TransportGooru

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

A new website, www.i95travelinfo.org, now offers live traffic speed information on major roadways in the region from New Jersey to North Carolina.  Additionally, based on real-time traffic speeds, the website provides both the current and normal travel times between various cities, airports, and other landmarks on key routes in the multi-state region.  To receive travel time information, users only need to select their starting point and destination from of list of pre-defined locations on the “Travel Time” page. This information can be particularly helpful to long-distance travelers as they prepare to navigate through and around major cities in the Mid-Atlantic region.  The I-95 Corridor Travel Time Information website is one element of the SafeTrip-21 initiative under way by the United States Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration, in partnership with the I-95 Corridor Coalition.  The USDOT SafeTrip-21 program supports the use of advanced technology to improve safety and to reduce gridlock on America’s roadways.

AVIATION

1) Airlines Cut IT Spending, Focus on Customer Service

Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124638716731074767.html

2) Prague Unveils Mobile Phone Check-In Service

Link to story on Airport Technology:

http://www.airport-technology.com/news/news58516.html

3) Kiosks to Help Trace Baggage

Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204556804574259892408445768.html

4) European Transport Chief Calls for Global Blacklist for Airlines

Link to story on EurActiv:

http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/tajani-proposes-global-blacklist-airlines/article-183643

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

5) Confusion on First Day of Electronic Toll Collecting on George Bush Turnpike

Link to story and video on WFAA-TV:

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/localnews/news8/stories/wfaa090701_lj_tolltag.25bcd48b.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) GPS for Autos Starting to Get ‘Smarter’

Link to story on MSNBC:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31619055/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/

7) iSuppli: Traffic for GPS to Skyrocket

Link to story in TWICE:

http://www.twice.com/article/307266-iSuppli_Traffic_For_GPS_To_Skyrocket.php

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) UK Government U-turns on Compulsory ID Cards for Pilots

Link to ZDNet story:

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39668729,00.htm

Link to news release from the Home Office:

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news/id-card-rollout-accelerated

9) Washington State Cell Phone Law a Year Old, but Problems Persist

Link to story in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/407755_cellphones01.html

TELEMATICS

10) Embedded Electronics – Cars Get Cooperative

Link to story on ICT Results:

http://cordis.europa.eu/ictresults/index.cfm?section=news&tpl=article&BrowsingType=Features&ID=90703

TRANSIT

11) National Transportation Safety Board: DC Train Signal Failed Before Crash

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hDCAjySS_K-DH_mbJZv7u1ijPSewD995RG1O5

Link to advisory from the NTSB:

http://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2009/090701.html

Link to response from WMATA:

http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=2651

12) DC Metro: Trains May Run Manually for a Year

Link to AP story:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-06-30-metro_N.htm

13) Boston T Sets Up Phone Lines for Workers

Installation follows ban on carrying of cell phones.

Link to story in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/07/01/t_sets_up_phone_lines_for_workers/

14) RATP: Live Transit Schedules on iPhone Application

Link to story from Transport Expertise Association:

http://en.transport-expertise.org/index.php/2009/07/01/ratp-live-transit-schedules-on-iphone-application/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) GPS Systems that Give Traffic Reports

Link to story in The Geek Weekly:

http://www.thegeekweekly.com/feature/gps_traffic_reports/index.html

16) FREILOT Pilot Holds First Workshop

Link to story from ERTICO – ITS Europe:

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

News Releases

1) ITIS Launches TrafficScience with Navsat in Central America

2) Operation Lifesaver Canada Launches New Site

3) Differences in Navigation User Preferences and Behavior Between Europe and the US Impose Targeted Approaches

4) NASA, Japan Release Most Complete Topographic Map of Earth

5) Maryland State Highway Administration Unveils New User-Friendly Web Site

6) Holase Introduces Ultra Portable Traffic Management System

Upcoming Events

Intelligent Vehicle Technology Transfer (IVTT) Joint Military/Civilian Workshop on IntelliDrive – Gaithersburg, Maryland – July 30

http://www.intelligent-vehicle.com/index.php/conference

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100^th anniversary** – Canadian ship captain Joseph-Elzéar Bernier, claimed the Arctic Islands for Canada.

http://explorenorth.com/library/weekly/aa102000a.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

(Source: New York Times & Air New Zealand)

Image Courtesy: Air New Zealand Website

Let us admit. Most of us don’t listen to those mundane sfaety instructions videos shown to us in the airplanes.  A lot of us simply ignore it knowing that it is same damn thing that we have heard umpteen times. Borrrrringgg!!  Not anymore.  Virgin America attempted to change this with its wonderfully creative pre-flight safety video shown before on their Airbus A320 airliners.

Now, Air New Zealand, already known for its innvoative marketing ideas has  done one better than Virgin America  with a safety video featuring its employees who are nude except for body paint and strategically placed seat belts.

Passengers on the video’s maiden flight Monday — the 7 a.m. from Auckland to Wellington, on New Zealand’s North Island — may have never paid more rapt attention to the line “undo the seat belt by lifting the metal flap.”

The video (shown below) — and a related ad campaign — are rare moments of levity in an industry that has been savaged by drastic drop-offs in passenger travel and air freight. Airlines around the world, including Air New Zealand, have had to cut flights, employees and investment plans.

The video and commercial are not as revealing as some might think (or perhaps hope, given the toned bodies of the employees). The realistic body paint makes it look as if the employees — flight attendants, baggage handlers and a pilot — are wearing uniforms. The one perThe video and commercial are not as revealing as some might think (or perhaps hope, given the toned bodies of the employees). The realistic body paint makes it look as if the employees — flight attendants, baggage handlers and a pilot — are wearing uniforms. The one person not shown doing his actual job is the company’s buff chief executive, Rob Fyfe, who plays a baggage handler.

The point of the three-and-a-half-minute safety video and the 45-second commercial that started running last month is that unlike other airlines, which increasingly add hidden charges to fares in an effort to increase falling revenue, Air New Zealand has nothing to hide.

“Which is why the price you pay includes everything — up front,” reads the ad’s tag line.

Click here to read the entire article.

TransportGooru Musing: I’d love to fly Air New Zealand and write a column about how their service matches against these sweet ad campaigns.  Also,  I am falling hard for Air New Zealand’s pleasant ambassadors  (read as hostesses, oohh lala)  with their accented “Kyora” (for those who don’t know what that means, it is the traditional Maori greeting).  Someone, please, tell Air New Zealand to give me a free ticket!  Mr. Rob Fyfe, are you listening??

(Source:  Green Car Congress & Synovate)

Market research firm Synovate released new study findings showing that nearly six in ten people would choose to buy a green car over a dream car, even if money was no object. In March 2009, Synovate surveyed more than 13,500 people across 18 markets (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom and the United States of America) about “green” versus “dream” cars, vehicle ownership, intent to buy in the next year and attitudes towards cars, traffic, public transport and their need-for-speed.

The top answer across all 18 markets, if money was no object, was to buy a green car, with 37% of respondents saying this would be their preference. Thirty percent said they would buy their dream car and a further 22% claimed that &ldqou;my dream car is a green car”, meaning that 59%—or very nearly six in ten—showed the desire to go green.

This In:fact survey on cars was conducted in March 2009 across 18 markets - Australia (AU), Brazil (BR), Canada (CA), China (CN), Egypt (EGY), France (FR), Germany (DE), Greece (GR), India (IN), Japan (JP), Korea (KR), Malaysia (MY), South Africa (ZA), Thailand (TH), Turkey (TR), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (US). It covered over 13,200 urban respondents

• The nation most likely to simply elect green car was Germany, with 58% choosing the environment over their dream cars.
• The 30% of people globally who would still choose their dream car, green-be-damned, comprised of 35% men and 27% women.
• The single biggest result for dream car came from South Africa where over half of all respondents (53%) would go for their fantasy vehicle over a green one.
• In the United States (US), 35% would buy a dream car, 23% chose green and 19% say their dream car is a green car. More American women than men say that their dream car is a green car (20% women versus 17% men).
• Overall, 15% of respondents across all 18 markets surveyed, including 9% in the US, say they will buy a new car in the next 12 months. The new car purchase intenders were topped by India at 38% and Egypt at 24%.
• 6% of survey respondents across the 18 markets say they will buy a used car in the next year, including 7% of Americans. 53% would be happy to pay more for a used car if it came with a manufacturer certification and warranty.
• South Africa (18%) as well as the US, Malaysia and Thailand (all 15%) were tops among the households globally in which more than two cars can be found.
• 14% of respondents across the 18 markets say they will use public transport more often in the coming year. The highest level of agreement was in China at 39%. The lowest level of agreement was in the US at 2%.
• 9% of people globally, including 5% of Americans, said they would be riding bikes or walking more often.

Click here to read the entire study.

(Source: Jalopnik)

Image Courtesy: Jalopnik

Now that the President has signed the “Cash For Clunkers” into a bill, a lot of you may be thinking hard about trading your old meta for a shiny new one.  Through various articles Transportgooru has already discussed in great lengths about the details associated with the Cash for Clunkers, including the eligibility criteria for trading your old vehicle.

To add to that, our good friends at Jalopnik have put together this awesome list (see below), which I think is a must read for anyone who is contemplating a trade under Cash for Clunkers program.  Here is the list in reverse order.

5.) Buy A Clunker Now!

Some unscrupulous sellers may try and convince you to buy a clunker for a few hundred dollars with the promise of being able to trade it in for a $4,500 voucher. In reality, if you haven’t owned your car and kept it running and insured for a year you’re not eligible. Don’t buy a beater unless you want to keep it for a while.

4.) Trade In Your Car Early! –

We’ve read reports on forums of people already taking advantage of the Cash for Clunkers bill. In reality, they’re being taken advantage of. The law has been signed, but the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration hasn’t finalized the rules. It probably won’t go into affect until after July 24th. If you are being offered a “voucher” on your clunker you’re really just getting money for your trade-in, which the dealer can then resell. The most you lose is your car, but the dealer could face a fine of up to $15,000.

3.) Scrap A Car Worth More Than The Voucher

The used car market isn’t great right now, but this doesn’t mean your vehicle doesn’t have some value. Make sure to check the value of your car using a resource like KBB before trading in an older car that, it turns out, is worth more than $4,500 or $3,500 on the open market. Dealers have a greater incentive to sell you a new car and scrap your old one than to get the value of your trade-in “clunker.”

2.) Get Denied For Other Discounts

The voucher program is not designed to be a stand-alone discount program, meaning you’re still eligible for whatever other discounts automakers are offering (and there are a lot of those). With 0% financing and thousands cash back you’re getting cheated if you just get the value of your trade-in off a new car. The average incentive, according to Edmunds, was $2,930 for June. So you could possibly get $4,500 + $3,000 off of a new car.

1.) Avoid Moving Up To A More Profitable Class

If you own a truck or SUV you can use your voucher to trade it in for a car and, likely, get a larger voucher. Many dealerships will want to put you into a new truck because they’re more expensive than most cars, but if you don’t need a truck you can trade your old one in and find an inexpensive car with 10 MPG better fuel economy, which qualifies you for $4,500. For example, if you’ve got a 1991 V6 Ford F-150 you can trade it in for a $15,000 2009 Ford Focus for your kid and get the full $4,500 off, instead of paying upwards of $20,000 for a new truck and only getting a $3,500 voucher.

(Source:  Washington Post)

Image Courtesy: Gothamist via Apture - DC Metro Crash

Sometime soon, investigators will piece together why one train on Metro’s Red Line hurtled into another last Monday, killing nine people and injuring dozens. Early indications suggest a computer system may have malfunctioned, and various accounts have raised questions about whether the driver of the speeding train applied the brakes in time.

The problem, said several experts who have studied such accidents, is that these investigations invariably focus our attention on discrete aspects of machine or human error, whereas the real problem often lies in the relationship between humans and their automated systems.

Metro officials have already begun a review of the automated control systems on the stretch of track where the crash occurred and have found “anomalies.” While such measures are essential, Lee said, making automated systems safer leads to a paradox at the heart of all human-machine interactions: “The better you make the automation, the more difficult it is to guard against these catastrophic failures in the future, because the automation becomes more and more powerful, and you rely on it more and more.”

Automated systems are often designed to relieve humans of tasks that are repetitive. When such algorithms become sophisticated, however, humans start to relate to them as if they were fellow human beings. The autopilot on a plane, the cruise control on a car and automated speed-control systems in mass transit are conveniences. But without exception, they can become crutches. The more reliable the system, the more likely it is that humans in charge will “switch off” and lose their concentration, and the greater the likelihood that a confluence of unexpected factors that stymie the algorithm will produce catastrophe.

Several studies have found that regular training exercises that require operators to turn off their automated systems and run everything manually are useful in retaining skills and alertness. Understanding how automated systems are designed to work allows operators to detect not only when a system has failed but also when it is on the brink. In last week’s Metro accident, it remains unclear how much time the driver of the train had to react when she recognized the problem.

New cruise-control and autopilot systems in cars and planes are being designed to give better feedback in a variety of ways. When sensors detect another car too close ahead on the road, for example, they make the gas pedal harder to depress. Pilots given auditory warnings as well as visual warnings about impending problems seem to respond better.

One researcher has even found that the manner in which machines provide feedback is important. When they are “polite” — waiting until a human operator has responded to one issue before interrupting with another, for example — improved human-machine relationships produce measurable safety improvements that rival technological leaps.

Click here to read the entire article. (Hat Tip: TheTransitWire.com)

(Source:  Copyranter via Dvice via Gizmodo)

Image Courtesy: Gizmodo

This bus stop ad for Amnesty International’s anti-domestic-abuse campaign is installed in Hamburg, Germany. It is equal parts clever and shocking: when you look at the photo, it’s a smiling couple; when you look away, it’s a dude punchin’ a lady.

The billboard works by scanning its proximity with an eye-tracking camera, which triggers an image switch on the display panel when it senses someone looking at it. The change only occurs after a brief delay, so that observers understand what’s going on, and get the message.  Brilliant!

TransportGooru Musings:  It reminds me of  a scene from one of the sci-fi movies  (I think it is Minority Report) where a hero is walking through the Mall and the wall mounted display consoles will recognize the his identity and start showing voice and video advertisements that are tailored to his consumer profile (the ads sell a particular product based on the person’s previous buying habits, or something like that).   This Amnesty Ad campaign brings us one step closer to that stage where information will be tailored and delivered on the spot  based on the individual viewer’s personal preferences/consumer profile sitting in a database somewhere (this is not even remotely possible now because the behavioral & purchase patterns of the consumer should be captured and mapped in a single database first, which means privacy issues and other such crap needs to be addressed; we are talking big ticket issues data ownership, privacy, and other such public policy issues).  But it is big money in the making for whoever wanting to do this!

Coordinating, Planning and Managing the Effects of Roadway Construction with ITS Technology Web Briefing
http://www.ite.org/education/webinars_workzone.asp
Category > Opportunity: July 1, 2009 (ITE)

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) allocates significant funding to state transportation agencies for highway infrastructure investment projects. These funds are being used to rehabilitate roadway surfaces, build new capacity and deploy Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and other applications to improve operations. It is important to coordinate work zone planning and operations to avoid undue burdens on the traveling public and ensure safe and efficient traffic flow through individual work zones. The Web briefing will focus on ITS applications as a component of a larger work zone transportation management plan used to facilitate the coordination of multiple work zone projects as well as the planning, design and operation of individual work zones. It will highlight cost-effective technology applications available to state and local DOTs that can be rapidly deployed to improve work zone safety and mobility. See course details and learning objectives by accessing the link above. This event is sponsored by the U.S. DOT Research Innovative Technology Administration ITS Professional Capacity Building Program.

Date: Thursday, July 23, 2009
Credit: 1.5 PDH
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Site Fee: $15.00 (Member/Non-Member/Full-time Student)
Intended Audience: Traffic/Transportation Engineers and Consultants

T3 Webinar: Advancing Traffic Signal Management Programs through Regional Collaboration
http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s090701_signal.asp
Category > Opportunity: July 1, 2009 (U.S. DOT)

This free T3 Webinar, taking place July 23, 2009 from 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET, will explore Regional Traffic Signal Management Programs from an intuitional and organizational perspective. Over the last decade, Regional Traffic Signal Management Programs have developed in many metropolitan areas with the primary objective of improving traffic signal timing. How successful have these programs been at achieving and sustaining this objective? What types of organizational structures, funding, and technology facilitate the operation of the system? There are many approaches to starting, organizing, and sustaining regional programs; a cross section of these, will be explored from the perspective of State DOTs, Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Local Agencies. The activities, funding sources and champions that sustain regional programs are as diverse as the regions themselves; exploring and discussing these is an important step in improving and advancing traffic signal operations nationally.

For more information and to register, click on the link above.

T3 Webinars are brought to you by the ITS Professional Capacity Building Program (ITS PCB) at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (U.S. DOT) ITS Joint Program Office, Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA).

Traffic Analysis Tools Volume IX: Work Zone Modeling and Simulation: A Guide for Analysts
http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/traffic_analysis/tatv9_wz/tatvol_9.pdf
Category > Now Available: July 1, 2009 (FHWA)

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released a report that explores practices that can be used by an analyst, researcher, or manager in charge of conducting a specific work zone analysis project or who has been charged with developing an overall work zone modeling program or approach.  This document is the second volume in the FHWA Traffic Analysis Toolbox: Work Zone Analysis series.

Announcement of Upcoming Michigan IntelliDrive Test Bed Operation and Maintenance Procurement
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=805f843cd625e8dae8383a82383dedac&tab=core&_cview=0
Category > Opportunity: July 1, 2009 (FHWA)

FHWA estimates issuance of RFP DTFH61-09-R-00029 for the Michigan IntelliDrive Test Bed Operation and Maintenance within 60 days or later of this notice. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held in Detroit, Michigan. Time and exact location will be specified in the RFP. Any questions pertaining to this notice shall be emailed to charles.kotch@dot.gov. Answers to all questions received, will be discussed and documented at the Pre-Proposal Conference. No questions will be answered prior to the conference.

FHWA Traffic Incident Management Self Assessment Web Conference: July 30
https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=17432
Category > Now Available: July 30, 2009 (FHWA)

Please join a panel discussion on the Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Self Assessment at a Web conference on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Panelists will present a discussion of the TIM Self Assessment process, success stories and best practices, cumulative results of the survey, the role in strategic performance metric measurements and potentially new criteria to capture incident performance collection activities.  In addition, FHWA will present a demonstration of the new TIM Self-Assessment automated tool.

For more information and to register, click on the following link:
https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=17432

ITS America Announces Webinar Series on Climate Change and Transportation
http://www.itsa.org/itsa/files/ITSAWebinarSeriesOrderForm.doc
Category > Opportunity: July 30, 2009 (ITSA)

The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) is pleased to announce a series of Webinars focusing on how climate change can affect surface transportation.

“What Does Climate Change Legislation Mean for Surface Transportation?” will be held from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8.

“How is California Addressing Surface Transportation Issues?” will be held from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15.

“What is Detroit Doing to Alleviate Environmental Concerns in Surface Transportation?” will be held from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22.

The registration fee for members of ITS America is $45 per Webinar (or $105 for the series) and $90 per Webinar for nonmembers or ($240 for the series).

To register, download the registration form through the link above.

“Transportation Management Center of the Future” Now Available on DVD
http://www.itsa.org/press_release_content/c215_d2968/News.html
Category > Now Available: July 30, 2009 (ITSA)

Brought to you by ITS America and seen at the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, the “Transportation Management Center of the Future” was a 3,200 square foot exhibition that showcased the integration of active probe data into the most advanced applications of Transportation Management Center (TMC) systems. This one-of-a-kind exhibition is now available as a 45-minute DVD.

A Speed Nudge?
http://www.howwedrive.com/2009/06/22/a-speed-nudge/
Category > Breaking News: July 30, 2009 (NTOC)

Speed limit signs tell the driver how fast they can legally drive. What if they actually told them something more useful — namely how fast to drive so that one is assured of not having to stop at the next light? Read the complete blog entry by Tom Vanderbilt through the link above.

TRB Webinar: Climate Change 101
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/543458008?utm_medium=etmail&utm_source=Transportation%20Research%20Board&utm_campaign=TRB+E-Newsletter+-+06-23-2009&utm_content=Customer&utm_term=
Category > Opportunity: July 1, 2009 (TRB)

The Transportation Research Board (TRB) will conduct a Webinar on Tuesday, June 30, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT that will explore the fundamentals of climate change with Dr. Steven Davis-Mendelow.  Dr. Davis-Mendelow is a spokesperson for The Climate Project, an international non-profit founded by former Vice President Al Gore.  Participants must register at least 24 hours in advance of the start of the Webinar, space is limited, and there is a fee for non-TRB Sponsor employees.

Dr. Davis-Mendelow will provide an engaging presentation about the fundamentals of climate change to help the transportation community better plan policy and projects.  Mr. William Malley, partner at the law firm of Perkins Coie LLP, will provide comments after Dr. Davis-Mendelow’s presentation. This Webinar is based on a 2009 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting session.

Critical Issues in Transportation: 2009 Update
http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=10526&utm_medium=etmail&utm_source=Transportation%20Research%20Board&utm_campaign=TRB+E-Newsletter+-+06-23-2009&utm_content=Customer&utm_term=
Category > Now Available: July 1, 2009 (TRB)

TRB’s Executive Committee periodically identifies a set of critical issues in transportation to focus attention on their likely impact on the nation’s economy and quality of life. The 2009 Critical Issues update elevates the importance of energy and environmental issues to reflect the prominence that these topics have gained in national debates about energy security and climate change. Greater emphasis also is given to the issues of the condition and financing of infrastructure, to help policy makers prepare for the reauthorization of federal surface transportation programs that expire in 2009.

The urgency of addressing the critical issues has never been greater. The Executive Committee hopes that readers of this list will become aware of and concerned about these issues, and will join in addressing the problems in transportation so that society and the economy can reap the many benefits.

To order free copies of Critical Issues in Transportation, please contact Russell Houston, TRB’s Senior Communications Officer, at rhouston@nas.edu or 202-334-3252.  In your correspondence, please include the number of copies of the publication you need, the audience you are going to be sharing them with and your full mailing address.

ITE 2009 Annual Meeting and Exhibit: Early Bird Rates Expire July 9!
http://www.ite.org/AnnualMeeting/default.asp
Category > Now Available: July 1, 2009 (TRB)

Make plans now to join the Institute of Transportation Engineers at the 2009 Annual Meeting and Exhibit, August 9–12, 2009, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
San Antonio, TX, USA. Click here to see the video about the meeting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rSh1j6GED8.

House T&I Committee Release “The Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009”
http://www.ampo.org/assets/818_surfacetransportatonact20.pdf
Category > Breaking News: July 1, 2009 (AMPO)

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure released the Committee Print of the next surface transportation authorization bill, “The Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009.” The Subcommittee on Highways and Transit was scheduled to mark up the Committee Print on June 24. The completed bill will be introduced at a later date.

“The Committee lays out a plan to transform our surface transportation system so that it can meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges,” said Chairman James L. Oberstar (Minn.). “It restructures surface transportation programs to a performance-based framework to cut fatalities and injuries on our highways, bring highway, bridge, and public transit systems to a state of good repair, reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, and support robust investment in our nation’s infrastructure.”

“The Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 provides our nation a vision and a path towards a 21st Century transportation system. It will make our highways safer, improve our roads and transit systems, make our businesses more competitive by reducing their costs due to time spent in traffic, and reduce the amount of time the average person spends in gridlock,” said Rep. Peter DeFazio (Ore.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. “This is an opportunity to move past broken policies of the past and move toward a more accountable and efficient future.”

A white paper outlining the organizational and policy reforms that will be contained in the new bill was also released. The white paper, entitled “A Blueprint for Investment and Reform,” and the Committee Print released are posted on the Committee’s Web site, http://transportation.house.gov.

Talking Operations Web Cast: Integrating Weather Information in TMC Operations
https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=17167
Category > Opportunity: July 1, 2009 (NTOC)

This free Talking Operations Web cast, taking place August 6, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, will describe the work that Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has done in Traffic Management Center (TMC) weather integration, including the development of the Self-Evaluation and Planning Guide. For complete details and to register, visit the link above.

Roundabout Design and Construction: Key Issues and Solutions Web Seminar
http://www.ite.org/education/webinars_TCWEB.asp
Category > Opportunity: July 1, 2009 (ITE)

This Web briefing is a showcase of selected presentations from the 2009 ITE Technical Conference and Exhibit, Transportation Operations in Action, held in Phoenix, AZ in March 2009. The Web briefing is being offered with support from the Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Operations.

Dates: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Credit: 1.5 PDH/.2 IACET CEU
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Site Fee: $15.00 (Member/Non-Member/Full-time Student)

Intended Audience: Transportation Planners, Traffic/Transportation Engineers and Consultants

Traffic Operations Practitioner Specialist® (TOPS) Refresher Courses
http://www.ite.org/education/webinars_tops.asp
Category > Opportunity: July 1, 2009 (ITE)

This suite of courses includes six learning modules on traffic operations studies, traffic devices, elements of design, traffic safety, incident management and transportation management. See course details and learning objectives by accessing the link above.

Dates: Wednesday, August 19-September 23, 2009 (Modules 1-6 )
Credit: 9 PDH/.9 IACET CEU
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Eastern
Intended Audience: Transportation Planners, Traffic/Transportation Engineers, Consultants and prospective TOPS exam takers

(Source: Wikipedia, AOPA Blog, Hoax-Slayer.com)

For many of us, there exists on the world map a small state called Gibraltar, which is a self-governing British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula andEurope at the entrance of the Mediterranean overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. The territory covers 6.843 square kilometres (2.642 sq mi) and shares a land border with Spain to the north. The Gibraltar Airport is 1,600 feet from the city, the shortest commute of any major airport in the world. One would naturally ask the question how difficult it is to operate and land aircrafts when the airport is so close to the city.  British Gibraltar has very little area, and the important airport runway takes up a major portion of land. To drive from Gibraltar to Spain, vehicles must cross the runway.The picture below (taken by a Cessna Pilot as he approached for landing) shows you what happens in Gibraltar where pedestrians and vehicles share the space with aircraft on the tarmac.

Image Courtesy: AOPA

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association in Denver, CO to learn about best practices from around the world in Incident Management and Emergency Response. Gain valuable knowledge on the most effective tools and communication methods available to promote toll facility safety and security, maintain operations in the face of disruption, and effectively communicate with customers during all phases of an incident – from prevention to recovery. Meeting highlights include a technical tour of E-470 Public Highway’s Tools and Technology followed by Northwest Parkway’s 5.9GHz DSRC Multi-Application Demonstration, a networking event at INVESCO Field at Mile High, and a fundraising golf tournament to support the IBTTA Foundation. Hotel cut-off extended until July 1^st. To register or view the preliminary agenda, visit IBTTA’s website today!

AVIATION

1) Simulator Helps Train Air Traffic Controllers

Link to story and video on WCVB-TV:

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/19894458/detail.html

2) Delta to Install Wi-Fi on First Wide-Body Jet

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=68493042.blog

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

3) ‘Bungled’ E-Toll System Delayed in Queensland

Link to Australian Broadcasting Corp. story:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/30/2612342.htm?section=business

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) GPS Mapping Team Takes a Ride

A ride-along with a crew from Navteq as they map roadways.

Link to video in The Birmingham News:

http://videos.al.com/birmingham-news/2009/06/gps_mapping_team_takes_a_ride.html

OTHER

5) New York Mayor Releasing City Data Online in Hopes Developers Will Create New and Better Mobile Apps

Link to story in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/06/30/2009-06-30_bloomberg_releasing_city_data_online_in_hopes_developers_will_create_new_and_bet.html

Link to news release from the City of New York:

http://tinyurl.com/lh8xhf

6) Latest Issue of Transport Business Online

Link to magazine:

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=mypagesuite&refresh=J0r72B1i1qH3&PBID=8a22ef1c-9187-4d60-a8da-96ecddd9260a&skip

ROADWAYS

7) Considerations for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane to High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lane Conversions Guidebook Now Available

Link to guidebook from the Federal Highway Administration:

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=552

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) New York MTA Employee Sues City for $1 Million After Being Arrested for Taking Pictures

Link to story in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/06/30/2009-06-30_busted_for_taking_pix_of_subways_he_hits_back_with_1_million_suit.html

9) Ex-National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Chief Fears New Safety Technologies Will Take Backseat to New MPG Rule

Link to story in USA Today:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/openroad/post/2009/06/68493165/1

TELEMATICS

10) Insurance Companies Embrace Technology – Again

Link to story in Telematics Weekly:

http://telematicsweekly.com/archives/insurance-companies-embrace-technology-%E2%80%94-again-1258

TRANSIT

11) SEPTA: Now You Can Use Google to Plan Trips

Link to story in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/philly/business/technology/20090630_SEPTA__You_now_can_use_Google_to_plan_trips.html

12) Automated Bus Route Scheme to Start July 25 in Metro Manila

Link to story in The Philippine Star:

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=482478&publicationSubCategoryId=200

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Caltrans Hotline Fails to Deliver

Link to column in the San Jose Mercury News:

http://www.mercurynews.com/localnewsheadlines/ci_12713933

14) Navteq Offers Free Traffic Updates on Your Phone

Link to CNET News story:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10275395-48.html

VEHICLES

15) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Looking to Mandate Rear Turn-Signal Color

Link to story on Cars .com:

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2009/06/nhtsa-looking-to-mandate-rear-turn-signal-color.html

News Releases

1) DC Metro Taking Additional Actions After Collision

**CORRECTION**: The wrong link was included for story #8 in yesterday’s issue.  Here’s the correct link to the story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Toyota-technology-has-brain-apf-2893135796.html?x=0&.v=5

Upcoming Events

East Coast Maritime Conference – October 5-6 – Jersey City, New Jersey

http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=3799e6dd-3528-4420-a7f1-434d7836d925

Today in Transportation History

2004 **5^th anniversary** – The Cassini -Huygens spacecraft arrived at Saturn.

http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

(Sources: Autobloggreen, Autotropolis)

Hyundai is doing very well in both the automotive quality and marketing arenas. Hyundai recently scored high in the latest 2009 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. Many analysts were surprised that Hyundai finished fourth behind a stellar cast consisting of Lexus, Porsche and Cadillac.

On the marketing side, Hyundai Assurance struck a cord with the American consumers when it offered payment protection in the event of job loss. Now Hyundai is looking to give consumers increased peace of mind over of the volatility of gas prices, which have swung from under $2 a gallon a few months ago to nearly $3 at the beginning of summer.

Many consumers are sitting on the fence waiting to see which direction the price of gasoline will take. After a period of relatively cheap fuel, over the last several months the price of a gallon has started to climb significantly once again.

The newest promotion, Gas Lock, fixes the price of regular unleaded at $1.49 per gallon for the next year. The program runs July 1 through August 31, and eligible vehicles include the Accent, Sonata, Tiburon, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Entourage, Azera, Santa Fe, Tucson and Veracruz. Customers choosing to utilize Gas Lock will forgo $1,000 in available rebates, making the incentive a gamble that gas prices will remain high.

Hyundai is able to finance its Assurance Gas Lock through a partnership with a commodities company named Pricelock. Without having to dust off your MBA to figure this one out it appears that Pricelock purchases call options in the commodity markets to lock in future gasoline prices. Hyundai will make up the difference.

Shown below is the Press Release from Hyundai: