An electric motorcycle could be just what the doctor ordered for some urban drivers
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All State’s Infograph Shows How Obese Drivers Impact the Fuel Efficiency of Cars
Found this neat infograph via a tweet yesterday.. Couldn’t go without sharing it here.
Note: One of the subtle yet unexplored issue is the impact of America’s bulging waistlines on our national security.. It is not about our Armed forces struggling to find men and women who are physically fit. If you look at it from a macro level, the obesity issue has some serious implications for our national security. You may ask why? Because we import way too much of our oil from some of the very troubled parts of the world to haul our our people around the streets and highways of this nation. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), In 2011, the United States consumed about 134 billion gallons1 (or 3.19 billion barrels2) of gasoline, a daily average of about 367.08 million gallons (8.74 million barrels). This was about 6% less than the record high of about 142.38 billion gallons (or 3.39 billion barrels) consumed in 2007. Interestingly, the U.S. imported approximately 11.4 million barrels per day of petroleum in 2011 from about 80 countries (~45% net consumption is from imported oil). So, the heavier we become as a nation, the more fuel we will consume everyday. The more we import, more money goes to these troubled countries and eventually resulting in conflicts that inflict a greater loss of life. Some of these conflicts zones even have our personnel directly engaged in combat and now you see where this is going? Glad the current administration is taking steps to minimize our oil consumption with such measures as raising fuel economy standards but as a nation we still have a long way to go before we reach a secure energy future. And to get there every ounce matters.
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JOB ALERT: FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS ANALYST @ CAMBRIDGE SYSTEMATICS
(via YPT)
Cambridge Systematics, Inc. is a national leader in developing high quality, innovative solutions to the transportation industry. They are seeking a Freight Transportation/Logistics Analyst to w
Freight Train (Photo credit: Duncan Brown (Cradlehall))
ork on a variety of transportation consulting assignments, focusing in the area of freight movement. This position would be based in our Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, or Tallahassee offices.
Job Description: The successful junior candidate should be able to: collect quantitative and qualitative data from public and industry sources; perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of goods movement and general economic/industry data; develop recommendations for clients regarding goods movements strategies; possess strong writing, research, and communications skills; and assist in project management, project administration, client support, public outreach/presentations, and project documentation.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in transportation planning, policy, logistics, engineering, or related field; Master’s degree is preferred. Ability to able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team; strong written and oral communication skills; and proven analytical and problem solving skills are a must.
CS is employee-owned with exceptional compensation and benefits. Qualified candidates please send resume to resume@camsys.com and reference Job Code CVO000304. CS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Awesome chart breaks down state by state statutes for motorists passing bicyclists
(via TRB)
The National Conference of State Legislatures has released a chart that highlights those states that have statutes regarding motorists passing bicyclists and provides a brief summary of each state’s statute on motorists passing bicyclists. Click image below to learn more.
Job Alert: Transportation Engineer @ Booz Allen Hamilton – Washington, DC
via YPT Boston
Booz Allen Hamilton is seeking junior to mid-level candidate to assist with expanding analytics (in particular modeling and simulation) footprint in the surface transportation market, including but not limited to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Candidate will be required to assist in delivery of projects in the areas of ITS research and Transportation Management and Operations. This position is located in Washington DC. The candidate shall meet following requirements.
1. Transportation Engineering degree
2. Good data analysis skills
3. Understanding of modeling and simulation methodology and development
4. Experience in two or more transportation modeling packages such as TransCAD, VISSIM, DynusT, CORSIM, TRANSIMS, CUBE etc.
5. Experience in business development (optional)
Interested candidates shall contact Balaji Yelchuru (yelchuru_balaji@bah.com)
I wish more big cities followed the City of Auburn, New York parking enforcement policy
Fellow redditor yakshamash posted this note earlier explaining the situation: “I was going through a town in NY and decided I needed food, I parked and went into a diner, 15 minutes later I look out the window and notice that there was a meter near my car, I run out and feed it, but I was too late. The dreaded slip of paper was under my winsheild. I grabed it to see what the damage was, and was surprised to find this”
What I appreciate the most here is that the City of Auburn lives by its motto – Focused on being The Best Small City in State of New York State. Now, why don’t the big cities like Washington, DC follow this business-friendly model of parking enforcement instead of their current money-hungry anti-business parking policies which does nothing but increase the anxiety of the customer..
Career Building Alert: AASHTO ENGINEERING FELLOW – AN INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE
Nature of Position:
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO ) Logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The successful candidate will assist senior AASHTO engineering staff in the work it provides for the Board of Directors (i.e., the Secretaries of Transportation from the State DOTs), the Standing Committee on Highways (i.e., the Chief Engineers), and its subcommittees, which include design, construction, bridges, traffic engineering, operations, maintenance, materials, and others. The following are some of the potential activities of the successful candidate:
• assisting in the development and update of AASHTO’s technical standards, such as the Green Book, Roadside Design Guide, and Bicycle Guide;
• assisting in organizing national meetings and conferences by providing assistance to AASHTO committee officers;
• participating in AASHTO committee meetings around the country;
• assisting in the development of national policy on transportation operations and project delivery; and
• providing other assistance as required.
