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Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – September 3, 2010

September 3, 2010 at 11:53 pm

Friday, September 3, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


GPS / NAVIGATION

1) Smartphone Guide to Put Dublin on the Map

Link to article in The Irish Times:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2010/0903/1224278109942.html

OTHER

2) The Smart Growth Set

How 32-year-old Google veteran David Alpert — and his band of bloggers — are shaping 21st Century Washington, DC.

Link to article in the Washington City Paper:

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/39679/how-32-year-old-google-veteran-david-alpert-and-his

3) In a Crash? Don’t Panic

A review of an app which includes an accident assistance tool as well as parking, public transit and live traffic information for Singapore.

Link to article in Today:

http://www.todayonline.com/Tech/Mobileapps/EDC100903-0000041/In-a-crash?-Dont-panic

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

4) Brutal Video Aimed at Saving Lives in Construction Zones

Link to article in The Vancouver Sun:

http://www.vancouversun.com/Brutal+video+aimed+saving+lives+construction+zones/3477363/story.html

Link to further information and video:

http://www.vancouversun.com/Video+woman+being+used+shock+drivers+into+slowing+down/3475704/story.html

5) Nevada DMV to Warn Motorists About Pet Laws

Link to AP article:

http://www.rgj.com/article/20100902/NEWS/100902050/1321/news

RAILROADS

6) New Device Installed on Indian Trains to Prevent Accidents

Link to article in The Times of India:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/New-device-installed-on-trains-to-prevent-accidents/articleshow/6477250.cms

ROADWAYS

7) I-81 Session May Mull Transportation, Bring Six States Together

Link to article in The Roanoke Times:

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/259137

TRANSIT

8) Augmented Reality Coming to DC Bus Stops Today

Link to blog on ReadWriteWeb:

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/qr_codes_coming_to_bus_stops_in_dc_photo.php

9) Los Angeles Transit Officials Release Free iPhone App

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/09/la-metro-iphone-app.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Traffic Center to be Indonesian Government’s Eyes and Ears for Idul Fitri

Link to article in the Jakarta Globe:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/traffic-center-to-be-govts-eyes-and-ears-for-idul-fitri/394514

11) Monterey Bay-Area 511 Traffic System Moves Forward

Link to article in The Californian:

http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20100903/NEWS01/9030340/Monterey-Bay-area-511-traffic-system-moves-forward

Link to further information: http://511montereybay.org/

12) Early in the Morning

Local TV stations across the US are embracing the 4:30 am newscast with traffic updates a part of the package.

Link to article in the American Journalism Review:

http://www.ajr.org/Article.asp?id=4912

13) BBC to Revamp Travel News Site with Added Mapping

Link to article on journalism.co.uk:

http://blogs.journalism.co.uk/editors/2010/09/03/bbc-to-revamp-travel-news-site-with-added-mapping/

Link to further information from the BBC:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/travelbeta/birmingham/faq/

14) How Technology Can Help Beat Traffic Woes

Link to article on Rediff:

http://business.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/sep/03/slide-show-1-how-technology-can-help-beat-traffic-woes.htm

15) Why We Can’t Hear Highway Radio Alerts

Link to column in The Record:

http://www.northjersey.com/news/102129839_Pump_up_the_volume_on_traffic_alert_system.html

VEHICLES

16) Taking Over a Car

Researchers ‘break in’ with software and a laptop.

Link to article in Technology Review:

http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/26045/?a=f

17) In-Vehicle Internet Grows Slow and Steady

Link to blog in EE Times:

http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-blogs/other/4207309/In-vehicle-Internet-grows-slow-and-steady

News Releases

1) US Surface Transportation Board to Include a ‘Plain Language’ Summary with Board Decisions

Friday Bonuses

Some interchange designs you may have run into during your travels.

http://xkcd.com/253/

When I’m not involved with transportation communication, I’m doing transportation mastication.

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/dining/index.ssf/2010/09/munchmobile_2010_readers_choic.html

Upcoming Events

Smart Card Alliance Transportation Council Meeting – September 22-23 – New York

http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?i=a386d1d2-341f-4038-b707-4b37c22eaee0

Today in Transportation History

1945 **65th anniversary** In a ceremony onboard the USS Missouri, Japan surrenders to end World War II.

http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/japansur/js-8.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Augmented Reality Coming to DC Bus Stops Today

September 3, 2010 at 1:32 pm

I was there at the DCweek event when this conversation was first started.. Great idea..and let’s see how the public react to this..

Amplify’d from www.readwriteweb.com
experience
DCQR

Gov 2.0 advocates have printed a run of QR (2D barcode) stickers they will stick at bus stops all over Washington DC today, allowing mobile phone users to quickly get up-to-the moment bus progress reports, post traffic status updates, and more. This augmentation of the physical world with real-time data from the ether strikes me as accessible and useful. The project was one of many ideas discussed at DCWeek this June and is being implemented by the Research and Development group in Office of the CTO, DC Government (on Twitter: OCTOLabs).

O’Reilly’s Gov 2.0 correspondent Alex Howard shared a link to this photo on Twitter this morning. Smart phone users will use QR reading apps to snap a picture of the codes, then their phones will be shown relevant real-time information corresponding to the bus stop they are at. (That makes more sense to me than NYC’s new QR codes on the back of garbage trucks, but hey – they point is, these things are growing more mainstream in the US.)

Read more at www.readwriteweb.com

 

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – September 2, 2010

September 2, 2010 at 7:05 pm

Thursday, September 2, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Tampa Airport Director Interviews Closed to Public

Link to article in The Tampa Tribune:

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/sep/02/interviews-for-tampa-airport-director-will-be-clos/news-breaking/

2) Going Paperless: Tech-Savvy Air Travelers on Board

Link to story on MSNBC:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38940640/ns/travel-travel_tips/

RAILROADS

3) Amtrak is All Aboard with Electronic Ticketing in 2011

Link to interview on Elliott.org:

http://www.elliott.org/blog/amtrak-is-all-aboard-with-electronic-ticketing-in-2011/

ROADWAYS

4) Motorists Struggle with 59 Traffic Lights at One Roundabout

Link to article in The Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/7977421/Motorists-struggle-with-59-traffic-lights-at-one-roundabout.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) Agencies Use Old and New Tech to Monitor, Prepare for Hurricane Earl

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100831_2000.php

6) Driving a Message Home with an Optical Illusion

Link to article in The Globe and Mail:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/driving-a-message-home-with-an-optical-illusion/article1693547/

7) Indian Government to Roll Out a Single Emergency Number

Link to article in The Economic Times:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/Government-to-roll-out-a-single-emergency-number/articleshow/6482372.cms

8) Five Ways to Use Social Media for Better Emergency Response

Link to article in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2010/09/06/social-media-emergency-management.aspx

TRANSIT

9) NJ Transit Seeks to Add Wi-Fi to Rail Lines, Train Stations

Link to article in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20100902_NJ_Transit_seeks_to_add_WiFi_to_rail_lines__train_stations.html

10) Cat Reunited with Owner via Twitter and CCTV After Transit Ride to Dublin

Link to story and video on RTÉ:

http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0827/cat.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) Transport Quebec to Launch Traffic Radio Station

Link to CBC News story:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2010/09/02/transport-quebec-radio-station.html

VEHICLES

12) Sirius XM Plays FUD Card: Satellite Radio 2.0

HD Radio and Internet radio provide competitive pressure, including traffic data services.

Link to blog from Strategy Analytics:

http://blogs.strategyanalytics.com/auto/?p=143

News Releases

1) Real-Time Next Train Arrival Information Now Available by Phone from DC Metro

2) StrongPoint Safeguards the Intelligent Transportation Systems Network

3) Washington State DOT Adds New Tools to Deliver Travel Information

4) Strategy Analytics: Automotive Usage-Based Insurance Opportunity Expanding

5) Leave the Car, Take the Concierge with You: Mercedes-Benz Launches New Version of mbrace Mobile Application

6) Navteq First to Give Navigation a ‘Human Touch’

7) Global Intelligent Transportation Systems Market to Reach US $18.5 Billion by 2015, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

8) Integraph Introduces 3D Capabilities in Geospatial Software

9) Aviation Week Launches Unmanned Horizons Web Channel

10) GE – Satcom Reveals Triple-Play Service for Merchant Vessels

Upcoming Events

NG9-1-1 What’s Next Forum and Webinar – September 23-24

http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s100923_NG911.asp

Today in Transportation History

1945 **65th anniversary** In a ceremony onboard the USS Missouri, Japan surrenders to end World War II.

http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/japansur/js-8.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

How about some Mozart with your in-flight meal? Orchestra Plays Concert on a 747

September 2, 2010 at 3:15 pm

(Source: ABC)

Why doesn’t these things NEVER happen in my flights? Hmmm..  I am happy for these folks who had a bit of entertainment to cheer up during their long flight and a story to tell when they land. After battling the hassles of baggage check-ins and security checks, these folks probably appreciated this nice musical treat..

Note:  Silly me can’t help but think aloud about these questions: what would the reaction be if these guys were a bunch of middle-eastern musicians wearing traditional robes – how would the airline staff react to such a spontaneous request to play music?  Thank god, KLM staff were not so uptight about letting some musicians to get off their seats and play their gear..

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Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – September 1, 2010

September 1, 2010 at 5:18 pm

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


GEWI Traffic Technologies Tour Topic – Connected Vehicles /Infrastructure.

The purpose of the tour is to exchange information about advanced traffic technologies being used around the world to solve a variety of transportation-related problems. This includes updates on European vehicle/infrastructure projects, similar to the US IntelliDrive initiative, TPEG, data collection and harmonization, interoperability, variable speed signs, and dealing with emerging data types. GEWI also wants to hear your current transportation data challenges.  This information exchange is just one of the many ways GEWI ensures that TIC software continues to be the global leader for the processing of transportation data.

For more information about hosting or attending this free event, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com

AVIATION

1) FAA Issues Advisory Circular for Bird-Tracking Radar

Link to article in Aviation International News:

http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/faa-issues-advisory-circular-for-bird-tracking-radar-25942/

CAMERAS

2) Police Chief Says Port Richey, Florida’s Budget for Red Light Cameras is Confidential

Link to article in the St. Petersburg Times:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/police-chief-says-port-richeys-budget-for-red-light-cameras-is-confidential/1118774

3) GPS Companies Add Israeli Traffic Camera Locations

Link to article on Globes:

http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000585827&fid=1725

OTHER

4) EU Eyes Single Ticket for Multi-transport Journey

Link to article on EurActiv:

http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/eu-eyes-single-ticket-multi-transport-journey-news-497315

5) Something Funny Happened on the Way to Massachusetts DOT

Columnist comments on branding guidelines issued by the agency.

Link to column in the Boston Herald:

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view/20100901something_funny_happened_on_the_way_to_massdot/

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

6) Victorian Transport Ad Campaign to Cost $6.6 Million

Link to article in The Age:

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/state-ads-campaign-to-cost-66m-20100831-14fkd.html

7) Effective Public Involvement Using Limited Resources

Link to publication from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/Effective_Public_Involvement_Using_Limited_Resourc_163992.aspx

ROADWAYS

8) Introduction to Road Data – Part Two

Link to article in Directions Magazine:

http://www.directionsmag.com/articles/introduction-to-road-data-part-two/130910

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Controversy Over Discussion of Selling Ads on School Crossing Guard Uniforms in Victoria

Link to article in the Herald Sun:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/row-on-lollipop-people-ad-plan/story-e6frf7kx-1225912566461

TRANSIT

10) New York MTA Buying Subway Cars Equipped with Surveillance Cameras

Link to article in the New York Post:

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/smile_subway_to_snap_your_pic_qIxoWcdW9XUni4CFk3NilO
11) Delayed Mapping in the Age of Real-Time Information

Link to blog on Human Transit:

http://www.humantransit.org/2010/09/delayed-mapping-in-the-age-of-realtime-information.html

VEHICLES

12) Should Cars Warn When There’s a Child Inside on Hot Days?

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-09-01-hotcars01_ST_N.htm

News Releases

1) SAIC Awarded $16 Million Contract by US DOT to Help Develop IntelliDrive Program

2) Inrix Traffic Data Critical in Identifying and Ranking of 100 Most Congested Road Corridors in Texas

3) Illinois DOT and Lake Michigan Interstate Gateway Alliance Unveil Enhanced Travel Web Site to Help Steer Midwest Motorists

4) CoPilot Live GPS Navigation Adds ActiveTraffic

5) Navteq Announces Real-Time Traffic in Brazil

6) Qualcomm Launches New Data Transfer Module for Remote Tachograph Download Service

Bernie’s Notes

There seems to be an intermittent problem with Google Groups in which some of you, some of the time, receive multiple copies of the TCN.  This problem appears to be on Google’s end and is not because you are on the list more than once or because I’m sending the newsletter more than once.  My apologies for the problem and I hope it will be corrected soon.

Upcoming Events

BusCon – September 28-30 – Chicago

http://www.busconexpo.com/

Today in Transportation History

1985 **25th anniversary** The wreckage of the HMS Titanic was discovered by a joint French-American expedition.

http://www.whoi.edu/page.do?pid=7539

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Job Alert: Transportation Specialist – ITS Joint Program Office @ USDOT

September 1, 2010 at 3:03 pm

The Research and Innovation Technology Administration (RITA) is looking for a highly talented Transportation Specialist with a passion for transportation data and analysis to join the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) as the IntelliDrive Data and Weather Program Manager. This is an opportunity to work on one of the most exciting multimodal programs at the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT).  Located at the U.S. DOT headquarters in Washington, DC, the ITS-JPO manages, coordinates and supports research programs focused on applying advanced technologies to transform the performance of our Nation’s surface transportation system.

The vacancy announcement closes on Tuesday, September 13, 2010.


The USDOT is seeking a talented transportation leader who can work with all levels of the ITS-JPO staff, high-ranking officials, and others outside the agency to explore the innovative methods of data collection and use of advanced data applications in the transportation environment.  A self-starter with expert knowledge of data capture and proven program management principles is a must.  Strong coordination and leadership capabilities are needed to be successful in this important role. A mix of strong creativity combined with institutional and technical knowledge is a must.  Ability to identify strategic program needs and develop objectives based on Administration and U.S. DOT policy, Congressional direction, and knowledge gained through the national ITS program planning process is required.

The ITS-JPO IntelliDrive Data and Weather Program Manager will manage multimodal programs such as congestion relief, road weather management, and data capture and data management applications to provide technical leadership for state-of-practice and state-of-the-art data collection methods for continuous improvement of our nation’s surface transportation system.

If you know someone interested in this Washington, DC based position that has the experience and proven results in the above requested areas, please encourage them to apply under the attached vacancy announcement.  The USDOT is looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

Please keep in mind that the new hiring reforms recently announced by President Obama will shorten the hiring timeline and will eliminate essay-style questions during the initial application submission. Therefore please spread the word about this exciting opportunity and encourage anyone interested to apply quickly.

To review the job qualifications and salary details and to apply, please click here.

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Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – August 31, 2010

September 1, 2010 at 12:09 am

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


Countdown to IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition — September 12-15th in San Diego, CA – Register Today!


Join your colleagues in San Diego, September 12-15, 2010, for IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, the year’s most highly-anticipated learning and networking event — attracting more than 700 toll industry experts and decision makers from across the globe. Under the theme, Sustainable Transportation, the technical program offers tracks focused on innovation, policy, the economy, and the California tolling experience. Hosted by the California Toll Operators Committee (CTOC), this event features interactive seminars, influential speakers, technical tours and special events, informative exhibits and more! Register and make your hotel reservations today! Visit IBTTA’s website for details.

AVIATION

1) Tracking Planes that Aren’t in the Sky

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704340504575447852785706396.html

2) Simulator Training Flaws Tied to Airline Crashes

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-08-31-1Acockpits31_ST_N.htm

3) Inconvenience Not an Excuse for Ignoring First Amendment

Link to editorial in the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2010/aug/29/ed-wilk29-ar-476766/

Link to decision by US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit:

http://snpainfo.org/eBulletin/print/AppealsCourtRuling-07.13.10.pdf

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) GPS Tracks Students on School Buses

Link to story and video on WGN-TV:

http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-gps-school-bus-aug10,0,1008369.story

5) US Air Force Reorganization May Drastically Affect GPS Program

Link to article in GPS World:

http://www.gpsworld.com/gnss-system/gps-modernization/news/air-force-reorganization-may-drastically-affect-gps-program-10413

6) Do We Need Maps in Our Location-Based Apps?

Question is explored it in the context of navigation apps, weather and traffic apps, social apps and augmented reality.

Link to podcast from Directions Magazine:

http://www.directionsmag.com/podcasts/podcast-do-we-need-maps-in-our-location-based-apps/130733

7) Best iPhone Navigation Apps

Link to reviews from Good Gear Guide:

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/roundup/358425/best_iphone_navigation_apps/

RAILROADS

8) CSX Partners with Alabama, Mississippi for Safety Measures

Link to article in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=24218

ROADWAYS

9) Flashing Stop Signs – Now in Use in Kansas City and Elsewhere – Send a Clear Message

Link to article in The Kansas City Star:

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/29/2186131/flashing-stop-signs-send-clear.html

10) Minnesota Gives Yellow Arrows a Green Light

Link to article in The Daily Reporter:

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2010/08/31/minnesota-gives-yellow-arrows-a-green-light/

11) Keeping Tabs on Traffic

Data provide great details about traffic but driver unpredictability challenges models.

Link to blog in The Wall Street Journal:

http://blogs.wsj.com/numbersguy/keeping-tabs-on-traffic-986/

12) Can Eye Contact Enhance Road Safety and a Sense of Place?

Link to blog from the Project for Public Spaces:

http://www.pps.org/can-eye-contact-enhance-road-safety-and-a-sense-of-place/

13) Public has Right to Know Status of New Inlet Bridge in Delaware

Newspaper says state and DelDOT need to provide a status report on span’s problems.

Link to editorial in The News Journal:

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100831/OPINION11/8310317/1004/OPINION/Public-has-right-to-know-status-of-new-inlet-bridge

SPACE

14) NASA Brings Historical Photos to Flickr Commons

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20015106-17.html

TRANSIT

15) Transit Systems Easier to Predict with Smartphone Apps

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/phones/2010-08-30-transit-apps_N.htm

16) New Interactive Transit Kiosk in Seattle

Link to blog and video on seattlepi.com:
http://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/archives/219785.asp

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

17) Digital Life: Never Get Stuck in Twaffic Again

A report on the first satnav system in Ireland to report live traffic information.

Link to article in the Irish Independent:

http://www.independent.ie/business/technology/digital-life-never-get-stuck-in-twaffic-again-2317917.html

18) Inrix Launches iPhone App in Europe

Link to article on GPS Business News:

http://www.gpsbusinessnews.com/INRIX-Launches-iPhone-App-in-Europe_a2438.html

VEHICLES

19) US Wants Report Cards for Cars

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703369704575461602043868916.html

20) Cars: The Next Hacking Frontier?

Link to column on CNET News:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-20015184-245.html

News Releases

1) Frost & Sullivan: Smart Transit Card Users Promote Smart Card Adoption for Multiple Applications

2) UC Berkeley Researchers Launch High-Tech Transit Study in Bay Area Commute Hot-Spot

3) Lockheed Martin Delivers Prototype Threat Warning Systems to US Navy for Testing

4) NTSB Commends Operation Lifesaver as a Leader In Reducing Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Accidents Since Organization’s Founding

5) Glenn, Hakey Named Recipients of Operation Lifesaver 2010 National Safety Award

6) Vail Resorts Announces a New Application for Skiers to Track Activity, Mountain and Traffic Reports

Upcoming Events

InnoTrans 2010 – September 21-24 – Berlin

http://www1.messe-berlin.de/vip8_1/website/Internet/Internet/www.innotrans/englisch/index.html

Today in Transportation History

1940 **70th anniversary** A Pennsylvania Central Airlines flight en route from Washington, DC to Detroit, crashed near Lovettsville, Virginia.  All 25 on board, including US Senator Ernest Lundeen from Minnesota, died.

http://www.baesel.net/capaccidents/1940.08.31_PennsylvaniaCentralAirlinesCorp_DouglasDC-3-A.pdf

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – August 30, 2010

August 30, 2010 at 5:55 pm

Monday, August 30, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


Countdown to IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition — September 12-15th in San Diego, CA – Register Today!


Join your colleagues in San Diego, September 12-15, 2010, for IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, the year’s most highly-anticipated learning and networking event — attracting more than 700 toll industry experts and decision makers from across the globe. Under the theme, Sustainable Transportation, the technical program offers tracks focused on innovation, policy, the economy, and the California tolling experience. Hosted by the California Toll Operators Committee (CTOC), this event features interactive seminars, influential speakers, technical tours and special events, informative exhibits and more! Register and make your hotel reservations today! Visit IBTTA’s website for details.

AVIATION

1) British Airways Flight Scares Passengers After Emergency Crash Message Plays By Mistake

Link to story and video on ABC News’ World News Tonight:

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/british-airways-flight-bound-hong-kong-scares-passengers/story?id=11496766

2) Transport Canada Bans Coverage of Float Plane Safety Workshop

Link to article in The Vancouver Sun:

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Transport+Canada+bans+coverage+workshop/3459288/story.html

CAMERAS

3) More Traffic Cameras for Pennsylvania’s Highways

Link to story on KYW Radio:

http://kyw.cbslocal.com/2010/08/29/more-traffic-cams-for-pa-s-highways/

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Stylish Maps that are Chatty

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/30/stylish-maps-that-are-chatty/

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

5) For New I-85 Toll Lane in Georgia, Signs Might Not Help Much

Link to article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/news/gwinnett/for-new-i-85-600843.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Newest in Construction Technology: GPS on Earthmovers

Link to article in the Deseret News:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700060879/Newest-in-construction-technology-GPS-on-earth-movers.html

7) GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems Help Drivers Go Green

Link to blog on Eco Institution:

http://www.ecoinstitution.com/green-news/gps-vehicle-tracking-systems-help-drivers-go-green/

OTHER

8) More US Travelers are Using Smartphones

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2010-08-30-smartphone-travel_N.htm

9) New System to Simplify Traffic Fine Collection in Turkey

Link to Anatolia News Agency article:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=new-system-to-ease-the-collection-of-traffic-fines-2010-08-30

10) The Inconvenient Truth About Traffic Math: Progress is Slow

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703959704575453921039632134.html

11) ITS Turbo Architecture Version 5.0 is Now Available

Link to further information from the Research and Innovative Technology Administration:

http://www.its.dot.gov/press/2010/arch_turbo5.htm

PARKING

12) New Electronic Signs Will Help Find Parking in Seattle

Link to article on seattlepi.com:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/archives/219586.asp

ROADWAYS

13) Highway Poles Listen to Glean Traffic Data from Road Noise

Link to article in The Journal News:

http://www.lohud.com/article/20100829/NEWS01/8290380/-1/newsfront/Highway-poles-listen-to-glean-traffic-data-from-road-noise

SAFETY / SECURITY

14) Metra Conductors Bar Riders Who Ignore Gates, Lights

Hand commuters cards warning of dangers and possibility of fine.

Link to article in the Chicago Sun-Times:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/transportation/2651500,CST-NWS-rideside30.article

TELEMATICS

15) GM: OnStar Upgrade Bypassed Dealers

Link to CNET blog:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20015055-48.html

TRANSIT

16) Virginia Tech Teams with Transit to Launch VT Bus Tracker

Link to article in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2010/08/Virginia-Tech-Blacksburg-Transit-launch-VT-Bus-Tracker.aspx

Link to VT Bus Tracker: http://www.bustracker.org/

17) Do You Have an App for That?

Link to column in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/Blog/Transit-Dispatches/Story/2010/08/Do-you-have-an-app-for-that-.aspx

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

18) Highway Police Web Site Launched in India

Link to Express News Service article:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Highway-police-website-launched/673921

19) 511 Traffic Advisory Service Proposed for Santa Cruz, California Region

Link to article in the Santa Cruz Sentinel:

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_15936847

20) Washington State DOT Launches Traffic App

Link to blog in The Stranger:

http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2010/08/30/early-adopters-scoff-at-new-wsdot-traffic-app

21) Smarter Commuting Starts with Analytics, Visualization

Link to blog on SmartData Collective:

http://smartdatacollective.com/brett-stupakevich/26847/smarter-commuting-starts-analytics-visualization

VEHICLES

22) Dude, Where’s My Apple iCar?

While Apple is wasting its time on TV, Microsoft drives away with the automobile market.

Link to commentary in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9182459/Dude_where_s_my_Apple_iCar_

23) Crash-Proof Cars?

Link to article in Fleet Owner:

http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucks_at_work/2010/08/30/crash-proof-cars/

24) Sweet Talking Your Computer

How should computers in vehicles interact with drivers?

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703959704575453411132636080.html

25) Untangling the Wireless Car

Link to article on cellular-news:

http://www.cellular-news.com/story/45083.php

News Releases

1) i95travelinfo.net Spells Relief for Holiday Travelers on the East Coast

2) DC Metro Transit Police Use Tag Readers to Identify Stolen Cars and Car Thieves

3) OnStar Celebrates Patents During National Inventor’s Month

4) Shuttle GPS Devices Aid Mississippi State University Student Commuters

5) IEEE Members Globally Work on the Development of Intelligent, Vehicular Transport Systems for Smarter, Safer Travel

6) Winning Transportation Projects Saving Lives, Time, and Money

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Biodiesel Policies and Mandates: What’s Really Involved? – September 16

http://www.dieselforum.org/multimedia/webinars

Today in Transportation History

1985 **25th anniversary** President Reagan signed an executive order to create an emergency board to investigate a dispute between the United Transportation Union and various railroads.

http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1985/83085c.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – August 27, 2010

August 30, 2010 at 5:03 pm

Friday, August 27, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


IBTTA 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition — Register Today! Early Bird Discount Ends August 22, 2010

Join your colleagues in San Diego, September 12-15, 2010, for IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, the year’s most highly-anticipated learning and networking event — attracting more than 700 toll industry experts and decision makers from across the globe. Under the theme, Sustainable Transportation, the technicalprogram offers tracks focused on innovation, policy, the economy, and the California tolling experience. Hosted by the California Toll Operators Committee (CTOC), this event features interactive seminars, influential speakers, technical tours and special events, informative exhibits and more! Breaking News! The Hilton San Diego Bayfront has reduced the contracted room rate from $241/night to $219/night. The new rate applies to all existing confirmed reservations and any new reservations. Customized sponsorship and exhibitor packages are available. Visit IBTTA’s website for details.

AVIATION

1) US DOT Fines Non-profit Mercy Flights $30,000 Over Personal Pronoun

Link to article in the Mail Tribune:

http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100826/BIZ/8260315/-1/NEWS

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) The Government’s New Right to Track Your Every Move with GPS

Link to article in Time:

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2013150,00.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

3) Antitexting Campaign is Getting the Star Treatment

Link to article and video in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/08/27/antitexting_campaign_is_getting_the_star_treatment/?p1=News_links

RAILROADS

4) Judge Orders EPA Not to Destroy Records Union Pacific Wants

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5izQLsYoanTsZoZZ6oQUZuzPGn7wAD9HRF6F80

5) Kentucky Puts Locations of Coal Infrastructure, Including Railroads and River Terminals, Online

Link to AP article:

http://www.kentucky.com/2010/08/27/1409200/ky-puts-locations-of-power-plants.html

Link to map:

http://kgs.uky.edu/kgsmap/KYCoal/viewer.asp

ROADWAYS

6) Visit FHWA’s Online Work Zone Training Compendium

Link to article in Focus:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/focus/10aug/04.cfm

Link to site:

http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/outreach/wz_training/index.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) US DOT to Unveil Database Standards to Improve Highway Safety

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100827_3266.php

8) Do Some Traffic Hazards Get Too Much Attention?

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/08/27/do-some-traffic-hazards-get-too-much-attention/

TRANSIT

9) Long Island Rail Road Information Screens Have Been Virtually Useless in Wake of Fire

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704913704575454110763083290.html

10) In Long Island Rail Road Mess, Local TV Had a Chance to be Relevant, but Failed Even to be Useful

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2010/08/27/2010-08-27_tvs_not_1st_stop_for_info_on_lirr.html

11) New Cameras to Catch DC Metrobus Drivers’ Mistakes

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/26/AR2010082603710.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) New Traffic Center Opens in Cobb County, Georgia

Link to story and video on WXIA-TV:

http://www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=151672&catid=3

13) Adelaide on a Road to Nowhere

Adelaide Traffic Management Centre helps manage traffic in South Australia.

Link to article in The Advertiser:

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/adelaide-on-a-road-to-nowhere/story-e6frea83-1225911069762

14) Driving IT Right

Traffic is a web of connections and solutions will look at those relationships.

Link to commentary in Express Computer:

http://www.expresscomputeronline.com/20100830/techviews01.shtml

News Releases

1) Global Number of Consumer Telematics Users Will Reach 211 Million by 2015, Says ABI Research

Upcoming Events

Talking Freight Seminar on Freight and Carbon Footprint: Efforts to Enhance Supply Chain Sustainability – September 15

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=667

Friday Bonus

Catch the humorous end to the call of this horse race at Monmouth Park.

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

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100th anniversary** What is recognized as the first official radio transmission from an airplane took place at Sheepshead Bay in New York City.

http://earlyradiohistory.us/1910enn2.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Naval Dominance – Study says China now has more warships than U.S.A

August 30, 2010 at 4:51 pm

THE International Institute for Strategic Studies (better known as the IISS), reckons China now has more warships than America, which long possessed the biggest fleet. Strangely enough, India is the only nation in this list which is already not a member of the U.N. Security Council. Given the amount of threats India has to deal with along its lengthy coasts and the national security needs might propel the country into this race for the biggest fleet.