Tuesday, December 1, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

IBTTA Summit to Explore Transformational Changes in Transportation Funding System — December 13-15, 2009 in Washington, DC

If you are responsible for funding or operating surface transportation infrastructure at the state, regional, county or municipal level, we invite you to attend IBTTA’s Transportation Policy and Finance Summit and explore the transformational changes that must take place to create a sustainable and efficient transportation funding system. CFO Roundtable on December 13, 2009: This Summit will include a special CFO roundtable for chief financial officers from toll agencies, state departments of transportation, and individuals in similar positions to share knowledge and ideas, network, and learn from one another. For registration, hotel and travel information or to view the preliminary agenda, visitwww.IBTTA.org.

AVIATION

1) Comedian Records Airport Welcome

Link to BBC News story and video:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/bristol/somerset/8388702.stm

BICYCLES

2) Better Bikeways: Getting Rolling with Improved Signage

Link to article in Good:

http://www.good.is/post/better-bikeways-getting-rolling-with-improved-signage/

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) What on Earth is Happening with ‘Russia’s GPS’?

Link to article in Fortune:

http://brainstormtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/12/01/what-on-earth-is-happening-with-russias-gps/

OTHER

4) IT to Slash Global Carbon Emissions Almost 6 Billion Tons by 2020

Wider use of information technology in transport, and other fields, could cut carbon footprint by the equivalent of annual US emissions.

Link to article on BusinessGreen:

http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2254214/huge-potential-cut-emissions

5) Latest Edition of Transport Business International Online

Link to magazine:

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=mypagesuite&pnum=&refresh=4k0QT17t0yX5&EID=526db8ee-ff6c-4265-a5a6-b98132e11cb4&skip=

ROADWAYS

6) Ready, Steady, Go! Countdown Stoplight Brings Fun to Traffic Control

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/12/ready-steady-go-countdown-stoplight-brings-fun-to-traffic-control/

Link to further information from Yanko Design:

http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/11/30/a-better-understanding-of-stoplights/

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) 31 MetroAccess Workers Fired for Cell Phone Use Rehired

Zero-tolerance policy on cell phones violated contract, union said.

Link to article in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/30/AR2009113003745.html

TELEMATICS

8) Ford Expands Best Buy Sync Partnership

Link to article in Marketing Daily:

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=118165

TRANSIT

9) Spoof New York MTA Service ‘Announcements’ Get Big Draw on Twitter

Link to article in amNew York:

http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/spoof-mta-service-announcements-get-big-draw-on-twitter-1.1628071

Link to Fake MTA: http://twitter.com/FakeMTA

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Engineer Who Hacked Into Los Angeles Traffic Signal Computer, Jamming Streets, Sentenced

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/12/engineers-who-hacked-in-la-traffic-signal-computers-jamming-traffic-sentenced.html

11) Swiss Autoroute Warning Signs End

Link to article on GenevaLunch:

http://genevalunch.com/blog/2009/12/01/autoroute-warning-signs-end-tuesday/

12) Live Singapore Traffic Info at Your Fingertips

Link to article from The Straits Times:

http://digital.asiaone.com/Digital/Features/Story/A1Story20091130-183120.html

News Releases

1) New Hampshire Governor, DMV Unveil New Online Driver’s License Renewal System

2) AirIQ Announces Closing of Sale of US Subsidiary, Boatracs Issuance of Shares Pursuant to Private Placement

3) Jacobs Receives $99 Million Contract From the FAA for EnRoute Facilities Planning and Modernization Program Design Services

4) Waze Launches International Partner Program Enabling Local Map-Owners Worldwide to Convert Static Maps Into Live, Navigable Maps

CORRECTION: The wrong link was provided to the new Web site for West Virginia DOT in yesterday’s newsletter.  The correct link is http://www.transportation.wv.gov/.

