Transportation Systems Engineer – IBI Group is currently recruiting an Engineer in Alexandria, VA office. Contact – Kristen McLean at kristen.mclain@ibigroup.com

This role would suit a graduate from a Masters Degree program in Systems Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering or Transportation Engineering. Some experience or project/thesis work in intelligent transportation systems, public transportation operations, road user charging or highway operations is desirable.

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent analytical and technical capabilities, strong written and verbal communications skills combined with solid work ethic and a progressive professional approach to all tasks with the main goal of complementing existing IBI Group professionals and meeting corporate objectives.

Responsibilities:
Below are some examples of what the Transportation Systems Engineer could be responsible for on a daily basis.

Systems:
• Assisting transportation clients in reviewing systems and technologies and selecting those that meet their requirements.
• Reviewing data and developing analytical reports.
• Testing and reviewing roadway and transit systems.
• Application of the systems engineering process, including development of user requirements, software functional design, system and hardware specification, and system verification and testing

Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have:

• Masters in Systems Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Transportation Engineering with some exposure to transportation systems is ideal;
• Experience with software development is beneficial;
• Ability to conduct data analysis using spreadsheet programs with macros and database software;
• Communications skills: specification and report writing, making client and public presentations, conducting client meetings;
• Possess excellent written/oral communication skills along with a good understanding of key management concepts;
• Be highly observant and detail oriented and comfortable in a high-volume, data management environment;
• Have the ability to multitask and to prioritize assigned tasks;

Note: IBI Group is also looking for a Transportation Systems Engineer on a full-time, permanent basis to work out of their Calgary (Canada) office. Contact – Kristen McLean at kristen.mclain@ibigroup.com

Monday, December 20, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Deadline Approaching to Submit Papers for the ITS World Congress in Orlando

ITS America is now inviting transportation researchers, practitioners, policy experts and other interested parties to submit a paper for consideration for presentation at the 18^th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems and Annual Meeting convening October 16-20, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. Papers must be submitted online no later than January 14, 2011.  Paper presentations are an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your expertise, showcase research results, and advance ideas focused on ITS topics such as high-tech transit solutions, real-time traveler information, performance measurement, intermodal systems integration, advanced traffic management systems, commercial vehicle operations, electronic toll/fare collection, telematics, new consumer applications, and other ITS-related fields.  The program committee is also seeking the most relevant and thought-provoking papers pertinent to the conference theme: Keeping the Economy Moving.  For more information on paper topics or submission guidelines, please visit the World Congress website at www.itsworldcongress.org or contact Nicole Oliphant of ITS America at papers@itsa.org or 202-721-4215.

AVIATION

1) UK Airports and Passengers Take to Twitter as Snow Disrupts British Flights

Link to article in The Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/twitter/8214512/UK-weather-airports-and-passengers-take-to-Twitter-as-snow-disrupts-British-flights.html

2) Bangladesh Probes Porn Film Show on Airport Screen

Link to PTI article:

http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/bangladesh-probes-porn-film-show-at-airport-screen-73532

3) Simulated Trouble

Machine trains air traffic controllers to deal with snow, a flock of geese or worse situations.

Link to article in the Daily Pilot:

http://articles.dailypilot.com/2010-12-17/news/tn-dpt-1218-faa-20101217_1_controllers-faa-facilities-bill-withycombe

4) Fujitsu, Boeing to Develop Aircraft Tag System

Link to AFP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hujjWi_sjwqNaR1XjrrjJhR4ZHRA

Link to news release from Fujitsu:

http://www.fujitsu.com/global/news/pr/archives/month/2010/20101217-01.html

CAMERAS

5) Traffic Camera ‘Speed Traps’ Worry Tennessee Lawmakers

Link to AP article:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20101220/NEWS01/12200314/Traffic-camera-speed-traps-worry-Tennessee-lawmakers

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Is Apple Building Its Own Navigation Service for iPhone?

Link to article in Business Insider:

http://www.businessinsider.com/is-apple-building-its-own-navigation-service-for-iphone-2010-12

MARITIME

7) UK Government Proposes New Tech for Coastguard

Proposals include networked maritime operations centers with improved systems to monitor ships.

Link to article on ZDNet UK:

http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/networking/2010/12/20/government-proposes-new-tech-for-coastguard-40091212/

OTHER

8) A Fleeting History: Into the Ether

How technology has revolutionized the fleet industry.

Link to blog in Fleet News:

http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/blog/entry/a-fleeting-history-into-the-ether/38499/

9) Facebook as Travel Guidebook?

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703395204576023780996376852.html

PEDESTRIANS

10) Mixed Signals for New York City Pedestrians

Link to story and audio on WNYC Radio:

http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2010/dec/20/mixed-signals-city-pedestrians/

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

11) Rock and Roads Brought Together to Promote Nebraska Department of Roads

Link to article in the Lincoln Journal Star:

http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/article_e0c31758-0023-575d-934d-6968ff909c95.html

RAILROADS

12) WJLA-TV Reporter ‘International Sensation’ After Tweeting Amtrak Nightmare

Railroad criticized for lack of information.

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/tvblog/2010/12/channel-7-reporter-tweets-amtr.html

Link to Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/ABC7Stephen

13) Amtrak Apologizes for ‘Communications Breakdown’ that Lead to 11-Hour DC-New York Trip

Link to article in The Baltimore Sun:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-amtrak-friday-delay-20101219-14,0,67805.story

14) Lessons of MARC 538

‘It’s hard to believe that MARC service will ever improve until Amtrak and MARC employees adopt a greater concern for the well-being of their customers.’

Link to editorial in The Baltimore Sun:

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/2010/12/lessons_of_marc_538.html

ROADWAYS

15) Arizona DOT Tries to Secure Revenue from Logo Signs

Link to AP article:

http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2010/dec/18/bc-az-highway-logo-signs/

TELEMATICS

16) The Postman Always Pings Twice

What if the US Postal Service’s fleet of vehicles were equipped with sensors to collect and transmit information?

Link to commentary in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/18/opinion/18ravnitzky.html

TRANSIT

17) New York MTA Begins New Marketing Campaign

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/20/going-your-way-is-going-away-for-now

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

18) Webcast Recording Available for Real-Time System Information Final Rule

Link to further information from US DOT:

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=700

19) Graham Partners Buys Arizona Traffic Control Firm Eberle

Link to article in the Philadelphia Business Journal:

http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2010/12/20/graham-partners-buys-ariz-traffic.html

Link to news release:

http://www.pehub.com/91143/graham-partners-completes-acquisition-of-eberle-design/

20) More Road Traffic Information and Better Mobile Maps in Australia

Link to Google Australia blog:

http://google-au.blogspot.com/2010/12/more-road-traffic-information-and.html

News Releases

1) What Does Increased Technology Mean for Motorist Safety?

2) New Site Allows Travelers to Connect with Their Fellow Passengers

3) Nissan Leaf Cars Connected at All Times Through Telenor Connexion

**Bernie’s Notes**

In Friday’s newsletter I noted that I edit several other transportation-related newsletters.  A number of you asked about those newsletters and how you can subscribe.  Several are free and available to anyone who wishes to sign-up.  They include the AASHTO Daily Transportation Update, and TransCentral from Sam Schwartz Engineering.  The AASHTO DTU is a daily that has general transportation news from the US.  TransCentral is a weekly with regional transportation news from New York, Chicago, DC and Florida.  You can click on the links to subscribe.

Job Postings

–  Engineering Research Psychologist (GS-12) – Research and Innovative Technology Administration – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://goo.gl/mjOs4

–  Engineering Research Psychologist (GS-13) – Research and Innovative Technology Administration – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://goo.gl/9Ccvq

Upcoming Events

APTA Marketing & Communications Workshop – February 27-March 2 – San Diego

http://www.apta.com/mc/2011/Pages/Marketing.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** The Servicio de Aviación Militar de Chile, forerunner to the Chilean Air Force, was founded.

http://www.fach.cl/

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

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

Friday, December 17, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Loopholes in ‘Do Not Board’ List Let Infected Travelers Fly

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-12-17-rw_donotboard16_ST_N.htm

2) Improving Pilot Visibility

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal via SmartBrief:

http://www.smartbrief.com/wsj.jsp?id=11990914

OTHER

3) High-Tech School Bus Teaches Students on the Road

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/education/School-Bus-Teaches-Students-Road.html

4) Talking Traffic with the Chief

The former head of the New York City Police Department’s Traffic Division talks about managing traffic in the city.

Link to interview in Reclaim:

https://www.transalt.org/newsroom/magazine/2010/Fall/5

5) Austria Discusses Sustainable Transport and Traffic at ITS Austria Conference

Link to article from ERTICO:

http://www.ertico.com/austria-discusses-sustainable-transport-and-traffic-at-its-austria-conference/

6) Who Will Own the Smarter Cities of the Future?

Link to blog on Grist:

http://www.grist.org/article/2010-12-17-who-will-own-the-smarter-cities-of-the-future

7) i-Mobility Newsletter – December 2010 Issue Online

Link to newsletter:

http://tools.emailgarage.com/Pub/_55sGQAAAAA~/IPLtTS13P0OoOFZkCpWuBA~~/62fy2vBpxUun6nx5Gl0I6g~~/ViewEmail.ashx

ROADWAYS
8) Florida DOT Hope New Signs Point to Traffic-Free Future

Link to story and video on WPTV-TV

http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_c_palm_beach_county/west_palm_beach/fdot-hopes-new-signs-point-to-traffic-free-future

9) Snow Removal Tools Gear Up in Cities

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/transportation/Cities-Use-Technology-With-Snow-Removal.html

10) Driving to Florida? Here’s a Handy Guide

Along Interstate 75 offers detailed information from Detroit to Florida.

Link to article in the Toronto Star:

http://www.wheels.ca/article/792882

Link to book’s Web site: http://www.i75online.com/

TELEMATICS

11) Telematics Turns the Corner

Link to article in Construction Equipment:

http://www.constructionequipment.com/article/telematics-turns-corner

12) Ford and GM’s Heavyweight Battle

Link to blog on CNET:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20025492-48.html

13) Incident-ly Improving Traffic in Seattle

Link to blog on Green Growth Cascadia:

http://www.greengrowthcc.com/2010/12/17/incident-ly-improving-traffic-in-seattle/

TRANSIT

14) Amtrak, MARC Faulted in ‘Hell Train’ Report

Investigation details operational, communications lapses.

Link to article in The Baltimore Sun:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/commuting/bs-md-marc-report-20101216,0,7565569,full.story

Link to report from the Maryland Transit Administration:

http://mta.maryland.gov/train_538_incident_final_report.pdf

15) Clipper: Big Brother’s Best Friend?

Link to article on Mission Local:

http://missionlocal.org/2010/12/clipper-big-brothers-best-friend/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) New York Thruway Further Tweaks Storm Policy

Link to article in The Buffalo News:

http://www.buffalonews.com/city/article286011.ece

17) Essex County, England Bosses Agree £4 Million Bus Info Scheme

Link to article in the Chelmsford Weekly News:

http://www.chelmsfordweeklynews.co.uk/news/county_news/8742881.County_bosses_agree___4m_bus_info_scheme/

18) Virginia DOT Operations Center Keeps Eye on Roads

Link to story and video on WVIR-TV:

http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=13687660

19) Hot or Not: Sexy Traffic on KILT Radio Not so Sexy

Link to blog in the Houston Press:

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2010/12/hot_or_not_sexy_traffic_on_610.php

Link to Sexy Traffic on KILT, including sample traffic report:

http://kilt.cbslocal.com/category/sexy-traffic/

VEHICLES

20) Big Brotheresque App Kills Your Automotive Anonymity

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/12/new-app-marks-the-end-of-automotive-anonymity/

News Releases

1) US DOT Proposes Rule to Ban Hand-Held Cell Phone Use for Commercial Truck and Bus Drivers

2) IBM and Telvent to Create Smarter Traffic Solutions for Smaller Cities

3) Cambridge Systematics Adds Expertise in Safety

4) Manitoba to Use Standardized Terms to Describe Winter-Driving Conditions

5) Chevy Turns to Ham Radio Geek for Antenna Solution

6) European Commission Adopts New Rules for Linking National Electronic Registers of Road Transport Undertakings

7) IBM to Collaborate with Leading Singapore Institutions Using Analytics to Improve the Quality of Water, Transportation and Energy Services in a City

8) Airbus Signs MOU with Chinese Authorities on Cooperation in Air Traffic Management

**Bernie’s Notes**

Many of you are kind enough to pass along story suggestions for the TCN. The story ideas are always appreciated.  Sometimes, even if it’s a good story, I don’t use it in the TCN.  I want to briefly explain how I pick the stories I use. First, the key is that the story has to relate to both transportation and communications.  If one of these two elements is missing I probably won’t run the article.  However, in addition to the TCN, there are eight other transportation-related newsletters I edit.  If I don’t use the story in the TCN, there’s a good chance it will be used in one or more of my other newsletters.

Upcoming Events

United Motorcoach Association Motorcoach Expo – January 19-23 – Tampa, Florida

http://www.motorcoachexpo.com/

Friday Bonus

Apparently London’s King’s Cross station isn’t the only place you can board the Hogwarts Express.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/11/22/2010-11-22_mta_offering_service_to_hogwarts_sign_for_magical_harry_potter_train_line_appear.html

Today in Transportation History

1960 **50^th anniversary** A US Air Force Convair C-131D crashed shortly after takeoff in Munich.  The plane crashed into a streetcar.  There were twenty fatalities on the plane and thirty-two deaths on the ground.

http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19601217-0

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me atbernie@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, December 16, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Task Force: US Government Should Pay to Modernize Air Traffic System

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704828104576021673975040468.html

2) Passenger Terminal World – January 2011 Issue Online

–  Take Command: An Integrated Approach to Airport Security is Launched in the UK (page 8)

–  Screen Stars: Passenger Information Displays Can Also Drive Revenue (page 48)

Link to magazine:

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/ac06d72b#/ac06d72b/1

CAMERAS

3) Two Chicago TV Stations Partner with Illinois Tollway on Traffic Cams

Stations get access to cameras in return for advertising and promotional support.

Link to article in Broadcasting & Cable:

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/461172-Two_Chicago_O_Os_Partner_with_Illinois_Highways_on_Traffic_Cams.php

CARTOGRAPHY

4) New MapQuest Site Shows US Maps for, by the People

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h8wYNtICbHtOERhyoLKQ7dxGz_1A?docId=e4c419e86364447eb08359623f98c59b

Link to site: http://open.mapquest.com/

5) Google Updates Android Maps App, Making iPhone Maps Look Even Older

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward/2010/12/google_updates_android_maps_ap.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) GPS Helps Keep Track of Buses

TSA grant helps Trailways watch motorcoaches.

Link to story and video on KFYR-TV:

http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=45199

7) A GPS Journey with Snoop Dogg and Darth Vader

Link to blog in Forbes:

http://blogs.forbes.com/parmyolson/2010/12/16/a-gps-journey-with-snoop-dogg-and-darth-vader/

OTHER

8) How Come You Don’t Have a Well Produced Film on Your Transportation Web Site?

Link to article from Grey Sky Films:

http://www.timetravelispossible.com/transportationfilmproductionarticle.html

ROADWAYS

9) Traffic Technology International – January 2011 Issue Online

Link to magazine:

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

TRANSIT

10) Religious Ads Banned from Fort Worth Buses

Link to article in the Star-Telegram:

http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/12/15/2708144/religious-ads-banned-from-fort.html

11) AFSCM Says Cityzi Branded Contactless Mobile Pilot a Success

Link to article on Near Field Communications:

http://nfcdata.com/blog/?p=882

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Chattanooga to Get Traffic Management Center

Link to story on WDEF-TV:

http://www.wdef.com/news/chattanooga_to_get_traffic_management_center/12/2010

VEHICLES

13) Seattle Police Twitter Account Yields First Stolen Car Recovery

Link to story on KIRO-TV:

http://www.kirotv.com/news/26147384/detail.html

14) Toyota’s Glass of Water App Aims to Help Drivers Reduce Emissions

Link to blog on Springwise:

http://springwise.com/automotive/aglassofwater/

15) Flash Ad: BMW Burns Logo Onto Cinema-Goers’ Eyes

Link to article and video in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/12/flash-ad-bmw-burns-logo-onto-cinema-goers-eyes/

16) Frequency of Target Crashes for IntelliDrive Safety Systems

Link to report from US DOT:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/DOT/NHTSA/NVS/Crash%20Avoidance/Technical%20Publications/2010/811381.pdf

News Releases

1) i-Mobility Network Webinars Launched by ERTICO

2) New Night Vision Technology Installed on All Sydney Ferries

3) Automated and Robust Traffic Surveillance System for Europe

4) Maryland Launches Maritime Law Enforcement Information Network

Upcoming Events

South Florida Transit Summit – January 12 – Dania, Florida

http://wtsevents.org/chapter/sfwts/

Today in Transportation History

1960 **50^th anniversary** Two airliners collided over New York City killing 134 people, including seven on the ground.  One plane crashed in Park Slope, Brooklyn, the other on Staten Island.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,895134,00.html

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

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, December 15, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) IATA Unveils Plan for Airport Security Tunnels

Link to Reuters article:

http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE6BD4Y920101214

2) Airline Apps Taking Off with Cool Features

Link to Tribune Newspapers column:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/sc-trav-1214-strip-airline-apps-20101214,0,5910859.story

CAMERAS

3) Some California Cities Bailing on Red Light Traffic Cameras

Link to article in The San Diego Union-Tribune:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/dec/14/some-cities-bailing-on-red-light-traffic-cameras/

OTHER

4) ERTICO Interviews

–  David O’Keefe, Chairman ITS Ireland

http://www.ertico.com/the-ertico-december-2-2010-interview/

–  Richard Weinstock, IBM Czech Republic

http://www.ertico.com/the-ertico-december-2010-interview/

PARKING

5) Online Parking Search Tool Launches in Pittsburgh

Link to article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10349/1110783-147.stm

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Mississippi DOT Tests Smart Van

Link to article in the Desoto Times-Tribune:

http://desototimes.com/articles/2010/12/14/news/local/doc4d06ba133939f749238900.txt

7) TSA Embraces New Medical Notification Cards

Link to column on MSNBC:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40647207/ns/travel-news/

8) Link to Global Road Safety Partnership News – December 2010

Link to newsletter:

http://www.grsproadsafety.org/themes/default/pdfs/GRSP-NEWS-Dec10-LR.pdf

TRANSIT

9) Transport for London Expands App Site for Developers

Link to article on ZDNet UK:

http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/mobile-apps/2010/12/15/tfl-expands-app-site-for-developers-40091167/

10) Kansas Transit System Takes Sponsored Approach to Wi-Fi Service

Link to article in Transit Talent:

http://www.transittalent.com/articles/index.cfm?story=jct_wi-fi

11) Last Train to Paris on New York City Subway

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/12/15/2010-12-15_paris_train__at_prince_st.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Faulty Snow Response in Seattle Prompts Changes

Plans include adding GPS to Metro buses.  City asks for better communication from state.

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013680250_snowresponse15m.html

News Releases

1) US Transportation Secretary LaHood Unveils New DOT Web Page on ‘Buy America’

2) US Transportation Secretary LaHood Receives Recommendations on Future of Aviation

3) Global Mobile Alert, a New Phone Application That Could Save Lives

4) Georgia Tech Savannah Engineering Design Project Focuses on Creation of Autonomous Vehicle to Help Paraplegics

5) Airlines Complete Move to Bar-Coded Boarding Passes

Upcoming Events

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting – January 23-27 – Washington, DC

http://trb.org/AnnualMeeting2011/AnnualMeeting2011.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1965 **45^th anniversary** Gemini 6A blasted off with astronauts Walter Schirra and Thomas Stafford.

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/masterCatalog.do?sc=1965-104A

1995 **15^th anniversary** The Ted Williams Tunnel, the first major piece of Boston’s Big Dig project, opened.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/12/15_years_ago_a.html

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

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, December 14, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Lack of Attention Caused Aeroflot Taxiway Departure: Accident Investigation Board Norway

Deficient cockpit procedures, inadequate signposting cited as contributing to incident.

Link to article on Flightglobal:

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/12/14/350908/lack-of-attention-caused-aeroflot-taxiway-departure.html

2) Airline Ticketers Find Ways to Skirt New Law

Travel sites, carriers mask identity of regional carriers.

Link to article in The Buffalo News:

http://www.buffalonews.com/world-nation/article282269.ece

3) Air Traffic Control in Spain to be Fully Privatized

Link to article on TheReader.es:

http://thereader.es/en/spain-news-stories/5495-air-traffic-control-to-be-fully-privatised.html

CAMERAS

4) Traffic Enforcement Camera Standards Eyed in Tennessee

Link to article in the Chattanooga Times Free Press:

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/dec/14/traffic-camera-standards-eyed/

OTHER

5) ITS International – November/December 2010 Issue

Link to magazine:

http://www.itsinternational.com/latest_issue/index.cfm?issue=155 (free registration required)

RAILROADS

6) Articles from November Issue of Progressive Railroading

–  Norfolk Southern’s Technology Embrace

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/pr/article/Norfolk-Southern39s-technology-embrace–24996

–  Railroads and Car-Tracking Technology

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/pr/article/Railroads-38-cartracking-technology–25010

(free registration required)

TRANSIT

7) They’re Baaack: The Live Map of London Underground Tube Trains Returns

Link to blog in The Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2010/dec/14/underground-trains-live-maps-tfl-api

Link to map: http://traintimes.org.uk/map/tube/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) Most Swear by the SMS Traffic Alerts in Bangalore

Link to article on DNA:

http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_more-swear-by-the-sms-traffic-alerts-in-bangalore_1480960

9) Free Online Live Traffic Mapping for South Africa

Link to article on MyBroadband:

http://mybroadband.co.za/news/internet/17287-Free-online-live-traffic-mapping-for-South-Africa.html

VEHICLES

10) Car Tech on the Cheap

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704457604576011811866947504.html

News Releases

1) AllPortJobs.com Launches Job Board to Meet Transportation Industry Needs – Rail, Trucking, Pipeline, Space and More

2) Siemens and Streetline Join Forces to Deliver Next Generation Parking Solutions

3) Mexico City Traffic Unsnarled: Clear Channel Radio’s Total Traffic Network Offers Data Solutions Available to All Local Information/Service Providers

4) New York MTA Customer Satisfaction Survey Results Show Value of Service Information

Upcoming Events

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting – January 23-27 – Washington, DC

http://trb.org/AnnualMeeting2011/AnnualMeeting2011.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1965 **45^th anniversary** The US Navy announced the completion of construction of a 1,272 foot radio tower in North West Cape, Australia.  At the time it was the highest manmade structure in the Southern Hemisphere.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Communication_Station_Harold_E._Holt

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

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

Recent Events

FHWA Selects Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Pilot Locations. FHWA has selected five applicants to pilot a draft conceptual model for conducting climate change vulnerability and risk assessment of transportation infrastructure. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (San Francisco Bay), New Jersey DOT/North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (Coastal and Central New Jersey), Virginia DOT (Hampton Roads), Washington State DOT (State of Washington), and Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (Island of Oahu) were selected to conduct the pilots over the next year. Based on the feedback received through the pilots, FHWA will revise and finalize the model for national application.

FHWA Launches Beta Version of Sustainability Tool. The Sustainable Highways Self-Evaluation Tool can help transportation agencies make highway projects and programs more sustainable. The tool is modeled after similar evaluation systems, such as GreenRoads, GreenLites, and I-Last for roads, and LEEDs for buildings. It provides a practical tool for integrating sustainability best practices into transportation projects and programs. Climate change considerations (GHG emissions and climate effects) are incorporated as elements of the tool. This is a beta version of the tool, and the site is still under development, so it will evolve as additional components are added or updated. We encourage you to try out the website, and we welcome any feedback.

FHWA Summary of Climate Language in Transportation Plans posted. Climate Change – Model Language in Transportation Plans provides excerpts from various MPO and DOT transportation plans that illustrate how climate change considerations have been integrated into the documents. Agencies that are looking for ideas about how to incorporate climate change into their transportation plans could find the model language very useful.

Report Provides Estimates of GHG Emissions in Transportation Construction, Maintenance, and Operations Activities. This NCHRP 25-25 Task 58 “Quick-Turnaround” research includes a spreadsheet tool to provide estimates of GHG emissions from transportation agencies’ construction, maintenance, and operations activities. The research also includes a synthesis of current research on the topic and identifies research gaps. A TRB webinar presentation with the principal investigator of the project is scheduled for November 10 (see below).

DOT and EPA Propose GHG Standards for Truck and Buses. On October 25, NHTSA and EPA proposed the first-ever fuel economy and GHG emissions standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. The new heavy-duty national program (or HD National Program) for model years 2014-2018 would potentially reduce GHG emissions by nearly 250 million metric tons over the life of the vehicles. The HD National Program was developed in response to President Obama’s memo to agency heads at DOT, DOE, EPA, and NHTSA on improving energy security issued in May. Much information on the proposal, including the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, a fact sheet, a draft EIS, a draft regulatory impact analysis and more is available on the NHTSA’s Fuel Economy Website.

DOT and EPA Publish NOI on 2017-2025 CAFE and GHG Emissions Standards. In an October 13 Federal Register Notice, NHTSA and EPA published a joint Notice of Intent and to develop fuel economy standards for 2017-2025 model year vehicles and an accompanying technical assessment report. The NOI does not propose specific standards but is the first step in the longer rulemaking process and discusses key elements of the program. A final rule is expected by July 31, 2012. As with the rulemaking for model years 2010-2016, EPA and NHTSA have committed to work closely with the California Air Resources Board to coordinate requirements and allow for a single, nationwide fleet. The accompanying technical report includes an initial assessment of the expected technology costs, effectiveness, and lead time to implementation. It also includes assessments on electric vehicle and hydrogen infrastructure and impacts on the economy and auto manufacturing jobs. For more information, see NHTSA’s Fuel Economy Website.

USDOT Releases Sustainability Plan and Progress Report.USDOT has released its Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan, a required report on the agency’s progress implementing E.O. 13514. The plan establishes a goal of 12.3 percent reduction in GHG emissions by 2020. DOT identified three program areas to achieve sustainability goals listed in the plan: sustainable facilities and fleet, sustainable acquisition, and sustainable technology. Sustainability performance plans from other agencies are also available on the CEQ website.

Columbia Law School Creates Databases of Climate Change in EISs. Columbia Law School has compiled and posted two databases of recent environmental studies that include consideration of climate change impacts. The first includes EISs submitted under NEPA. The second includes EISs submitted under CEQA, California’s environmental act. The databases are searchable by project type, lead agency, and State.

EPA, DOT, and HUD Release Partnership Progress Report. This document reports on the first year of the HUD/DOT/EPA Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities. The agencies are coordinating investments and aligning policies with the goal to help create more livable communities. For example, DOT used EPA and HUD’s expertise in the review of applications for Recovery Act TIGER grants. Twenty-two of the projects were selected because they would increase transportation choice, promoting livability principles. DOT and HUD also teamed up for a joint TIGER II-Community Challenge Grant Program that will award up to $75 million to support local planning activities that integrate transportation, housing, and economic development. And FTA and HUD developed a Mixed-Income Transit Oriented Development Action Guide to assist local governments foster diverse housing choices near transit stations available to a mix of incomes. These efforts and more are detailed in the report.

Federal Climate Change Adaptation Task Force Releases Progress Report. On October 5, CEQ released the report: Progress Report of the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force: Recommended Actions in Support of a National Adaptation Strategy. The report discusses the role of the federal government in adapting to climate change, federal policy goals, and next steps. To implement a goal to encourage and mainstream adaptation planning across the federal government, the Task Force recommends federal agencies employ a flexible framework for agency adaptation planning:

• Set a mandate with clear objectives and metrics;
• Understand how climate is changing;
• Apply to mission and operations;
• Develop, prioritize, and implement actions;
• Evaluate and learn; and
• Build awareness and skills.

USDOT and FHWA are active in the Task Force. While FHWA has incorporated many elements of the flexible framework to its own activities, the Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Pilots discussed at the top of this newsletter are serving as FHWA’s pilot of the flexible framework. Read about all of the Task Force’s policy goals and recommended implementation strategies in the report.

State News

CAPCOA Releases Resource on Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures. The California Air Pollution Control Officers Association released this Resource for Local Government to Assess Emissions Reductions from Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures. It includes calculation methodologies for 50 transportation measures. Information includes a range of effectiveness, detailed description, applicability (urban, suburban, rural), calculation method, inputs, assumptions, examples, and literature references for the measures.

Announcements

Seeking Pilot Projects for Sustainable Transportation Design Tool. The Sustainable Transportation Access Rating System (STARS) is a life-cycle, performance-based design and rating system helping transportation projects to improve access, reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and improve cost-effectiveness. STARS is seeking pilot projects to testVersion 1.0.STARS was developed by a partnership between the North American Sustainable Transportation Council, Portland (OR) Bureau of Transportation and the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission. For more information on STARS please contact Peter Hurley, Portland Bureau of Transportation Project Manager, at 503.823.5007 or peter.t.hurley@portlandoregon.gov.

AASHTO/FHWA Webinar: “How can state DOTs communicate climate change and energy challenges to the public?” Thursday, December 2 at 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET. Edward Maibach of the Center for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University will give a presentation on “Global Warming’s Six Americas,” a market segmentation analysis of different groups of Americans and their views on climate change: Alarmed; Concerned; Cautious; Disengaged: Doubtful; and Dismissive. Based on an awareness of different views about climate change, the webinar will focus on ways that state DOTs and other transportation organizations can communicate with the public about climate change and energy issues. The webinar will also include discussion of the state DOT role in communicating about climate change with other state and Federal agencies. Registration is free and open to all.

If you have any suggestions for inclusion in future issues of Transportation and Climate Change News, or if someone forwarded this newsletter to you and you’d like to receive it directly in the future, please send your suggestions or request to Becky Lupes at Rebecca.Lupes@dot.gov

Monday, December 13, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Second Air Traffic Control Summit Opens in Abu Dhabi

Link to article on Trade Arabia:

http://www.tradearabia.com/news/TTN_190367.html

2) FAA Needs to Implement More Efficient Performance-Based Navigation Procedures and Clarify the Role

Link to report from the US DOT Office of Inspector General:

http://www.oig.dot.gov/node/5464

CAMERAS

3) A Lawsuit Over Cleveland Traffic Cameras is Getting the Green Light

Link to story and video on WJW-TV:

http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-green-light-cams-txt,0,1663747.story

4) Jakarta Police Install Hidden Cameras to Monitor Traffic Violations

Link to article in The Jakarta Post:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/12/11/jakarta-police-install-hidden-cameras-monitor-traffic-violations.html

5) Battle Heats Up Between Police Officers and Civilians Who Record Them

Link to commentary in The Huffington Post:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/10/battle-between-cops-cameras_n_795295.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

6) California Toll Scofflaws Get Free Ride with Confidential License Plates

Link to article in the Contra Costa Times:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/bay-area-news/ci_16818741

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) GPS Not the Answer to Fatigue and Speed: Road Tech

Link to article in Supply Chain Review:

http://www.supplychainreview.com.au/news/articleid/71328.aspx

OTHER

8) Taxi TV Screens Gain Ad Business in New York

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/13/nyregion/13taxitv.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

RAILROADS

9) Indian Railroad to Install Fog Safety Devices

Link to article in The Economic Times:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/7086391.cms

ROADWAYS

10) New Fog Warning System in Venice, Italy Region Pays for Itself Ten Times Over

Link to article in the VTT Newsletter:

http://www.vtt.fi/news/2010/10252010.jsp?lang=en?ad=NL122010news5

SAFETY / SECURITY

11) New Jersey Senate Panel Advances Emergency Notification Registry in Auto Accidents

Link to AP article:

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/12/nj_senate_panel_advances_emerg.html

12) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Launches Truck Safety Program Online

Link to article in The Journal of Commerce:

http://www.joc.com/trucking/fmcsa-launches-truck-safety-program-online

Link to news release:

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/news/news-releases/2010/CSA-Program-for-Commercial-Trucks-and-Buses.aspx