The incumbent may also work with a variety of technical committees in the production of engineering and operations-related professional publications, and will respond to technical inquiries on AASHTO publications and policies.
Education: A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering is required.
Skill Requirement: A broad understanding of the technical aspects of one or more aspects of transportation engineering and a sound comprehension of the administrative, legislative, and regulatory process at the federal and state levels. Excellent written and oral communication skills are also desired. The incumbent must be able to travel.
Relevant Experience: Approximately 8 to 15 years of professional experience in transportation is required, preferably in a State DOT. It is desirable that some of the previous experience be at a policy planning or management level in a state, local, or federal transportation agency.
Relationships: The incumbent will have contact with AASHTO committee members through meeting attendance, correspondence, and telephone contacts and will assist other AASHTO staff members as required by the Program Director.
Position Responsibilities: The incumbent will provide input as requested relative to association policy formulation. From a technical perspective, the incumbent is expected to work with the various AASHTO technical committees on standards, training, and research. This individual may be called on to participate in various planning efforts, and is responsible for developing certain elements of the association’s annual and spring conferences. Depending on the specific duties assigned, the individual may be expected to assist with publication activities.
The incumbent will be expected to draft, write, or edit transportation policy statements or resolutions related to assigned duties, or other areas of interest to the association. However, such positions may not be established without approval by higher authorities.
Since this is a competitive position among interested state departments of transportation, recruitment time is unknown, but is estimated to be three months from the date of advertisement.
Expenses: The position will include a monthly living stipend reimbursable to a maximum of $2,200 per month, plus a public transit subsidy of up to $120 per month. AASHTO will pay a one-time round-trip transportation ticket to/from Washington, DC. Appropriate business expenses related to AASHTO work and travel assignments will be reimbursed.
Competition: A panel of AASHTO managers and engineering staff will evaluate applicants. Send resume and letter of endorsement from State DOT director to AASHTO, Attention: Human Resource Manager, 444 N. Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. Resumes and letters of endorsement may also be submitted by e-mail to cbeauvais@aashto.org or by fax to 202-624-8471. EOE/M/F/D.
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U.S. Department of Transportation Issues Request for Information Regarding Nomadic Data Collection Devices
Responses Due COB July 24, 2012
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a Request for Information (RFI) for documents related to nomadic devices for real time data collection. The announcement is not a solicitation for proposals or proposal abstracts. The purpose of the notice is to obtain information, for planning purposes, regarding:
(1) the availability of nomadic data collection devices for real time travel data with what are perceived to be unique capabilities for operating in a highly mobile environment; and
(2) to determine whether the needed capabilities exist or where there are gaps that need to be filled, through the development and certification of new data acquisition devices and/or systems.
Information gathered through public comment will inform decisions on whether and how to acquire devices as part of the connected vehicle mobility research program’s testing agenda. The notice provides a high-level description of the envisioned capabilities of the devices. Respondents are invited to comment on any of the items described herein; in particular, respondents are encouraged to address the specific questions featured at the end of this RFI.
Interested parties can visit www.fbo.gov
Job Alert: Highway Safety Specialists (Two Positions) – U.S. Department of Transportation @ Oklahoma City, OK
The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) seeks two Highway Safety Specialists (Instructor) to join the Highway Safety Division at the Transportation Safety Institute (TSI). RITA coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system. TSI provides premier worldwide training, products and/or services for people in the public and private sectors through innovative, state-of-the-art methods and technologies that contribute to the protection of life, property, and the environment. The TSI training center is located in Oklahoma City, OK at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC), a Federal Aviation Administration training and materials facility. Visit www.tsi.dot.gov to learn more. The position is located in Oklahoma City, OK.
As a Highway Safety Specialist (Instructor), you will be a principal specialist in highway traffic safety in the Highway Safety Division. You will conduct, administer, and evaluate courses and seminars in all facets of highway/traffic safety. The Division provides a variety of transportation safety related courses to Federal, State and private industry audiences.
The ideal candidate is a mid-career or experienced professional with expert knowledge in the areas of highway/traffic safety, and knowledge and skill in developing, delivering, and evaluating training programs related to highway/traffic safety programs and projects to Federal, State and Local government staff as well as industry personnel. In addition, the ideal candidate has knowledge and skill in the application of regulatory programs, managerial capabilities, and classroom teaching.
This announcement is open to the general public and under merit promotion for current or former Federal employees and people eligible under special hiring authorities. Please note that merit promotion announcements are the vehicle through which Federal employees generally apply for Federal positions.
Application deadline: Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Merit Promotion Announcement (RITA.TSI-2012-0009): http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/320945200
Public Announcement (RITA.TSI-2012-0010): http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/320949000
If you or someone you know has the experience and proven results, I encourage you or them to apply. We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates. Please contact Eric Falzone at eric.falzone@dot.gov or 617-494-2418 if you have any questions.
