TransportGooru

Wednesday, April 7, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Administrator Calls Collaboration Key to FAA’s NextGen

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100406_7676.php

CAMERAS

2) Stricter Rules Proposed for Traffic Camera Usage in Tennessee

Link to article in the Chattanooga Times Free Press:

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/apr/07/stricter-rules-proposed-for-traffic-camera-usage/

OTHER

3) US DOT Posts Open Gov Plan; Concrete Steps Promise Transparency, Collaboration, Citizen Participation

Link to Fast Lane blog from the US Department of Transportation:

http://fastlane.dot.gov/2010/04/dot-posts-open-gov-plan-concrete-steps-promise-transparency-collaboration-citizen-participation.html

RAILROADS

4) Federal Railroad Administration Sets $50 Million Rail Tech Program

Link to article in The Journal of Commerce:

http://www.joc.com/rail-intermodal/fra-sets-50-million-rail-tech-program

Link to FRA news release:

http://www.fra.dot.gov/Pages/press-releases/201.shtml

ROADWAYS

5) Stop! In the Name of Bilingualism at British Columbia’s Thompson Rivers University

Link to article on Kamploops This Week:

http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_thompson_nicola/kamloopsthisweek/news/90032612.html

TELEMATICS

6) Telematics is Opportunity Knocking’ at the Construction Equipment Dealer’s Door

Link to article in Construction Equipment Distribution:

http://www.cedmag.com/article-detail.cfm?id=10925876

TRANSIT

7) San Francisco Bus Advertising Plans Targeted by City Legislation

Link to article in The Examiner:

http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Bus-advertising-plans-targeted-by-legislation-90065367.html

8) Boston T Taps Tech-Savvy to Keep Riders in Loop

Link to article and video in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/04/07/t_taps_tech_savvy_to_keep_riders_in_loop/

9) After Years, New York MTA Cracks Down on Sign Dealer

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/06/after-years-m-t-a-cracks-down-on-sign-dealer/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Artificial Brain ‘Andy’ at College of Staten Island Could Guide Traffic

Link to article in the Staten Island Advance:

http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/04/aritifical_brain_andy_at_colle.html

11) Yosemite to Post Real-Time Traffic Updates on Web

Link to blog on myMotherLode:

http://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/931193/Traffic-Counts-At-Yosemite.html

12) Beijing to Launch Special Fund to Ease Traffic

Money will be used, in part, for ITS.

Link to story on China Radio International:

http://english.cri.cn/6909/2010/04/07/1901s561610.htm

13) Now, Traffic Alerts on Signboards

Bangalore becomes the first city in India to use variable message signs on roadways.

Link to article in the Deccan Herald:

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/62690/now-traffic-alerts-signboards.html

14) Real-Time Traffic Data Comes to South Africa

Link to article in TechCentral:

http://www.techcentral.co.za/real-time-traffic-data-comes-to-sa/13770/

VEHICLES

15) Fast Forward 2020: The Real Car Tech of Tomorrow

Link to article in Car and Driver:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10q1/what_s_new_fast_forward_2020_the_real_car_tech_of_tomorrow-feature

16) Self-Driving Cars Could See Like Humans

Link to article on TechNewsDaily:

http://www.technewsdaily.com/self-driving-cars-could-see-like-humans-0402/

17) Traffic Sign Recognition Systems Recognize Speed Limits

Link to DPA article:

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/lifestyle/autos/news/article_1546310.php/Traffic-sign-recognition-systems-recognize-speed-limits

News Releases

1) Houston TranStar’s Web-Based Emergency Evacuation Map Receives ITS America Smart Solution Spotlight Award

2) TomTom Expands Availability of Live Road Condition Information with HD Flow and HD Route Times Products

3) Bay Area 511 Adds Mobile App

4) Innovative ‘Green’ Traffic Signs Help Reduce Costs, CO2 Emissions and Keep Texas Traffic Flowing

5) American Airlines ‘Eco-Friendly’ Test on Trans-Atlantic Flight to Prove Fuel, Carbon Savings Benefits of NextGen Technology

6) 3UK Launches In Car Wi-Fi

7) Singapore Launches OneMap Intelligent Map Portal

Upcoming Events

Talking Operations Webcast: Regional Traffic Signal Operations Programs – Planning/Funding – April 28

https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webconfid=20164

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** The SMS Moltke, a battlecruiser of the German Imperial Navy, was launched.

http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/germany/battleships/moltke/sms_moltke_page_1.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, April 5, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Only Four Weeks Away:  Be Sure to Register for ITS America’s 20th Annual Meeting & Expo, May 3-5, 2010, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

• FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez joins the lineup of USDOT Presidential Appointees and executives at USDOT’s May 4 Opening Plenary.  Speakers Include Administrators of NHTSA, FMCSA and RITA as well as Deputy Administrators of FTA, FRA and RITA.
• Reserve your hotel room now. Rooms are 90% sold, and conference rates expire April 9.
• Can’t attend?  Register for our technical session webinars.  Click “Attendee Registration”; enter your info; on “Profile Page,” scroll down to “Webinar” block.
• Exhibit space and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

AVIATION

1) Lapses Hinder Rescue Teams Hunting for Lost Planes

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gUsdB2D_EMpcbbDce2qm8PAUQn6wD9ES0U4G0

2) FAA Error-Reporting Program Reveals Hazards, Yields Fixes

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-04-04-faa-error-reports_N.htm

3) Raleigh-Durham Airport to Appeal Ruling Allowing Newspaper Racks

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-04-05-airportcheckin05_ST_N.htm

4) Aviation Apps for iPad

Link to article on AVweb:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/AviationAppsForIPad_202278-1.html

CARTOGRAPHY

5) Google Street View Goes 3D

Link to article on Softpedia:

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Google-Catches-the-3D-Craze-139022.shtml

OTHER

6) States Pursue English-Only Driver Testing Requirement

Link to article in Land Line:

http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2010/Mar10/032910/040210-02.htm

7) ITS are Useful Tools to Weaken Greenhouse-Gas Emissions

Link to article in Roads & Bridges:

http://www.roadsbridges.com/Gas-Fizzling-article11

8) Need a Cab? New GPS Analysis Shows Where to Find One in New York City

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/03/nyregion/03icab.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

9) Gainesville, Florida Police Track Percentage of Drivers Yielding to Pedestrians

Link to article in The Gainesville Sun:

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100405/ARTICLES/100409725?Title=GPD-tracks-percent-of-cars-yielding-to-pedestrians

RAILROADS

10) DB Netz Grows High-Tech Track, Tunnels and Bridges

Link to article in Eurailmag:

http://www.eurailmag.com/mag/21.htm?page=116

11) Train Driver Desks Crossing Borders with EUDDplus

Link to article in Eurailmag:

http://www.eurailmag.com/mag/21.htm?page=18

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) Airline Passenger Conversations to be Monitored Under EU Project

Link to article in the Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/7553214/Airline-passenger-conversations-to-be-monitored-under-EU-project.html

SPACE

13) Key Antenna Fails as Discovery Enters Orbit

Link to article in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9174828/NASA_Key_antenna_fails_as_i_Discovery_i_enters_orbit

TRANSIT

14) Transit TV Returns with New Programming and an Innovative New Advertising System

Link to article in Los Angeles County MTA’s The Source:

http://thesource.metro.net/2010/04/02/transit-tv-returns-with-new-programming-and-an-innovative-new-advertising-system/

15) A New Look for Google Transit Maps

Link to Google’s Lat Long Blog:

http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2010/04/new-look-for-google-transit-maps.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) Seven Ways to Get Transportation Information for Shanghai World Expo

Link to article in the China Daily:

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009worldexpo/2010-04/05/content_9687283.htm

17) Eyes on the Road in San Marcos, California

Link to article in The San Diego Union-Tribune:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/04/eyes-on-the-road/

18) Way-To-Go Vancouver Olympics – Lessons For Transport Planners

Link to blog on Planetizen:

http://www.planetizen.com/node/43644

VEHICLES

19) NHTSA is Behind Times on Car Electronic Safety

Link to article in The Tennessean:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20104050333

20) E-tags Eyed for Car Transport

Link to article in The Yomiuri Shimbun:

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T100404001569.htm

21) An Interview with Christopher Barger, Director of Social Media for General Motors

Link to podcast on ZDNet:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/feeds/?p=2622

22) Ford Lures Small Businesses with Graphic Web Site to Customize Transit Connect

Link to article in The Detroit News:

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100403/BIZ/4030334/1148/Ford-lures-small-businesses-with-graphic-Web-site-to-customize-Transit-Connect

23) Shedding Light on Safety

Mercedes adaptive LED headlight system can help drivers see better and avoid blinding other drivers.

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/04/automobiles/04LIGHT.html

News Releases

1) Beat the Traffic Announces New Touch Technology for TV Traffic Reporting

2) EMBARQ Network Launches New Association to Advance Public Transport in Latin American Cities

Upcoming Events

ITS Joint Program Office Strategic Plan Workshop – April 28-29 – Washington, DC

http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/workshops/april28-10.asp

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** The Transandine rail tunnel, connecting Argentina and Chile, opened.

http://www.runyard.org/rr/baja/99_01.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Friday, April 2, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) FAA Planners Size Up Workforce Demands with New Air Traffic Control System

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100402_4134.php

2) March 2010 Issue of The Front Online

Link to newsletter from the National Weather Service:

http://www.weather.gov/os/aviation/front/10mar-front.pdf

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

3) Japanese Government to Ax Mileage Discount for ETC-Equipped Cars

Link to article in The Daily Yomiuri:

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T100402002930.htm

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) Singapore Company Charting Their Way in Business

Link to article from The Strait Times:

http://business.asiaone.com/Business/SME%2BCentral/Prime%2BMovers/Story/A1Story20100331-207734.html

ROADWAYS

5) A Bridge to Fame in Boise, Honest

Major project includes a kiosk at the airport, online videos and a Facebook page.

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/31/us/31boise.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) US Revamps Screening of Passengers

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303395904575158252343020226.htm

7) Mass Transportation Security Mess: Report Details Chilling Inefficiencies

Link to ABC News story and video:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Politics/mass-transportation-security-mess-report-details-chilling-inefficiencies/story?id=10267397

Link to report from the US Department of Homeland Security Inspector General:
http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_10-68_Mar10.pdf

8) LaHood Targets Ford’s Sync Ad for Distracted Driving

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

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2010/04/01/lahood-targets-fords-sync-ad-for-distracted-driving.html

TELEMATICS

9) UPS Turns Data Analysis Into Big Savings

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-20001576-52.html

TRANSIT

10) ‘Does God Care if I’m Gay?’ Ads Pulled from Toronto Transit

Link to article in the Toronto Sun:

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/788900–does-god-care-if-i-m-gay-ads-pulled-from-ttc?bn=1

11) SEPTA Bus Shelters Getting a Makeover

Plans to eventually include real-time arrival information at all shelters.

Link to story on KYW Radio:

http://www.kyw1060.com/Septa-s-Phila–Bus-Shelters-Getting-a-Makeover/6715271

12) Using Social Media to Make Transit Fun

Link to blog on PlanningPool:

http://planningpool.com/2010/03/tech/social-media-transit-fun/

VEHICLES

13) New Rule Would Require Electronic Recorders in Some Commercial Trucks

Link to article in the Lexington Herald-Leader:

http://www.kentucky.com/2010/04/02/1207785/new-rule-would-require-electronic.html

14) Motorcycle Study Suggest Safety Courses Don’t Reduce Crashes

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/03/31/motorcycle-study-suggests-safety-courses-dont-reduce-crashes/

15) Cars to Turn Into Mobile Wi-Fi Spots to Connect to Facebook, Twitter

Link to article from The Daily Telegraph:

http://www.news.com.au/technology/cars-to-turn-into-mobile-wi-fi-spots-to-connect-to-facebook-twitter/story-e6frfrnr-1225849111907

News Releases

1) Father of GPS and Pioneer of Satellite Telemetry and Timing Inducted into National Inventors Hall of Fame

Upcoming Events

Community Transportation Expo – May 23-28 – Long Beach, California

http://www.ctaa.org/expo

Friday Bonus

If you want the Easter Bunny to stop at your house, make sure you stop for him first.

http://www.glendalenewspress.com/articles/2010/04/01/publicsafety/gnp-sting040110.txt

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** Hubert Le Blon, a French aviator and noted automobilist, became the sixth person to die in an airplane crash.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9904E6D71430E233A25750C0A9629C946196D6CF

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Thursday, April 1, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) A Radical Cockpit Upgrade Southwest Fliers Will Feel

Link to column in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303338304575155813404043090.html

2) Air Safety Requires Worldwide Information Exchange: IATA

Link to AFP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jGofT0qzsSKmGvORMAo6BpaUZjbg

CAMERAS

3) Sensors Make Cities Smarter

In the not too distant future, cameras and sensors will empower officials to instantly monitor constantly changing dynamics.

Link to article in Governing:

http://www.governing.com/article/sensors-make-cities-smarter

MARITIME

4) Souped-Up Alert System Spreads the Word for US Coast Guard

Link to article in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2010/04/05/uscg-aws-alert-system.aspx

ROADWAYS

5) Nevada’s Financial Partners Hit Brakes on ‘Black Box’ to Track Vehicle Mileage

Link to article in the Las Vegas Sun:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/apr/01/financial-partners-hit-brakes-black-box/

TRANSIT

6) Metrolink Train Crews Threaten Boycott Over Personality Test Requirement

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/03/metrolink-train-crews-threaten-boycott-over-personality-test-requirement.html

7) Philadelphia Transit Riders Protest Gender ID on Passes

Link to article in the Philadelphia Daily News:

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20100331_Transpass_protest__Gender_s_a_sticky_issue.html

8) Los Angeles Metro Takes First Steps Towards Real-Time Bus Arrival Information System

Link to article in the Los Angeles County MTA’s The Source:

http://thesource.metro.net/2010/03/31/metro-takes-first-steps-towards-real-time-bus-arrival-information-system/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

9) Sendza Selected for Massachusetts Ad-Driven Traffic Info 511 System

Link to article in Mass High Tech:

http://www.masshightech.com/stories/2010/03/29/daily48-Sendza-selected-for-Mass-ad-driven-traffic-info-511-system.html

10) Singapore Traffic Info Platform Makes Driving a Breeze

Link to article from my paper:

http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Transport/Story/A1Story20100401-207906.html

VEHICLES

11) iBiquity Says More Automakers to Offer HD Radio

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/iBiquity-says-more-automakers-apf-2215079847.html?x=0&.v=2

News Releases

1) Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Announces Social Media Contest to ‘Name the Train’

2) Metro-North Completes Installation of Train Time System

3) Apollo Video Technology’s New RoadRunner MRH Series DVR Leads Industry

with 16 Cameras, Highest Resolution, and Longest Recording Rates

Upcoming Events

Talking Freight Web Conference: Non-traditional Freight Data Sources – April 21

https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webconfid=20012

Today (and Tomorrow) in Transportation History

1960 **50^th anniversary** The first weather satellite, TIROS-1, was launched.

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2008/03/dayintech_0401

2110 **-100^th anniversary** Ray LaHood IV, kicked-off a campaign against distracted teleportation.

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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CAMERAS

1) Taxi Cameras to be Compulsory in New Zealand

Link to article on Stuff:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/3533679/Taxi-cameras-to-be-compulsory

2) University of New Mexico Gets Green-Light to Study Traffic Cameras

Link to story and video on KOB-TV:

http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S1491721.shtml

OTHER

3) Hail a New York City Cab with Your Apple iPhone and Android Device Via Location Analytics

Link to article on SmartPlanet:

http://www.smartplanet.com/business/blog/smart-takes/hail-a-nyc-cab-with-your-apple-iphone-or-android-device-via-location-analytics/5571/

4) ERTICO’s i-Mobility Newsletter – March 2010

Link to newsletter:

http://webhouse.ipapercms.dk/ERTICO/Newsletter/NewsletterMarch2010/

ROADWAYS

5) What Happens When You Remove All Traffic Signs? A German Town Finds Out

Link to article in The Christian Science Monitor:

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2010/0331/What-happens-when-you-remove-all-traffic-signs-A-German-town-finds-out

6) New Jersey Toll Takers to Get Customer Service Training

Link to story on WCBS-TV:

http://wcbstv.com/topstories/rude.toll.collectors.2.1600194.html

7) A Portable Weigh Station for Rural Roads

Link to article in Sensor:

http://www.its.umn.edu/Publications/Sensor/2009/03/portableweigh.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) US Government Set to Ban Texting by Truck, Bus Drivers

Link to AP article:

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=10250915

Link to news release from US DOT:

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot5510.htm

9) Banning Texting in Trucks Raises Other Questions

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/31/banning-texting-in-truck-raises-other-questions/

10) National Work Zone Awareness Week 2010: Work Zones Need Your Undivided Attention

Link to article in Focus:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/focus/10mar/01.cfm

TRANSIT

11) New York MTA Rejects Subway Ads

Say acronyms used in ads imply obscene language.

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2010/03/31/2010-03-31_mta_bigs_derail_texty_ads_targeting_bloomy.html

12) Eight Essential Transit Agency Blogs

Link to article in the Los Angeles MTA’s The Source:

http://thesource.metro.net/2010/03/30/8-essential-transit-agency-blogs/

13) Shenzhen Tong Card and Hong Kong Octopus Card to Reach Interoperability

Link to article in the Shenzhen Post:

http://www.szcpost.com/2010/03/shenzhen-tong-card-and-hong-kong-octopus-card-to-reach-interoperability.html

14) Walt Disney World Uses Their Monorail for Advertising for the First Time

Link to article on Jaunted:

http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/3/31/8415/94345/travel/Walt+Disney+World+Uses+Their+Monorail+For+More+Than+Just+Transportation

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) I-81 Corridor Coalition Hosts Traffic Incident Management and Clearance Workshop

Link to article in The Sentinel:

http://www.cumberlink.com/articles/2010/03/31/news/local/doc4bb33e1bac62c764669740.txt

16) Meet ‘Cal North,’ the Imaginary Direction-Giver of 511

Link to column in SF Weekly:

http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2010/03/511_voice_cal_north.php

17) Voice of Bay Area 511 Often Calls Himself

Link to column in SF Weekly:

http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2010/03/voice_of_511_often_calls_himse.php

VEHICLES

18) How Ford’s Sync Technology Will Turn It Into America’s Most Surprising Consumer Electronics Company

Link to article in Fast Company:

http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/144/fords-big-reveal.html

19) Ford, Microsoft to Work on Electric-Car Charging

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011487820_apusfordelectricity.html

News Releases

1) US Cites Celebrate Transportation Innovation in Film Series

2) ITS Georgia Chapter Reviews Plans to Upgrade NaviGAtor ITS System

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

4) Cellport Marks 15^th Anniversary of Its Invention of Internet-Connected Vehicle

Upcoming Events

LaGuardia Airport Kiwanis Club Charity Ball Honoring ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ First Officer – May 21 – Great Neck, New York

http://laguardiakiwanis.com/2010HONOREEGALA.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1980 **30^th anniversary** The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad operated its last train.

http://www.rits.org/www/histories/RIHistory.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, April 19, 2010 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM EDT

Learn how to conduct transportation research more efficiently and effectively.  TRB will host a free webinar that provides practical tips for using the Transportation Research Information Services (TRIS), Research in Progress (RiP), and Research Needs Statements (RNS) databases.  Panelists will provide an overview of each database, offer tips on how to refine searches, and demonstrate advanced features added to the databases last year.  Learn how to enter records into the RiP Website and find out how agency publications are entered into TRIS.  Panelists from the University of California, Berkeley and the Montana Department of Transportation will discuss ways that they use TRB databases to enhance their research programs.

Presenters for this session include:

• Barbara Post, Transportation Research Board
• Rita Evans and Kendra L Levine, Harmer E. Davis Transportation Library, Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Berkeley
• Susan Sillick, Montana Department of Transportation

Moderated by: Ken Winter, Virginia Department of Transportation

Questions may be posed any time during the webinar, and are answered at the end of the session.

Registration:  Participants must register 24 hours in advance of the Webinar.  This webinar is free for all participants.

There may be situations where a webinar may need to be rescheduled, due to interruptions in GoToWebinar servers or other unforseen events.  If a webinar needs to be rescheduled, TRB will contact you via email to discuss the situation and will provide information about rescheduling the session.

Click here to register. Problems signing in? Contact Reggie Gillum at rgillum@nas.edu or 202-334-2382

Tuesday, March 30, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Register Now for IBTTA’s Upcoming Summit: The Future of Tolling – Going Mainstream

Through ORT and Interoperability, May 23-25, 2010 in Boston, MA

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association in Boston for the fourth Summit in a series of workshops focused on the hot topics of ORT and Interoperability. This Summit will bring together transportation experts who will focus on lessons learned, case studies, business rules and future decision-making about all-electronic toll collection, interoperability, violation enforcement, and implications for vehicle miles traveled charging. Breakout sessions are divided into four main categories – On the Road and in the Car; Technology and Backroom Issues; Road Pricing and Financial Issues and In the Public and Policy Forum. IBTTA is exploring opportunities to involve university students and faculty from the Boston area in research connected with the main topics of this Summit. Click here for registration, hotel and travel information and to view the preliminary agenda. www.IBTTA.org

AVIATION

1) IBM, FAA Team Up to Tackle Severe Security Risks to Flight Data

Link to column in The Hill:

http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/89689-faa-ibm-team-up-to-tackle-severe-security-risks-to-agencys-computer-systems

CAMERAS

2) Smile! Local Officers Quietly Snap Photos During Traffic Stops

Link to article in The Monitor:

http://www.themonitor.com/articles/smile-36924-local-snap.html

CARTOGRAPHY

3) Boom! Tweets and Maps Swarm to Pinpoint a Mysterious Explosion

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/external/readwriteweb/2010/03/29/29readwriteweb-boom-tweets–maps-swarm-to-pinpoint-a-myste-34026.html

OTHER

4) Georgia Senate OKs Bill Targeting Non-English-Speaking Drivers

Link to article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/senate-oks-bill-targeting-419647.html

ROADWAYS

5) How Good Asphalt Helps Visibility in the Rain

Link to column in the San Jose Mercury News:

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_14779911

6) Federal Sign Language Tests Local Budgets

Link to article in The Daily Reporter:

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2010/03/29/federal-sign-language-tests-local-budgets/

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Pennsylvania DOT to Change Policy on Release of Driving-Record Information for Prospective School Bus Drivers

Link to article in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/89491252.html

8) Study: Only 2.5% Can Safely Drive and Phone

Link to CBS News story:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/30/tech/main6346963.shtml

TRANSIT

9) Lack of Video Slows Hunt for a Killer in the New York Subway

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/nyregion/30subway.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Oklahoma City’s Traffic Link Project Gets a Green Light Again

Link to article and video in The Oklahoman:

http://www.newsok.com/oklahoma-citys-traffic-link-project-gets-a-green-light-again/article/3449849?custom_click=pod_headline_politics

11) High-Tech Data Collection to Aid Lower Manhattan’s Traffic Jams

Link to story and video on NY1 News:

http://www.ny1.com/8-queens-news-content/ny1_living/116093/high-tech-data-collection-to-aid-lower-manhattan-s-traffic-jams

12) Wireless Does Community Service

Behind-the-scenes municipal applications help urban traffic flow.

Link to article in Network World:

http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/wireless/2010/032910wireless2.html

VEHICLES

13) NASA to Test Toyota Electronics in Safety Probe

Link to Reuters article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62T0V620100330

14) Toyota Announces Safety Initiatives

Among steps, company will expand use of event data recorders and increase use of remote communications functions.

Link to article on just-auto:

http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?id=103853

15) Toyota’s PR ‘Lessons to be Learned’

Link to article on just-auto:

http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?id=103856&lk=dm

News Releases

1) One in Four Have Listened to an iPod or Other MP3 Player While Connected to a Car Stereo

2) Intelligent and Efficient Travel Management for European Cities – First In-Time Forum – Fine Tuning the Pilot Phase

3) CN Web Site Makes It Easier for Customers to Calculate Carbon Savings When Shipping by Rail

4) EGNOS Portal Launched for Europe’s Satellite Navigation Application Developers

5) US Airways Takes to the Sky with Gogo Inflight Internet

Upcoming Events

TRB Webinar: Knowledge Is Power: How TRB’s Databases Improve Access to Transportation Research – April 19

http://www.trb.org/Calendar/Blurbs/TRB_Webinar_Knowledge_Is_Power_How_TRBs_Databases_163080.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1945 **65^th anniversary** – A German Messerschmitt Me 262, the world’s first operational combat jet aircraft, was flown to flown to an American-held air base.

http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/Images/Me262/ME262PILOTDEBRIEF.pdf

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The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

(Sources: Transportation for America)

Today, I came across a tweet from someone that talked about T4America’s latest national poll results that said majority Americans support  increased access to public transportation and safe walking and biking.  As a curious mind would do it, I went on to explore the survey results and the press release issued by T4America and here is the summary of what I saw: American voters overwhelmingly support broader access to public transportation and safe walking and biking, according to this new national poll conducted for Transportation for America.  This must be a ton of good news for pro-transit & bike-ped folks, especially given all the activities that are happening on the next transportation re-authorization bill.  My favorite finding of this survey:  79% of rural folks support improved public transportation.  Now, who would have expected that from our American voters!

Here are some interesting findings:

• More than four-in-five voters (82 percent) say that “the United States would benefit from an expanded and improved transportation system, such as rail and buses” and a solid majority (56 percent) “strongly agree” with that statement.
• On a personal level, two-thirds (66%) say that they “would like more transportation options so they have the freedom to choose how to get where they need to go.” Along these same lines, 73% currently feel they “have no choice but to drive as much as” they do, and 57% would like to spend less time in the car.
• A majority (58 percent) say that more should be allocated to public transportation, while 35% feel that this is about the right amount. Only 5% say that less should be allocated to other transportation options.

As I said earlier, it will be interesting to see how these findings play into the next reauthorization bill.  While we wait to find that out, let’s take a moment to check out some more survey findings. You can download by clicking here.

The 16th IRF World Meeting will be held in Lisbon from 25 to 28 May 2010, and will be attended by major international players from the road sector.   The aim of the 16th IRF World Meeting is to provide a forum for debates, discussions and proposals leading to tomorrow’s solutions.

The IRF 16th World Road Meeting will bring together top-level representatives of the road construction industries, the engineering companies, the road equipment companies, the concessionaires, the road authorities, the researchers and the interest groups. Their common aim will be sustainable mobility for the 21st century, a multi-faceted issue that will require innovative and elaborate solutions.

With this in mind, World Road Meeting delegates will hear about road safety issues, environmental concerns, financial challenges, educational offers, latest research and applications, and many more topics.

The IRF 16th World Road Meeting offers a unique platform for the Road Infrastructure Community to showcase their latest research and proposals in a friendly, peer group, result-oriented environment. It also offers good opportunities for technology transfer and business development. Road industry leaders from both the public and private sectors from around the world will be in Lisbon for this one-of-a-kind event.

Who should attend?

The 16th IRF World Road Meeting invites people from across the road infrastructure sector, may they come from construction companies, government agencies, funding bodies, research, concessionnaires, ITS and other road furbishing companies.

Exhibitor profile:
Road construction and maintenance, Road equipment, Horizontal and vertical road markings, Street furniture, Vehicle manufacturers, Tyre manufacturers, ITS Technology, Tolling Systems, Traffic Emergency systems, Road Safety material, Engineering companies, Consultancy & research, Education, Publications and any other related industry.

Visitor Profile:
IRF World Road Meeting’s delegates are coming from all over the world. Most visitors come from construction companies, government agencies, funding bodies, research, engineering forms, research institutes, concessionaires, ITS and other road furbishing companies. The visitors of the exhibition are at decision making level, highly qualified professionals from the road infrastructure and transport industries.

Note: Visitors must hold a valid passport; a visa may be required in some cases. For more information about visas, please consult the nearest Portuguese Embassy.

Click here to Register and click here to download the Preliminary Programme.  For those in a hurry, I’ve attached the Preliminary Progamme below.

Monday, March 29, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Only Five Weeks Away:  Be Sure to Register for ITS America’s 20th Annual Meeting & Expo, May 3-5, 2010, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

• FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez joins the lineup of USDOT Presidential Appointees and executives at USDOT’s May 4 Opening Plenary.  Speakers Include Administrators of NHTSA, FMCSA and RITA as well as Deputy Administrators of FTA, FRA and RITA.
• Reserve your hotel room now. Rooms are 90% sold, and conference rates expire April 9.
• Can’t attend?  Register for our technical session webinars.  Click “Attendee Registration”; enter your info; on “Profile Page,” scroll down to “Webinar” block.
• Exhibit space and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

AVIATION

1) Pocket GPS Used to Make Emergency Passenger Jet Landing in Russia

Link to RIA Novosti article:

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Pocket_GPS_Used_To_To_Make_Emergency_Passenger_Jet_Landing_999.html

2) Air Traffic Controller Talks About ‘Pushing Tin’

Link to article in the Daily Herald:

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=369081

CAMERAS

3) Columbus, Ohio Traffic-Camera Deal Won’t Face Competition

Link to article in The Columbus Dispatch:

http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/03/28/copy/traffic-camera-deal-wont-face-competition.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Illinois Tollway May Get Words, Not Lights, When Toll is Paid

Link to column in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/commute/ct-met-gettingaround-0329-20100328,0,852933.column

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) The 11 Mobile Apps You Need to Get Around Any City

Link to article on The Infrastructurist:

http://www.infrastructurist.com/2010/03/29/the-11-mobile-apps-you-need-to-get-around-any-city/

MARITIME

6) Radar to Spot Icebergs in Alaska’s Prince William Sound is Working Again

Link to article in Petroleum News:

http://www.petroleumnews.com/pntruncate/785662712.shtml

OTHER

7) ERTICO Interview with SINTEF

Link to interview:

http://www.ertico.com/en/news/ertico_newsroom/new_partner_interview_sintef.htm

ROADWAYS

8) New Jersey Exploring Selling Turnpike Rest-Stop Naming Rights

Link to AP article:

http://www.1010wins.com/NJ-Exploring-Selling-Turnpike-Rest-Stop-Naming-Rig/6672031

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Apps to Curb Texting While Driving Have Tough Task

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hDvCrghR-0yJ1CknUsB6YSp2L7VAD9ENPD680

TELEMATICS

10) CeBIT in Motion – Telematics and ITS Joining the IT-Community

Link to ERTICO article:

http://www.ertico.com/en/news/ertico_newsroom/cebit_in_motion__telematics_and_its_joining_the_it-community.htm

11) Peterbilt Launches New In-Dash Telematics and Infotainment System

Link to article in Truck News:

http://www.trucknews.com/issues/story.aspx?aid=1000365757

TRANSIT

12) Boston T Debuts Subway Wireless Service

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/03/27/orange_line_riders_get_cellphone_coverage_for_the_whole_ride/

13) Yale University Directing Parking Students to Transit via Personalized E-mail

Link to article in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2010/03/Yale-directing-parking-students-to-transit.aspx

14) Politicians Ask, and the New York MTA Jots It Down

State law requires agency to compile and publish every official communication from members of the legislature.

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/29/politicians-ask-and-the-m-t-a-jots-it-down/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) West Virginia Installing Traffic Detection Cameras as Part of Larger Intelligent Transportation System

Link to article in The Journal:

http://journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/534042.html

16) India, Canada to Sign MOU for Cooperation in Highways, Transport Sector

Areas of cooperation include ITS, highway management and road safety.

Link to ANI article:

http://sify.com/news/india-canada-to-sign-mou-for-cooperation-in-highways-transport-sector-news-national-kd3wOdhgijd.html

VEHICLES

17) How ‘Black Boxes’ Help in Car Crash Reconstructions

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-03-29-blackboxes29_ST_N.htm

18) BMW and Siemens Car2X System Transmits Data Between Traffic Lights and Vehicles to Optimize Stop-Start Function

Link to article on Green Car Congress:

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/03/car2x-20100318.html

19) NASCAR Drivers and Fans Embrace Social Networks

Link to article in the Martinsville Bulletin:

http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/article.cfm?ID=23044

News Releases

1) Telematics Can Reduce Range Anxiety and Enhance the Electric Vehicle Ownership Experience, Notes Frost & Sullivan

2) Tennessee DOT Debuts Enhanced TN511 Motorist Information System

3) TomTom Lifetime Map and Traffic Updates Now Available in North America

Upcoming Events

International Road Federation World Road Meeting 2010 – May 25-28 – Lisbon

http://www.irfnews.org/news-events/event-detail/irf-world-road-meeting-2010/

Today in Transportation History

1945 **65^th anniversary** The final V-1 flying bomb attack against the UK took place.

http://www.stelzriede.com/ms/html/sub/marshwvr.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net