Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – July 29, 2011

July 29, 2011 at 8:41 pm

Friday, July 29, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Inside the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center in Aurora, Illinois

Link to article in the Daily Herald:

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110729/news/707299859/

CAMERAS

2) New York City Police Department’s ‘Ring of Steel’ Surveillance Network has 2,000 Cameras Running

Link to article in the New York Post:

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/nypd_ring_od_steel_surveillance_zLNZmUC8BZlAiX0QC8AszH

CARTOGRAPHY

3) Mapnificent Visualizes The Boundaries Of Public Transportation

Link to article in Fast Company:

http://www.fastcompany.com/1769909/mapnificent-visualizes-the-boundaries-public-transportation

OTHER

4) FCC Ruling Favors Transportation-Related Use of 700 MHz Broadband Spectrum

Link to article in the AASHTO Journal:

http://www.aashtojournal.org/Pages/072911fcc.aspx

5) iPhone or Android? Governments Ponder App Development Strategies

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/wireless/iPhone-Android-Governments-Ponder-App-Development-Strategies.html

6) Cisco’s Smart+Connected Way to Transport

Link to interview on CIOL:

http://www.ciol.com/Technology/Networking/Interviews/Ciscos-smartconnected-way-to-transport/152858/0/

7) ERTICO’s iMobility Newsletter – July 2011

Link to newsletter:

http://goo.gl/B93Eh

8) Talking Technology and Transportation Webinars Online from US DOT

  Open Payments, Mobile Payments and Personal Identification Verification (PIV) Acceptance – Overview of Innovations in Public Transit Payment Systems (Webinar 2 in T3 Webinar Series ‘The Emergence of Open Electronic Payment Systems in Public Transit’)

http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s110629/s110629_farecollection101_intro.asp

–  2011 Enhancements to the ITS Knowledge Resources Websites: Improving Access to Information on ITS Benefits, Costs, Lessons Learned and Deployment

http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s110623/s110623_enhancements_intro.asp

 –  Public Transit Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Implementations – Lessons Learned

http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s110602/s110602_itstransit_intro.asp

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

9) Tucson, Arizona Police Department Uses Traffic-Camera Videos on YouTube to Promote Safety

Link to article in the Arizona Daily Star:

http://azstarnet.com/news/local/article_dd209a74-ec8a-50a3-9a3c-e7cc3299c1fd.html

Link to Tucson Police YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TucsonAZPD

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Still No Warnings at Boat Ramp Where Fatal Accident Occurred

Link to article in The Daily Astorian:

http://www.dailyastorian.com/free/still-no-warnings-at-boat-ramp-where-fatal-accident-occurred/article_0761294c-ba1c-11e0-aa05-001cc4c002e0.html

11) Virginia Teens Train to be Youth Traffic-Safety Advocates

Link to story and video on WHST-TV:

http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/Teens_Helping_To_Keep_Traffic_Fatalties_Low__126370393.html

TELEMATICS

12) GMAC: Insurance Telematics Can ‘Provide Significant Segmentation and Pricing Advantages’

Link to article in Telematics Update:

http://social.telematicsupdate.com/executive-viewpoint/gmac-insurance-telematics-can-%E2%80%9Cprovide-significant-segmentation-and-pricing-adva

TRANSIT

13) Congressmen Call on Metro-North to Improve Emergency Communications

Link to article in the Connecticut Post:

http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Himes-DeLauro-call-on-Metro-North-to-improve-1628132.php

Link to news release:

http://himes.house.gov/content/himes-delauro-call-investigation-metro-north-emergency-procedures-0

14) Brisbane Commuters to Get Free Wi-Fi

Link to AAP article:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/brisbane-commuters-to-get-free-wifi/story-e6frf7jx-1226104029800

Link to news release:

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/AboutUs/MediaCentre/MediaReleases/Pages/$65milliontodeliverWiFiontrains.aspx

15) New York MTA: We Get 700 Text Messages a Day for Bus Arrival Info

Link to article on Transportation Nation:

http://transportationnation.org/2011/07/28/ny-mta-we-get-700-text-messages-a-day-for-bus-arrival-app/

News Releases

1) New Intelligent Transportation System in Place to Measure Wait Times at Canadian/US Border Crossings

2) EU Supports Smart Solutions for Maritime Information Systems

3) Despite Smartphone Challenge, Embedded OEM and Aftermarket Connected-Car Systems to Reach 189 Million by 2016

4) New South Wales Debuts Real-Time Traffic App

5) New Zealand Transport Agency Expands Travel Information Service for Drivers in Hamilton

6) AAA Digest of Motor Laws Now Available Free Online

7) Exhibition at London Transport Museum Explores How Emerging Technologies Affects Cities

8) Avis Launches First Car-Rental Mobile Application for Microsoft Windows Phone 7

