Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – June 18, 2009

June 18, 2009 at 5:06 pm

Thursday, June 18, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Registration Now Open for IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting and Exhibition: The Transformation of Transportation

IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, September 13-16, 2009, in Chicago, Illinois is the most significant gathering of toll industry professionals and business partners in the world. Delegates from 25 countries on six continents will meet in Chicago to examine best practices and critical innovations in toll industry finance, marketing, technology and innovation, customer service, sustainability, operations, and related issues. Register by August 14 and receive a $100 discount off your registration fee. This meeting is hosted by the Illinois Tollway and will be held at the Hyatt Regency. For more information on registration, hotel reservations, exhibiting or sponsorship, visit IBTTA’s website at www.ibtta.orgRegister online today!

AVIATION

1) Regulators Zero In on Risks of Airbus Sensors

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/18/world/europe/18iht-plane.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

2) Eye-in-Sky Satellite Storm Alert May Avert Future Air Disasters

Link to Bloomberg News story:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=a.s6Gdc8Ww8s

3) Eyes in the Sky Make Aircraft More Visible

New Zealand surveillance sites will improve safety.

Link to story in the Mountain Scene:

http://www.scene.co.nz/24157a1.page

CAMERAS

4) Arizona Senate Panel Vote Would Add Points for Photo Radar Tickets, Notify Insurers

Link to Capitol Media Services story:

http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/297547

OTHER

5) June Issue of the National Weather Service’s The Front Online

Link to newsletter:

http://www.weather.gov/os/aviation/front/09jun-front.pdf

ROADWAYS

6) Georgia Told Better Exit Signs Needed

Link to story in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2008/08/21/ntsb.html

7) ‘Share the Road’ Sign Design Hits Bump on the Regulatory Road

Link to story in The Wenatchee World:

http://wenatcheeworld.com/article/20090618/NEWS04/706189907/-1/NEWS90?Sign-design-hits-bump-on-the-regulatory-road

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Canada Amends ‘Dangerous Goods’ Act to Prevent Haz-Mat Accidents

Amendment requires transporters to develop and maintain pre-approved emergency response assistance plans and that ‘dangerous goods’ be tracked.

Link to story in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=20671

9) First Implementations of New Activate It Mobile Alerting System Next Month

Link to story in Traffic Technology International:

http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news.php?NewsID=13166

TRANSIT

10) Miami-Dade Train Tracker Wins Award

Link to story in Metro Magazine:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2009/06/Miami-Dade-Transit-s-Train-Tracker-wins-award.aspx

11) In a Month, Chandigarh Buses to be GPS-Ready

Link to story in the Indian Express:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/In-a-month–buses-to-be-GPS-ready/478622

12) National Campaign Urges Drivers to Give Public Transportation a Chance

Link to story in The Indianapolis Star:

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090618/LOCAL18/906180417/National+campaign+urges+drivers+to+give+public+transportation+a+chance

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Europe Split Over Best Way Forward for Traffic Systems

Countries, including the UK, are resisting efforts by the European Commission to impose an EU-wide framework for intelligent traffic systems.

Link to story in Computing:

http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/analysis/2244382/europe-split-best-way-forward-4723503

14) Ontario Ministry of Transportation Mobile Radio Network a Success

Link to story in Road Talk:

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/transtek/roadtalk/rt15-2/#a6

VEHICLES

15) UPS to Allow Hard-of-Hearing Drivers

Link to story in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/17/BA5A188DRO.DTL

News Releases

1) DART Features Employees in Online Rail Construction Promotion

2) TomTom Selects Inrix as Strategic Partner for Traffic and Fuel Prices in North America

3) Frost & Sullivan Presents European Automotive Safety Systems Product Innovation of the Year Award to Navteq

Job Postings

–  Operations Research Analyst, GS-1515-13 EG – Research and Innovative Technology Administration – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=81453292&rc=5&TabNum=1

–  Operations Research Analyst, GS-1515-12 EG – Research and Innovative Technology Administration – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=81453244

Upcoming Events

MetaPlaces ’09 – September 22-23 – San Jose, California

http://www.thewherebusiness.com/metaplaces/index.shtml

Today in Transportation History

1934 **75th anniversary** – Design began of the Boeing Model 299 which eventually became the B-17 Flying Fortress.

http://www.1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/KleinBernhard/7102.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com

To unsubscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

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

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

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – June 17, 2009

June 17, 2009 at 5:06 pm

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


On Facebook or LinkedIn?