Upcoming Events

2010 AASHTO Spring Meeting – May 19-23 – Natchez, Mississippi

http://www.transportation.org/meetings/260.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1959 **50^th anniversary** – The Norfolk & Western Railway merged with the Virginian Railway.

http://www.american-rails.com/virginian-railway.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, November 30, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

Support for the TCN

It’s been over a year since I last came to the readers of the TCN to ask for your support.  It seems like this is a good time to come back.  At the end of December I’ll have the hours at my day job cut to part-time.  In the long-run I expect this to be good news.  It will allow me to devote more time to the TCN and other newsletters I edit and it will permit me to become move involved in my voice-over work.  It will also mean considerably less income for the short-term.  In the days and weeks ahead I’ll be telling you more about ways you can support the TCN, but here’s a quick overview.  The first is contributions to the TCN.  More information on this is available at the bottom of today’s issue.  Other ways to support the TCN include purchasing ads, using my voice services, having your own customized newsletter or simply telling others about the TCN.  Thank you in advance for your support.

AVIATION

1) Airline Safety: The Next Generation of Smart Planes

Link to article in The Christian Science Monitor:

http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2009/11/23/airline-safety-the-next-generation-of-smart-planes/

2) Delta to Close Call Centers in London and Montreal, Bring Jobs Back to the US

Link to article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle:

http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2009/11/30/daily8.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

3) Cashless E-470 Takes Toll on Rental Car Drivers in the Form of Fines

Link to article in The Denver Post:

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_13886500

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

4) West Virginia DOT Launches Improved Web Site

Link to story on WHSV-TV:

http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/78160032.html

Link to site: http://www.wvdot.com/

ROADWAYS

5) Wildlife Warnings Go Infrared in Idaho

Link to article in The Spokesman-Review:

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/nov/30/wildlife-warnings-go-infrared/

6) New Publications from US DOT

–  Truck Size and Weight Enforcement Technology – State of the Practice of Roadside Technologies

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=592

– Truck Size and Weight Enforcement Technologies – Implementation Plan

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=591

–  Concept of Operations for Virtual Weigh Station

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=593

TRANSIT

7) Caltrain to Offer Real-Time Delay Data

Link to article in the San Mateo County Times:

http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_13881434

8) Pittsburgh-Area Port Authority Set to Get Smarter with New Technology

Link to article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleynewsdispatch/s_655327.html

9) Five Commuter iPhone Apps You’ve Gotta Try

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/11/commuting-iphone-apps/

10) Laughter on the Go

Transit TV Comedy entertains bus riders in the Los Angeles area.

Link to article in the Santa Monica Daily Press:

http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2009-11-29-65677.113116_Laughter_on_the_go.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) Surface Transportation: Efforts to Address Highway Congestion Through Real-Time Traffic Information Systems are Expanding but Face Implementation Challenges

Link to US Government Accountability Office report:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10121r.pdf

VEHICLES

12) Personalized Texas Plates Can Now Carry Firms’ Logos

Link to column in the Houston Chronicle:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6744388.html

News Releases

1) Near Real-Time Traffic and Weather Data from Traffic Info Map USA 1.2

2) SpeedInfo Earns Patent for Breakthrough Solar-Powered Doppler Radar Sensor Technology

Upcoming Events

Border Wait Time Measurement Technology Test, Evaluation and Deployment Project – Vendor Information Session – December 14

http://www.itsa.org/industry_member_news_content/c91_a3179/News_and_Events/Industry_and_Member_News/Industry_Member_News_Archive.html

Today in Transportation History

1934 **75^th anniversary** – The Flying Scotsman became the first steam locomotive to officially travel at 100 miles per hour.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nationonfilm/topics/railways/background_rise.shtml

Contributions for the TCN

Contributions to the TCN are greatly appreciated.  You can mail a contribution to me at:

Bernie Wagenblast

1 Aberdeen Ct.

Cranford, NJ  07016-2911

You may also contribute through PayPal.  Just go to:

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

Thank you!

