Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter – April 24, 2009

April 24, 2009 at 6:28 pm

Friday, April 24, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Public Meeting on IntelliDriveSM Proof of Concept (POC) Results and Findings –  May 19

The US Department of Transportation would like to invite you to the upcoming Public Meeting on IntelliDriveSM Proof of Concept (POC) Results and Findings, which will take place on May 19 at the Sheraton Detroit Novi in Novi, Michigan.  POC testing resulted in a number of interesting findings, which will shape the coming activities on the IntelliDriveSM program.  Key POC participants from government and industry will discuss the testing that took place and present their findings, recommendations, and lessons learned at this meeting, as well as the next steps for the IntelliDriveSM program and the Michigan testbed. The results should also be of interest to industry representatives from the automakers and makers of after-market devices; federal, state, and local transportation officials; system integrators; information service providers; and university researchers.  The event is free, however registration is required for participation.  For more information on the meeting or to register, click here or contact Chris Lane at clane@itsa.org.

AVIATION

1) FAA’s Bird Strike Database Goes Public

Link to ABC News story:

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/story?id=7419909&page=1

Link to database:  http://wildlife-mitigation.tc.faa.gov/public_html/index.html#access

2) US Airways Rejects PETA Seal Hunting Ad

Link to story in the Phoenix Business Journal:

http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/04/20/daily66.html

Link to further information from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals:

http://blog.peta.org/archives/2009/04/us_airways_peta.php

CAMERAS

3) In Arizona, Cameras that Nab Speeders Record a Murder, Too

Link to story in The Christian Science Monitor:

http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0424/p02s06-usgn.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Minnesota Rips Illinois Tollway About Drivers It Says Were Unfairly Ticketed

Attorney general demands agency update car registration data.

Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-minnesota-illinois-tollway-2apr24,0,1750341.story

Link to news release from the Minnesota Attorney General:

http://www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/PressRelease/090424FaultyTollway.asp

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) Guide Dog GPS Device Up for Award

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8015296.stm

6) GPS in Cars Can Save Time and Money

Link to column in U.S. News & World Report:

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/daves-download/2009/04/23/gps-in-cars-can-save-time-and-money.html

Link to news release from Navteq:

http://www.navteq.com/webapps/NewsUserServlet?action=NewsDetail&newsId=724&lang=en&englishonly=false

MARITIME

7) Nortel Reporting System Helps Protect Endangered Whale

Link to story in Washington Technology:

http://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2009/04/17/nortel-system-looks-to-protect-endangered-whale.aspx

OTHER

8) San Jose, California Street Lights Get Smarter

Link to story in Fortune:

http://money.cnn.com/2009/04/24/technology/street_lights_echelon.fortune/?postversion=2009042412

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Digital IDs Make Clearing Customs Easier for US Citizens Traveling Abroad

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-04-23-fastentry_N.htm

10) Feds Turn to ‘Brain Music’ to Boost Emergency Worker Performance

Link to story in Wired:

http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/04/musical-mind-co.html

SPACE

11) NASA Astronaut Says He Will Twitter from Space

Link to story in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9132051

TELEMATICS

12) Toyota Plans ‘G-Book’ Telematics Service in China

Link to story on Tech-On:

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20090423/169207/

TRANSIT

13) Los Angeles MTA Approves Spanish Translation of Gold Line

Link to story in the Los Angeles Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/04/mta-approves-spanish-translation-of-gold-line.html

14) New Report Cites Nation’s ‘Transit Innovations’

Link to story in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=20253

Link to report from the Environmental Defense Fund:

http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=38941&redirect=transit

15) iPhone App Showdown: Battle of the CTA Bus Trackers

Link to story on ARS Technica:

http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2009/04/iphone-app-showdown-battle-of-the-cta-bus-trackers.ars

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) New Traffic Operations Center Opens for Western Australia Police

Link to story in The West Australian:

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=137946

VEHICLES

17) Vanity Plates Catch ACLU’s Eye

Link to story in The Denver Post:

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_12213302

News Releases

1) Speed Enforcement: Make Roads Safer and Increase the Number of Valid Reads

2) Cyprus Airport Guide Launched by Creators of the Successful Spanish Airport Guide

Upcoming Events

5th International Driving Symposium on Human Factors in Driver Assessment, Training, and Vehicle Design – June 22-25 – Big Sky, Montana

http://ppc.uiowa.edu/driving-assessment/2009/

Friday Bonus

Don’t worry…this does not smell like you think it does.  Take a closer look.

http://commercial-archive.com/n1rv4n4g8/2008/octjpgs/NED_BAONTV_busreklames.jpg

Today in Transportation History

1834 – 175th anniversary of the charter of the Long Island Rail Road.

http://www.mta.info/lirr/Video/175thAnniversary/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter – April 23, 2009

April 23, 2009 at 6:13 pm

Thursday, April 23, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Registration is now open for IBTTA’s Upcoming Summit – The Future of Tolling:  ORT and the Path to Interoperability, June 14-16, 2009 in Tampa, FL 

Join IBTTA in Tampa, FL and receive cutting-edge information from agencies and toll service providers around the globe on the latest in all-electronic tolling, toll traffic management, and achieving full interoperability. This is the only Summit in the world in 2009 focused on the critical topics of Open Road Tolling, All-Electronic Tolling and Interoperability and will feature more than 100 of our industry’s most experienced and knowledgeable speakers, panelists and exhibitors. What matters most is your customer’s experience driving your roads, the quality of service they receive during the payment process and your success in collecting those payments. Are your customers satisfied? Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda and register today

AVIATION

1) FAA Plan Would Require Alarms on Air Ambulances

Would warn pilot if helicopter is in danger of hitting the ground.

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-04-23-air-ambulance_N.htm

Link to FAA testimony at congressional hearing:

http://www.faa.gov/news/testimony/news_story.cfm?newsId=10497

BUSES

2) Taiwan Lawmakers Criticize ‘Smart Bus’ Plan

System to inform riders of arrival times called a waste of money.

Link to story in the Taipei Times:

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/04/24/2003441897

CAMERAS

3) Traffic Camera Lawsuit Could Force Cleveland to Refund Millions in Fines

Link to story in The Plain Dealer:

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1240475581234500.xml&coll=2

4) Legislation Introduced in Ohio to Ban Red Light Cameras

Link to story in the Dayton Daily News:

http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/ohiopolitics/entries/2009/04/22/legislation_introduced_to_ban.html

5) Wisconsin Highway 172 Cameras Proving Useful in Emergencies

Link to story on WBAY-TV:

http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=10233347

6) Pennsylvania DOT Adds Traffic Cameras on I-79

Link to story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09113/964884-454.stm

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

7) Cities Track Stimulus Money on New Web Sites

Link to story in Washington Technology:

http://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2009/04/23/city-web-sites-are-tracking-stimulus-funds.aspx

RAILROADS

8) Remote Control is a Failure for Railroads

Link to commentary on Seeking Alpha:

http://seekingalpha.com/article/132466-remote-control-is-a-failure-for-railroads

ROADWAYS

9) Eye-Catching Highway Billboards in Newfoundland and Labrador to be Trashed

Link to CBC News story:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2009/04/22/highway-billboards-422.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Satellite Tracking for School Buses in North Wales

Parents will be able to use satellite tracking to check their children are on the school bus, as part of a new pilot project.

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8009624.stm

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) Beat the Traffic Embraces Bluetooth

Uses Wii remote for interactive reporting.

Link to story and video in Broadcasting & Cable:

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/209798-NAB_2009_Beat_the_Traffic_Embraces_Bluetooth.php

VEHICLES

12) European Parliament Backs Strict Labeling for Tires

Link to story on EurActiv:

http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/parliament-backs-strict-labelling-tyres/article-181540  

News Releases

1) US DOT Requests Public Comments on ITS Program

2) ‘Intelligent Transport Systems’: Using Technology to Make EU Roads Safer

3) Urban Mobility: More EU Funding Wanted for Inner-City Transport Systems

4) SITA and Appear Deploy First Context-Aware Mobile Platform for Airlines and Airports

5) Kansas City Royals Enhance Fan Experience in New Kaufmann Stadium – Cisco StadiumVision System Will Include Traffic Updates

6) NTSB Acting Chairman Praises DOT Secretary for Release of Bird Strike Data, Suggestion for Mandatory Reporting

7) Ford’s MyKey Teen Safety Technology Honored, Praised for Potential Life-Saving Benefits

Upcoming Events

FTA’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Program Strategic Planning Workshop – May 6 – Chicago

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications-add/message/38

Today in Transportation History

1949 **60th anniversary** – The People’s Liberation Navy was founded in China.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_366419.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

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter – April 22, 2009

April 22, 2009 at 8:03 pm

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


TIC for Traffic Plans and Simulation – Create and Operate with Live and Historic Data
TIC can be used in off-line mode with historic data to create, simulate, and compare pre-defined traffic plans for expected traffic situations. TIC can then be used in on-line mode with both live and historic data to monitor the network.  Once a situation is identified, TIC can recommend the best plans to operators within minutes, and if an unexpected situation is identified, TIC can be used to create and recommend new traffic plans, such as during evacuations. TIC can consider the complete road network, traffic patterns, weather, work zones, social events, sensors, CO2, NOx, and particle emissions, and more. TIC is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution proven in over 100 projects operating worldwide, and can be deployed faster, more affordably, and with less risk than build-your-own solutions.

See the new TIC3 at GEWI booth #329 at the ITS America Conference or contact jim.oneill@gewi.com to discuss your requirements.

AVIATION

1) US Department of Transportation Reverses FAA on Bird Strike Data

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/22/AR2009042202057.html

Link to blog entry from Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood:

http://fastlane.dot.gov/2009/04/public-disclosure-is-our-job.html

2) FAA Video Makes Case for Air Traffic Control Revamp

Link to story in Wired:

http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/04/faa-makes-case.html

3) Program Looks to Boost Image of Private Aviation

Link to story in the Wichita Business Journal:

http://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2009/04/20/daily20.html

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

http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2009/090420gaservesamerica.html

4) Alaska Air Approved as First Airline to Conduct Own Required Navigation Performance Flight Validation

Link to story in Air Transport World Magazine:

http://atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=16354

OTHER

5) All States Now Have Stimulus-Tracking Web Sites

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/04/20/news-recovery-links.aspx

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Homeland Defense: Actions Needed to Address Management of Air Sovereignty Alert Operations to Protect US Airspace

Link to testimony from the US Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09612t.pdf

TRANSIT

7) Interactive Maps Debut on Tokyo Subway

Link to IDG News Service story:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/163473/interactive_maps_debut_on_tokyo_subway.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) Virginia Officials Pull from Previous Incident to Streamline Response

Link to story in The Northern Virginia Daily:

http://www.nvdaily.com/news/2009/04/officials-pull-from-previous-incident-to.html

9) New South Wales Opposition Slams Slow F3 Response

Opponents say government took too long to respond to the traffic chaos caused by a fatal truck accident on a major freeway.