Upcoming Events

American Association of Port Authorities 100th Annual Convention – September 11-15 – Seattle

https://www.aapa2011.org

Friday Bonus

 

You’re never sure what those live traffic cameras are going to pick up during a broadcast.  Here are a few interesting examples.

http://youtu.be/agCEotoJctA

http://youtu.be/YzpZFjHWJwk

http://youtu.be/06SVAIr8apg

Today in Transportation History  

 

1967 A rocket accidentally was launched on the USS Forrestal resulting in a fire and a number of explosions aboard the aircraft carrier.  The disaster killed 135 sailors.

http://www.virtualwall.org/units/forrestal.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 atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast Communications, LLC www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – July 27, 2011

July 27, 2011 at 6:58 pm

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) FAA Stats Show Fewer Pilots Break Airspace Rules

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gVoFpOoHuFZGHLfzR8ozDKpM2T-A?docId=452516f1126346f69eac2da86f17d067

2) Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover; How Many Ways to Leave an Airport?

There’s a little-tapped marketing opportunity for airports to help their passengers leave the airport more efficiently and conveniently.

Link to column in Airport Business:

http://www.airportbusiness.com/web/online/The-New-Airport-Marketing/Fifty-Ways-to-Leave-Your-Lover-How-Many-Ways-to-Leave-an-Airport/23$46357

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) China Launches Ninth Satellite for Global Navigation System

Link to Xinhua article:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sci/2011-07/27/c_131011502.htm

4) Waze Navigation App Updated with Text-to-Speech, Commuting Widget

Link to CNET’s The Car Tech blog:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20083652-48/waze-navigation-app-updated-with-text-to-speech-commuting-widget/

OTHER

5) ERTICO Talks to Vladimir Kryuchkov, CEO ITS-Russia

Link to interview from ERTICO:

http://www.ertico.com/ertico-talks-to-vladimir-kryuchkov-chief-executive-officer-its-russia-newly-joined-member-of-the-network-of-its-nationals/

6) Why the Future of Transportation is All About Real-Time Data

Link to article on Mashable:

http://mashable.com/2011/07/27/transportation-future-data/

7) Sensor – Summer 2011

–  Cars and Roads Share Info, Alert Drivers

http://www.its.umn.edu/Publications/Sensor/2011/02/alert.html

–  Can Fuel-Economy Displays Promote Safe, Fuel-Efficient Driving?

http://www.its.umn.edu/Publications/Sensor/2011/02/seminar.html

–  Signs Use Solar Power to Make Rural Intersections Safer

http://www.its.umn.edu/Publications/Sensor/2011/02/solar.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

8) Texas Transportation Institute Helps Texas DOT Ask Texans the Right Questions

Link to article in the Texas Transportation Researcher:

http://tti.tamu.edu/2011/06/01/assessing-customer-satisfaction/

ROADWAYS

9) Hindhead Tunnel Opens in UK After Decades of Traffic Problems

High-tech employed to monitor traffic.

Link to BBC News story:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-14278289

Link to further information from the Highways Agency:

http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/3832.aspx

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Why Emergency Managers Should Use Social Media

Link to video in Emergency Management:

http://www.emergencymgmt.com/video/Why-Emergency-Managers-Should-Use-Social.html

TRANSIT

11) Exit of New York MTA Chief Leaves Tech Upgrades in Doubt

Link to article in the New York Post:

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/mta_sidetracked_Sbjgf69aTJXamo5n3SzmMP#ixzz1T8goQ7I4

12) MBTA Riders Loco for Big Logo

Link to article in the Boston Herald:

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2011_0727t_riders_loco_for_big_logo/

13) ‘Excuse Me – is that Your Bag?’ Meet Alice Riley, DC Metro’s Zen-Like Voice

Link to article and video on TBD.com:

http://www.tbd.com/blogs/tbd-on-foot/2011/07/-excuse-me-mdash-is-that-your-bag-meet-alice-riley-metro-s-zen-like-voice–11984.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) KC Scout Eases Traffic Flow

Link to commentary in The Examiner:

http://www.examiner.net/opinions/x404068170/Quibell-KC-Scout-eases-traffic-flow

15) Predictive Traffic More than Good Enough

Link to blog from Strategy Analytics:

http://blogs.strategyanalytics.com/AMCS/post/2011/07/27/INRIXs-$500M-post-funding-valuation-speaks-volumes-regarding-the-importance-of-predictive-traffic-data.aspx

News Releases

1) SAP and Google Team to Put ‘Big Data’ on the Map

2) NTSB Takes Safety Message to Pilots and Enthusiasts at AirVenture

3) Inthinc Introduces Speed-by-Street and Verbal In-Cab Driver Mentoring Solution to Federal Fleet Managers

4) Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Launches Mobile Site for 511 Traveler Information Service

5) Research and Markets: European PND Market to Grow 1.5% 2010-2014

Upcoming Events

2011 Airport Public Safety & Security Fall Conference – August 29-September 1 – Arlington, Virginia

http://www.aci-na.org/event/241

Today in Transportation History    

1866 **145th anniversary** The first successful underwater telegraph cable was completed between Europe and North America.

http://www.ieeeghn.org/wiki/index.php/Milestones:Landing_of_the_Transatlantic_Cable,_1866

1991 **20th anniversary** The Twin Cities & Western Railroad began operations.

http://www.tcwr.net/

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

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 atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast Communications, LLC www.bwcommunications.net

Job Alert: Director of Electronic Toll Collection – MTA Bridges and Tunnels – New York, NY

July 26, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Control Code: P999U/R920
Resume Due Date: August 12, 2011
Job Title: Director of Electronic Toll Collection
Department/Division: Tolling Initiatives
Work Location: 2 Broadway, New York, NY
Earnings Potential : Commensurate with salary history and experience (Actual salary offers are made subject to the salary administration policy and are made considering a number of factors including, but not limited to, the selected candidate’s salary and work history.)
Hay Points: 800
Overtime Eligibility: Not eligible for paid overtime in accordance with FLSA

Job Description:
Manages the planning, engineering, design, acquisition and installation of state of the art electronic toll collection technologies and systems, including research and testing; manage consultants and contractors as necessary; administer capital projects budgets; work collaboratively with all functional areas to address operational, customer service and other needs; reports to the Senior Director of New Toll Initiatives.

Specialized Knowledge:

At least 10 years experience working in the toll industry at a level that has included detailed technical knowledge of state of the art toll collection technologies and systems obtained through a technical degree and in field experience, experience with systems engineering through classroom work or practical application on multiple projects and extensive project management skills. Excellent communicatons skills and ability to work as part of a team

Education:

Undergraduate technical degree, master’s degree preferred

How to Apply

To be considered for this vacancy, follow these four easy steps:

1 – Place the Control Code found below in the upper right hand corner of your resume.

2 – Ensure that this office receives your resume by the Due Date provided above.

3 – Make sure that your resume includes a chronological work history.

4 – Send your resume to this address:

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – July 26, 2011

July 26, 2011 at 7:08 pm

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


Register Today for IBTTA’s 79th Annual Meeting & Exhibition: Making the Difference ― September 11-14, 2011 in Berlin, Germany

Join IBTTA in Berlin for what promises to be the year’s largest gathering of toll industry professionals. With presentations from more than 90 industry experts, representing 25 countries around the world, the IBTTA Annual Meeting offers a unique learning and business opportunity!  An outstanding technical program with tracks on interoperability, tolling infrastructure around the world, communications, and environment/social responsibility – make your plans today!  Visit www.IBTTA.org/BERLIN to view the preliminary brochure, register, and learn about sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.

AVIATION

1) FAA Seeks Contractor for NextGen Data Communications Network

Link to article in Aviation International News:

http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/faa-seeks-contractor-for-nextgen-data-communications-network-30605/

2) Interoperable Identification and Access Control Cards are in the Works

Link to article in Airport Improvement:

http://www.airportimprovement.com/content/story.php?article=00291

CAMERAS

3) Los Angeles Motorists Outraged at Paying ‘Voluntary’ Red-Light Camera Tickets

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/07/la-motorists-who-paid-red-light-tickets-outraged-to-learn-they-didnt-have-to.html

4) Tim Eyman Challenges Monroe, Washington’s Camera Information Campaign

Link to article in The Daily Herald:

http://heraldnet.com/article/20110726/NEWS01/707269961/-1/NEWS07

5) A Video-Based Commercial-Vehicle Route-Tracking System

Link to article in the Oklahoma Transportation Center Newsletter:

http://www.oktc.org/otc/OkTC%20Summer%202011%20Newsletter%20Final.pdf (page 13)

OTHER

6) Hotel-TV Media Provider Uses Cloud-Hosted Weather and Flight Apps

Link to article on Tnooz:

http://www.tnooz.com/2011/07/25/news/hotel-tv-media-provider-uses-cloud-hosted-weather-and-flight-apps

Link to news release from LodgeNet:

http://www.lodgenet.com/News/Pages/Envision_Installed_at_TheChatwall_NY.aspx

7) CTS Report – July 2011

–  ‘CrashHelp’ to Improve Emergency Medical Response for Rural Crashes

http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/CTSReport/2011/07/crashhelp.html

 –  Research Explores Benefits of Distance-Based Fees for Trucking

http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/CTSReport/2011/07/trucking.html

–  Cyclopath and Cycloplan: Collaborative Bicycle Planning and Routing

http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/CTSReport/2011/07/bicycle.html

8) ITS International – May/June 2011

Link to magazine:

http://www.itsinternational.com/latest_issue/index.cfm?issue=162

TELEMATICS

9) Interview with The Hands Free Company

Firm specializes in fleet communications.

Link to interview on TMCnet:

http://embedded-m2m-solutions.tmcnet.com/topics/embedded-m2m-solutions/articles/200595-hands-free-company-talks-m2m-partnership-with-tmcnet.htm

TRANSIT

10) Corner Brook, Newfoundland Transit System Takes on High-Tech Trial

Link to article in The Western Star:

http://www.thewesternstar.com/News/Local/2011-07-26/article-2673195/City-transit-system-takes-on-high-tech-trial/1

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) Traffic Cameras Being Installed in Luanda, Angola to Manage Traffic

Link to article on AngolaPress:

http://www.portalangop.co.ao/motix/en_us/noticias/sociedade/2011/6/30/Road-traffic-monitoring-camera-installed,96100a08-c1bd-4e41-a1d7-22cb473bd45a.html

12) Regional 511 Could Help Riders Amid Patchwork of Agencies in DC, Maryland and Virginia

Link to Greater Greater Washington blog:

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/11378/regional-511-could-help-riders-amid-patchwork-of-agencies/

13) Effective and Efficient Deployment of Dynamic Message Signs to Display Travel Time Information

Link to report from the University of Florida Transportation Research Center:

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/research-center/Completed_Proj/Summary_TE/FDOT_BDK77_977-09_rpt.pdf

14) Greater Yellowstone Regional Traveler and Weather Information System US Highway 89 Project

Link to report from the Western Transportation Institute:

http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/documents/reports/4W0173_Final_Report.pdf

15) California and Oregon Advanced Transportation Systems Phase 3: Final Report

Link to report from the Western Transportation Institute:

http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/documents/reports/4W1684_Final_Report.pdf

VEHICLES

16) Can Technology Prevent the Death of Children Left Behind in Cars?

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/25/can-technology-prevent-the-death-of-children-left-behind-in-cars/

News Releases

1) Vehicular Communications a Life or Death Matter According to Leading IEEE Journal

2) Garmin Completes Acquisition of Navigon

3) First Amendment Protects Access to New York City Transit Violation Hearings

4) United Airlines Offers One-Touch Access with New App

5) e-miXer In-Time: the New Android Mobile Application for Multimodal Transport and Traffic Information in European Cities

Job Postings

–  Director of Electronic Toll Collection – MTA Bridges and Tunnels – New York, New York

http://mta.info/bandt/employ/jobp999_UR920.html

Upcoming Events

Talking Freight Seminar: Urban Goods Movement – Techniques to Improve Decision-Making and Freight Operations – August 17

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=745

Today in Transportation History    

1946 **65th anniversary** Aloha Airlines began service as Trans-Pacific Airlines.

http://www.alohaaircargo.com/about.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 atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast Communications, LLC www.bwcommunications.net

Adding More Sister Power – 14 Female U.S. Senators Write Letter To Saudi King Urging To Overturn Ban on Female Drivers

July 26, 2011 at 6:53 pm

(Source:  Mashable)

Image Courtesy: Position2.com

The women of Saudi Arabia, who are steadfastly fighting the monarchy for the right to drive, today received a shot in the arm for their ongoing campaign from their counterparts across the oceans.  Social media website Mashable.com report the on the development (excerpt):

Fourteen female United States senators have sent a letter to Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, asking him to lift the ban that keeps women from driving within the kingdom.

The letter — dated July 26 — comes as a major boost for an ongoing social media campaign against the ban.

The bipartisan letter admits that the kingdom has recently taken some steps that advance women’s rights, including the appointment of its first woman deputy minister and the establishment of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, “the only university in Saudi Arabia that allows women to study alongside men and where women are allowed to drive motor vehicles on campus.”

The 14 senators  aren’t the only female politicians to throw their support behind the Women2Drive movement.  In the recent months, a number of House of Representatives members — including Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.— also expressed their support for the campaign last month. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke at a news conference, following a Change.org petition started by activist coalition Saudi Women for Driving, calling the women’s efforts brave.  On the other side of the Atlantic, the European Union’s Catherine Ashton, high representative and European Commission vice president, has also issued statements to show her support.

The question remains how much these external forces can sway the King and the his key decision-makers, who are fighting for their own battle against the hardcore religious zealots jockeying for control/power within the Kingdom.   Let’s hope the Women of Saudi Arabia win their freedom soon.

Click here to read the entire article.

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – July 25, 2011

July 25, 2011 at 7:53 pm

Monday, July 25, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Palm Beach International Airport Noise Monitors Called Costly, Useless

Link to article in The Palm Beach Post:

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/pbia-airport-director-seeks-to-end-noise-monitoring-1640863.html

2) Inside Air-Traffic Control at Experimental Aircraft Association Event

Link to story and video on WLUK-TV:

http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/inside-air-traffic-control-at-EAA

3) San Francisco International Airport Spokesman Ron Wilson Dies

Link to article in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/07/24/BAMA1KEI43.DTL

CAMERAS

4) Red-Light Cameras Aren’t the Bonanza Florida Cities Expected

Link to article in The Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/07/23/2328390/red-light-cameras-arent-the-bonanza.html

5) Cops Versus Cameras

Link to commentary on Darien Patch:

http://darien.patch.com/articles/cops-versus-cameras

CARTOGRAPHY

6) Google Street View Cars Grabbed Locations of Phones, PCs

Link to article on CNET News:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-20082777-281/street-view-cars-grabbed-locations-of-phones-pcs

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

7) Cost of E-ZPass Device to Drop by Half

Link to article in The Baltimore Sun:

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-07-22/news/bs-md-ezpass-contract-20110722_1_e-zpass-users-e-zpass-consortium-e-zpass-interagency-group

Link to article on TOLLROADSnews:

http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/5394

MARITIME

8) Safer Voyage for Ships with Singapore’s New Control Center

Link to article in The Straits Times:

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_694560.html

OTHER

9) Inrix Aims to Drive Its Traffic Data Into a Billion-Dollar Business

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2015702595_inrix25.html

Link to news release from Inrix:

http://inrix.com/pressrelease.asp?ID=133

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

10) China’s Efforts to Muzzle News of Train Crash Sparks Outcry

Link to Reuters article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/25/us-china-train-censorship-idUSTRE76O1IG20110725

Link to news release from the Ministry of Railways:

http://www.china-mor.gov.cn/xwzx/jrtt/201107/t20110725_24977.html (in Chinese)

Link to further information on China Digital Times:

http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2011/07/directives-from-the-ministry-of-truth-wenzhou-high-speed-train-crash/

11) Complaints in Malta About Lack of Information on Planned Street Work

Link to article in The Malta Independent on Sunday:

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=129336

ROADWAYS

12) Can I-66 Get Smart? That Depends on Drivers as Virginia Aims to Boost Traffic Technology

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/can-i-66-get-smart-that-depends-on-drivers-as-virginia-aims-to-boost-traffic-technology/2011/07/21/gIQAM7EfVI_story.html

13) New Technology Could Save Lives, Money at Rural Intersections

Link to story and video on KSTP-TV:

http://kstp.com/news/stories/S2193902.shtml?cat=127

SAFETY / SECURITY

14) Circuits, Radar Aim to Separate Norfolk Light Rail and Autos

Link to article in The Virginian-Pilot:

http://hamptonroads.com/2011/07/circuits-radars-aim-separate-norfolk-light-rail-and-autos

15) Cellphone Use Crashes Up in South Africa

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.dailynews.co.za/cellphone-use-crashes-up-1.1105308

16) Plan to Install 300 CCTV Cameras in Ahmedabad

Bus stops, railway stations, airports among locations where cameras will be located.

Link to Press Trust of India article:

http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/plan-to-install-300-cctv-cameras-in-ahmedabad-121847

17) Transportation Worker Identification Credentials Have Supporters, Detractors

Link to article in Houma Today:

http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20110724/ARTICLES/110729722/-1/opinion?Title=-TWIC-cards-have-supporters-detractors

18) Carmakers’ Drive to Keep Eyes on the Road

Link to article in the Financial Times:

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/01424cfa-acaa-11e0-a2f3-00144feabdc0.html

TRANSIT

19) Pittsburgh-Area Transit Agency Starting ‘Smartcard’ Fare System

Link to article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11206/1162761-147.stm

20) Commuters Asking for Answers After Heat-Related Havoc on Metro-North

Some complain about poor communications.

Link to article in The News-Times:

http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Commuters-asking-for-answers-after-heat-related-1583697.php

 21) Brampton, Ontario Prepares to Züm Zoom

Bus rapid transit service uses signal prioritization and provides real-time information at stops and online.

Link to article in the Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/news/transportation/article/1014817–brampton-prepares-to-zum-zoom

22) Buses on Indore, India Bus Rapid Transit Route to Offer Dream Journey

Link to article on dailybhaskar.com:

http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/MP-IND-buses-on-indore-brts-route-to-offer-dream-journey-2289785.html

23) University of Massachusetts, Connecticut Bus Company Offer ‘First-Ever’ Transit Certificate Program

Link to AP article:

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/20110724umass_hartford_bus_company_offer_transit_training/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

24) Florida 511 System Calls Decline, Website Visits Rise

Link to article and video in the Sun-Sentinel:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/fl-511-traffic-hotline-20110722,0,2206360.story

25) Indonesia to Implement Smart Transportation System

Link to article in the Jakarta Globe:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/indonesia-to-implement-smart-transportation-system/455082

26) Florida Spends $5.6 Million on Signs, Warning of Problems on Two Bridges

Link to story on WINK-TV:

http://www.winknews.com/Local-Florida/2011-07-25/State-Spends-56-Million-on-Signs-warning-of-Problems-on-Two-Bridges

27) Inrix Driving Next-Gen Traffic, Cloud Delivery Platforms

Link to blog from Strategy Analytics:

http://blogs.strategyanalytics.com/AMCS/post/2011/07/25/INRIX-steering-traffic-services-into-the-cloud.aspx

28) Reduced Congestion, Safer Pedestrians in New York City Thanks to FHWA and ‘Midtown in Motion’

Link to blog from US DOT:

http://fastlane.dot.gov/2011/07/reduced-congestion-and-safer-pedestrians-in-new-york-city-thanks-to-midtown-in-motion.html

VEHICLES

29) Nevada DOT Begins Field Test of Car-Tracking Technology for Potential New Tax

Link to Nevada News Bureau article:

http://www.nevadanewsbureau.com/2011/07/22/ndot-begins-field-test-of-car-tracking-technology-for-potential-new-tax/

30) Complexity Stalls Ford’s High-Tech Drive

Link to article in the Financial Times:

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/fbfa0dba-aca8-11e0-a2f3-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1T7Wxsu00

(free registration required)

News Releases

1) Navteq Traffic Launches RDS Real-Time Traffic Services Across Russia via Autoradio

2) China Domestic Automotive OEMs Target Telematics Market

3) US DOT Secretary LaHood Meets with American Society of Travel Agents Corporate Advisory Council

4) Discrete Wireless Becomes NexTraq

5) Harman Wins Ferrari 2011 Innovation Award

6) Three Embry-Riddle Student Teams Sweep FAA Runway Safety Design Challenge

7) BP Launches Commute Better Campaign in Columbus, Ohio

8) Iteris Advances Its Traffic Management Strategy with Vehicle Sensors Divestiture

9) Summer 2011 Issue of the South Bay Expressway’s The Sun

Upcoming Events

Webinar: The Integrated Truck Program – August 25

http://checkbox.truckline.com/Survey.aspx?s=270cc486a6604826b0f83b881381a869

Today in Transportation History  

 

1956 **55th anniversary** The SS Andrea Doria collided with the MS Stockholm off Nantucket Island.

http://www.andreadoria.org/

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

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 atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast Communications, LLC www.bwcommunications.net

Mercury Rising? No Place to Hide? – This group of workers have found a novel idea (Hard hats recommended)

July 22, 2011 at 5:47 pm

(Source: Reddit)

What happens when the temperatures keeps rising during the work hour and there is no place to take refuge from the searing heat?  One genius idea to handle the situation is demonstrated in this image below.  Pretty clever use of hydraulics!.

 

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – July 21, 2011

July 21, 2011 at 5:54 pm

 Thursday, July 21, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Budget Cuts Could Delay NextGen Development

Link to article in The Press of Atlantic City:

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/atlantic/budget-cuts-could-delay-nextgen-development/article_7de96d5e-b319-11e0-ae5c-001cc4c03286.html

2) FAA Brings in Simulation Control Tower to Las Vegas

Link to story and video on KVVU-TV:

http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/15119174/faa-brings-in-simulation-control-tower-to-vegas

3) FAA Team Figuring Out How Unmanned Drones Can Coexist with Commercial Aircraft

Link to article in The Press of Atlantic City:

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/faa-team-in-egg-harbor-township-is-figuring-out-how/article_dfc688e8-b348-11e0-991f-001cc4c03286.html

4) New FAA Website Targets Midair Collisions

Link to article on AVweb:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/NewFAAWebsiteTargetsMidairCollisions_204999-1.html

Link to See and Avoid: http://www.seeandavoid.org/

OTHER

5) Florida Makes $63 Million Selling Drivers’ Info

Link to story and video on WPLG-TV:

http://www.local10.com/news/28600374/detail.html

RAILROADS

6) Changes Signal Death of Old Technology

UK’s Network Rail moving to centralize signaling system.

Link to article in the Financial Times:

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/7b52182e-b211-11e0-a06c-00144feabdc0.html

ROADWAYS

7) MnPASS Lanes, Traffic Cams Back and Running in Minnesota

Link to story on KMSP-TV:

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/minnesota/mndot-back-mnpass-traffic-cams-july-21-2011

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) New Facial Recognition Scanners to be Introduced at Heathrow Airport

Link to article in The Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/government-computing-network/2011/jul/21/ukba-baa-heathrow-scanners

9) US Fed Up with Driver Texting

Link to article on The Street:

http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/story/11190712/1/us-fed-up-with-driver-texting.html

10) Boeing Gets Deal for Security Surveillance on Delaware River

Link to story and video in the Daily Times:

http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2011/07/20/news/doc4e2644856dab2542988221.txt

Link to news release from Boeing:

http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1843

11) Robotic Jet Ski to Patrol Harbors

Link to article on Discovery News:

http://news.discovery.com/tech/robotic-jet-ski-patrol-harbors-110720.html

TRANSIT

12) 500 Bus Data Signs to be Installed in Dublin

Link to article in The Irish Times:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0721/breaking54.html

13) Heat Knocks Out New York City Subway Countdown Clocks

Link to story and video on NY1:

http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/143382/heat-knocks-out-subway-countdown-clocks

14) Enabling Cost-Effective Multimodal Trip Planners Through Open Transit Data

Link to further information from the Location-Aware Information Systems Laboratory at the University of South Florida:

http://www.locationaware.usf.edu/ongoing-research/projects/open-transit-data/

Link to OpenTripPlanner: http://opentripplanner.usf.edu/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) Georgia DOT Employee Accused of Accepting Bribes

Link to story and video on WGCL-TV:

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/15118215/gdot-employee-of-accepting-bribes-contract-awarded-to-company-who-paid-him

Link to report from the Georgia Office of the Inspector General:

http://www.oig.georgia.gov/OIG/Files/11-027%20DOT.pdf

16) Apps Let You See Montreal’s Roads Before You Get There

Link to article in The Gazette:

http://www.montrealgazette.com/technology/Apps+lets+Montreal+roads+before+there/5135099/story.html

VEHICLES

17) Toyota’s New Pre-Crash Technology Directs Steering

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Toyotas-new-precrash-apf-2467379656.html?x=0&.v=3

18) Interview with Alexis Charbonnel, Automotive Business Development Manager, Arkamys

Link to interview from Frost & Sullivan:

http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/market-insight-top.pag?docid=238462654

News Releases

1) US Airways First US Domestic Airline to Offer Natural Language Understanding Interactive Voice Response System

2) Trimble to Acquire PeopleNet to Expand Its Presence in Growing Transportation and Logistics Market

3) TransCore Teams with Industry Leaders to Win Two ITS New York Project of the Year Awards

4) ALK Technologies Wins ‘Outstanding Project of the Year in Freight Management’ Award from ITS New York

Job Postings

–  Proposal Coordinator – Nelson/Nygaard – San Francisco, California

http://www.transittalent.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=22054

–  Field Supervisor – Omnitrans – San Bernardino, California

http://www.transittalent.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=22058

Upcoming Events

AASHTO Standing Committee on Rail Transportation Annual Meeting – September 11-14 – Charlotte, North Carolina

http://www.scort2011.com/

Today in Transportation History  

 

1911 **100th anniversary** The New York City Board of Estimate awarded the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company a contract to build 87 new miles of subway lines.

http://www.nycsubway.org/articles/psc_dual_system_rapid_transit_1912.html

1961 **50th anniversary** Mercury Redstone 4, also known as Liberty Bell 7, with Gus Grissom aboard was launched.

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=MERCR4

2011 The US Space Shuttle program came to an end with the landing of Atlantis.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.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 atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast Communications, LLC www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – July 19, 2011

July 19, 2011 at 11:27 pm

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


Register Today for IBTTA’s 79th Annual Meeting & Exhibition: Making the Difference ― September 11-14, 2011 in Berlin, Germany

Join IBTTA in Berlin for what promises to be the year’s largest gathering of toll industry professionals. With presentations from more than 90 industry experts, representing 25 countries around the world, the IBTTA Annual Meeting offers a unique learning and business opportunity!  An outstanding technical program with tracks on interoperability, tolling infrastructure around the world, communications, and environment/social responsibility – make your plans today!  Visit www.IBTTA.org/BERLIN to view the preliminary brochure, register, and learn about sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.

AVIATION

1) US-India to Cooperate on Flight Navigation Systems

Link to Indo-Asian News Service article:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/US-India-to-cooperate-on-flight-navigation-systems/Article1-722918.aspx

Link to news release from the India Ministry of Civil Aviation:

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=73321

2) Atlantic City International Achieves Virtual Expansion with Technology Upgrades

Link to article in Airport Improvement:

http://www.airportimprovement.com/content/story.php?article=00284

3) Austin-Bergstrom International Teams with American Airlines and TSA in Self-Tag Pilot

Link to article in Airport Improvement:

http://www.airportimprovement.com/content/story.php?article=00281

4) Sensis Aims to Improve Traffic Around Airport Gates

Link to article in the Central New York Business Journal:

http://cnybj.com/Channels/Technology/tabid/73/itemid/14936/sourcemid/417/Sensis-aims-to-improve-traffic-around-airport-gates/Default.aspx

OTHER

5) Microsoft Bing Taps Gigwalk’s iPhone ‘Mobile Workforce’

People get paid to take photos of items such as streets signs for navigation companies.

Link to blog in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2015655814_microsoft_bing_taps_gigwalks_m.html

PARKING

6) Pay-by-Phone Parking Still Imperfect in DC

Link to story on WTOP Radio:

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=2461257

PEDESTRIANS

7) No Tickets for Texting and Walking in Philadelphia

Link to story on WPVI-TV:

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=8258570

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Los Angeles International Airport Blames Technical Failures for Ongoing Security Woes

Link to story on KNBC-TV:

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Airport-Security-Breakdown–125778018.html

9) South Australia Police Goes Online

Link to article in Blueprint:

http://www.police.sa.gov.au/public/download.jsp?id=56866 (page 2)

10) The Role of Libraries and Librarians in Disaster Risk Reduction and Response

Link to transcript of EMForum.org presentation:

http://www.emforum.org/vforum/lc110713.htm

TELEMATICS

11) Pushing Buttons: Trying the OnStar Aftermarket Mirror

Link to article in Consumer Reports:

http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/07/pushing-buttons-trying-the-onstar-aftermarket-mirror.html

TRANSIT

12) New South Wales Public Transport Wi-Fi in New Agency’s Hands

Link to article on iTnews.com.au:

http://www.itnews.com.au/News/264071,nsw-public-transport-wifi-in-new-agencys-hands.aspx

13) Utah Transit Authority Hopes to Improve Rider Communication with New Signs

Link to article in the Deseret News:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705387809/UTA-hopes-to-improve-rider-communication-with-new-signs.html

14) MBTA’s YouTube Video Enlightens Commuters on the Ins and Outs of Quiet Cars

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/07/18/railroads_youtube_video_explains_rules_of_quiet_cars/

Link to video: http://youtu.be/u2pV8-TeEk4

15) Public Participation Strategies for Transit

Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/Public_Participation_Strategies_for_Transit_165652.aspx

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Unveils Online Traffic Navigator System

Link to article on Newsbytes Philippines:

http://newsbytes.ph/2011/07/19/mmda-unveils-online-traffic-navigator-system/

Link to news release from the MMDA:

http://www.mmda.gov.ph/news.html#jul182011

Link to Metro Manila Traffic Navigator:

http://mmdatraffic.interaksyon.com/system-view.php

17) The Carmageddon Effect

Is the real story here about good transportation planning?

Link to article on Planetizen:

http://www.planetizen.com/node/50452

18) Summary of Responses to November 2010 Request for Information on Real-Time System Management Information Program

Link to notice in the Federal Register:

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2011_register&docid=fr19jy11-8

19) Integrate Traffic Data with IBM Intelligent Transportation Using a Traffic Data Gateway

Link to further information from IBM:
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/industry/library/ind-inteltrans/index.html?ca=drs-

VEHICLES

20) Ford Sees All-Digital Car Audio Future

Link to article on just-auto:

http://www.just-auto.com/news/ford-sees-all-digital-car-audio-future_id112779.aspx?lk=dm

21) Ford Proves the Blind Can Drive a Stick

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/07/ford-proves-that-blind-drivers-can-learn-a-stick-shift

22) Study Shows Automatic Braking Reduces Rear-End Crashes

Link to article in USA Today:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/07/study-shows-automatic-braking-reduces-rear-end-crashes/1

Link to news release from the Highway Loss Data Institute:

http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr071911.html

News Releases

1) General Motors to Launch First Real-World Smart Grid Pilot with OnStar and Chevy Volt

2) Washington State DOT’s Innovative Management on I-5 Wins Award

3) AAA and the League of American Bicyclists Gear Up to Promote Safety: Not Child’s Play Any More

4) Kansas DOT’s Websites and Phone Services to be Unavailable to Public Wednesday and This Weekend

5) Navteq Expands Latin America Map Coverage to Include Uruguay

6) American Airlines Publishing Wins Multiple Magnum Opus Awards

7) China Automotive OEMs Face Telematics Challenges

8) New European Commission Tachograph Rules Will Save Companies More than €500 Million per Year

9) South Australia Police News Launch Mobile Web App

10) Bahrain Works Ministry Prepares National Plan for Traffic Safety

Upcoming Events

Podcar City: Stockholm – September 6-8 – Stockholm

http://podcarcity.org/stockholm/conference/

Today in Transportation History  

 

1911 **100th anniversary** Tolls were removed from the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queensboro and Williamsburg bridges in New York City.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F10716F63F5517738DDDAE0894DF405B818DF1D3

1961 **50th anniversary** TWA introduced the first regular in-flight movies.  The first film shown was By Love Possessed.

http://www.airspacemag.com/flight-today/Pass_the_Popcorn.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 atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast Communications, LLC www.bwcommunications.net

If you see this cop in the rear view mirror, better stop! Skilled motorcycle cop tears up skills test course

July 19, 2011 at 10:14 pm

(Source: YouTube via Reddit)

Police Officer Donnie Williams shows who is the boss on the saddles – Grand Prairie Police Motorcycle Rodeo – April 30, 2011