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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  www.bwcommunications.net

Friday, November 27, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

AVIATION

1) Pilots of Errant Northwest Flight Cite Distraction in Transcript

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125934128806566563.html

Link to transcripts: http://www.faa.gov/data_research/accident_incident/2009-10-23/

2) Chicago Airport Music Helps Frazzled Fliers Connect with City

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-music-tracker-city-zonenov27,0,6104510.story

Link to further information from the Chicago Music Commission:

http://www.flychicago.com/terminaltunes/

MARITIME

3) New Port Community Information System for Australia

Link to article in Seatrade:

http://www.seatradeasia-online.com/News/4908.html

Link to further information from Tradegate Australia:

http://www.tradegate.org.au/news/14/

4) GPS Tagging for Children on Oasis of the Seas

Link to article in the Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/cruise-news/6669230/GPS-tagging-for-children-on-Oasis-of-the-Seas.html

OTHER

5) Traffic-Weary Kids Develop Web Site to Help Neighbors Share Rides

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/25/AR2009112501951.html

RAILROADS

6) Free Wi-Fi Awaited in Moscow Railroad Stations in December

Link to article on Russia-InfoCentre:

http://www.russia-ic.com/news/show/9282/

Link to further information from Russian Railways:
http://www.rian.ru/moscow/20091126/195609387.html (in Russian)

SPACE

7) A Wild Ride on NASA’s Massive Flight Simulator

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-10404808-52.html

Link to further information from NASA:

http://www.aviationsystemsdivision.arc.nasa.gov/facilities/vms/index.shtml

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) Signal Fading on Radio Traffic Reports

Link to AP article:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRAFFIC_WATCHERS

VEHICLES

9) Toyota Acts to Keep Its Grip on the PR Wheel

Link to column in the Financial Times:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a02a2bc2-da78-11de-9c32-00144feabdc0.html

Upcoming Events

Digital Signage Expo – February 23-25 – Las Vegas

http://www.digitalsignageexpo.net/DigitalSignageExpo/DSE.aspx

Friday Bonus

If you thought your daily commute was only fit for a dog, maybe you’re right.

http://image.examiner.com/x-9231-Denver-Dog-News-Examiner~y2009m8d15-Stray-dogs-learn-how-to-ride-subway

Today in Transportation History

1964 **45^th anniversary** – The Pennsylvania Railroad ended Pittsburgh commuter service.

http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/burnham/burnham5.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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

Wednesday, November 25, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

Happy Thanksgiving!

AVIATION

1) Aviation Groups Tell Congress NextGen Will Spur Jobs

Link to article in The Wichita Eagle:

http://blogs.kansas.com/aviation/2009/11/24/aviation-associations-tell-congress-nextgen-funding-will-spur-jobs/

Link to further information from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association:

http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2009/091124nextgen.html

ROADWAYS

2) Maryland State Highway Administration Pilots State-of-the Art Variable Speed Advisory Technology

Link to story on WBAL Radio:

http://wbal.com/apps/news/templates/story.aspx?articleid=40528&zoneid=3

Link to news release from Maryland SHA:

http://www.marylandroads.com/Pages/release.aspx?newsId=543

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

3) Traffic-Time Signs Going Statewide in North Carolina

But some commuters don’t find them useful.

Link to article in The Herald:

http://www.theherald-nc.com/front/story/12335.html

4) Intelligent Roads: Several Approaches to Keeping Streets Clearer

Link to article in the Financial Times:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c758d0e2-d7bf-11de-b578-00144feabdc0.html

5) Beware, Big Brother is Watching

A look behind-the-scenes of the Bangalore Traffic Management Centre.

Link to article in the Bangalore Mirror:

http://www.bangaloremirror.com/index.aspx?page=article&sectid=10&contentid=20091124200911241229152504848a683

Link to further information from the Bangalore City Traffic Police:

http://www.bangaloretrafficpolice.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&btp=87

VEHICLES

6) Traffic Accident Avoidance Technology Advances

Link to story on Minnesota Public Radio:

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/11/24/crashreduction/

7) GM to Work with National Federation of the Blind on 2011 Chevy Volt Sounds

Link to article in The Car Connection:

http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1039004_gm-to-work-with-national-federation-of-the-blind-on-2011-chevy-volt-sounds

Link to news release from General Motors:

http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2009/Nov/1125_Chevy_Volt

News Releases

1) Closer Links for ITS United Kingdom and ITS Australia

2) New Real-Time Interactive Traffic Map Aims to Help Connecticut Travelers

3) European Project for Integration of UAS: Unmanned Aircraft to Conquer the Skies

