Image courtesy: via BusinessInsider

Given the great amount of public interest in automated vehicles, global automakers are no longer kidding around. Off late, they are investing a great amount of  time and resources, particularly in the research shops at Hyundai, GM and Toyota, in developing technologies to support this ambitious agenda. The chart below shows the spike in number of patents related to autonomous driving from the auto OEMs. The chart was part of a survey report by Thomson Reuters IP & Science, “The State of Innovation in the Automotive Industry 2015,” which analyzed patent applications and mapped trends in five key areas: Propulsion, navigation, handling, safety and security, and entertainment.

Image Courtesy: Businessinsider.com

According to Reuters, Overall, Asians and Germans dominated the top 10 companies for patent applications, while GM, ranked seventh, was the only U.S. company making the list. The automotive sector saw the number of patent filings around the world grow by double-digits year-on-year over the past five years, the Thomson Reuters report said. While Google Inc has dominated headlines in self-driving cars, Toyota, GM and Hyundai received the most patents in this area, said Bob Stembridge, one of the report’s authors.

via Yahoo Tech

Image courtesy: Yahoo.com “Calling for an ride after midnight? We hope you saved up for it.”

The chart comes to us via Dan Tynan’s “12 Ways to Avoid Uber and Still Get Home Safely on New Year’s Eve“.  If you are one of them brave souls venturing out tonight in the West Coast cities of Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego or Seattle , I highly recommend checking out FlyWheel, who is offering a $10 flat fee rides from 8PM until 3AM. Dan Tynan has done a great job identifying the various alternatives for you to get around safely after a fun night out. One additional smartphone app that I’d like to recommend in addition to Dan’s collection is @RideScout. This mobile app will help you get from point A to point B faster and smarter. RideScout shows you real-time information about transportation options that are available right now around you, including transit, bus, bike, taxi, car share, rideshare, parking and walking directions – all in one view. Now, how cool is that!

I’d like to also use this as an opportunity to wish all my reader a SAFE & Happy New Year! Thank you for your continued support and I promise to keep you even more informed in 2015.

via USDOT/ITS JPO

The USDOT’s connected vehicle program has identified many safety applications and here is an important one – curve speed warning. This application warns a truck driver if the truck is traveling too fast for an approaching curve and potentially avoid a rollover. To learn more about connected vehicles click here.

Steps and Instructions: 

1. Technical Papers

   Papers should address technical subjects as well as the institutional, policy, business and economic aspects of ITS. All papers must be original and report on recent, significant and substantive achievements. All papers must relate to one of the eight main topics provided.

   Papers must be submitted as final, be at least six pages and no longer than 12 pages single spaced. Technical papers will be reviewed by a peer panel that will look for quality, relevance, and significance of the findings.

2. Guidelines for Paper Submission

   • The deadline for submitting papers is Friday, February 6, 2015. Papers will not be accepted after this date. This deadline will not be extended.
   • Submitted papers must be in final form and follow the formatting instructions outlined here.
   • Papers must be submitted as final, be at least six pages and no longer than 12 pages single spaced.
   • Graphics are encouraged to enhance the presentation of the technical material.
   • Authors may submit up to three papers.
   • Papers may have up to five listed authors. Please note only the presenting author will be listed in the 2015 ITS America Annual Meeting and Exposition Final Program.
   • To help organize the technical sessions, please accurately specify the topic area that best describes the subject of your paper.
   • Upon submission, the primary author will receive a confirmation email.
   • If a paper is accepted, the primary author will be informed by mid-March 2015.
   • If the paper is conditionally accepted, the author must make sufficient changes to the paper, suggested by the reviewer, and resubmit the revised paper through the online portal by April 3, 2015.
   • Papers of a predominantly commercial nature will not be selected for presentation.
   • Presenting Authors must be registered for the 2015 ITS America Annual Meeting and Exposition by April 24, 2015 or their paper will be withdrawn from the program.
   • Please note that English is the official language of ITS America’s Annual Meetings. Papers not submitted in English will be automatically rejected.

