng.rzd.ru/isvp/public/rzdeng?STRUCTURE_ID=15&layer_id=4839&refererLayerId=4530&id=105597

ROADWAYS

9) READ THIS: Local Governments in US Told to Buy New Street Signs

Link to story and video on ABC’s Good Morning America:

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/local-governments-told-buy-street-signs/story?id=12256322

Link to news release from US DOT:

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/fhwa6410.html

Additional information from Snopes.com:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/traffic/mixedcase.asp

10) Utah DOT Hits Social Media with Weather Updates

Link to article in the Standard-Examiner:

http://www.standard.net/topics/social-media/2010/11/26/udot-hits-social-media-weather-updates

11) Electronic Sign Fight Pits Safety Against Scenery in South Carolina

Link to McClatchy Newspapers article:

http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/11/29/1839354/electronic-sign-fight-pits-safety.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) Wyoming Makes Changes in Collection of Crash Data Information

Link to article in the Star-Tribune:

http://trib.com/news/local/article_984a96fe-0d1a-5c55-bf02-25f11154928a.html

13) US Navy’s Trident Nuclear Warheads Hit the Highway, Bound for Texas

Trucks are tracked 24/7 by satellite but information on shipments not shared with civilian authorities.

Link to article in the Kitsup Sun:

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/nov/27/tridents-warheads-on-the-road-to-refurbishment/

14) A Media False Alarm Over the TSA

Link to column in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/29/business/media/29carr.html

15) Vision Zero International – January 2011 Issue Online

Link to magazine:

http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/vision_zero.php

TRANSIT

16) Persistent Track Sensor Woes Continue to Plague DC Metro

Link to article in The Examiner:

http://washingtonexaminer.com/transportation/2009/07/persistent-sensor-woes-continue-plague-metro

17) Minnesota Transit Union Challenges New Policy on Cell Phones

Link to article in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/local/110897394.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUycaEacyU

18) Denver’s Upcoming Cannabis Convention Advertises on RTD Buses

Link to article in The Denver Post:

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_16725508

19) Indian Buses to be Equipped with GPS

Link to article in Daily News & Analysis:

http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_multi-axle-volvo-launched-soon-to-get-gps_1473204

20) Viaduct Sensors Help Chicago Transit Authority Bridge Budget Gap

Link to column in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/traffic/ct-met-getting-around-1115-20101128,0,4637767.column

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

21) Many Traffic Cams Up and Running on I-95 Through Florida’s Treasure Coast

Link to article in The Tribune:

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2010/nov/26/many-traffic-cams-up-and-running-on-i-95-through/

22) Travel-Time Information Proposed for M5 Widening in Sydney

Link to article in the Bay Post:

http://www.batemansbaypost.com.au/news/national/national/general/traveltime-information-proposed-for-m5-widening/2010403.aspx

23) California Highway Patrol, California DOT to Share Inland Empire Transportation Management Center

Link to article in The Sun:

http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_16723281

VEHICLES

24) Best Android Apps for Your Car

Link to article on CNET UK:

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/cartech/best-android-apps-for-your-car-50001788/

News Releases

1) Frederick, Maryland Makes Local Traffic Reports Available via Cable Channel, Live Web Streaming

2) Amtrak California Web Site Has New Look

3) Applications Sought for 2011 National Roadway Safety Awards

4) Delta to Add Inflight Wi-Fi to 223 Delta Connection Jets

5) New Cell Phone Texting Feature Means University of Utah Students Won’t Miss the Bus

6) New Service Helps University of Iowa Bus Riders Get Real-Time Route Information via Mobile Devices

7) Rumbles on the Reservation DVD Now Available

TCN Donations

Checks or money orders may be mailed to:

Bernie Wagenblast

1 Aberdeen CT

Cranford, NJ USA 07016-2911

You may also donate online via PayPal at:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=10069680

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Inrix XD Traffic – December 15

http://goo.gl/B2VTh

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** The first US patent for a traffic signal system was issued to Ernest E. Sirrine.

http://www.google.com/patents?id=8-VKAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4&source=gbs_overview_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

(Source: Ebay Motorsblog)

Click Image to Enlarge

Friday, November 26, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Making Connections 2011 – Workforce Solutions to Keep America Moving – March 17, 2011 – Hilton Washington, DC/Silver Spring

Join other transportation industry leaders, trainers and policymakers at this day-long national conference to share successes and exchange cutting edge best practices in public transportation workforce development.  This year’s theme is Workforce Solutions to Keep America Moving.

