Call for Submissions: Become a presenter at Transforming Transportation 2015

November 11, 2014 at 10:40 am

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.

Infograph: How self-driving cars will change our lives

November 5, 2014 at 6:50 pm

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.

 

USDOT wants your input on the Proposed FHWA 2015 Guidance for Connected Vehicles and the Formation of a V2I Deployment Coalition

October 31, 2014 at 5:13 pm

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based on the materials distributed on these topics at the September 12, 2014 public meeting including the initial draft guidance, a handout on the proposed coalition, and the list of supporting V2I products/tools under development.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.

Global Reality Check – On average, American drivers are taxed roughly 10 times less than their European counterparts for each gallon of gasoline

October 23, 2014 at 7:36 pm

Below is a tweet that got me wondering.  Despite knowing the bad status of the Highway Trust Fund, why is congress so hesitant to raise the gas tax? I’m sure many of you are left asking the same question. Several years have gone by and many transportation reauthorizations bills have been enacted since the last time we raised the gas tax (in the early 1990s). But there is still no appetite to raise the gas tax, even by a few cents (and there seems to be any sense of urgency as well).  Hopefully this trend is reversed in the upcoming re-authorization in 2015.  BTW, am I alone in thinking that this picture below also subtly answers why we love our cars so much and like to build houses far from the urban core? What would happen to our current development model/real estate practices if gasoline was taxed like how it is done in Europe?

If you get a chance, visit this brilliant website (by ARTBA), Transportation Makes America Work, to see the impact of how this current gas tax situation is affecting the nation’s progress (you can even check out the impact on your particular state’s infrastructure). Also if you are interested, you can take action by contacting your local representative right on the website (and if you are a transportation nerd like me, you can always download the app on your phone and be ready to spill the facts in any discussion).

Image courtesy: tmaw.com –

Job Alert: Research Scientist/Engineer (Program Manager – Traffic Crash Analysis Program) – Texas Transportation Institute @ College Station, TX

October 22, 2014 at 10:10 am

Position Description

The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) Center for Transportation Safety is seeking an individual to lead and serve as Program Manager for the Traffic Crash Analysis Program.  The incumbent will lead efforts to identify new sources of funding, ensure timely submittal and quality of work products, oversee proposal development, and develop and mentor staff.  Responsibilities include managing traffic safety projects which may include literature review, data collection, analysis, and technical report development in areas such as crash analysis, impaired driving, and other traffic related topics.

Continued employment in this position is dependent upon availability of funding and satisfactory level of performance.

Essential Duties:

Serve as principal investigator of research studies involving transportation safety, performance evaluations and program evaluation 25%
Conduct literature review 15%
Prepare technical reports 15%
Collect data and conduct analysis 10%
Outreach – Community & Stakeholder 10%
Report/presentation preparation and delivery 10%
Proposal and project development 10%

Required Qualifications:

  • Masters degree in engineering, planning, public health, health education or related field
  • 8 years of experience in traffic safety analysis using crash data and statistical methods
  • Strong project management experience
  • Proposal and project development experience
  • Strong oral and written communication skills specifically related to technical reports in related field
  • Proficient with MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and statistical analysis software (e.g., SAS)
  • Ability to travel overnight
  • Ability to work effectively with others to identify and accomplish project tasks

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prefer Ph.D. in related discipline
  • Record of successful proposal submittals in traffic safety.
  • Prior experience in managing a program of traffic safety analysis.
  • Record of successful relationships with local, state or Federal transportation or safety agency officials and project managers.
  • Extensive experience with traffic records and/or crash analysis and data-linking techniques
  • Experience in developing traffic safety related training and educational materials.
  • Experience with MS Project and/or MS Access as well as SPSS or SAS statistical software.
  • Experience with crash analysis software related to problem identification in geographical areas or according to demographics.

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://cw.halogensoftware.com/texas_transport/loadJobPostingDetails.do?jobPostingID=101384&source=jobList

Fellowship Alert: University Academic Fellow in Vehicle and Road Automation – University of Leeds, UK

October 6, 2014 at 12:24 pm

For informal inquiries about the role please contact Dr Natasha Merat, tel: +44 (0)113 343 6614, email: N.Merat@its.leeds.ac.uk.   

Location:  Leeds – Main Campus
Faculty/Service:  Faculty of Environment
School/Institute:  Institute for Transport Studies
Category:  Academic
Grade:  Grade 8
Salary:  £38,511 to £45,954
Closing Date:  Sunday 16 November 2014
Reference:  ENVTR1005

In a bid to increase road safety, and reduce transport related emissions and congestion, vehicle manufacturers are increasing the degree of automation in cars by adding more systems that provide information and support to the driver. These systems are gradually reducing the driver’s involvement in actual operation of the vehicle, and increasing their potential to engage in other tasks such as reading emails, texting etc. As automation penetration increases, it is not currently clear how humans (in and out of the car) will interact with these systems and what the real consequences of vehicle and road automation are. With its world leading motion-based Driving Simulator, the Institute for Transport Studies has been at the forefront of understanding the human factors challenges these systems pose and proposing innovative new solutions. Members of the Safety and Technology group are currently partners in a number of leading projects in this area, including VRA, AdaptIVe and CityMobil2. Whilst fully automated vehicles remain a way off, initiatives such as the Google driverless car have stimulated a new set of research needs relating to the redesign of traffic systems, legal frameworks, business models and environmental performance.

This fellowship opportunity is in a vibrant research market and you will be expected to develop a research profile that will contribute to the University’s ambition to excel at the UK’s next Research Excellence Framework (REF2020), with a sustained record of internationally excellent (and some world-leading) publications and a strong record of presentations at international conferences.  In partnership with colleagues at ITS, you will be encouraged to build research proposals in this field, exploring avenues beyond the human factors of automated vehicles.

You will be able to apply knowledge from Engineering, Computer Science or other relevant disciplines to understand developments in sensor, radar and control technologies and how humans will interact with the next generation of automated vehicles. A key role of the post will be to strengthen the link between the engineering and human factors aspects of this work. You will have (potential) links with industrial organisations relevant to this field and be encouraged to maximise funding opportunities, for example, from Horizon 2020, the TSB and stakeholder organisations. You will also play a key part in bringing together interests in automation research across the University of Leeds, working closely with colleagues from Psychology, the School of Computing and the Faculty of Engineering, with an aim to build critical mass for contribution to a cross disciplinary PhD training programme in automation.  You will also contribute to current and future Masters teaching at ITS and to the recruitment and supervision of doctoral students in the area.

With a PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electronic or Mechanical Engineering or related discipline, and an interest in the human element of systems and automation, you will have a strong research record relevant to vehicle and road automation, the ability to teach at Postgraduate level, as well as a clear and compelling vision for personal academic development.

Click here to apply

[VIDEO] Los Angeles Is Building an e-Highway Demonstration Project to Curb Truck Emissions on Corridor that Connects Ports of LosAngeles and Long Beach to Downtown

October 3, 2014 at 12:30 pm

via CityLab & synapticdigital.com

Los Angeles is preparing to trial a two-way, one-mile e-highway road design project along the diesel truck-dominated Alameda Corridor in an effort to reduce pollution and health-related costs. Officials say the system relies on emission-free electric power delivered through overhead wires to fuel the trucks. The city is partnering with Siemens and the South Coast Air Quality Management District to run the $13 million project set to begin operations in July. The one-mile test of the e-highway system may just be the start. Apparently the various funders are hoping to expand the system along the remaining three miles from the ports to the major railhead, and there are discussions underway about a 20-mile northwest corridor that could connect the ports with inland warehouse complexes. If this first mile test works out, it could help provide a healthier future for high-traffic corridors around the world.

More about the project here.

This is how it works: The catenary infrastructure will be installed on the North and South-bound sections of Alameda Street where it intersects with Sepulveda Boulevard in Carson,California. Up to four trucks will be running in the demonstration, making multiple drives per day. Thanks to an innovative current collector the trucks can connect and disconnect from the catenary system at any speed for dynamic power supply directly to the electric engine and for on-board storage. To further ensure the same flexibility as conventional trucks, the eHighway vehicles use an electric drive system, which can be powered either by diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), battery or other on-board energy source, when driving outside of the catenary lines.  One big question that bogs me is this: assuming the demonstration is successful, who will pay for the cost of turning over the existing fleet to this hybrid-mode?

George Mason University’s 3rd Annual Cameron Rian Hays Competition for “Outside the Box” Transportation, Business, and Policy Innovations

October 2, 2014 at 7:54 pm

outside the box_final_V3Do you have a new, creative, or innovative idea for addressing a significant transportation challenge? Are you a student, a group of students or a young professional? The George Mason University’s School of Policy, Government and International Affairs wants to hear from you!

In the world of transportation and transportation challenges, it is imperative that we foster the development and implementation of new ideas. Instead of offering the same old solutions–turning the proverbial wheel, but not moving forward– we challenge you to think creatively and offer “outside the box” solutions to complicated transportation policy challenges. So how can you push that wheel forward? How can you affect change?

Submit your ideas and inspire us. Submissions may be academic work or professional reports pertaining to either the public or private sector and do not need to be completed activities. Research or professional projects as idea proposals are acceptable entries.
  •  First Prize: $10,000
  • Second Prize: $5,000
  • Third Prize: $2,500

Examples of significant transportation challenges include:

  • Funding for transportation facility and services
  • Fostering public/private sector collaboration
  • Developing creative new transportation modalities
  • Encouraging multimodal solutions
  • Reducing community and environmental impacts of transportation facilities and services.
  • Enhancing quality of life through access to jobs, medical care, housing, recreation, etc.
  • Expanding opportunities for disadvantaged populations.
  • Tackling challenges arising from demographic changes and generational shifts.

The award will be announced in the Spring of 2015. Please visit the competition website for details on submission requirements and procedures. http://outsidethebox.gmu.edu/

Job(s) Alert: Transportation Specialists, Economists, or Statisticians (multiple openings) – BTS @ U.S. Department of Transportation @ Washington, DC

August 27, 2014 at 7:23 pm
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R) seeks multiple Transportation Specialists, Economists, or Statisticians to join our team. OST-R coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system.
We are seeking talented professionals willing to learn and work with experienced colleagues to support informed decision making by developing objective, comprehensive information on the extent and use of the transportation system, how well the system performs, and the effects of the system on society and the environment. The ideal candidates are familiar with transportation topics and have experience collecting, processing, and analyzing data related to the transportation system and its use, economic factors, or impacts on society and the environment.
The incumbents will be responsible for the development, collection, enhancement, and analysis of data on the volumes, patterns, and multimodal movement of goods and/or people. Principal duties will include contributing to various statistical compilations and data dissemination activities, and the development of analytical and statistical reports.
The opening period for these announcements is Monday, August 25, 2014 to Friday, September 5, 2014.
Merit Promotion: 

Job Alert: Project Assistant/Researchers – Clean Air Network @ Kathmandu, Nepal & Hong Kong Polytechnic University @ Hong Kong

August 12, 2014 at 11:54 pm

The Clean Air Asia India Office calls for applications from young, dynamic candidates as Project Assistant/Researchers to be based in Nepal (Clean Air Network Nepal) and Hong Kong (Hong Kong Polytechnic University) under the Fredkorpset Norway South- South exchange program. The duration is for twelve months starting from 1st November 2014.

Please see enclosed Terms of Reference or refer to link http://cleanairinitiative.org/portal/opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

  • A university (bachelor) or a masters degree in a course related to transport, environment fields, mass communication or social science e.g. environmental engineering, environmental sciences, urban planning, transport,*
  • Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in a comparable position on transport and/or climate change project management and networking.*
  • Strong interest in research and data analysis.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with excellent oral and written communication skills, proficient in English, with good interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team
  • Age requirement: 22-35 years old
  • Open to Indian Nationals only

Requirements for both the position are different. Please refer to the attached ToRs before applying.

Quoting reference application Research/ Project Assistant-Hong Kong or Research/ Project Assistant-Nepal on subject line, applicants should email their application letter and current CV (as Word attachments) to Ms. Gianina Panopio, center@cleanairasia.org, by27 August 2014.

All applicants should state the reasons for their interest in the position, relevant details of qualifications and experience, and contact details for three referees. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. For further information on the position you may contact Parthaa Bosu,parthaa.bosu@cleanairasia.org