If you’re on Facebook and/or LinkedIn I invite you to connect with me.  My Facebook page is at http://www.facebook.com/brwagenblast and on LinkedIn at

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bernie-wagenblast/0/62/190.

AVIATION

1) FAA InFO Notice Takes on Sailplane Transponders

Link to story on the Aero-News Network:

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?ContentBlockID=ac106c0d-1ce4-4c4b-922e-ea50bbcd29c4

Link to notice from the Federal Aviation Administration:

http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info/all_infos/media/2009/info09009.pdf

2) Business Jet Group Tries to Block Freedom of Information Request

Link to story on ProPublica:

http://www.propublica.org/article/business-jet-group-tries-to-block-foia-request-616

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) GPS Satellite Glitches Fuel Concern on Next Generation

Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124520702464422059.html

RAILROADS

4) Amtrak Promises Better Communication with Public About Projects Affecting Connecticut

Link to story in The Day:

http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=8ce574a4-2b74-40eb-ae60-5394933b3ae4

5) Amtrak Criticized for Pennsylvania Fires

Fire officials say railroad initially refused to stop defective train or halt rail traffic. Amtrak blames miscommunication.

Link to story in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/health_science/daily/20090617_Amtrak_criticized_for_Main_Line_fires.html

ROADWAYS

6) Safety Sign or Massachusetts Governor Campaign Ad?

Link to story and video on WBZ-TV:

http://wbztv.com/local/patrick.highway.signs.2.1048088.html

7) ‘Smart’ Bridges Harness Technology to Stay Safe

Link to story in Scientific American:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=smart-bridges-harness-tech

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) US Department of Homeland Security Launches Second Test of Biometric Exit Processes

Link to story on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090610_9479.php

9) Transportation Security Administration’s Role in General Aviation Security

Link to report from the US Department of Homeland Security Inspector General:

http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_09-69_May09.pdf

TRANSIT

10) Turban-Wearing Transit Workers Demand New York MTA Drop Mandated Logo on Headwear

Link to story in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/06/16/2009-06-16_turbanwearing_transit_workers_demand_mta_.html

11) Prank SEPTA Signs Offend, Amuse

Link to story in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/48196332.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) $22 Million from Feds Will Help Traffic Monitoring on Philadelphia’s I-95 and Vine Street Expressway

Link to story on KYW Radio:

http://www.kyw1060.com/-22-Million-from-Feds-Will-Help-Monitor-I-95-and-V/4620155

13) Dubai Motorists to Get SMS Alert on Heavy Fog Conditions

Link to story in Gulf News:

http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Traffic_and_Transport/10323554.html

News Releases

1) New Pennsylvania DOT Web Site Designed to Enhance Highway Safety

Upcoming Events

Rail Systems Asia 2009 – September 1-3 – New Delhi

http://www.railsystemsasia.com/

Today in Transportation History

1579 **430th anniversary** – Francis Drake landed along the west coast of the present day United States and called it Nova Albion and claimed it for England.

http://bbprivateer.com/novaalbion.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com

To unsubscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – June 16, 2009

June 16, 2009 at 5:43 pm

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Registration Now Open for IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting and Exhibition: The Transformation of Transportation

IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, September 13-16, 2009, in Chicago, Illinois is the most significant gathering of toll industry professionals and business partners in the world. Delegates from 25 countries on six continents will meet in Chicago to examine best practices and critical innovations in toll industry finance, marketing, technology and innovation, customer service, sustainability, operations, and related issues. Register by August 14 and receive a $100 discount off your registration fee. This meeting is hosted by the Illinois Tollway and will be held at the Hyatt Regency. For more information on registration, hotel reservations, exhibiting or sponsorship, visit IBTTA’s website at www.ibtta.orgRegister online today!

AVIATION

1) Data on Airlines’ On-Time Performance Raises Questions

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/16/business/16flights.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

2) EU Air Traffic Scheme Gets Off the Ground

Link to story on EurActiv:

http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/eu-air-traffic-scheme-gets-ground/article-183181

CAMERAS

3) New Jersey State Police Hit ‘Eject’ on VHS

Digital recorders to replace obsolete cameras and tapes in patrol cars.

Link to story in The Star-Ledger:

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-14/1245038739305980.xml&coll=1

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) Google Gives Android Voice Maps Search

Link to story in InformationWeek:

http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/google/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=217801294

ROADWAYS

5) Sign of the Times?

Electronic signs begin to display pictograms on motorways.