Link to story on 9News:

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/804839/nsw-opposition-slams-slow-f3-response

News Releases

1) Intelligent Transportation Society of America Introduces New Online Supplier Directory for ITS Industry

Upcoming Events

15th International Conference on Urban Transport and the Environment – June 22-24 – Bologna, Italy

http://www.wessex.ac.uk/09-conferences/urban-transport-2009.html

Today in Transportation History

1969 **40th anniversary** – Robin Knox-Johnston completed the first single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in a sailboat.

http://www.robinknox-johnston.co.uk/

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

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

USDOT Transportation and Climate Change Newsletter – March 2009

April 21, 2009 at 6:28 pm

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

Recent Events

 Secretary LaHood Announces Recovery Act Funding for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction. On March 24, USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood announced the availability of $100 million in federal funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009, for the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction grant program. Projects will compete for a portion of the funds on the basis of how much their proposed capital investment is expected to reduce either energy consumption or greenhouse gases, or both, among other measures. FTA will post application instructions and additional information on its website atwww.fta.dot.gov.CLEAN TEA Bills Introduced to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions. On March 11, US Senators Thomas Carper (D-Del.) and Arlen Specter (R-Penn.) and Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) with several co-sponsors, introduced legislation that would establish a low greenhouse gas transportation fund (S. 575 and H.R. 1329). The Clean Low-Emissions Affordable New Transportation Equity Act, or CLEAN TEA, would be funded by 10 percent of the money generated from the auction of greenhouse gas emissions allowances in a climate change bill. For more information, see the text of H.R. 1329.

EPA Seeks Comment on Annual U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory. On March 4, EPA released a draft of their annual inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2007. The report indicates that CO2 emissions from transportation sources were 0.34 percent higher in 2007 than in 2006. The draft report will be open for public comment through April 9.

Reps. Waxman and Markey Release Draft of Joint Energy and Climate Legislation. The draft of “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009,” released on March 31, 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. Full text of the proposed legislation is available here

State News

CaliforniaReleases Proposed Regulations for Low Carbon Fuel Standard. On March 5, 2009, the California Air Resources Board released proposed regulations for a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), which would require transportation fuel providers to lower the life-cycle carbon intensity of their fuels over the next decade. For more information, see CARB’s website for the rulemaking.

Pew Center for Global Climate Change – State Climate Action Plans. The Pew Center keeps a database of comprehensive Climate Action Plans which have been completed by many states. For more information, see the Pew Center’s State Climate Action Plans Clickable Map.

Announcements

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. Eligible transportation projects include, but are not limited to:

  • Employee flex time programs;
  • Promoting use of satellite work centers;
  • Development and promotion of zoning guidelines or requirements that promote energy efficient development;
  • Development of infrastructure such as bike lanes and pathways and pedestrian walkways;
  • Synchronization of traffic signals;
  • State/locals/regional integrated planning activities (i.e. transportation, housing, environmental, energy, land use) with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled;
  • Incentive programs to reduce commutes by single occupancy vehicles;
  • Improvements in operational and system efficiency of the transportation system such as implementation of intelligent transportation system (ITS) strategies;
  • Idle-reduction technologies and/or facilities to conserve energy, reduce harmful air pollutants, and greenhouse gas emissions from freight movement; and
  • Installation of solar panels on interstate rights-of-way to conserve energy in highway operations and maintenance activities.

For more information about the funding, including deadlines and how to apply, see DOE’s EECBG Homepage.

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, visit theconference website.

Asset Management and Adapting to Climate Change Webinar, April 23. FHWA’s Office of Asset Management in cooperation with AASHTO is conducting a webinar that will provide an overview of climate change and management of highway infrastructure and will focus on the issue of adapting transportation infrastructure to the effects of climate change. This is one in a series of free webinars that FHWA and AASHTO conduct quarterly to provide support to transportation agencies as they develop and implement asset management programs. The webinar will be held 1:00-2:30 Eastern Time. To connect, click here and dial 1-800-988-0375, code CCW for the audio.

Job Opening: FHWA Sustainable Transport and Climate Change Team Leader. FHWA is seeking a GS-15 Team Leader to head our recently formed Sustainable Transportation and Climate Change Team. The position is open to all applicants and closes April 7. For more information and to apply, see the OPM job announcement number FHWA.HEP-2009-0007.

Reminders

U.S. DOT Launches Web-Based Clearinghouse of Transportation, Climate Change Resources. The USDOT has launched a new, web-based clearinghouse of information on transportation and climate change. The site provides an introduction to climate change and transportation and related information on greenhouse gas inventories and forecasts, methodologies for analyzing greenhouse gases from transportation, climate change and adaptation, and federal, state and local actions on transportation and climate change. The site also includes a calendar of events and will soon be enhanced to provide an opportunity for users to post and respond to discussions and receive updates by email. To access the site, go to: http://climate.dot.gov.

Transportation Research Board Starts a New Climate Change website. Transportation Research Board (TRB) has a new website offering information on TRB activities and products addressing transportation and climate change. To access the site, go to: http://tris.trb.org/climatechange/.

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

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter – April 21, 2009

April 21, 2009 at 6:12 pm

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Regular Registration Ends April 30 for ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition

The deadline to register at the regular registration rate for the 2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition of ITS America is rapidly approaching! Members of ITS America and public sector employees can register for $800.00 – that’s a $100.00 discount off the late registration rate! Full registration includes admittance to all educational sessions, the exhibit hall, the Technology Showcase, and ITS America’s networking events.  With ITS America 2009 in the Metro Washington Area, this is a wonderful opportunity to interact with legislators on the federal, state, and local level to showcase ITS products and services.  In addition to policy and technical sessions, the event will feature “city streets” vehicle and infrastructure technology demonstrations, a 150,000 square foot exhibit hall, tours of area transportation projects and facilities, and many other activities.  Be sure to take advantage of these registration rates before they increase on May 1. For more information on registration packages and to register, click here.