   For more detailed information on submissions, see the Call For Papers brochure.

   For complete 25th Annual Meeting Paper Formatting Instructions, see
   Formatting Instructions.

3. Technical Support

For help in submitting an abstract online, Contact technical support.

TECHNICAL PAPERS

ASSOCIATION BACKGROUND

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to advancing the research, development and deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to improve the nation’s surface transportation network. ITS America was formed to provide a unified voice with respect to the development and deployment of new technology from the perspective of all potentially affected parties, including industry, government, academia and other association partners. ITS America represents the experience, perspective, and interest of both the public and private sectors.

ITS America’s members include federal, state, local government agencies; national and international companies involved in the development of intelligent transportation systems; universities and independent research organizations; certain national associations, and others. The Society has 27 state and multi-state chapters representing more than 40 states.

The Society’s $5+ million dollar budget is supported primarily through dues, fees derived from meetings, including a triennial World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, technical contracts with the U.S. Department of Transportation and others.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

ITS America Board of Directors

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The President and CEO provides leadership for ITS America. S/he directly oversees the management of a $5+ million budget and 30 staff in Washington, D.C. S/he serves as an ex officio member of the ITS America Board of Directors and on the ITS World Congress Board of Directors. S/he is responsible for translating the mission of the organization into specific goals and expectations relative to market development, research, education, and government affairs activities. S/he also serves as the lead spokesperson for ITS America before current and prospective members, government leaders, key business partners and stakeholders, media, other associations, and the general public.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

The President and CEO exercise’s responsibility for the overall strategic direction, coordination, and execution of society programs. S/he may delegate portions of these responsibilities consistent with sound management principles and authorized policies and procedures, together with proportionate authority for their fulfillment; but may not delegate or relinquish accountability for the results. The specific responsibilities of the president are:

• Serves as the liaison between the Board and ITS America staff.
• Participate in policy formulation actions undertaken by the Board of Directors; Identifies strategic gaps and provides input; interprets major policies and objectives for officers and key executives; recommends courses of action; and establishes operating policies and standards within the general framework established by the Board.
• Ensure that the ITS America Board of Directors and the Executive Committee are kept timely informed about the operations of ITS America.
• Directs the enforcement of the Association Bylaws and the execution of all resolutions of the membership, the Board, and the Executive Committee.
• Directs the development of the strategic plan, budgets, programs, and campaigns required to achieve the objectives of the Society.
• Presents recommended annual operating work programs for approval by the Board of Directors.
• Administers the financial affairs of the Society within applicable Board policies, budgets, and accounting controls to ensure the overall fiscal health of ITS America.
• Builds effective relationships with individuals and organizations with shared interests. Identifies and engages partners, building alliances that advance ITS America’s mission and efforts to promote, conduct research, and provide educational opportunities.
• Serves as a spokesperson for ITS America and the industry before a wide variety of government leaders, the media and related organizations.
• Develop, recruit and retain a high quality staff.
• Work to optimize the effectiveness of the relationship with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Energy and other appropriate agencies.
• Provide a forum and environment for the public and private sectors to meet to examine, discuss and resolve complex ITS issues.
• Work closely with the ITS America Leadership Circle as well as any other forums organized at the Society to benefit the organization and its members.
• Provide leadership for ITS America’s participation in international programs and activities.
• Provide and active membership development and retention program.

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

The president maintains constant contact with the volunteer leadership of ITS America and:

• Maintain contact with appropriate regulatory and legislative bodies, associations, public service representatives and organizations to achieve ITS America’s objectives and to enhance the image of the Society.
• Where appropriate and feasible, seek to jointly develop policies, advice, recommendations and programs on ITS matters in cooperation with interested and affected organizations such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the America Public Transportation Association (APTA), the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), SAE International, the Transportation Research Board (TRB), the Association of Global Automakers, and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
• Represent ITS America in activities with its international partners, including ERTICO-ITS Europe and ITS Japan, and other national ITS organizations, to support a successful ITS World Congress and promote international cooperation on standards, research and deployment.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

The next ITS America President and CEO will be a strategic and innovative leader with a minimum of 10 years’ senior executive-level leadership and management experience with an organization of similar size, scale and complexity either in related sectors, a relevant association or government. The ideal candidate possesses the following experience and attributes:

• World class leader with a demonstrated track record as a leader in an organization known for innovation; Growth and customer/member service.
• Senior management experience including strategic planning, financial management, staff leadership, Board relations, market promotion and advocacy.
• Capable of anticipating and proactively addressing significant industry challenges and opportunities.
• Proven track record as a principal spokesperson and advocate before all forms of media and at the highest levels of government and business.
• Must have the intellectual courage to define and defend new ideas in an evolving organization environment and learn about member’s technologies and passionately advocate the Society’s mission internally and externally.
• A successful track record of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with an active volunteer Board, external partners and stakeholders.
• A highly recognizable, marquee executive who will bring high credibility to the organization.
• A history of successful engagement, partnering and alliance building.
• Experience attracting, developing, motivating and retaining a high performing, team- oriented staff.
• Ability to manage staff remotely.
• Experience leading the development and execution of strategies for identifying new value-added services and products and generating sustainable revenue streams.
• Experience leading a federation of independent chapters is a plus. Effective at leading through persuasion.
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills for building and fostering key internal and external relationships.
• Outstanding communication skills, including speaking and presentation skills; an active listener.
• Familiarity with sectors and issues related to the transportation and technology industry is a strong plus.
• Has strong presence and judgment. Equally effective at all levels within and outside the organization. Has unquestionable ethics and integrity.
• Committed to the association, its mission and members, and all the issues that affects their success.
• Servant leader; diplomatic; politically savvy.
• Willingness to undertake a robust domestic and international travel schedule.

LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS

Keeps on Point: Can quickly separate the mission-critical from the nice to dos and the trivial; quickly senses what’s the next most useful thing to work on; focuses on the critical few tasks that really add value and puts aside or delays the rest.

Gets Work Done Through Others: Manages people well; gets the most and best out of the people he/she has; sets and communicates guiding goals; measures accomplishments, holds people accountable, and gives useful feedback; delegates and develops; keeps people informed; provides coaching for today and for the future.

Organizationally Savvy: Maneuvers well to get things done; maze bright; knows where to go to get what he/she needs; politically aware and agile; knows the right thing to do; presents views and arguments well.

Communicates Effectively: Writes and presents effectively; adjusts to fit the audience and the message; strongly gets a message across.

Manages Up: is ambitious and is comfortable marketing himself/herself to higher management; knows how to relate effectively with top management.

Relating Skills: warm, friendly, and interpersonally agile; easy to approach and talk to; relates well to all kinds of people; makes a pleasant first impression and builds solid relationships.

Manages Diverse Relationships: Relates well to a wide variety of diverse styles, types, and classes; open to differences; effective up, down, sideways, inside, and outside; builds diverse networks; quick to find common ground; treats differences fairly and equitably; values diversity and treats all people with respect and dignity.

Education: An undergraduate degree is required. An advanced degree is highly desirable.

Compensation: A competitive compensation package will be provided to attract outstanding candidates.

Search by ITS America: Please submit your letter of interest and resume to Human Resources at CEOsearch@itsa.org. pinterest-1f3bb

The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America), the nation’s largest nonprofit association representing the transportation technology industry, is seeking a Government and External Affairs Manager to support the organization’s legislative affairs, communications and media outreach activities. ITS America’s membership includes more than 450 public agencies, private sector companies, and research institutions as well as state chapter affiliates in 40 states dedicated to advancing the research, development and deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems to improve mobility and build a safer, smarter, more efficient and sustainable surface transportation network. The Government and External Affairs Manager will be responsible for the following activities:

• Serve as a liaison for personal offices with the U.S. House of Representatives;
• Schedule and manage logistics for monthly Congressional Roundtable events with Members of Congress;
• Manage logistics and outreach for ITS America’s annual Capitol Hill Transportation Technology Showcase & Reception and Legislative Fly-in;
• Schedule, prepare materials for, and when needed represent ITS America at Congressional meetings and briefings;
• Assist in maintaining relationships and managing logistics related to ITS America’s Legislative Steering Committee;
• Plan and manage media, Congressional and stakeholder outreach events;
• Plan and manage Smart Solution Spotlight awards and related promotional activities;
• Write and manage the distribution of ITS America’s monthly member e-newsletter;
• Draft press releases, media statements, and other communications as needed;
• Perform legislative and regulatory research and writing;
• Write, edit and update copy regularly on www.itsa.org;
• Assist with government and media outreach for ITS America’s quarterly Regional Symposium Series events;
• Assist with government and media outreach for ITS America’s Annual Meeting and the global ITS World Congress;
• Serve as the point of contact for the ITS America SmartBrief—a daily email of the industry’s top news articles–and respond to content questions as necessary from the external editor
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date Congressional, media and stakeholders contacts and distribution lists; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The incumbent will report to the Senior Vice President for Government and External Affairs, with day-to-day management provided by the Vice President for Legislative Affairs and Director of Communications. Candidates should have at least 2-4 years of relevant legislative and/or government experience, extremely strong writing skills with a working knowledge of AP Style, the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines, and attention to detail. Congressional affairs, media relations, and transportation and/or technology policy experience are all a strong plus. Salary is commensurate with experience. Please submit your resume and at least two writing samples to pfeenstra@itsa.org.

Present your ideas for smarter mobility and urban development at Transforming Transportation 2015

Transforming Transportation 2015 (#TTDC15) is the annual conference co-organized by EMBARQ, the sustainable urban transport program of the World Resources Institute, and the World Bank. This year’s conference will focus onSmart Cities for Shared Prosperity, and will examine how smart, connected urban mobility can improve quality of life in cities.

We’re inviting YOU to become a presenter! Pitch your ideas to present on either “Innovations in Urban Development for Smart Cities” or Innovations in Mobility for Smart Cities.” Presentations will follow the PechaKucha format and must be submitted by December 2, 2014 at 11:59pm EST. Those interested can consult the detailed submission guidelines.

For any questions or comments, please contact embarq@wri.org. Tune in for regular updates at www.TransformingTransportation.org and on social media by following #TTDC15.

Image courtesy: Automoblog

Add this to one of the million other articles you would see around the web that hypes the arrival of self-driving cars and how they are going to change our lives..

Click here to read the accompanying article.

Photo by cogdogblog

The Federal Highway Administration plans to produce deployment guidance in 2015 on connected vehicles to transportation infrastructure owner/operators.  Tell us what would best support decision making and deployments at the state and local level.

National Associations including AASHTO, ITE and ITS America are working together to form a Vehicle to Infrastructure(V2I) Coalition.  What type of organization will best meet your needs?

Please provide comments based on the materials distributed on these topics at the September 12, 2014 public meeting including the initial draft guidance, a handout on the proposed coalition, and the list of supporting V2I products/tools under development. The V2I Deployment Guidance Draft is an initial draft document. USDOT is seeking feedback from State and local Departments of Transportation, transit operators, other operating agencies, and infrastructure owners who are starting to plan for the deployment and use of connected vehicle technologies in their area. Any interested parties may provide comments on the initial draft guidance through Friday, November 14, 2014.

Questions to Consider on the Proposed CV Guidance

• Will the topics covered in the proposed guidance and the companion products being developed provide you with enough support to successfully deploy connected vehicle technologies in your area?
• Are there additional tools, training, or resources that you would like to see developed?
• Any other concerns/comments?

Questions to Consider on the V2I Deployment Coalition

• What are your thoughts about the structure of the proposed coalition?
• How should associated organizations’ and agencies’ leadership be involved?
• What challenges are likely to arise and need to be addressed?
• Any other concerns/comments?

Review source materials and provide comments at: http://www.its.dot.gov/meetings/v2i_feedback.htm by Friday, November 14, 2014.