Link to BBC News story:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/content/articles/2009/06/15/traffic_feature.shtml

6) Texas Transportation Institute Promotes Regular Roadsign Replacement

Link to story in The Battalion:

http://media.www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2009/06/16/News/Texas.Transportation.Institute.Promotes.Regular.Roadsign.Replacement-3747798.shtml

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Coastal Evacuation Plan Coordinates Exodus

Plan will give Monmouth County tools in event of natural disaster.

Link to story in Atlanticville:

http://atlanticville.gmnews.com/news/2009/0611/front_page/002.html

TRANSIT

8) Utah Transit Authority Adopts Ordinance on Accessing Web Sites

Link to AP story:

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12595715

9) Arizona’s Valley Metro Launches Online Commuter Tools

Link to story in Metro Magazine:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2009/06/Valley-Metro-launches-online-commuter-tools.aspx

Link to ShareTheRide site:  https://sharetheride.valleymetro.org

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Traffic Alerts Still Need Fine Tuning in New Mexico

Link to story from the Albuquerque Journal:

http://www.forconstructionpros.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=41&id=13133

11) Florida Traffic Reporter Marks 40 Years on the Job

Link to story in the St. Petersburg Times:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/article1010418.ece

VEHICLES

12) Going Mobile with In-Car Wi-Fi

Link to Fox News story:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,526611,00.html

13) BMW Working on Collision Prevention System

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/15/bmw-working-on-collision-prevention-system/?nl=wheels&emc=wheelsa1

News Releases

1) Call to Action Leads to Improvements in Pilot Training and Better Access to Pilot Records

2) Washington Metro Expands Basic Spanish Class for Employees

Upcoming Events

16th ITS World Congress – September 21-25 – Stockholm, Sweden

http://www.itsworldcongress.com/

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100th anniversary** – The Golden Flyer, took its first flight in the Bronx, New York.

http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Wright_Bros/Patent_Battles/WR12.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com

To unsubscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – June 15, 2009

June 15, 2009 at 8:51 pm

Monday, June 15, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Utah Lawmakers: Air Traffic Computer Not Ready

Link to AP story:

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12584509

2) US Signal Locator to Search for Air France Clues

Link to AP story:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-06-14-air-france-crash-brazil_N.htm

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) Unlike Obama, US Senate Likes GPS Backup

Link to column on Nextgov:

http://whatsbrewin.nextgov.com/2009/06/unlike_obama_senate_likes_gps.php

4) Pedestrian Navigation Marches Toward Mainstream Adoption

Link to story on TheWhereBusiness:

http://social.thewherebusiness.com/content/pedestrian-navigation-marches-towards-mainstream-adoption

5) New Book Helps Travelers ‘Never Get Lost Again’

Link to AP story:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2009-06-15-never-get-lost-again_N.htm

MARITIME

6) Did Web Use Distract Long Beach, California Council During Port Discussion?

Link to story in the Contra Costa Times:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12586126?nclick_check=1

7) Replaying Disasters Till They Get It Right

California Maritime Academy students can practice scenarios in simulator.

Link to story in the Vallejo Times-Herald:

http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_12587919

OTHER

8) How Can Smart Technology Drive Performance?

Link to the National Journal Transportation Experts Blog:

http://transportation.nationaljournal.com/2009/06/how-can-smart-technology-drive.php

ROADWAYS

9) Reduce Congestion, Win $50,000

ITS America, IBM partner in global challenge to seek new congestion-busting ideas.

Link to story in The Journal of Commerce:

http://www.joc.com/node/411893

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Georgia Woman Campaigns to Label Cars Driven by ‘Newly Licensed’

Link to story in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/stories/2009/06/15/magnet_newly_licensed.html

TRANSIT

11) Honolulu’s New Transit Logo Biased, Rail Opponents Say

Link to story in The Honolulu Advertiser:

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090615/NEWS09/906150340/Honolulu+s+new+transit+logo+biased++rail+opponents+say

12) New York Senator Urges New York MTA Action on Wireless Internet

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5goOiQdgeSFkMMiokc59Re2gBYf6wD98R9BLO0

Link to news release from Senator Charles Schumer:

http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/record.cfm?id=314465

13) Los Angeles MTA Boots Up Transit Data Site

Link to story in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=20650

14) Your Client on a Light Rail Station

Naming rights are the new thing for municipalities.