Job Posting

–  Executive Director – E-ZPass Interagency Group – Wilmington, Delaware/Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Area

http://www.e-zpassiag.com/executive_director_ad.pdf

Upcoming Events

Texas Transportation Forum – January 6-8 – Austin, Texas

http://www.dot.state.tx.us/ttf/

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100^th anniversary** – Edvard Rusjan made the first successful flight in an Eastern European airplane.

http://www.earlyaviators.com/erusjan.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

IBTTA Summit to Explore Transformational Changes in Transportation Funding System — December 13-15, 2009 in Washington, DC

If you are responsible for funding or operating surface transportation infrastructure at the state, regional, county or municipal level, we invite you to attend IBTTA’s Transportation Policy and Finance Summit and explore the transformational changes that must take place to create a sustainable and efficient transportation funding system. CFO Roundtable on December 13, 2009: This Summit will include a special CFO roundtable for chief financial officers from toll agencies, state departments of transportation, and individuals in similar positions to share knowledge and ideas, network, and learn from one another. For registration, hotel and travel information or to view the preliminary agenda, visit www.IBTTA.org.

AVIATION

1) India, EU to Cooperate Closely in Aviation Sector

Link to Press Trust of India article:

http://www.ptinews.com/news/392414_India–EU-to-cooperate-closely-in-aviation-sector

Link to news release from the Government of India:

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=54512

2) How Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Safety is Unique – In the Tower

Link to story and video on KNXV-TV:

http://www.abc15.com/content/news/phoenixmetro/central/story/Exclusive-How-Sky-Harbor-safety-is-unique-in-the/Yp2bx2LN6U2CoFHa0qvpPg.cspx

CARTOGRAPHY

3) Iowa Cities Discover Mapping Devices Lagging Behind Rapid Growth

Link to article in The Des Moines Register:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091124/NEWS/911240306/1125/

OTHER

4) Pressure Grows for IT Inclusion in Copenhagen Agreement

Link to article in Computing:

http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2253895/top-level-pressure-grows-ict

RAILROADS

5) Amtrak Promoting ‘Green’ Tourism in Illinois

Link to article in The State Journal-Register:

http://www.sj-r.com/business/x441552799/Amtrak-promoting-green-tourism-in-Springfield-elsewhere

ROADWAYS

6) Quick Way to Weigh

Trucks monitored in motion on Delaware highway.

Link to article and video in The News Journal:

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20091124/NEWS/911240347/Quick-way-to-weigh

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

7) I-95 Relief for East Coast Holiday Travelers

Link to article in the Washington Business Journal:

http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2009/11/23/daily18.html

Link to I-95 Corridor Travel Time Information: http://www.i95travelinfo.net/

8) A National Action Plan for Safer More Efficient Transport in Australia

Link to article in Transport & Logistics News:

http://tandlnews.com.au/2009/11/24/article/A-national-action-plan-for-safer-more-efficient-transport/XTGZDKIKKJ.html

News Releases

1) Seattle Adding 57 More Traffic Cameras in 2009

Upcoming Events

Transportation Research Board 89^th Annual Meeting – January 10-14 – Washington, DC

http://www.trb.org/AnnualMeeting2010/AnnualMeeting2010.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1969 **40^th anniversary** – Apollo 12 splashes down in the Pacific Ocean.

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/apollo12info.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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

Monday, November 23, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

AVIATION

1) Airline Web Sites Battle for Fewer Customers

Link to article on MarketWatch:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/airline-web-sites-battle-for-fewer-customers-2009-11-20

2) United’s LineBusters Keep Lines Moving

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-11-20-airportcheckin23_ST_N.htm

OTHER

3) Lack of Backup Foils Virginia’s New IT System

State DMV and DOT suffer numerous outages.

Link to article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/DMVV21_20091120-222606/307063/

RAILROADS

4) Marketing Helps Vermont Train Ridership

Link to article in the Burlington Free Press:

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20091121/NEWS02/911210307/Marketing-helps-Vermont-train-ridership

Link to further information from Vermont Rail Action Network: http://www.railvermont.org/

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) High-Tech Babysitters Get Drivers Off Phone

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/22/technology/22distracted.html

6) Intelligent Transportation System Hits Roadblock in Kansas

Link to story and video on KAKE-TV:

http://www.kake.com/news/headlines/70679812.html

7) Shortage Slows a Program to Detect Nuclear Bombs

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/23/us/23helium.html

8) New Web Site Launched for Forth Road Bridge

Link to article in Queensferry Today:

http://www.queensferrygazette.co.uk/news/New-website-launched-for-Forth.5844719.jp

Link to site: http://www.feta.gov.uk/

TRANSIT

9) Overland Trains to Accept Oyster Card

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8373913.stm

Link to news release from the City of London:

http://www.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=24359

10) Zambian Transporters Urged to Display RTSA Number to Facilitate Passenger Communication

Link to article in the Times of Zambia:

http://www.times.co.zm/news/viewnews.cgi?category=6&id=1258954716

11) The Days May be Grim, but Here’s a Good Word to Put In Your Pocket

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/nyregion/20metrocard.html

Link to further information from the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority:

http://www.mta.info/mta/aft/about/optimism.html

12) Eyes on the Street: Is This Our Stop? Signage Shortcomings on Muni Metro

Link to blog on Streetsblog San Francisco:

http://sf.streetsblog.org/2009/11/23/eyes-on-the-street-is-this-our-stop-signage-shortcomings-on-muni-metro/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Dublin Firm Starts Ireland’s First Real-Time Traffic Information System

Link to article in The Sunday Business Post:

http://www.sbpost.ie/news/ireland/get-traffic-info-by-text-45803.html

Link to further information from iTraffic:

http://itraffic.ie/ProductsPageMED.html

14) Australian Government to Begin ‘Smart Infrastructure’ Inquiry

Link to article in the Queensland Business Review:

http://www.qbr.com.au/news/articleid/61171.aspx

VEHICLES

15) How Crash Tests Help Bring Traffic Deaths Down

Link to story and audio report on NPR’s Morning Edition:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120628434

16) New Custom Texas Car Plates Offer Range of Colors, Themes

Link to article in the Star-Telegram:

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/story/1773760.html

Link to news release from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles:

http://www.myplates.com/Press20091029.aspx

News Releases

1) Successful eCall Demonstration by Qualcomm and Hughes Telematics

2) NOAA Installs System to Improve Safety and Efficiency of Ships along the Cherry Point Reach in Washington State

3) FAA Takes Aim at Icing with New Ice Protection Proposal

4) Beat the Traffic Announces New BlackBerry Application

5) Web Site Spells Relief for Holiday Travelers on the East Coast

6) United Airlines Introduces Try-Before-You-Buy Wi-Fi Promotion

7) Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Introduces Online Noise and Flight Tracking Tool

8) GE Aviation Acquires Leader in Performance-Based Navigation

Solicitation

–  Request for Proposals – Safety Patrol – E-470 Public Highway Authority

http://www.e-470.com/Default.aspx?pn=Requests%20For%20Proposals

Upcoming Events

Consumer Telematics Seminar 2010 – January 6 – Las Vegas

http://www.telematicsupdate.com/cts/

Today in Transportation History

1809 **200^th anniversary** – Pirate Edward Jordan was hung in Nova Scotia.

http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mma/events/pirates.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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

Friday, November 20, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

AVIATION

1) Coverage of FAA Computer Problems

–  FAA Glitch Impacted Military Air Defense

Link to ABC News story and video:

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/faa-glitch-impacted-military-air-defense/story?id=9132323

–  FAA Computer Failure Reflects Growing Burden on Systems

Link to article in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/11/19/update-faa-software-hackers-delays.aspx

–  FAA Glitch Shines Spotlight on Troubled Telco Project

Link to article in Computer World

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9141195/FAA_glitch_shines_spotlight_on_troubled_telco_project

–  FAA or Your Car: Whose Computer Has More Muscle?

Link to ABC News story and video:

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Travel/BusinessTraveler/air-traffic-control-system-overhaul-years/story?id=9131728

2) FAA: Unmanned and Commercial Aircraft Don’t Mix

Link to article in Network World:

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/111909-layer8-faa-civilian-unmanned-airspace.html

3) Bill Seeks to Allow Airlines Access to Cockpit Conversations

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125866886792856401.html

4) Air Canada Tests In-flight Internet Service

Link to Reuters article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssTechMediaTelecomNews/idUSN1918222220091119

Link to news release from Air Canada:

http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=1711193027&view=13213-0&Start=0&htm=0

CARTOGRAPHY

5) Bing Maps China Grows with New Features

Link to article on Softpedia:

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Bing-Maps-China-Grows-with-New-Features-127545.shtml

Link to further information from Microsoft:

http://www.bing.com/community/blogs/maps/archive/2009/11/19/bing-maps-china-expands-reach.aspx

Link to Bing Maps China: http://cn.bing.com/ditu/

6) The Art of Maps

What can artists do with maps? What makes maps such a unique art form?

http://www.kuow.org/program.php?id=18828

Link to audio recording of Weekday on KUOW Radio:

http://www.kuow.org/podcast/WeekdayA20091119.mp3

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

7) Seattle DOT Talks Snow on Facebook

Link to article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/archives/185838.asp

Link to SDOT Winter Weather Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seattle-WA/SDOT-Winter-Weather/169438402522

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) US Government Wants Speedy Screening at More Airports

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jKiEV7AXabtsUR09J62q4Y4R3iFgD9C2SN483

Link to notice in the Federal Register:

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-27774.pdf

9) Tiburon, California to Record Every Car Coming and Going

Link to article in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/19/BAP71ANBF4.DTL&tsp=1

Link to further information from the Town of Tiburon:

http://www.ci.tiburon.ca.us/news/images/SECURITY-CAMERA-FACT-SHEET-Nov-09.pdf

http://www.ci.tiburon.ca.us/government/town%20council/staff%20reports/2009/council-staff-report-nov18.pdf

TRANSIT

10) Why Weren’t Toronto Transit Riders Alerted to Shutdown?

Link to article in the Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/ttc/article/728462–why-weren-t-ttc-riders-alerted-to-shutdown

11) Feds Publish New Special Education Transportation FAQs

Link to article in School Transportation News:

http://www.stnonline.com/home/latest-news/1545-feds-publish-new-special-education-transportation-faqs

Link to questions and answers from the US Department of Education:

http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cdynamic%2CQaCorner%2C12%2C

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Bob Marbourgh is Still Driven by His Passion

Veteran DC traffic reporter marks 30-years on-the-air.

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/19/AR2009111904267.html?hpid=dynamiclead

13) Speech by Australian Minister for Transport to Australian ITS Summit

Link to speech on Australia.TO:

http://www.australia.to/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16554

VEHICLES

14) Volt Drive: Great Ride, Interesting Interior and a Friendly Chirp

Electric vehicle is virtually silent so a chirp sound warns pedestrians of the vehicle’s presence.

Link to column on CNBC:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/34062113/

Link to video:

http://gm-volt.com/2009/11/20/worlds-first-journalist-test-drive-of-the-chevy-volt-in-charge-sustaining-mode-occurs-and-isnt-described/

News Releases

1) National Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management Celebrates Second Anniversary

2) Bus Users Get Mobile with Arriva M-ticketing Launch

3) North Dakota DOT Provides Wireless Internet at Visitors’ Centers and Rest Areas

4) Smart Cities and Communities, Performance-Based Transportation System Needed to Solve US Congestion, Safety and Environmental Challenge

5) US and EU Join Forces for Cooperative Systems

6) TNO’s Connected Traveler Workshop

Upcoming Events

Electric Drive Transportation Association Conference & Annual Meeting – January 26-28 – Washington, DC

http://electricdrive.org/index.php?ht=d/sp/i/13273/pid/13273

Friday Bonus

Signs which have lost their original meaning.

http://www.infrastructurist.com/2009/04/16/gallery-amusingly-defaced-street-signs/

Today in Transportation History

1984 **25^th anniversary** – The SETI Institute was founded.  The institute searches for extraterrestrial intelligence by listening for radio signals from space.

http://www.seti.org

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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.

Transportgooru is a proud supporter of the International Benefits, Evaluation and Costs (IBEC) Working Group, which is a cooperative working group set up to coordinate and expand international efforts, to exchange information and techniques, and evaluate benefits and costs of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).  IBEC brings together the best knowledge and experience and is the focal point for discussion and debate of interest to the international ITS evaluation community. IBEC encourages more effective use of ITS evaluation information so that decision-makers can make more informed ITS investments.

IBEC’s newsletters are very informative and offers interesting perspectives on a wide-spectrum of issues pertaining to three important areas of ITS – Benefits, Evaluation and Costs.    Here is the latest newsletter ( September 2009), which can also be accessed/downloaded directly from IBEC’s website.

Click here to learn more about the organization and how to become a member. FYI – Membership is free and open to any interested individual. IBEC currently has over 400 members from over 40 countries.

Thursday, November 19, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

IBTTA Summit to Explore Transformational Changes in Transportation Funding System — December 13-15, 2009 in Washington, DC
If you are responsible for funding or operating surface transportation infrastructure at the state, regional, county or municipal level, we invite you to attend IBTTA’s Transportation Policy and Finance Summit and explore the transformational changes that must take place to create a sustainable and efficient transportation funding system. CFO Roundtable on December 13, 2009: This Summit will include a special CFO roundtable for chief financial officers from toll agencies, state departments of transportation, and individuals in similar positions to share knowledge and ideas, network, and learn from one another. For registration, hotel and travel information or to view the preliminary agenda, visit www.IBTTA.org.

AVIATION

1) FAA Says Software Failure Caused Flight Disruptions Across US

Link to Bloomberg article:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aPjkdWINEvx4&pos=9

Link to FAA statement:

http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=10966

2) Bill Seeks to Ban Pilots’ Use of Electronic Devices in Cockpit

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-11-18-laptops-ban-pilots_N.htm

3) FAA to Investigate Cell Phone Use on Atlanta Flight

Link to article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/faa-to-investigate-cell-202143.html

BICYCLES

4) Google Bike Directions Could be Useful Tool for Cities

Link to article in Mobilizing the Region:

http://blog.tstc.org/2009/11/17/google-bike-directions-could-be-useful-tool-for-cities/

CARTOGRAPHY

5) Wisconsin Bill Would Halt Printing of State Highway Maps

Link to story on WISC-TV:

http://www.channel3000.com/news/21658090/detail.html

6) AOL Also Likely to Eye Sale of MapQuest — Is Microsoft a Possible Buyer?

Link to article on All Things Digital:

http://kara.allthingsd.com/20091119/aol-also-likely-to-eye-sale-of-mapquest-is-microsoft-a-possible-buyer/

OTHER

7) Errors on US Government Web Site Make It Difficult to Track Stimulus Money

Link to article in The Dallas Morning News:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-stimulus_19nat.ART.State.Edition1.4bab174.html

Link to Recovery.gov:  http://www.recovery.gov

8) Web Page for Honolulu DUI Arrests Criticized

Link to article in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin:

http://www.starbulletin.com/news/20091119_Web_page_for_DUI_arrests_criticized.html

PARKING

9) Public Rallies Against Pay Parking in Canadian Town

Communication missteps contribute to backlash.

Link to article in Parking Today:

http://www.parkingtoday.com/articledetails.php?id=822

ROADWAYS

10) Illinois Taxpayers Paying for Non-Working Electronic Signs

Link to story on WBBM-TV:

http://cbs2chicago.com/specialreports/electrical.signs.2.2.1321385.html

11) Along the Road, Signs of the Times

Questions in Massachusetts about signs for stimulus-funded projects.

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/11/by_martin_finuc_3.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) US Department of Homeland Security Launches Critical Infrastructure Web Site

Link to article in Government Security News:

http://www.gsnmagazine.com/cms/features/news-analysis/2976.html

TRANSIT

13) Ottawa OKs Next-Stop System for Buses

Link to CBC News story:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2009/11/17/ottawa-bus-next-call-system-approved.html

14) Oyster Cards to Expand to Suburban Rail Lines ‘Early Next Year’

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8364001.stm

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) Singapore’s Land Transport Authority Partners with Google to Provide Traffic and Transit Information

Link to article on Channel NewsAsia:

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1019247/1/.html

16) SingTel Launches Traffic Planning Guide TrafficLive

Link to blog on CNET Asia:

http://asia.cnet.com/crave/2009/11/19/singtel-launches-traffic-planning-guide-trafficlive/

17) New York City to Install Radar for Coordinated Traffic Control

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/733536?elq=afba1877eee947328cde1a0c8c4ecef9

18) Aha Mobile Reads Drivers Traffic Info, Facebook Status

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10401586-2.html?tag=newsLatestHeadlinesArea.0

VEHICLES

19) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Clears Way for Intermodal Registry

Link to article in The Journal of Commerce:

http://www.joc.com/node/414743

News Releases

1) SNCF and Gemalto Enable Ticketing on Contactless Mobile Phones

2) IBM Chairman Sam Palmisano to Deliver Keynote Address at ITS America’s 20^th Annual Meeting & Exposition

3) American Airlines Launches Wi-Fi Widget to Allow Travelers to Find Wi-Fi Equipped Flights

4) NJ Transit Joins Federal Railroad Administration ‘Close Call’ Pilot Program

5) Indiana DOT Launches Statewide Traveler Web Site, Phone Number

6) Sentinel and GEWI Announce Strategic Partnership

Upcoming Events

ITS America Annual Meeting & Exposition – May 3-5 – Houston

http://www.itsa.org/annualmeeting.html

Today in Transportation History

1959 **50^th anniversary** – Ford announced the discontinuance of the Edsel.

http://www.edsel.net/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

On LinkedIn or Facebook?

If so, I invite you to connect with me.  For those who enjoy the TCN, I also encourage you to become a fan of the TCN on Facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Transportation-Communications-Newsletter/25187272828

AVIATION

1) FAA to Determine Fate of West Virginia Beacon

Link to article in The State Journal:

http://www.statejournal.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=70523

Link to photo of Rich Mountain Beacon:

http://www.atchistory.org/History/FacilityPhotos/WV/RichMountain/RichMountainBeacon.htm

2) Non-profit to Supply Free Wi-Fi at Cleveland’s Hopkins Airport

Link to article in The Plain Dealer:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/11/free_wi-fi_available_at_clevel.html

Link to news release from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport:

http://www.clevelandairport.com/Portals/Documents/FINAL%20CLE%20WiFi.pdf

CAMERAS

3) Traffic Camera Fibs Spread by E-mail in Florida

Link to article in The Tampa Tribune:

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/17/na-traffic-camera-fibs-spread-by-e-mail/

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) All Electronic Tolls Coming to Florida’s Turnpike

Link to AP article:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1339999.html

Link to further information from Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise:

http://www.floridasturnpike.com/all-electronictolling/publicmeeting.html

5) Dialogue, Education Key in Getting Public to Accept Road Tolls, US Transportation Officials Say

Link to article in Daily Commercial News and Construction Record:

http://dcnonl.com/article/id36366

OTHER

6) NTSB Chairman Laments ‘If It Scares, It Airs’ Mentality

Link to CBS News story:

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/11/17/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5683620.shtml

Link to text of speech:

http://www.ntsb.gov/speeches/hersman/daph091116.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Canadian Privacy Watchdog Slams No-Fly List, Financial Database

Link to Canwest News Service article:

http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Privacy+watchdog+slams+list+financial+database/2234059/story.html

Link to news release from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:

http://www.priv.gc.ca/media/nr-c/2009/nr-c_091117_e.cfm

8) Video Surveillance Reality Check

Link to interview on SecurityInfoWatch:

http://www.securityinfowatch.com/Homepage+Articles/video-surveillance-reality-check-part-1

TRANSIT

9) Students Keep Track of University of Vermont Buses

Link to article in the Burlington Free Press:

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20091117/NEWS0213/91116021

News Releases

1) FCC Releases Agenda for November 20 Staff Workshop on Distracted Driving

2) Common Language for Smart Devices Envisioned by Newly Launched Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Standards Initiative
3) Garmin Makes Custom Maps Free and Easy, Merging Paper and Digital Maps with GPS Handhelds

Upcoming Events

University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies 21^st Annual Transportation Research Conference – April 27-28 – St. Paul, Minnesota

http://www.cts.umn.edu/Events/ResearchConf/

Today in Transportation History

1809 **200^th anniversary** – The Action of 18 November 1809 took place in the Bay of Bengal.  French naval forces captured vessels of the Honourable East India Company.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_of_18_November_1809

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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