TRANSIT

13) Chicago Transit Authority Bus Driver Models Customer Service

Link to column in the Chicago Tribune:

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-12-12/classified/ct-met-getting-around-1213-20101212_1_cta-bus-driver-cta-spokeswoman-noelle-gaffney-wacker-express

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) Yosemite Staff Find Ways to Manage Record Crowds

Link to article in The Fresno Bee:

http://www.fresnobee.com/2010/12/08/2190564/yosemite-staff-strives-to-manage.html

15) Real-Time Traffic Development in China

Link to article from iSuppli:

http://www.isuppli.com/Automotive-Infotainment-and-Telematics/MarketWatch/Pages/RealTime-Traffic-Development-in-China.aspx

VEHICLES

16) Smarter Sensors for Tire Monitors

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/12/automobiles/12TIRE.html

News Releases

1) Trimble Acquires Tata AutoComp Mobility Telematics

2) American Airlines Launches Industry’s First iPhone Travel App for Employees, Retirees

3) Bristol International Airport App Keeps Flyers Informed

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Road Safety Attributes Exchange – Public-Private Cooperation – December 16

http://www.ertico.com/webinar-2/

Today in Transportation History

1960 **50^th anniversary** A new airplane altitude record of 91,450 feet was set by a North American RA-5C Vigilante.

http://www.history.navy.mil/museums/paxmuseum/a5/ra5c.htm

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

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

Friday, December 10, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Missing Aircraft Ownership Info Could Pose Security Threat

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-12-10-misplaced-planes-faa_N.htm

2) Spain to Seek Prison Time for Striking Air Controllers

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/world/europe/10iht-spain.html

3) New Developments in Do-It-Yourself Travel

Link to story on MSNBC:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40571318/ns/travel-business_travel/

OTHER

4) Greyhound Removed Cell Phone from Bus Accident Scene

Link to story and video on KFSN-TV:

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7835125

5) ITS Technology Adoption and Observed Market Trends from ITS Deployment Tracking

Link to report from FHWA:

http://ntlsearch.bts.gov/repository/record/ntl/34991.html

ROADWAYS

6) Superstructures

Adding sensors and other devices to bridges, tunnels and buildings can turn them into ‘smart structures.’

Link to article in The Economist:

http://www.economist.com/node/17647603?story_id=17647603

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Czech Towns Deploy Cardboard Police in Miniskirts

Link to AP article:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=131936994

TELEMATICS

8) Telematics Giving Farmers Increasing Equipment, Internet Options

Link to article in the Western Farm Press:

http://westernfarmpress.com/equipment/telematics-giving-farmers-increasing-equipment-internet-options

News Releases

1) North Dakota DOT Launches Teen Traffic Safety Contest

2) US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and BMW of North America President Jim O’Donnell Share Concerns About Distracted Driving

Solicitation

–  Request for Proposals – Integrating Community Emergency Response Teams at Airports – Transportation Research Board

http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3045

Upcoming Events

Talking Operations Webcast: Real-Time System Management Info Program Final Rule – December 14

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=697

Friday Bonus

Messages that most likely are not (but maybe should be) part of your VMS message library.

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/11/vdot-signs-you-cant-get-there-here

Today in Transportation History

1985 **25^th anniversary** Steve MacLean was named Canada’s second astronaut.

http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/maclean.html

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

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

Title: EMBARQ Interactive Webinar: Darío Hidalgo presents “Modernizing Public Transport”

Date: Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

Click here to REGISTER

Join Darío Hidalgo, EMBARQ’s Director of Research & Practice, as he presents his new publication “Modernizing Public Transport: Lessons learned from major bus improvements in Latin America and Asia.” Darío will provide an overview of his comprehensive review of major bus improvements in 13 cities. He will summarize common challenges and lessons learned, highlighting key recommendations for successful project planning, decision-making, implementing and operation.

To see Darío’s bio, please visit: http://www.embarq.org/en/about/staff/dario-hidalgo

To download “Modernizing Public Transport,” please visit: http://www.embarq.org/en/modernizing-public-transportation

To learn more about how to join the webinar, please visit: http://support.gotomeeting.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=5641&task=knowledge&questionID=5613

Click here to REGISTER

Related articles

• Q&A with Dario Hidalgo, Part 1: Modernizing Public Transportation (thecityfix.com)
• Megacities on the Move: Scenarios for the Future of Sustainable Urban Mobility (thecityfix.com)
• Q&A with Dario Hidalgo, Part 2: Modernizing Public Transportation (thecityfix.com)
• The Future of Sustainable Urban Mobility: Integrate, Integrate, Integrate (thecityfix.com)
• The Future of Urban Sustainable Mobility: Go Beyond the Car (thecityfix.com)
• Reddy : Incentives for public transport (ibnlive.in.com)