Anticipated workshops: Marketing Transit Careers to the Millennial Generation · Building Training Partnerships from the Ground Up · Paying for Training in Tough Times · Achieving a Culture of Safety · Career Ladders in a Green Economy · Validating Your Local Courseware to National Training Standards · Preparing Industry Leadership for Partnerships · Apprenticeship Programs in Transit · Sustainable Communities, Equity and Transportation · Looking Up the Track: Safety and Regulatory Changes http://transportcenter.org/community_transport/events_page/

AVIATION

1) The Virtual Airline is Already Here

Link to article in Airport Business:

http://www.airportbusiness.com/print/Airport-Business-Magazine/The-Virtual-Airline-Is-Already-Here/1$41150

ROADWAYS

2) Traffic Engineer Provides Insight Into Signs and Safety Measures

Link to article in The Oklahoman:

http://newsok.com/signs-aim-to-assist-drivers/article/3518028

SAFETY / SECURITY

3) LNG Company Balks at Describing Hazards of Savannah, Georgia Truck Route

Link to article in the Savannah Morning News:

http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-11-26/lng-balks-describing-hazards-savannah-truck-route

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

4) Saher to Cover Jeddah in One Year

Link to article in The Saudi Gazette:

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2010112688033

WEATHER

5) Old Ship Logs Fill In Weather History of Past 250 Years

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/forecast/2010-11-26-oldweather26_ST_N.htm

News Releases

1) GEWI Powers Reliable Navigation Services in Singapore

Upcoming Events

National Bike Summit – March 8-10 – Washington, DC

http://www.bikeleague.org/conferences/summit11/index.php

Friday Bonus

Following the elections this month, US DOT has had to re-think their support for high-speed rail.  A lower cost alternative has been proposed.

http://www.theonion.com/video/obama-replaces-costly-highspeed-rail-plan-with-hig,18473/

Today in Transportation History

1990 **20^th anniversary** The first flight of the Delta II 7000 rocket took place.

http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/delta/delta2/delta2.htm

November 27 **100^th anniversary** Pennsylvania Station in New York City opened with the inauguration of regular through train service.

http://www.wardmaps.com/viewasset.php?aid=11305

http://wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16934&page=1

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Thursday, November 25, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

**Happy Thanksgiving**

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TrafficTalk Launching Revolutionary Traffic Service – Now Recruiting Experienced “Traffic Hosts”

TrafficTalk is changing the traffic information game with a new mobile service, accessible by drivers from any phone, providing live access to CB Radio-like conversations among people sharing the same roads.   As a Traffic Host, you will manage these “community conversations” –each focused on discussing traffic conditions in different parts of town in the top 20 “most congested” U.S. cities.  Visit traffictalk.info to learn about volunteer host positions.  Volunteers who join us during our launch phase will be given preference for paid positions as we gain traction in the market.   Make a name for yourself by managing a community of your own, trusted by drivers every day to get them where they’re going.  The choice communities and time slots are going quickly.  For more information, visit traffictalk.info.

AVIATION

1) Major Airports Reject PETA Ads on Body Scan

Link to AP article:

http://online.wsj.com/article/AP97951e200c8c4b6586fec98c2f655155.html

Link to ad: http://www.adrants.com/images/peta_proud_body_scan.jpg

OTHER

2) TTS Italia News: The European ITS Directive

Link to article from ERTICO:

http://www.ertico.com/tts-italia-news-the-european-its-directive/

3) The Eye in the Sky Forecasts Holiday Sales

Link to Reuters blog:

http://blogs.reuters.com/shop-talk/2010/11/24/the-eye-in-the-sky-forecasts-holiday-sales/

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

4) Union Pushes Public Outreach on TSA Pat Downs

Link to story and audio on WFED Radio’s Federal Drive:

http://www.federalnewsradio.com/?nid=15&sid=2130677

RAILROADS

5) Signal, the Newsletter of ERTMS – November 2010

Link to newsletter:

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/rail/interoperability/ertms/doc/021_signal_2010_11_en.pdf

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) TSA Using Pizza Boxes to Recruit New Workers

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2010/07/tsa_using_pizza_boxes_to_recru.html

TOURISM

7) Interactive Tourism Point Installed in Llanrwst, Wales

Link to article in the North Wales Weekly News:

http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2010/11/25/interactive-tourism-point-installed-in-llanrwst-55243-27710142/

TRANSIT

8) When’s the Next Bus? Pace Testing Signs to Answer That

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-11-24/news/ct-met-pace-bus-sign-20101124_1_pace-chairman-richard-kwasneski-pace-spokesman-patrick-wilmot-pace-headquarters

9) Mobile Networks Close to Agreement to Build Mobile Network in London Underground

Link to article in Mobile:

http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/Mobile_Exec/Networks_seal_%C2%A3150m_tube_deal.aspx

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) LTA Launches Traffic Message Channel for Singapore

Link to article on AsiaOne:

http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20101125-249203.html

Link to news release from the Land Transport Authority:

http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=n6h2hazy0bj7v7z2k9v6e85bq2lmvex6wn6q8prm12imn8r172

11) Saher Traffic Management System a Blessing, Not Spying: Senior Islamic Scholar

Link to article in The Saudi Gazette:

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2010112587964

12) Intelligent Traffic Controls to Clear Up Moscow Streets

Link to article in The Moscow Times:

http://themoscownews.com/local/20101124/188226714.html

13) Hampton Roads, Virginia Engineers Help Ease Traffic Congestion

Link to story and video on WAVY-TV:

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/engineers-help-ease-traffic-congestion

14) Canadian Town to Lobby for Help on Border Line-Ups

Fort Frances says federal government’s ITS strategy has never been deployed at town’s border crossing.

Link to article in the Fort Frances Times:

http://fftimes.com/node/238366

News Releases

1) Pan-European eCall Trial of NXP and Partners Concludes in Brussels

2) Cross County Automotive Services Awarded Top Honors for Best Call Center

Upcoming Events

Inrix Traffic Webinar: Europe Scorecard – December 2

http://goo.gl/O400w

Today in Transportation History

1120 **890^th anniversary** The White Ship sank in the English Channel.  Among those who drowned was William Adelin, the only legitimate son of King Henry I of England.

http://factoidz.com/the-white-ship-disaster-of-1120-le-blanche-nef/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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GEWI Completes North American Traffic Technologies Tour – Webinar to Follow in January

GEWI would like to thank everyone involved in hosting and attending our first ever North American Traffic Technologies Tour. Topics included technologies that are used around the world for location referencing and harmonization, data exchange between systems, next generation of real-time data for traffic navigation, and data exchange for connected vehicles/infrastructure projects. We had many requests from locations and attendees we were unable to honor, so please look for a follow-up webinar to be held in January 2011. If you’d like to receive notification of this event, visit www.gewi.com and register for the GEWI newsletter, or contactjim.oneill@gewi.com.

AVIATION

1) Wireless Communication for Runway Lighting Systems

Link to article in Airport Business:

http://www.airportbusiness.com/publication/article.jsp?pubId=1&id=40136

CAMERAS

2) Not a Single CCTV Camera on Northern Carriageway of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link

Link to NDTV story:

http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/not-a-single-cctv-camera-on-northern-carriageway-of-the-bandra-worli-sea-link-68388

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) Honda to Use Suna Traffic Channel for Satellite Navigation Systems

Link to article on iTWire:

http://www.itwire.com/your-it-news/mobility/43445-honda-signs-with-suna-for-streamlined-satnav

4) How to Use a Pulsar to Find Starbucks

Cosmic GPS would employ pulsing stars, not satellites, as celestial beacons.

Link to article in Science News:

http://sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/66442/title/How_to_use_a_pulsar_to_find_Starbucks

OTHER

5) NASA is Among Most Savvy Social Media Users

Link to article from National Journal:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20101123_8171.php

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

6) Longtime Spokesman for Maine Turnpike Authority, Dan Paradee, Dies of Cancer

Link to article in the Portsmouth Herald:

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20101124-NEWS-101129870

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) US May Replace Color-Coded Terror Alert System, Seeking More Specific Warnings

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/24/AR2010112401239.html

8) New Brunswick Last Province to Propose Ban on Hand-Held Devices While Driving

Link to CP article:

http://www.globalregina.com/last+province+propose+hand+held+devices+while+driving/3877941/story.html

Link to news release:

http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2010.11.1804.html

9) An Inside Look at Logan Airport’s Security Operations

Link to article in Security Director News:

http://www.securitydirectornews.com/?p=article&id=sd201011oMqK6f

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Virginia DOT Utilizes Smart Travel Technology

Link to story and video on WVIR-TV:

http://www.nbc29.com/story/13558334/vdot-utilizes-smart-travel-technology

11) Thanksgiving Travel Tip: Use GPS Apps to Look for Traffic

Link to column and video in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward/2010/11/thanksgiving_travel_tip_use_gp.html

12) 52-Years Ago Today Chicago Gets Helicopter Traffic Reports

Link to story in Chicago Now:

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/unknown-chicago/2010/11/getting-you-home-faster-11-24-1958.html

VEHICLES

13) ERTICO Talks to FREILOT Partner Peek Traffic

Link to article from ERTICO:

http://www.ertico.com/the-ertico-second-november-interview/

News Releases

1) New Mexico DOT Launches Improved NMRoads Web Site

2) Mobile Communications Combat Traffic Jams and Smog in Chinese Megacities

Upcoming Events

Talking Freight Seminar: Freight and Land Use: Making the Connection – December 15

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=692

Today in Transportation History

1985 **25^th anniversary** An EgyptAir flight, hijacked on a flight from Athens to Cairo, was stormed by Egyptian commandos at the airport in Malta.  Dozens of people aboard the flight were killed during the raid.

http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19851124-0

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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“Use of Archive Data for Planning and Operations Performance Measures” webcast sponsored by the I-95 Corridor Coalition on Thursday, December 2, 2010 – sign up now!

Learn how outsourced probe data is being used for performance measures and planning at various levels – national, regional, and specific MPOs.  The I-95 Corridor Coalition is hosting a webcast titled “The Use of Archive Data for Planning and Operations Performance Measures” on Thursday, December 2, 2010 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (EST).   The speakers include: Andrew Meese (Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments), Michael Pack (University of Maryland CATT Lab), and Shawn Turner (Texas Transportation Institute).  These speakers will discuss their use of the probe data for performance measures and planning.  In addition, they will discuss lessons learned and how other agencies may make use of the data.  For more information and to sign up for this webcast, please see the notice on the I-95 Corridor Coalition Web site athttp://www.i95coalition.org/i95/Committees/TravelInformationServices/tabid/73/Default.aspx

AVIATION

1) Authority Hopes Jacksonville Airports’ Re-branding Will Take Off with Travelers

Link to article in The Florida Times-Union:

http://jacksonville.com/business/2010-11-22/story/authority-hopes-jacksonville-airports-re-branding-will-take-travelers

Link to news release from the Jacksonville Aviation Authority:

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101122005240/en/Jacksonville-Aviation-Authority-Launches-Rebranding-Effort

OTHER

2) The FREILOT Project European Launch – Report

Link to article from ERTICO:

http://www.ertico.com/the-freilot-project-european-launch-report/

ROADWAYS

3) Nassau County District Attorney Seeks New York State’s Help Preventing Wrong-Way Driving

Link to AP article:

http://libn.com/blog/2010/11/23/rice-seeks-help-preventing-wrong-way-driving/

4) Integration of Aviation Automated Weather Observation Systems with Roadside Weather Information Systems

Link to report from the Western Transportation Institute:

http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/documents/reports/4W1961_Final_Report.pdf

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) FCC May Allow You to Send Text Messages to 911

Link to ABC News story and video:

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/fcc-send-text-messages-911/story?id=12222928

Link to news release from the Federal Communications Commission:

http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2010/db1123/DOC-302988A1.pdf

6) TSA Suffers More TWIC Card Challenges

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://techinsider.nextgov.com/2010/11/tsa_suffers_more_twic_card_challenges.php

7) US DOT CIO Questions Value of IT System Security Audit

Link to article on GovInfoSecurity.com:

http://www.govinfosecurity.com/articles.php?art_id=3125

TRANSIT

8) Tech Tools for Metro Riders Fall Flat

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013498259_transit23m.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

9) Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Seeks to Revive RFID to Ease Traffic

Link to article in the Manila Bulletin:

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/289088/mmda-seeks-revive-rfid-ease-traffic

10) Advanced Changeable Message Signs – Final Report

Link to report from the Western Transportation Institute:

http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/documents/reports/4W1215_Final_Report.pdf

VEHICLES

11) An Off-Duty Cop Voices Some Ford Dealers’ Worst Nightmares

MyFord Touch may be too much of a distraction and too intimidating for some buyers.

Link to blog in Automotive News:

http://www.autonews.com/article/20101123/BLOG14/101129966/-1

12) IntelliDrive Rural Risk Warning System: A North/West Passage Rural Vehicle Infrastructure Integration Demonstration Project

Link to report from the Western Transportation Institute:

http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/documents/reports/4W2489_Final_Report.pdf

News Releases

1) Iowa DOT Making Construction Bid Documents Available Online for Free

2) New Jersey Turnpike Authority Launches First-of-Its-Kind Traffic Information App for 511nj.org iPhone Users

3) DC Metro Testing Turn Warning Device on Metrobus

4) Gulf Engineering Forum to Focus on Intelligent Transport Systems

5) Comcast and Colorado DOT Announce Unique Fiber Lease Agreement

6) IDV Solutions Announces Partnership with TrafficLand

7) Times Square to Flash Operation Lifesaver’s Safety Message from Thanksgiving Through New Year’s

Solicitations

–  Request for Information – Ramp Meter Field Controller Firmware/Software – Wisconsin Traffic Operations and Safety Laboratory

http://www.topslab.wisc.edu/resources/rfinfo.html

–  Request for Proposals – Monterey Bay Area 511 Traveler Information System – Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County

http://511montereybay.org/rfp/

Upcoming Events

Cygnus Aviation Expo – February 23-25 – Las Vegas

http://www.cygnusaviationexpo.com/

Today in Transportation History

1960 **50^th anniversary** TIROS 2, a weather satellite, was launched from Cape Canaveral.

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1960-016A

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net