AVIATION

1) Hudson Ditching Survivor Joins Overwhelming Public Opposition to FAA Bird Strike Data Secrecy

Link to AP story:

http://www.startribune.com/nation/43306877.html?elr=KArks:DCiUMEaPc:UiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

Link to all responses:

http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=FAA-2009-0245

2) Airline Leaders Shift Focus on Air Traffic Control Replacement

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2009-04-20-nextgen-air-traffic-control_N.htm

CAMERAS

3) Police: Suspect in Custody in Murder of Photo Radar Worker

Link to story in The Arizona Republic.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2009/04/19/20090419photoworker-ON.html

OTHER

4) DC First in Line for Free Mobile Digital TV; Other Cities to Follow

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/20/AR2009042001302.html

ROADWAYS

5) Missouri City, Texas Approves Intelligent Transportation System

Link to story on FortBendNow:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2009/04/21/37268

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Secure Flight Roils Booking Technology

Link to story in Business Travel News:

http://www.btnonline.com/businesstravelnews/headlines/frontpage_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003963792

TELEMATICS

7) Low on Oil? Check Your Cell Phone

Link to story in The Korea Herald:

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/04/22/200904220069.asp

TRANSIT

8) Dubai Commuters Can Now Plan Their Journey

Link to story in the Gulf News:

http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Traffic_and_Transport/10305737.html

Link to Wojhati:  http://www.rta.ae/WOJHATI/dub/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?language=en

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

9) Streetfilms: Behind the Scenes at Los Angeles Traffic Control

Link to video on Streetsblog:

http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/04/20/streetfilms-behind-the-scenes-at-la-traffic-control/

News Releases

1) Public Meeting on IntelliDrive Proof of Concept (POC) Results and Findings

2) Aviation Weather, Flight Planning and Airport Data on Your Cell Phone

3) DC Metro Expands Advertising Opportunities with New Digital Projection Advertising

4) Cadcorp Launches CCTV Mapping System

Upcoming Events

12th International Conference on Automated People Movers – May 31-June 3 – Atlanta

http://content.asce.org/files/pdf/APM09_PreProgram_v14_000.pdf

Today in Transportation History

1994 **15th anniversary** – US DOT unveiled its ‘Share the Road’ public service campaign.

http://www.sharetheroadsafely.org/supportingMaterials/shareTheRoadFinalReport.asp

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

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

TRB Transportation Research E-Newsletter – April 21, 2009

April 21, 2009 at 10:46 am

(Source: Transportation Research Board)

Transportation Research Board

TRB News 

TRB Webinar: Back to the Future: Do We Need Aviation Reregulation?
May 19, 2009

TRB will conduct a web briefing or “Webinar” on Tuesday, May 19, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT that will explore the prospect of increased government involvement in the airline industry, given high energy costs and an industry-wide financial crisis. Participants must register at least 24 hours in advance of the start of the Webinar, space is limited, and there is a fee for non-TRB Sponsor employees. [More]

TRB Webinar: Animal-Vehicle Collisions

May 12, 2009

TRB will conduct a web briefing or “Webinar” on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT that will examine efforts to design and implement mitigation techniques to prevent animal-vehicle collisions.  Participants must register at least 24 hours in advance of the start of the Webinar, space is limited, and there is a fee for non-TRB Sponsor employees. [More]

TRB Webinar: Design and Production of High-Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Mixes

May 7, 2009

TRB will conduct a web briefing or “Webinar” on Thursday, May 7, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT that will explore the research and best practices for the processing, design, and production of high-reclaimed asphalt pavement mixes.  Participants must register at least 24 hours in advance of the start of the Webinar, space is limited, and there is a fee for non-TRB Sponsor employees. [More]

TRB Webinar: Design and Production of High-Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Mixes

May 7, 2009

TRB will conduct a web briefing or “Webinar” on Thursday, May 7, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT that will explore the research and best practices for the processing, design, and production of high-reclaimed asphalt pavement mixes.  Participants must register at least 24 hours in advance of the start of the Webinar, space is limited, and there is a fee for non-TRB Sponsor employees. [More]

 TRB Webinar: Performance-Based HMA Construction Specification

TRB will conduct a web briefing or “Webinar” on Monday, April 27, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT that will examine the results of TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) project to develop performance-related specifications for hot-mix asphalt (HMA).  During this session, presenters will demonstrate the Quality-Related Specification Software , which is based on the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide.  This software provides engineers with the ability to compare the performance of an as-designed and as-built HMA pavement and calculates pay factors from the differences in performance. Participants must register at least 24 hours in advance of the start of the Webinar, space is limited, and there is a fee for non-TRB Sponsor employees. [More]

Eighth International Conference on the Bearing Capacity of Roads, Railways, and Airfields (BCR2A)

Champaign, Illinois
TRB is cosponsoring the Eighth International Conference on the Bearing Capacity of Roads, Railways, and Airfields (BCR2A’09) on June 29-July 2, 2009, in Champaign, Illinois.  The conference is designed to explore issues pertaining to the bearing capacity and mechanistic-based design of highway and airfield pavements and railroad track structures. [More]

Recently Released TRB Publications

SHRP 2 Project Brief: DOT-Utility Coordination: Understanding Key Aspects of the Problem and Opportunities for Improvement

TRB’s second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) has released a project brief that summarizes SHRP 2 Renewal project R15, which explored strategies designed to resolve issues that departments of transportation and utility companies face when working together.  The project developed a plan to test and evaluate strategies designed to eliminate or mitigate utility asset relocation delays and overcome institutional barriers for the implementation of these strategies. [More]

SHRP 2 Project Brief: Encouraging Innovation in Locating and Characterizing Underground Utilities

TRB’s second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) has released a project brief that summarizes SHRP 2 Renewal project R01, which explored ways to encourage innovation in the location and characterization of underground utilities, and identified areas that have the highest potential for innovation and improvement.  The project also developed a research and development plan to advance promising technologies. [More]

On Being a Scientist: A Guide to Responsible Conduct in Research

The National Research Council has released the third edition of a report that describes the ethical foundations of scientific practices, and describes some of the personal and professional issues that researches encounter in their work.  TRB is a division of the National Academies, which include the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council. [More]

Joint Workshop on Abutment Scour: Present Knowledge and Future Needs – June 2008

TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Research Results Digest 334: Joint Workshop on Abutment Scour: Present Knowledge and Future Needs – June 2008 explores the state of knowledge on bridge abutment scour. [More]

Pre-Overlay Treatment of Existing Pavements

TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis 388: Pre-Overlay Treatment of Existing Pavements explores current pre-overlay treatment practices of state departments of transportation for both hot-mix asphalt and portland cement concrete pavement structures.  The report is designed to help pavement management and pavement design groups in their selection of pre-overlay treatments. [More]

Federal Research News

Transportation Conformity Highlights: March 2009

The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has released the latest issue of its Transportation Conformity Highlights newsletter.  The monthly newsletter is designed to keep conformity stakeholders up to date on issues related to transportation conformity. [More]

Review of Coast Guard’s Vessel Tracking Systems

The U.S. Government Accountability Office has released a report that examines the extent to which the Coast Guard tracks vessels at sea and can use these systems to track vessels that may pose security threats. [More]

Vision for High-Speed Rail in America

The Federal Railroad Administration has released a report that explores the U.S. Department of Transportation’s strategic plan for high-speed rail. [More]

Evaluation of the Focused Approach to Pedestrian Safety Program

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released a report that examines the pedestrian component of the FHWA’s Focused Approach to Safety Program. [More]

Not-in-Traffic Surveillance 2007 – Highlights

The U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released a traffic safety facts statistical summary that explores the Not-in-Traffic Surveillance (NiTS) system.  The NiTS system is designed to provide details regarding fatalities and injuries that occur in non-traffic crashes and in non-crash incidents. [More]

Technologies That Complement Congestion Pricing – A Primer

The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has released a report that explores ways that technology can be used for congestion pricing by supporting the traveler’s decision to change travel time, travel mode, and travel route. [More]

Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Reduction Study: Best Practices Manual

The U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released a report that examines the causes and impacts of wildlife-vehicle collisions and identifies solutions to this safety problem. [More]

LTPP Manual for Profile Measurements and Processing

The U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released a report that explores operational procedures and data collection and processing methods for the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) Program. [More] 

State Research News

A Functionally Optimized Hot-Mix Asphalt Wearing Course: Part I: Preliminary Results
The Virginia Transportation Research Council, a partnership of the Virginia Department of Transportation and the University of Virginia, has released a report that examines the design, production, placement, and early life performance of a new generation open-graded surface course for use in Virginia. [More] 

University Research News

Concrete Pavement Overlays and Failure Mechanisms
The Center for Transportation Research at the University of Texas, Austin, has released a report that explores asphalt concrete overlay and bonded concrete overlay projects, and examines a life-cycle cost analysis for future overlay projects. [More]

An Ambit-Based Activity Model for Evaluating Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Policies

The Mineta Transportation Institute has released a report that examines greenhouse gas emission reduction policies that are being considered in the transportation sector in the wake of more stringent emission reduction targets envisaged in a post-Kyoto international climate treaty. [More]

Creating an Educational Network in California to Assess and Address Its Future Transportation Education Challenges

The Mineta Transportation Institute has released a report that explores future transportation scenarios in California and examines various policy responses addressing these scenarios. [More]

Go! – April-May 2009
The Center for Transportation Research and Education at Iowa State University has released the latest issue of Go! magazine.  Go! is an online magazine for teens that explores the world of transportation and careers they can find there. [More]

International Research News

An Examination of the Monetized Benefit of Proposed Changes to Type Approved Noise

Limits for Tires
The U.K. Department of Transport has released a report that examines the monetized benefits of limit values for tire noise, which contributed to a proposed European Commission Regulation for general vehicle safety. [More]

Impact Assessment of EU Regulation to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions from New Passenger Cars
The U.K. Department of Transport has released a report that explores ways to improve new car fuel efficiency standards, as related to a proposed European Union Regulation on car carbon dioxide emissions. [More]

Valuing the Health Benefits of Active Transport Modes
Land Transport New Zealand has released a report that explores the per-kilometer value for the health benefits of active transport modes, such as walking and cycling. [More]

Long-Term Dust Suppression Using the Otta Seal Technique
Land Transport New Zealand has released a report that examines the use of a simplified version of the Otta seal as a method for minimizing dust emissions from gravel roads in New Zealand. [More]

In the Know

Travel Training for Student Success: The Route to Achieving Post-Secondary Student Outcomes
Easter Seals Project ACTION has released a primer for school administrators interested in learning how high schools across the country connect students with disabilities to travel training services. [More]

IIHS Status Report: Vol. 44 No. 4
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released the latest issue of its Status Report magazine.  This issue explores the results of IIHS’ study evaluating car size and weight, and the impact that these variables have in protecting people during crashes. [More]

Evaluating Options for U.S. Greenhouse-Gas Mitigation Using Multiple Criteria
The RAND Corporation has released a report that examines previous policy attempts to implement a carbon tax or cap-and-trade program.  The report outlines criteria that evaluate these previous policy efforts, and suggests ways to better inform future decisions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. [More]

Moving into North Dakota’s Future: Meeting the State’s Need for Safe and Efficient Mobility
TRIP has released a report that examines North Dakota’s financial capacity to modernize its surface transportation system.  TRIP is a nonprofit organization that promotes transportation policies that aim to relieve traffic congestion, improve road and bridge conditions, improve air quality, make highway travel safer, and enhance economic productivity. [More]

Cycling-Inclusive Policy Development: A Handbook
The German Technical Cooperation’s (GTZ’s) Sustainable Urban Transport Project (SUTP) has released a report that examines how to develop cycling-friendly policies and facilities.  The SUTP is designed to help developing world cities achieve their sustainable transport goals, through the dissemination of information about international experience and targeted work with particular cities. [More]

Reclaiming City Streets for People: Chaos or Quality of Life?
The Active Living Resource Center has released a report that explores ways to plan public spaces in order to eliminate road traffic for pedestrians. [More]

Asia on the Move: Energy-Efficient and Inclusive Transport
The Asia Development Bank has posted presentations from its Transport Forum on sustainable transport development, which was held on September 9-12, 2008, in Manila, Philippines. [More]

Arizona‘s New Frontier: Moving Our Transportation System into the 21st Century
U.S. PIRG, the federation of state Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs), has released a report that explores ways to invest in and expand public transport systems in Arizona. [More]

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter – April 20, 2009

April 20, 2009 at 5:20 pm

Monday, April 20, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


CAMERAS

1) Chattanooga: Cashing in on Car Cameras

Link to story in the Chattanooga Times Free Press:

http://timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/20/chattanooga-cashing-car-cameras/

2) Maryland Speed Camera Law Could Go to Voters

Link to story in The Washington Times:

http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/19/speed-camera-law-could-go-to-voters/

3) Bangkok to Install 10,000 CCTV Cameras for Added Security and to Monitor Traffic

Link to Thai News Agency story:

http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=9579

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Six South Florida Expressways to Collect All Tolls Electronically

Link to story in The Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/1007893.html

5) E-ZPass Records Offer Key Evidence

Nearly half of subpoenas to New York Thruway are rejected.

Link to story in the Times Herald-Record:

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090419/NEWS/904190316/-1/NEWS

6) Warning Letters Decrease Speeding at New Hampshire Tolls

Link to story in Foster’s Daily Democrat:

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090418/GJNEWS_01/704189917

MARITIME

7) Virginia DOT Limiting On-Ferry Activities

Memo prohibits passenger distribution of flyers following information on possible service cuts.

Link to story in the Smithfield Times:
http://www.smithfieldtimes.com/index.php/news/25-top-stories/80-vdot-limiting-on-ferry-activities

OTHER

8) New York City Taxis May Get Internet Access on Back-Seat TVs

Link to story in the Business Mirror:

http://businessmirror.com.ph/component/content/article/52-technology/9013-new-york-city-taxis-may-get-internet-access-on-back-seat-tvs.html

9) April Issue of IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Society Newsletter Online

Link to newsletter:

http://www.ieeeitss.org/v11n2.pdf

RAILROADS

10) Follow Historic Train Trip on Twitter

Link to AP story:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2009-04-20-twitter-train-tour_N.htm

ROADWAYS

11) Virginia DOT Tries Paint to Promote Road Safety

Zigzag pattern used on approach to trail crossing. 

Link to column in The Washington Post:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/04/vdot_tries_paint_to_promote_sa.html

12) Safety Behind New Mile Marker Signs on Massachusetts Highways

Link to story from The Standard-Times:

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090418/NEWS/904180350

SAFETY / SECURITY

13) Legislator Says Virginia DOT Wasting Money on Police Radios

Says units, which allow highway crews to communicate directly with state police, are unnecessary.

Link to story in The Northern Virginia Daily:

http://www.nvdaily.com/news/2009/04/gilbert-vdot-wasting-funds-on-police-rad.html

14) University of Michigan Launches Field Testing of Safety System for Passenger Cars

Link to story on WWJ Radio:

http://www.wwj.com/UM-Launches-Field-Testing-Of-Safety-System-For-Pas/4235192

TRANSIT

15) Seattle-Area Transit Agencies Unveil All-Purpose Pass

Link to story in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

http://www.seattlepi.com/transportation/405269_ORCA18.html 

16) Fredericton Transit Bus Fleet May Go High-Tech

Internet, webcams, wireless access down the road?

Link to story in The Daily Gleaner:

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/front/article/640542

17) (Fake) Signs of Bad Times for the New York MTA

Web site allows riders to print notices that look like the real thing.

Link to story in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/04/18/2009-04-18_fake_signs_of_bad_times_for_the_mta.html

Link to site:  http://www.whereandy.com/

18) Economy, Standards Stand in the Way of Near Field Communications

Link to story in ContactlessNews:

http://www.contactlessnews.com/2009/04/20/economy-standards-stand-in-the-way-of-nfc

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

19) Traffic Monitoring Center Set Up in Malaysia

Link to story in The Star:

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/4/18/nation/3723588&sec=nation

20) LG Telecom to Launch Free Traffic Information to Mobile Phone Subscribers in Korea

Link to story in The Chosun Ilbo:

http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/04/20/2009042000788.html

21) Hands On with Ford Sirius Travel Link

Link to review on autoinsane:

http://www.autoinsane.com/2009/04/20/news/tech/hands-on-with-ford-sirius-travel-link/

News Releases

1) Broadcaster Traffic Consortium Expands with New Broadcasting Partners, More RDS and HD Radio Broadcasting Market Coverage

Upcoming Events

The History of Sleeping Cars 150th Anniversary Symposium – April 23-26 – Chicago

http://www.trainweb.org/pths/symposium.html

Today in Transportation History

1534 **475th anniversary** – Jacques Cartier began a journey which brought him to present day Labrador and Prince Edward Island.

http://www3.sympatico.ca/goweezer/canada/z00cartier1.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 – April 17, 2009

April 17, 2009 at 9:44 pm

Friday, April 17, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Daily Twitter Updates for TCN

If you’d like a preview of what’s coming up in the TCN, you can now follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/brwagenblast

AVIATION

1) The FAA and the Freedom of Information Act

Link to column in The Dallas Morning News:

http://watchdogblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/04/the-faa-and-the-freedom-of-inf.html

2) Logan Airport to Try High-Tech Bird-Detection System

Link to story on WBZ-TV:

http://wbztv.com/local/bird.detection.system.2.986910.html

3) Delta No Longer Sending Reservation Calls to India

Link to AP story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Delta-no-longer-sending-apf-14957481.html?.v=3

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) GPS Units Plug Into the Web, but We’re Not There Yet

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/17/AR2009041700047.html

MARITIME

5) Maritime Academy Simulates Pirate Attacks

Link to story and video report on KGO-TV:

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/east_bay&id=6765847

6) US Government Accountability Office Urges Review of Ship-Tracking Plans

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/04/17/web-tracking-ships.aspx

Link to GAO report:  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09337.pdf

ROADWAYS

7) For Massachusetts Pike Chief, Tact Not Part of the Job

Link to story in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/04/17/for_pike_chief_tact_not_part_of_the_job/

TRANSIT

8) ‘Suicide’ Ad Irks Toronto Transit Authority

Link to story in The Globe and Mail:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090417.wsubway17art12247/BNStory/National/home

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

9) Intelligent Transportation Projects Get Stimulus Funding

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/641154

10) Profile of San Francisco Traffic Reporter Liz Saint John

Link to column in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/17/PKDQ16V7SU.DTL

11) Technologies that Compliment Congestion Pricing – A Primer

Link to publication from the Federal Highway Administration:

http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop08043/cp_prim3_00.htm

12) Best Practices in Traffic Incident Management

Link to draft report from the Federal Highway Administration:

http://www.nasemsd.org/Projects/HITS/documents/tim_best_practices2.pdf

VEHICLES

13) Pay Up or Your Car Engine Will Stop

Link to AOL Autos story:

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/04/17/aa.bills.shut.engine.down/

News Releases

1) HelloFlight.com Announces ‘Exclusive/First-Time Available to Public’ FAA Online Flight Tracking Tools

2) The 7,000km Long, Four Terabyte ‘Gadget’ that Keeps the UK on the Move

3) Toyota to Show Infrastructure-Linked Driving Safety Systems

Job Posting

 –  General Engineer – Volpe National Transportation Systems Center – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobId=80513390&AVSDM=4%2F17%2F2009+3%3A43%3A04+PM

Upcoming Events

Performance Measures – A Case Study in Progress Webinar – May 6

http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s090506_perfmeas.asp

Friday Bonus

Here’s a way to kill two birds with one stone.  You can save money AND calm traffic!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/essex/8001310.stm

Today in Transportation History

April 17, 1964 **45th anniversary** – Ford introduced the Mustang at the New York World’s Fair.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFWS2aIAOpQ

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

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 – April 16, 2009

April 16, 2009 at 7:00 pm

Thursday, April 16, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Registration is now open for IBTTA’s Upcoming Summit – The Future of Tolling:  ORT and the Path to Interoperability, June 14-16, 2009 in Tampa, FL 

 

Join IBTTA in Tampa, FL and receive cutting-edge information from agencies and toll service providers around the globe on the latest in all-electronic tolling, toll traffic management, and achieving full interoperability. This is the only Summit in the world in 2009 focused on the critical topics of Open Road Tolling, All-Electronic Tolling and Interoperability and will feature more than 100 of our industry’s most experienced and knowledgeable speakers, panelists and exhibitors. What matters most is your customer’s experience driving your roads, the quality of service they receive during the payment process and your success in collecting those payments. Are your customers satisfied? Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda and register today

AVIATION

1) Tucson Airport Ambassadors Help Guide the Way

Link to story in Inside Tucson Business:

http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2009/04/15/news/doc49df899562c2f786093595.txt

BUSES

2) Bus Priority, Real-Time Arrival System Timetabled for 2010 in Dublin

Link to story in the Irish Times:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2009/0416/1224244812782.html

CAMERAS

3) Traffic Cameras Help Emergency Crews in Charlotte, North Carolina

Link story and video report on News 14:

http://www.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/607842/traffic-cameras-help-emergency-crews/Default.aspx

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Fast Lane Users Rise after Massachusetts Turnpike Jams

Link to story in the Boston Herald:

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2009_04_16_Fast_Lane_users_rise_after_jams:_Pike:_Requests_spike/srvc=home&position=also

OTHER

5) Earmark Requests by Californians in Congress Get Increased Public Scrutiny

The House now requires members to post their requests online. The special spending used to be quietly slipped into legislation.

Link to story in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-earmarks16-2009apr16%2C0%2C1913191.story

6) High-Tech Paint to Combat Air Pollution

Ecopaint absorbs gases from vehicle exhausts.

Link to story in the Bury Times:

http://www.burytimes.co.uk/news/burynews/4294349.Hi_tech_paint_to_combat_air_pollution/

ROADWAYS

7) Hawaii Looks at Taxing Miles Traveled

Link to AP story:

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/environment/2009-04-16-hawaii-driving-tax_N.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Cloud Computing Moves Into Public Safety

Companies introduce software as a service for communications between fire, police and other emergency agencies.

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/04/16/cloud-computing-moving-into-public-safety-realm.aspx

TRANSIT

9) All MBTA Buses Equipped with GPS

Link to AP story:

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2009_04_16_MBTA_buses_equipped_with_GPS

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Taking Control – Intelligent Design

Editorial questions if computerized traffic signal management in Delhi is better than traffic policemen.

Link to editorial in The Times of India:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Editorial/TAKING-CONTROL—Intelligent-design/articleshow/4410875.cms  

VEHICLES

11) New Mexico Looks to Upgrade Online Motor Vehicle Services

Link to AP story:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/16/AR2009041602991.html

News Releases

1) Idaho Transportation Department Honors Vaisala RWIS Partnership

Upcoming Events

IX Spanish Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems – June 2-4 – Andorra La Vella, Andorra

http://www.itsspain.com/itsspain/index.php/evento/35  (in Spanish)

Today in Transportation History

1964 **45th anniversary** – Thirteen people involved in the 1963 Great Train Robbery in the UK were sentenced.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1310271.stm

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

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 – April 15, 2009

April 15, 2009 at 6:06 pm

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


TIC for Traffic Plans and Simulation – Create and Operate with Live and Historic Data

TIC can be used in off-line mode with historic data to create, simulate, and compare pre-defined traffic plans for expected traffic situations. TIC can then be used in on-line mode with both live and historic data to monitor the network.  Once a situation is identified, TIC can recommend the best plans to operators within minutes, and if an unexpected situation is identified, TIC can be used to create and recommend new traffic plans, such as during evacuations. TIC can consider the complete road network, traffic patterns, weather, work zones, social events, sensors, CO2, NOx, and particle emissions, and more. TIC is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution proven in over 100 projects operating worldwide, and can be deployed faster, more affordably, and with less risk than build-your-own solutions.   See the new TIC3 at ITS America in GEWI booth #329 or contact jim.oneill@gewi.com to discuss your requirements.

AVIATION

1) Business Aviation Taps Twitter

Link to story in Aviation Week:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=busav&id=news/TWITTER041409.xml&headline=Business%20Aviation%20Taps%20Twitter

2) In-flight Wi-Fi Prices Still Up in the Air for Alaska Airlines

Link to story in eWeek:

http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/Inflight-WiFi-Prices-Still-Up-in-the-Air-for-Alaska-Airlines-287834/

BUSES

3) Cameras to Keep Watch on Muni Bus Fleet in San Francisco

Link to story in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/14/BALQ172H2I.DTL

CARTOGRAPHY

4) GIS Helps State Understand ‘Unintended Things,’ Says California’s Geographic Information Officer

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/639802

Link to video from the California Office of the Chief Information Officer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-2WIR8ORtc&feature=channel_page

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

5) Taiwan Freeway ETC Contract Under Review

Link to story in the Taipei Times:

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/04/16/2003441213

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) China Launches Satellite for Positioning System

Link to IDG News Service story:

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/041509-china-launches-satellite-for-positioning.html

OTHER

7) Albuquerque Newspaper Sues New Mexico DOT Over Public Records

Link to AP story:

http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_12146386

8) Traffic Knowledge Shared Across Canada Through University of Regina Project

Link to story in the Leader-Post:

http://www.leaderpost.com/Technology/Traffic+knowledge+shared+across+Canada+through+project/1499247/story.html

Link to news release from the University of Regina:
http://www.uregina.ca/news/newsreleases.php?release=568

9) Flying High

Profile of traffic reporter, Amelia Earhart.

Link to story in Denver Woman:

http://www.denverwoman.com/1007/rolemodel.html

ROADWAYS

10) Results of Deer Reflectors Inconclusive so Far

Link to story in The Daily Republic:

http://www.mitchellrepublic.com/articles/index.cfm?id=32801

11) Caltrans Criticized for Bypassing County Input on I-80 Detour

Link to story in the Sierra Sun:

http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20090415/NEWS/904159989/1066

12) Yale Launches Animated ‘Smart Streets’ Traffic Safety Education Web Site

Link to story on Design New Haven:

http://www.designnewhaven.com/2009/04/yale-launches-smart-streets-traffic.html  

Link to Smart Streets:  http://www.yale.edu/smartstreets/

13) The War on Short Yellows

Link to commentary in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123975737976619187.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

14) Airport Credentials: What’s Going to Happen?

Many organizations are working on bringing biometrics to airports but obstacles remain.

Link to story in ContactlessNews:

http://www.contactlessnews.com/2009/04/14/airport-credentials-whats-going-to-happen

15) The Carlet Letter? New Jersey Tags New Drivers with Decal

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jZ9H_nxvePTsGxo-LEtkmgOHLAHwD97J3P500

TRANSIT

16) Now Boarding the Bus: TV

City of Raleigh first to deploy mobile DTV.

Link to story in The News & Observer:

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1486064.html

Link to story and video report on WRAL-TV:

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/4948031/

17) SEPTA Charts New Route on Google

Link to story in Metro:

http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/04/15/04/2415-85/index.xml

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

18) Global Traffic Network Provides In-Air Eye for Radio

Link to story in Radio World:

http://www.radioworld.com/article/78504

19) Trafficmaster Preps Mobile Phone Drive

Link to story on Register Hardware:

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/04/15/trafficmaster/

VEHICLES

20) Abortion Debate Moves to Special License Plates

Link to AP story:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-04-14-license-plates-abortion_N.htm

News Releases

1) Toronto Transit Commission Extends Next Train Arrival Information

2) ITS Georgia Starts Twitter Page

3) US Transportation Security Administration Announces Appointment of New Head of Strategic Communications

Upcoming Events

International Conference on Models and Technologies for Intelligent Transportation Systems – June 22-23 – Rome

http://w3.uniroma1.it/its2009/

Today in Transportation History

1924 **85th anniversary** – Rand McNally published its first road atlas, the Auto Chum.

http://www.randmcnally.com/rmc/company/cmpTimeLine.jsp?cmty=0

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The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast