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 **180^th 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

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

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

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

IBTTA’s 77^th 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.org. Register 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 **100^th 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

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

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

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

Today in Transportation History

1959 **50^th 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

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 77^th 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 **180^th 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

Thursday, June 4, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

TIC for RDS-TMC and TPEG Broadcast Services – Reach More Navigation Devices Worldwide TIC has extended its globally accepted RDS-TMC broadcast solution to TPEG over digital media such as DAB, HD, satellite radio, and mobile telecoms (GPRS, UTMS), reaching even more navigation devices worldwide. TIC supports TPEG applications including Traffic Flow and Prediction (TFP) and Traffic Event Compact (TEC), AROGA-C location referencing, and encryption.  TIC is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution proven in over 100 projects operating worldwide, including being used to provide Interoperability between legacy systems,  511 Services, to generate Traffic Flows & Predictive models,  for Traffic Alerts, Traffic Plans & Simulations, report on Work Zones & Road Conditions, and more.   As a COTS solution, TIC can be deployed faster, more affordably, and with less risk than build-your-own solutions.  Contact jim.oneill@gewi.com to discuss your requirements.  

AVIATION

1) Avoiding Goof-Ups: Indian Airports Rely on Human Eye Link to story in The Times of India: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/Avoiding-goof-ups-Indian-airports-rely-on-human-eye/articleshow/4614432.cms

2) Common GPS Could Help Better Track Airline Flights Link to AP story: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-us-trackingplanes,0,4995854.story

3) Federal Aviation Administration Approves Safety-Reporting Program at American Airlines Link to AP story: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/FAA-approves-safetyreporting-apf-15441260.html?.v=1

4) Upgrading Avionics and Air Traffic Management in Tandem Takes Time and Patience Link to story in Military & Aerospace Electronics: http://mae.pennnet.com/display_article/363732/32/NEWS/none/none/1/Upgrading-avionics-and-air-traffic-management-in-tandem-takes-time-and-patience/

CAMERAS

5) Traffic Light Camera Provider Nestor Put in Receivership Link to story in The Providence Journal: http://newsblog.projo.com/2009/06/nestor-traffic.html

6) Speed Cameras on US Highways? Link to story from AOL Autos: http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/06/04/aa.speed.cameras.highways/

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) RIM Acquires Dash Navigation Link to story in InformationWeek: http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2009/06/rim_aquires_das.html;jsessionid=QUVGT1NWVHH4UQSNDLPCKH0CJUNN2JVN

MARITIME

8) Washington State Ferries Thinking About Reservation System Link to story in The Seattle Times: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009296076_apwaferryreservations1stldwritethru.html

ROADWAYS

9) US Officials Very Interested in VMT/Road Use Charges – ITS America People Link to story in TOLLROADnews: http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/4193

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Improving Public Safety Communications in the 800 MHz Band Link to order from the Federal Communications Commission: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-09-48A1.pdf

TELEMATICS

11) Telematics Industry Relying on Partnerships, Customer Demand, to Survive Auto Crisis Link to column in the Michigan Business Review: http://blog.mlive.com/svengustafson/2009/06/telematics_industry_relying_on.html

TRANSIT

12) Edmonton Transit to Test Smart CardsLink to story in the Edmonton Sun: http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2009/06/04/9672391-sun.html

13) Detroit Department of Transportation Unveils More Informative Bus Signs Link to story in the Detroit Free Press: http://www.freep.com/article/20090604/NEWS01/90604043/1003/DDOT+unveils+more+informative+bus+signs

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) Seattle‘s Bing Trucks Give Real-Time Traffic, Travel Updates Link to story in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer: http://blog.seattlepi.com/microsoft/archives/170328.asp

15) Montego Bay, Jamaica to Implement Traffic Management System Link to story in the Jamaica Observer: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/westernnews/html/20090603T220000-0500_152786_OBS____M_TO_EASE_CONGESTION.asp

VEHICLES

16) Telematics Detroit: Toy Store for In-Vehicle Infotainment Link to story on WWJ Radio: http://www.wwj.com/Telematics-Detroit–Toy-Store-For-In-Vehicle-Infot/4528594

17) New BMW’s Drive Themselves (Almost) A new driver-assistance system in the works by BMW means older drivers won’t have to hang up their keys — or their independence. Link to story in Popular Science: http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2009-06/rescued-tech-autonomous-vehicle-control-system-aids-elderly-drivers  

News Releases

1) Iteris Awarded $1.5 Million Inland Empire 511 Traveler Information System Contract

2) Get Connected with Complimentary Wi-Fi from US Airways

Upcoming Events

International Public Works Conference – September 6-10 – Melbourne http://www.alloccasionsgroup.com/IPWEA

Today in Transportation History

1939 **70th anniversary** – The St. Louis, carrying 936 Jewish refugees, was refused permission to land in the US.  Many of the passengers died in the Holocaust after returning to Europe. http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/stlouis/

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

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

Talking Operations Webinar Today: Incorporating Pricing into the Long Range Planning Process
http://www.ntoctalks.com/web_casts.php?PHPSESSID=525a2aaab6e252cbee9e4f9064cc2cfa
Category > Opportunity: June 3, 2009 (NTOC)

A few spots are still available for this free Talking Operations, taking place from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time today, June 3. To register, click here: https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=17182

Description:  The Value Pricing Pilot Program has demonstrated that the long-range planning process conducted by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) can be an excellent way to begin the discussion about congestion pricing in large metro areas with environmental and financial constraints. Corridor studies offer another opportunity. This webinar will focus on how pricing can be incorporated into the planning process and considered more widely in more metro areas. Speakers from Texas and Washington will present the state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organization perspectives. These states have successfully used the planning process to deploy congestion pricing. Factors that will be discussed include: what was behind the decision to consider congestion pricing early in the planning process; how transportation agencies in these states routinely assess congestion pricing and managed lanes as possible solutions to congestion problems; and, some of the reasons pricing was considered for implementation. In addition, speakers will share information about the process they use to screen potential pricing strategies and models and other analytical tools they relied on to evaluate potential strategies.

Your Input Requested for IntellidriveSM Survey
http://www.itsa.org/press_release_content/c215_d2943/News.html
Category > Opportunity: June 3, 2009 (ITS America)

The IntelliDriveSM (formerly VII) research program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) combines leading edge technologies to provide the capability for vehicles to identify threats and hazards on the roadway and communicate this information over wireless networks to give drivers alerts and warnings. The program is intended to accelerate the development and market adoption of IntelliDriveSM capabilities, whether they emerge through federally funded research initiatives or as a result of independent research activities in the academic, non-profit, or private sector.
 
In support of this initiative, U.S. DOT and the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) believe that real progress can happen only if there is widespread understanding of the nature and extent of IntelliDriveSM related research (federally funded or not) and of its emerging application and deployment.

To increase this awareness, ITS America invites you to participate in a survey authorized by U.S. DOT, to:

• Identify non-federally funded IntelliDriveSM research initiatives underway throughout North America
• Explore the research needs of the ITS stakeholder community
• Identify ways in which the ITS stakeholder community can be better supported in its collaboration efforts to develop and deploy ITS technologies

A key outcome of this survey will be the development of a Web-based application that routinely identifies IntelliDriveSM research from non-federally funded sources to augment the more widely known research occurring under federal sponsorship. The application will also promote knowledge transfer and collaboration to enhance greater deployment of IntelliDriveSM in support of our nation’s 21st century surface transportation system. To participate in this survey, please visit: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey.zgi?p=WEB2296PFTCMBE.
 
We would like your responses by Friday, June 12. If you have any questions, please contact Brei Whitty at bwhitty@itsa.org.

Transportation Industry’s Best Honored at ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition
http://www.itsa.org/press_release_content/c215_d2951/News.html
Category > Breaking News: June 3, 2009 (ITS America)

ITS America honored the organizations and agencies that demonstrated the most innovative and effective uses of advanced technologies in surface transportation. The awards were presented this week before more than 1,000 of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) leaders during the opening session of ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition at the Gaylord National Hotel & Resort in National Harbor, Maryland.

In the “Best New Practices” category, the public agency winner was the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s Traffic Engineering Division for its project “Saving Lives Through Innovative Partnerships – the msTraffic/MED-COM Project.” The private sector company winner was Kapsch TrafficCom won top honors in the “Best New Practices” category for its Smart Road Technologies for Safety and Mobility Travelers” project.
 
In the “Best New Innovative Products or Services” category the public agency winner was the Florida Department of Transportation for its Office of Motor Carrier Compliance and FreightDesk Technologies for its Truck Control System in Aqaba, Jordan.

For more information on the winning practices, products and services, go to http://www.itsa.org/amawards.html.

$1.5 billion TIGER Discretionary Grants Announced—Local Funding Available
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-11542.pdf
Category > Breaking News: June 3, 2009 (U.S. DOT)

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the availability of $1.5 billion in Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grants for capital investment in surface transportation projects. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a region, or metropolitan area and can create jobs and benefit economically distressed areas.

The grants can range from $20 million up to $300 million to support high impact transportation projects. Secretary LaHood can waive the minimum grant requirement for beneficial projects in smaller cities, regions, or states. The U.S. Department of Transportation will require rigorous economic justifications for projects over $100 million. To ensure responsible spending, the department will require all fund recipients to report on their activities on a routine basis.

Applications for TIGER discretionary grants must be submitted by September 15, 2009, from state and local governments, including U.S. territories, tribal governments, transit agencies, port authorities and others. Comments on the criteria must be received by June 1, 2009. The Federal Register notice can be accessed at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-11542.pdf.

TDOT Launches New Motorist Information Tool
http://news.tennesseeanytime.org/node/1969
Category > Breaking News: June 3, 2009 (U.S. DOT)

Motorists who traveled through Nashville, TN, USA this past Memorial Day holiday had an open road and a new tool to help avoid traffic tie-ups. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) suspended all lane closure activities on state roads and interstates and launched TDOT’s first Twitter page to help keep motorists up to date about problems on volunteer state roadways.
 
According to TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely, “Twitter is one more way TDOT can help travelers stay informed about road conditions in the volunteer state.”
 
People wishing to receive TDOT’s Twitter updates can now follow TN511 on Twitter. Motorists can also obtain traffic information on the TDOT Web site and by calling 511 from any land line or cellular phone or by tuning into one of several Highway Advisory Radio stations located in most urban areas.

(Source:  Office of Planning, Environment and Realty Federal Highway Administration)

Recent Events

House Energy and Commerce Committee Approves HR 2454. On May 21, 2009, after several days of deliberation, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved HR 2454 “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.” This includes a proposal for a cap and trade program and several provisions related to the transportation sector. It includes requirements to establish transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions goals and inclusion of a plan to achieve those goals in some metropolitan long-range transportation plans and transportation improvement programs. The legislation also calls for greenhouse gas emission standards on new vehicles including heavy duty on-road and non-road, marine, locomotive, and aircraft engines. The bill will now be referred to up to eight other House committees with jurisdiction over parts of the proposed legislation. The Senate has indicated it will take up climate legislation as well, but the timeline in the Senate is unclear.

EPA and DOT to Conduct Joint Rulemaking on GHG and CAFE Standards. EPA and DOT/NHTSA filed a joint Notice of Intent in the May 22 Federal Register to propose a coordinated greenhouse gas and fuel economy program. The program would apply to light-duty vehicles (cars, SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks) for model years 2012-2016. Standards for model years after 2016 would be developed in a future rulemaking. EPA is considering a standard that would ramp down to an average 250 grams/mile CO2 (155 g/km) for model year 2016. Regarding fuel economy, President Obama announced on May 19 that a combined fleet average standard of 35.5 miles per gallon would apply by the 2016 model year. Preliminary analysis indicates that the combined program would lead to a reduction of approximately 890 million metric tons CO2 equivalent emissions and 1.8 billion barrels of oil for the model years covered. The Federal Register Notice is available here: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-12009.htm. A press release from the White House is available here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/President-Obama-Announces-National-Fuel-Efficiency-Policy/

EPA Announces 2008 Clean Air Excellence Awards. On May 13, EPA announced the recipients of its awards, including several transportation related entries. Stonyfield Farm, the yogurt maker, received an award in the category of Transportation Efficiency Innovations for strategies that led to a net 37 percent reduction of CO2 emissions in one year, despite company growth. For details on all of the 2008 award recipients see:http://www.epa.gov/air/caaac/recipients.html.

Robert Ritter Named FHWA Sustainable Transport and Climate Change Team Leader. Robert Ritter, currently a Team Leader in the FHWA Office of Planning, will be the Team Leader for FHWA’s Sustainable Transport and Climate Change Team beginning late June. Rob has been leading Phase II of the DOT Gulf Coast Study, which will further study the impacts of climate change on transportation infrastructure and operations and develop risk assessment tools. Prior to joining FHWA in 2003, Rob worked for the Eno Transportation Foundation.

State News

New York City Climate Change Risk. The New York City Panel on Climate Change released a report on climate change projections and potential risks to the city’s critical infrastructure. Global climate model projections are provided for temperature, precipitation, sea level rise, and extreme events for the New York City area. The document also includes information on the likelihood of risks associated with these impacts and their potential implications for New York City infrastructure. An appendix includes a breakdown of implications for several infrastructure categories, including transportation. The full report is available here:http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/pdf/2009/NPCC_CRI.pdf

Impacts of Climate Change in Washington State. Two studies were released discussing the impacts of climate change in Washington State. The studies were commissioned by the Washington State Legislature. The Climate Change Impacts Group at the University of Washington studied potential impacts of climate change using global climate models scaled to the Northwest, and the Climate Leadership Initiative at the University of Oregon looked at potential economic costs to Washington’s families, businesses and communities. The studies show that without action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, impacts in the state will be “profound.” For more information and links to the reports, see: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0901006.html.

Reminders

DOE Funding Available for Transportation Projects that Conserve Energy. The America Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 appropriated $3.2 billion for The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. Transportation strategies are eligible for funding. Applications for the funding must come from states, Indian tribes, or local governments. Grant application deadlines are May 26 for states and June 25 for local governments and tribes. For more information, contact Diane Turchetta at 202-493-0158 or Diane.Turchetta@dot.gov, or see: http://www.eecbg.energy.gov.

2009 Transportation, Planning, Land Use and Air Quality Conference to focus on Climate Change. The conference, sponsored by the Transportation Research Board, FHWA, and others, will explore the latest research in the coordination of transportation, land use and air quality with a specific focus on climate change strategies. The conference will be held in Denver, CO July 28 and 29, 2009. For more information, see:http://www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/tpluaq/home.html.

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

Wednesday, June 3, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

TIC3 Speaks Your Language – Deploy in Multiple Languages
Whether you are looking to provide Interoperability between legacy systems, launch or upgrade a 511 Service, generate Traffic Flows & Predictive models, Traffic Alerts, Traffic Plans & Simulations, report on Work Zones & Road Conditions, run an automated Radio Traffic Advisory system, or produce Navigation Quality Data, TIC3 from GEWI is the solution.  All of these services, and more, can be achieved by simple configuration of this single commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software platform, already in use in over 100+ projects worldwide.  And, it is already configured for 12 languages with other languages easily added. TIC is offered with flexible pricing models, worldwide support, and will also be made available locally through GEWI Authorized Partners.  Contact jim.oneill@gewi.com to discuss your requirements.

AVIATION

1) Crash Mystery Tests Limits of Technology

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-06-02-crashinside_N.htm

2) Air France Flight Flew Well Beyond Range of Radar

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j5g0ENmGxuUgPabNpRzvxTuScdUQD98IQJ7G0

3) Factbox: How Planes Get Lost

Link to information from Reuters:

http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-40052920090602

4) US Air Force Uses Jets for Long-Range Communications on Battlefields

Link to story on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090602_3113.php

5) Delta Counting on New Red Coats to Boost Customer Service

Link to story in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/business/delta/stories/2009/06/03/redcoat_delta_customerservice.html

CAMERAS

6) Tennessee Traffic Camera Restrictions Bill Goes to Governor

Link to blog in the Knoxville News Sentinel:

http://blogs.knoxnews.com/knx/humphrey/2009/06/traffic-camera-restrictions-bi.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) Say Hello to BING-411, Bing’s Voice Service

Phone service offers driving directions.

Link to review on Appscout:

http://www.appscout.com/2009/06/say_hello_to_bing-411_bings_vo.php

OTHER

8) News Updates from ITS America Annual Meeting

Link to news update:

http://www.dailynews-online.com/itsa-am/

PARKING

9) New Meters Challenging San Francisco Parkers

Link to story in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/03/BA8V17USEA.DTL

ROADWAYS

10) Confusing Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Signs Targeted

Link to story in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/local/46769982.html?elr=KArks:DCiU1OiP:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

11) Measures to Stop Wrong-Way Drivers on Dallas North Tollway Debated

Link to story in The Dallas Morning News:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-wrongway_03met.ART0.State.Edition2.5134ae5.html

12) National Socialists’ Highway Cleanup Hits Bump

Jewish group worked through legislators to have Missouri roadway renamed after rabbi.

Link to editorial in the News-Leader:

http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009905310334

SAFETY / SECURITY

13) Airport Officials Ask Congress Not to Disrupt TSA Biometric Work

Link to story in Washington Technology:

http://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2009/06/03/congress-urged-not-to-disrupt-tsa-biometrics-work.aspx

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) Centralize Traffic Monitoring, New Jersey Lawmakers Say

Link to story in The Press of Atlantic City:

http://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/article_06dd2c88-4e2f-11de-b544-001cc4c03286.html

News Releases

1) CP24 and GO Transit Announce Exclusive Partnership – Live Reports Delivered from GO Transit Centre

Upcoming Events

smart rivers ’21-The Future of Inland Navigation – September 6-9 – Vienna

http://www.smartrivers.org/

Today in Transportation History

1969 **40^th anniversary** – Australian light aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne and US Navy destroyer, USS Frank E. Evans collided in the South China Sea.  Seventy-four died.

http://www.vrb.gov.au/dvapublications/CLIK-Frank-E-Evans.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

Monday, June 1, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

New Flexible TIC Architecture On Display at ITS America
TIC’s new architecture is a breakthrough in data processing offering unprecedented flexibility and functionality as required for traffic and travel information and management. As a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution, TIC is a proven, highly scalable solution used in over 100 projects operating worldwide. TIC can be deployed faster, more affordably, and with less risk than build-your-own solutions. TIC is offered with flexible pricing models, worldwide support, in several languages, and will also be made available locally through GEWI Authorized Partners.
See TIC at GEWI booth #329 through Wednesday at ITS America or contact jim.oneill@gewi.com to discuss your requirements.

CAMERAS

1) Effort to Overturn Speed Cameras Fails in Maryland

Link to AP story:

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/gov/2009/06/01-04/Effort-to-overturn-speed-cameras-fails.html

2) Big Brother? North Carolina Cameras Would Record All License Plates

Link to story in the Star-News:

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20090530/ARTICLES/905309990/1004?Title=Big-Brother-Area-cameras-would-record-all-licence-plates

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) Cell Phone Locator System Needs No Satellite

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/01/technology/start-ups/01locate.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

OTHER

4) Meet the Public’s Voice at Minnesota DOT

Link to story in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/local/46586247.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

5) News Updates from ITS America Annual Meeting

Link to news update:

http://www.dailynews-online.com/itsa-am/

ROADWAYS

6) University of South Carolina Focuses on Finding Bridge Damage Through Specialized Sensors

Link to story in The State:

http://www.thestate.com/local/story/805489.html

7) A Traffic Sign for John C. Calhoun

Why so many words on pedestrian yield sign?

Link to blog in The New York Times:

http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/01/a-traffic-sign-for-john-c-calhoon/

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) US Department of Homeland Security Expands RFID Use at Borders Today

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/06/01/dhs-expands-rfid-use-at-borders-today.aspx

9) National Transportation Safety Board: Charter Bus Companies Must Have Contingency Plans for Crashes in Remote Areas

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jtKEp9EQ8X9AFP94PbtWyAPOAQWgD98GQUT80

TRANSIT

10) Tube Undergoes Language Upgrade

Ticket machines on the London Underground have been upgraded to operate in 17 different languages.

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8076510.stm

11) Johannesburg BRT E-Ticketing System Delayed

Link to story on ITWeb:

http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2009/0906011042.asp?O=FPTOP&S=IT%20in%20Government&A=ITG

12) London Olympics Tickets to Double as Transport Tickets, Cash?

Link to story in ContaclessNews:

http://www.contactlessnews.com/2009/06/01/olympics-tickets-to-double-as-transport-tickets-cash#top

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Traffic Solutions Just a Phone Call Away in Jakarta

Link to story in The Jakarta Post:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/05/30/traffic-solutions-just-a-phone-call-away.html

VEHICLES

14) From MPG to Mbps: Broadband Cars to Hit Top Gear in ’12

Link to story in telecomasia:

http://www.telecomasia.net/article.php?id_article=13669

News Releases

1) Clear Channel Radio’s Total Traffic Network Partners with EarthCam

2) TrafficCast’s BlueTOAD to Monitor Traffic Using Bluetooth

3) TransCore and Sensys Networks Announce Alliance to Integrate Arterial Travel Time System into TransSuite

4) Louisiana DOT Launches Improved 511 Traveler Information Service

5) ITS America, IBM, Spencer Trask, & Partners Launch Congestion Challenge for Traffic Solutions

6) Ford Sync with Traffic, Directions and Information Now Live with Inrix Traffic and 3^rd Generation Routing

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Talking Freight Special Session: TIGER Discretionary Grants Program – June 9

http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=17299

Today in Transportation History

1939 **70^th anniversary** – The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 made its first flight.

http://www.warbirdalley.com/fw190.htm

2009 – General Motors declared bankruptcy.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/06/its-official-gm-seeks-bankruptcy-protection.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

Friday, May 29, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

TIC3 From GEWI – One Platform, Multiple Deployment Options

 Whether you are looking to provide Interoperability between legacy systems, launch or upgrade a 511 Service, generate Traffic Flows & Predictive models, Traffic Alerts, Traffic Plans & Simulations, report on Work Zones & Road Conditions, run an automated Radio Traffic Advisory system, or produce Navigation Quality Data, TIC3 from GEWI is the solution.  All of these services, and more, can be achieved by simple configuration of this single commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software platform, already in use in over 100+ projects worldwide. To discuss your requirements, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com and look for GEWI in booth #329 at ITS America.

AVIATION

1) Coalition Aims to Revamp Air Traffic Control System

Link to story in The Record:

http://www.northjersey.com/news/aroundnj/Coalition_aims_to_revamp_air_traffic_control_system.html

RAILROADS

2) Amtrak Inches Closer to On-Track Wi-Fi in Northern California

Link to story on Jaunted:

http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/5/28/84647/7022/travel/Amtrak+Inches+Closer+to+On-Track+WiFi+in+Northern+California

ROADWAYS

3) High-Tech Upgrades to Pennsylvania Highways Could Manage Congestion

Link to story in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_627225.html

4) June Issue of Florida DOT’s SunGuide Disseminator Online

Link to newsletter:

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/trafficoperations/Newsletters/2009/2009-006-June.pdf

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) GIS Maps Prevent Vehicle Collisions with Elk and Deer

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/691425

6) New Travel Rules Kick in June 1 in US Amid Concerns Over RFID-Tagged Passport Cards

Link to story in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9133639

TRANSIT

7) Cleveland‘s Bus Rapid Transit

Link to interview and audio on WNYC Radio:

http://www.wnyc.org/news/articles/132968

8) New York MTA Offers Mobile Transit Directions

Link to story in amNY:

http://weblogs.amny.com/entertainment/urbanite/blog/2009/05/mta_offers_mobile_transit_dire.html

VEHICLES

9) Kansas is Owed $1 Million in Motor Vehicle Records Misuse Case

Link to story in The Wichita Eagle:

http://www.kansas.com/news/story/831007.html

News Releases

1) New Ford Sync Application – Traffic, Directions and Information – Ready for Download

Upcoming Events

Integrating Transit Applications: Defining Data Interfaces Using TCIP – June 24-25 – Los Angeles

http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.asp?CourseNumber=TRI27

Friday Bonus

Here’s an interesting way to calm traffic but panic drivers.*

http://sidestreets.freedomblogging.com/2008/11/19/gimme-a-pothole/852/

(*This is not a real product.  The photos are from an ad campaign.)

Today in Transportation History

1914 **95^th anniversary** – The RMS Empress of Ireland sank after a collision with the Storstad in the Gulf of St. Lawrence killing 1078 people.

http://www.sea-viewdiving.com/shipwreck_info/empress_home/thetragedy.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