Link to story in Media Life:

http://www.medialifemagazine.com/artman2/publish/Out_of_Home_19/Your_client_on_a_light_rail_station.asp

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) The Future of GPS Traffic Monitoring in Australia

Link to interview with Adam Game, CEO of Intelematics on Lifehacker:

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2009/06/the-future-of-gps-traffic-monitoring-in-australia/

16) Traffic Lights Retimed at 1,000 London Junctions

Link to story in the London Evening Standard:

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23707524-details/Traffic+lights+re-timed+at+1,000+junctions/article.do

17) Traffic Management Center (TMC) Weather Integration Self-Evaluation and Planning Guide

Link to publication from the Federal Highway Administration:

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=545

News Releases

1) New Online Forum Addresses Traffic Calming, Traffic Congestion, School Zone Safety and Other Traffic-Related Topics

2) AASHTO Financial Center Launches Web Site for State DOTs

3) Airbus Formally Signs Into SESAR Multi-partner Agreement

4) Better Observed and Enforced Traffic Laws Vital to Saving Lives – UN Agency

5) Guidepoint to Provide Connectivity, Services for New Visteon Radio-Navigation System

Upcoming Events

Where Do You Think You’re Going…Workshop to Help Shape Future Research Into Sustainable Intelligent Transport – June 25 – Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

http://wdytyg.eventbrite.com/

Today in Transportation History

1904 **105th anniversary** – The SS General Slocum burned in New York City’s East River killing over 1,000 people.

http://www.generalslocum.com/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to: TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com

To unsubscribe send an e-mail to: TCNL-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter – June 12, 2009

June 12, 2009 at 9:06 pm

Friday, June 12, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) Free Wi-Fi Coming to Salt Lake City Airport in July

Link to story in the Deseret News:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705310049/Free-Wi-Fi-coming-to-SL-airport-in-July.html

2) Europe Signs Air Traffic Deals Worth 1.9 Billion Euros

Link to Reuters story:

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSLC7397220090612

BICYCLES

3) Better Bike Lane Signage is Low-Cost, High-Impact Solution for Urban Cyclists

Link to story in Fast Company:

http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/alissa-walker/designerati/better-bikeway-signage-low-cost-high-impact-solution-urban-cyclists

CAMERAS

4) Red Light District for Southernmost City?

Key West, Florida mayor floats cameras as way to raise money.

Link to story in the Key West Keynoter:

http://www.keysnet.com/news/story/110452.html

RAILROADS

5) IBM Opens Railway Innovation Center in China

Link to AFP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g7D95fzJkkINXKa5JTaS_rIv6yHg

Link to news release from IBM:

http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/27686.wss#release

6) Lithuanian Railways Completes First GSM-R Call

Link to story on cellular-news:

http://www.cellular-news.com/story/37957.php

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Ban on Whole Body Imaging Would Hurt TSA, Chief Says

Link to story in Homeland Security Today:

http://www.hstoday.us/content/view/8895/128/

8) Minneapolis/St. Paul, US DOT Test Next-Generation 911 Systems

Link to story in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/06/11/minneapolis-dot-test-next-generation-911-systems.aspx

TRANSIT

9) San Francisco Bay Area Universal Transit Card Stalls

Link to article in the Contra Costa Times:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/traffic/ci_12571572

10) New York City Transit Says It Erred in Disbanding Subway Emergency Team

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/nyregion/12emergency.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

11) Air Miles Could be Your Ticket for Edmonton Transit Ride

Link to story in the Edmonton Sun:

http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2009/06/12/9773046-sun.html

12) Metra Rolls Out Its First Train Cars Wrapped in Paid Advertising

Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-talk-metra-rolling-adsjun11,0,6685116.story

13) AT&T Will Become Fourth Wireless Service in Chicago Subways

Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-cta-11-jun11,0,33216.story

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) Traffic Lessons Learned Keep Cars Moving Into Tennessee Concert Site

Link to story and video in the Chattanooga Times Free Press:

http://timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/12/traffic-lessons-learned-keep-cars-moving-concert-s/

VEHICLES

15) What Service Providers and Auto Makers Can Learn From Each Other

Link to column on TMCnet:

http://asterisk.tmcnet.com/topics/ip-pbx/articles/57898-what-service-providers-auto-makers-learn-from-each.htm

16) Higher Gas Mileage Standards at Expense of Safety Advances

Link to commentary in The Detroit News:

http://www.detnews.com/article/20090612/OPINION01/906120337/1008/Higher-gas-mileage-standards-at-expense-of-safety-advances

News Releases

1) Trimble Acquires Accutest for Vehicle Diagnostics and Telematics to Expand its Fleet Management Solutions

Upcoming Events

North American Freight Flows Conference: Understanding Changes and Improving Data Sources – September 16-17 – Irvine, California

http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=9836

Friday Bonus

I guess Angelina Jolie wasn’t available.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h-EHqq2i7JakPoNai-odLpVTM2rQD98NSUQ82

Today in Transportation History

1889 **120th anniversary** – The Armagh rail disaster took place in Ireland.  Seventy-eight people, many children, died.

http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/BoT_Armagh1889.pdf

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com

To unsubscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast ati95berniew@aol.com.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – June 11, 2009

June 11, 2009 at 5:57 pm

Thursday, June 11, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Registration Now Open for IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting and Exhibition: The Transformation of Transportation

IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, September 13-16, 2009, in Chicago, Illinois is the most significant gathering of toll industry professionals and business partners in the world. Delegates from 25 countries on six continents will meet in Chicago to examine best practices and critical innovations in toll industry finance, marketing, technology and innovation, customer service, sustainability, operations, and related issues. Register by August 14 and receive a $100 discount off your registration fee. This meeting is hosted by the Illinois Tollway and will be held at the Hyatt Regency. For more information on registration, hotel reservations, exhibiting or sponsorship, visit IBTTA’s website at www.ibtta.orgRegister online today!

AVIATION

1) Air France CEO ‘Not Convinced’ Sensors Caused Crash

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iOegnahAFcEgwJZ4WKGkVz9Dgq5wD98OCJ1G0

2) LAX to Unveil New Warning System on Taxiways, Runway

Link to story in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-runway11-2009jun11,0,2675433.story

3) Clarksville-Montgomery Airport Authority Keeps Public Out

Board claims it has exemption from Tennessee’s open meetings law.
Link to story in The Leaf-Chronicle:

http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20090611/NEWS01/906110332/Airport+Authority+keeps+public+out

4) Federal Aviation Administration Launches Safety Site

Link to story on Nextgov:

http://techinsider.nextgov.com/2009/06/faa_launches_safety_site_after.php

Link to site:  http://www.faa.gov/about/safety_efficiency/

CARTOGRAPHY

5) Doubts About GPS as Map Sales Surge

Link to transcript on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s The World Today:

http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2008/s2595458.htm

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) GPS-Fitted Shoe Helps Track Alzheimer Patient

Link to AFP story:

http://www.physorg.com/news163474344.html#

ROADWAYS

7) MIT Works to Solve Traffic Jam Problem

Mathematicians are working on the development of a new model to explain how and why ‘phantom’ traffic jams form.

Link to story on DailyTech:

http://www.dailytech.com/MIT+Works+to+Solve+Traffic+Jam+Problem/article15380c.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Registered Traveler, Cargo Screening Raise Concerns at TSA Budget Hearing

Link to story from Congressional Quarterly Homeland Security:

http://www.airportbusiness.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=28754

TELEMATICS

9) New Innovations at Telematics Detroit Overshadowed by Auto Industry News

Link to story on 12 Volt News:

http://www.12voltnews.com/?p=5095

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Edmonton Committee Investigates ‘Smart’ Traffic System

Link to story in The Edmonton Sun:

http://www.edmondsun.com/local/local_story_162003843.html

11) Bengaluru Traffic Police Use Technology in the Centralized Traffic Management Center for More Efficient Traffic Management

Link to story on Citizen Matters:

http://bangalore.citizenmatters.in/articles/view/1148-bengaluru-traffic-management-centre

12) Isle of Man Traffic Management Plan Put to Test by Race

Link to story in the Manx Independent:

http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/TT-traffic-management-plan-is.5356621.jp

13) Smarter Brisbane Transport Plans Urged

Link to story in Cargonews Asia:

http://www.cargonewsasia.com/secured/article.aspx?id=3&article=19621

VEHICLES

14) QNX and Pandora Team to Bring Internet Radio to the Car

Link to story and video in Radio World:

http://www.rwonline.com/article/82306

News Releases

1) Com Dev to Offer Space-Based Maritime Automatic Identification System Services Beginning in 2010

2) Volvo Technology Selected to Lead New York CVII Development Program

Upcoming Events

Mobile Strategies for Travel USA – September 16-17 – Chicago

http://events.eyefortravel.com/tdsusa/mobile-travel/

Today in Transportation History

1959 **50th anniversary** – The Hovercraft, a vehicle which floats on a cushion of air over land and water, was officially launched off the south coast of England.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/june/11/newsid_4333000/4333329.stm

1959 **50TH anniversary** – Honda opened it first US dealership.

http://world.honda.com/history/challenge/1959establishingamericanhonda/img/american_pho_01.jpg

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast ati95berniew@aol.com.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – June 10, 2009

June 10, 2009 at 5:16 pm

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

AVIATION

1) Bird Radar a Special Focus of NTSB 1549 Hearing

Link to story on The Aero-News Network:

http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?ContentBlockID=454c7f46-0372-4d59-8372-39a47fc705f7

2) FAA Nixes Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft for US Cops

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/694089?topic=117680

3) Embracing Airport Technology Can Save You Time and Money

Link to AP story:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-06-09-airport-technology_N.htm

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Bills Would Kill US Department of Homeland Security Satellite Surveillance Office

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/06/05/web-nao-harman-legislation.aspx

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) New Security Technology to Get Test with New York Rail Commuters

Link to CNN story:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/06/09/new.york.rail.security.screenings/

6) E-Ticket System Issues 1 Million Traffic Tickets

Link to AP story:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-in-electronictraffic,0,6997682.story

TRANSIT

7) Boston T Suspends First Worker for Carrying a Cell Phone

Link to story in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/06/10/in_first_t_suspends_cellphone_carrying_subway_attendant/

8) Billboard for Apple Competitor Removed by BART

Link to blog on ZDNet:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=19491

9) Next Stop – A Better Bus Stop

Experiment uses crowdsourcing to design a better bus stop.

Link to story on The Transit Wire:

http://www.thetransitwire.com/2009/06/10/next-stop-a-better-bus-stop/

VEHICLES

10) Social Aspects Will Determine Car Technology, Freestyle Executive Says

Link to interview in EE Times:

http://www.eetimes.com/news/semi/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=217800566

News Releases

1) iFly.com Launches iFly Airport Guide and iFly Pro — First Comprehensive Airport Guides for the iPhone

2) Eurocontrol Publishes Guidance on Implementing the European Air Traffic Management Master Plan

3) American Trucking Associations Unveils Progressive New Highway Safety Agenda

4) ITS-NY Wins ITS America’s 2009 Outstanding State Chapter Award

Upcoming Events

Integrated Corridor System Management Modeling Best Practices Workshop – September 14-15 – Irvine, California

http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=9835

Today in Transportation History

1829 **180th anniversary** – The first Boat Race, a rowing contest between the boat clubs of the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, took place.

http://www.theboatrace.org/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – June 9, 2009

June 9, 2009 at 8:05 pm

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Registration Now Open for IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting and Exhibition: The Transformation of Transportation

IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, September 13-16, 2009, in Chicago, Illinois is the most significant gathering of toll industry professionals and business partners in the world. Delegates from 25 countries on six continents will meet in Chicago to examine best practices and critical innovations in toll industry finance, marketing, technology and innovation, customer service, sustainability, operations, and related issues. Register by August 14 and receive a $100 discount off your registration fee. This meeting is hosted by the Illinois Tollway and will be held at the Hyatt Regency. For more information on registration, hotel reservations, exhibiting or sponsorship, visit IBTTA’s website at www.ibtta.orgRegister online today!

AVIATION

1) Pilot Says Bird Warnings Not Much Help to Aircraft

Link to AP story:

http://www.southernledger.com/ap/280570/Pilot_says_bird_warnings_not_much_help_to_aircraft

2) A330 Airlines Distance Themselves from Sensors

Link to AP story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/A330-airlines-distance-apf-15479414.html?.v=5

OTHER

3) Satellites Help Cameroon Track Illegal Trading

Link to Voice of America story:

http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/2009-06-08-voa15.cfm

ROADWAYS

4) Los Angeles County Considers Congestion Pricing for 110 and 10 Freeways

Link to story in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-tollway9-2009jun09,0,7960912.story

TELEMATICS

5) Using Telematics to Make Money for Construction Equipment Dealers

Link to story in Construction Equipment Distribution:

http://www.cedmag.com/article-detail.cfm?id=10924830

TRANSIT

6) A Transit Voice Planner? ‘Back Up.’ Back Way Up

A review of the new New York City Transit voice recognition trip planning service.

Link to column in The New York Times:

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/08/a-transit-voice-planner-back-up-back-way-up/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

7) Ubiquitous Sensor Network Sought

Seoul will explore possibility of using IP-USN for providing real-time traffic information, monitoring road conditions and bus movements, while evaluating air pollution levels.

Link to story in The Korea Times:

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2009/06/123_46550.html

VEHICLES

8) These Days, Cheap is the Rule of the Road for Car Gadgetry

Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124450736037596339.html

News Releases

1) Global Mobile Alert Corp. Brings Alert Aid to Mobile Users

2) Yazaki North America Introduces Advanced Instrument Cluster Prototype for Automakers

3) Free Wisconsin E85 Station Maps Offered

Upcoming Events

APWA 2009 Public Works Congress & Exposition – September 13-16 – Columbus, Ohio

http://www.apwa.net/Meetings/Congress/2009/

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100th anniversary** – Alice Huyler Ramsey began a cross-country road trip from New York to San Francisco.  She became the first woman to drive across the US.

http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-ramsey7-2009jun07

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com

To unsubscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast ati95berniew@aol.com.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – June 8, 2009

June 8, 2009 at 6:07 pm

Monday, June 8, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Siemens and Sensys Networks Partner to Simplify Data Collection in Adaptive Traffic Management Systems

Siemens Traffic Solutions and Sensys Networks have formed a technology partnership to integrate Sensys wireless vehicle detectors with the Siemens SCOOT® Adaptive Control System.  The collaboration of Siemens and Sensys has unleashed the ability for cities and municipalities to implement SCOOT® Adaptive systems without the infrastructure and cost barriers of traditional loop detectors. Sensys wireless detectors are renowned for their ease of installation and dependability. Integration with Siemens products further facilitates their use by making it easier to implement at all levels of traffic management systems and for a variety of applications. Siemens plans further integration with additional systems beyond adaptive control. Working closely with Sensys, Siemens expects to see integration with regional, central and on-street systems. For more info on how you can simplify your SCOOT® Adaptive Control System with Sensys wireless detectors and eliminate street trenching all together, email Ray Schreiber at ray@sensysnetworks.com or call 510 898 2251. Visit us at www.sensysnetworks.com for more info.

AVIATION

1) Paris-Miami Flight a Step Forward for Aviation

An intercontinental flight from Paris to South Florida by a US passenger jet will use new fuel-saving and satellite-based navigation procedures.

Link to story in The Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/1086729.html

2) Airlines Expanding Self-Serve Check-In

Many passengers can now check in for a flight and even change or select a seat using their mobile phones.

Link to story in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-briefcase6-2009jun06,0,4717445.story

3) Air France Replaces Speed Sensors

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8087573.stm

4) E-Boarding Pass Use Expands; Baggage Carousel Ads Make the Rounds

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2009-06-07-airport-checkin-delta-american_N.htm

BICYCLES

5) Baffled About Pedaling to Work? Web Will Get You Rolling

Link to story in the Chicago Sun-Times:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/transportation/1611705,CST-NWS-ride08a.article

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) TomTom Brings Turn-by-Turn Navigation to iPhone

Link to CNET News story:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-10259662-233.html

MARITIME

7) Stimulus Funds for Coastal Charts Yet to be Sighted

Link to story in The Baltimore Sun:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.mapping06jun06,0,3316044.story

OTHER

8) Human Ear Inspires Universal Radio Antenna

It may lead to electronics that can pick up any radio frequency.

Link to story from Discovery:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31172567/

RAILROADS

9) Amtrak Late to Station with Onboard Wi-Fi

Link to commentary on Reason Online:

http://reason.com/blog/show/133989.html

ROADWAYS

10) Ohio Turnpike to Let Drivers Pay Tolls with Credit, Debit Cards

Link to story in The Plain Dealer:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/06/ohio_turnpike_to_let_drivers_p.html

11) Can Twitter Help Fix San Francisco’s Potholes?

Link to story in The Christian Science Monitor:

http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0606/p02s01-usgn.html

12) ShakeCast: Caltrans Deploys a Tool for Rapid Postearthquake Response

Link to further information from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=10437

SAFETY / SECURITY

13) MBTA Expands Cell Phone Ban to Rail, Boats

Link to story on WCVB-TV:

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/19682978/detail.html

14) ‘Bluetooth’ Signals Show Airport Security-Line Waiting Times

Link to AScribe Newswire story:

http://newswire.ascribe.org/cgi-bin/behold.pl?ascribeid=20090608.103514&time=11%2058%20PDT&year=2009&public=0

TRANSIT

15) Bus Drivers Say Seattle Metro’s New Smart Card Isn’t so Smart

Link to story in the Seattle PostGlobe:

http://seattlepostglobe.org/2009/06/07/bus-drivers-say-metros-new-smart-card-isnt-so-smart

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) Technology Allows Sandy Springs, Georgia to do Real-Time Traffic Fixes

Link to story in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/northfulton/stories/2009/06/08/sandy_springs_traffic.html

17) Clear Channel Readies New Digital Apps

Link to story in MediaDailyNews:

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=107418

News Releases

1) New TrafficFlow Manager Works with Traffic Signal Timing to Eliminate Traffic Congestion and Reduce Fuel Consumption

2) Despite Bankruptcy, General Motors Tops New ABI Research Global OEM Telematics Vendor Matrix Ranking

3) NOAA, US Army Corps of Engineers to Build Alaska Satellite Operations Facility

4) New Center Provides Traffic Information for Townsville, Australia Area

5) Improvements to Official UK Highways Agency Traffic Web Site Allows Coach Crews to Check Data on the Move

Upcoming Events

2nd International Symposium on Freeway and Tollway Operations – June 21-24 – Honolulu, Hawaii

http://2isfo.eng.hawaii.edu/

Today in Transportation History

1959 **50th anniversary** – The first and only delivery of ‘missile mail’ by the US Post Office Department took place when the USS Barbero fired a missile with some 3,000 letters to Mayport, Florida.

http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/airmail/historicplanes/unusual/historicplanes_unusual_missile.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com

To unsubscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast ati95berniew@aol.com.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – June 5, 2009

June 5, 2009 at 6:17 pm

Friday, June 5, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) FAA Could Close 20 Weather Offices

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/04/AR2009060404176.html

Link to news release from the National Weather Service Employees Organization:

http://sev.prnewswire.com/airlines-aviation/20090604/DC2781704062009-1.html

2) Crash Prompts Call for Black Box Reforms

Link to story and video on the CBS Evening News:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/04/eveningnews/main5063424.shtml

3) Experts Mull Over Lessons from Brazil Plane Crash

Link to AP story:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/05/AR2009060502032.html

4) Runway Cameras Approved for Aspen, Colorado Airport

First airport to get FAA approval for cameras.

Link to story in the Aspen Daily News:

http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/134851

5) Harris to Buy Air Traffic Control Business

Link to Reuters story:

http://www.reuters.com/article/innovationNews/idUSTRE5537SX20090604

Link to news release from SolaCom Technologies:

http://www.solacom.com/news/20090604.shtml

6) Switching Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Signs is No Breeze, Officials Say

Link to story in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/47000462.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUjc8LDyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aU7DYaGEP7vDEh7P:DiUs

7) Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Seeks Funds to Tout Facility, Region

Link to story in The Dallas Morning News:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/industries/airlines/stories/DN-dfwmarket_05bus.ART.State.Edition1.41c6780.html

BUSES

8) Peter Pan Bus Lines to Equip Fleet with Wi-Fi

Link to story in Metro Magazine:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2009/06/Peter-Pan-to-equip-fleet-with-WiFi.aspx

GPS / NAVIGATION

9) Error in GPS Map Data Prompts Garmin Product Safety Recall

Link to IDG News Service story:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/166173/error_in_gps_map_data_prompts_garmin_product_safety_recall.html

MARITIME

10) Using Location Technology to Respond to Piracy

Link to interview in Directions Magazine:

http://www.directionsmag.com/article.php?article_id=3153

RAILROADS

11) Cuyahoga Valley Railroad to Implement GPS Commentary System on Excursion Trains

Link to story in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=20576

ROADWAYS

12) Washington, DC Commuters Left in Lurch, Virginia Congressmen Say

Roadwork on parallel spans compounded by inadequate communications.

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/06/virginia_congressmen.html

TELEMATICS

13) Continental System Would Let Drivers Download Telematics Appplications

Link to story in The Oakland Press:

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/06/03/business/doc4a264b8ba5bf3837696980.txt

News Releases

1) Telematics Awards 2009 Winners and Runners-Up Announced

2) Hughes Telematics Delivers Keynote at Telematics Detroit 2009 

3) UK Highways Agency’s New Magazine Gives Advice on Staying Safe on the Road

Upcoming Events

IBTTA 77th Annual Meeting & Exposition – September 13-16 – Chicago

http://www.ibtta.org/Events/eventdetail.cfm?ItemNumber=3859

Friday Bonus

This is not what McGruff means when he says ‘take a bite out of crime.’

http://www.dcexaminer.com/local/crime/Metro-bus-driver-takes-bite-out-of-McGruff-the-Crime-Dog-40558982.html

Today in Transportation History

1829 **180th anniversary** – The slave ship, Voladora, was captured by the HMS Pickle off the coast of Cuba.

http://www.mariner.org/captivepassage/abolition/captions/abo001-02.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com

To unsubscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast