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Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – July 21, 2011

July 21, 2011 at 5:54 pm

 Thursday, July 21, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Budget Cuts Could Delay NextGen Development

Link to article in The Press of Atlantic City:

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/atlantic/budget-cuts-could-delay-nextgen-development/article_7de96d5e-b319-11e0-ae5c-001cc4c03286.html

2) FAA Brings in Simulation Control Tower to Las Vegas

Link to story and video on KVVU-TV:

http://www.fox5vegas.com/story/15119174/faa-brings-in-simulation-control-tower-to-vegas

3) FAA Team Figuring Out How Unmanned Drones Can Coexist with Commercial Aircraft

Link to article in The Press of Atlantic City:

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/faa-team-in-egg-harbor-township-is-figuring-out-how/article_dfc688e8-b348-11e0-991f-001cc4c03286.html

4) New FAA Website Targets Midair Collisions

Link to article on AVweb:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/NewFAAWebsiteTargetsMidairCollisions_204999-1.html

Link to See and Avoid: http://www.seeandavoid.org/

OTHER

5) Florida Makes $63 Million Selling Drivers’ Info

Link to story and video on WPLG-TV:

http://www.local10.com/news/28600374/detail.html

RAILROADS

6) Changes Signal Death of Old Technology

UK’s Network Rail moving to centralize signaling system.

Link to article in the Financial Times:

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/7b52182e-b211-11e0-a06c-00144feabdc0.html

ROADWAYS

7) MnPASS Lanes, Traffic Cams Back and Running in Minnesota

Link to story on KMSP-TV:

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/minnesota/mndot-back-mnpass-traffic-cams-july-21-2011

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) New Facial Recognition Scanners to be Introduced at Heathrow Airport

Link to article in The Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/government-computing-network/2011/jul/21/ukba-baa-heathrow-scanners

9) US Fed Up with Driver Texting

Link to article on The Street:

http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/story/11190712/1/us-fed-up-with-driver-texting.html

10) Boeing Gets Deal for Security Surveillance on Delaware River

Link to story and video in the Daily Times:

http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2011/07/20/news/doc4e2644856dab2542988221.txt

Link to news release from Boeing:

http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1843

11) Robotic Jet Ski to Patrol Harbors

Link to article on Discovery News:

http://news.discovery.com/tech/robotic-jet-ski-patrol-harbors-110720.html

TRANSIT

12) 500 Bus Data Signs to be Installed in Dublin

Link to article in The Irish Times:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0721/breaking54.html

13) Heat Knocks Out New York City Subway Countdown Clocks

Link to story and video on NY1:

http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/143382/heat-knocks-out-subway-countdown-clocks

14) Enabling Cost-Effective Multimodal Trip Planners Through Open Transit Data

Link to further information from the Location-Aware Information Systems Laboratory at the University of South Florida:

http://www.locationaware.usf.edu/ongoing-research/projects/open-transit-data/

Link to OpenTripPlanner: http://opentripplanner.usf.edu/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) Georgia DOT Employee Accused of Accepting Bribes

Link to story and video on WGCL-TV:

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/15118215/gdot-employee-of-accepting-bribes-contract-awarded-to-company-who-paid-him

Link to report from the Georgia Office of the Inspector General:

http://www.oig.georgia.gov/OIG/Files/11-027%20DOT.pdf

16) Apps Let You See Montreal’s Roads Before You Get There

Link to article in The Gazette:

http://www.montrealgazette.com/technology/Apps+lets+Montreal+roads+before+there/5135099/story.html

VEHICLES

17) Toyota’s New Pre-Crash Technology Directs Steering

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Toyotas-new-precrash-apf-2467379656.html?x=0&.v=3

18) Interview with Alexis Charbonnel, Automotive Business Development Manager, Arkamys

Link to interview from Frost & Sullivan:

http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/market-insight-top.pag?docid=238462654

News Releases

1) US Airways First US Domestic Airline to Offer Natural Language Understanding Interactive Voice Response System

2) Trimble to Acquire PeopleNet to Expand Its Presence in Growing Transportation and Logistics Market

3) TransCore Teams with Industry Leaders to Win Two ITS New York Project of the Year Awards

4) ALK Technologies Wins ‘Outstanding Project of the Year in Freight Management’ Award from ITS New York

Job Postings

–  Proposal Coordinator – Nelson/Nygaard – San Francisco, California

http://www.transittalent.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=22054

–  Field Supervisor – Omnitrans – San Bernardino, California

http://www.transittalent.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=22058

Upcoming Events

AASHTO Standing Committee on Rail Transportation Annual Meeting – September 11-14 – Charlotte, North Carolina

http://www.scort2011.com/

Today in Transportation History  

 

1911 **100th anniversary** The New York City Board of Estimate awarded the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company a contract to build 87 new miles of subway lines.

http://www.nycsubway.org/articles/psc_dual_system_rapid_transit_1912.html

1961 **50th anniversary** Mercury Redstone 4, also known as Liberty Bell 7, with Gus Grissom aboard was launched.

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=MERCR4

2011 The US Space Shuttle program came to an end with the landing of Atlantis.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast Communications, LLC www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – July 19, 2011

July 19, 2011 at 11:27 pm

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


Register Today for IBTTA’s 79th Annual Meeting & Exhibition: Making the Difference ― September 11-14, 2011 in Berlin, Germany

Join IBTTA in Berlin for what promises to be the year’s largest gathering of toll industry professionals. With presentations from more than 90 industry experts, representing 25 countries around the world, the IBTTA Annual Meeting offers a unique learning and business opportunity!  An outstanding technical program with tracks on interoperability, tolling infrastructure around the world, communications, and environment/social responsibility – make your plans today!  Visit www.IBTTA.org/BERLIN to view the preliminary brochure, register, and learn about sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.

AVIATION

1) US-India to Cooperate on Flight Navigation Systems

Link to Indo-Asian News Service article:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/US-India-to-cooperate-on-flight-navigation-systems/Article1-722918.aspx

Link to news release from the India Ministry of Civil Aviation:

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=73321

2) Atlantic City International Achieves Virtual Expansion with Technology Upgrades

Link to article in Airport Improvement:

http://www.airportimprovement.com/content/story.php?article=00284

3) Austin-Bergstrom International Teams with American Airlines and TSA in Self-Tag Pilot

Link to article in Airport Improvement:

http://www.airportimprovement.com/content/story.php?article=00281

4) Sensis Aims to Improve Traffic Around Airport Gates

Link to article in the Central New York Business Journal:

http://cnybj.com/Channels/Technology/tabid/73/itemid/14936/sourcemid/417/Sensis-aims-to-improve-traffic-around-airport-gates/Default.aspx

OTHER

5) Microsoft Bing Taps Gigwalk’s iPhone ‘Mobile Workforce’

People get paid to take photos of items such as streets signs for navigation companies.

Link to blog in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2015655814_microsoft_bing_taps_gigwalks_m.html

PARKING

6) Pay-by-Phone Parking Still Imperfect in DC

Link to story on WTOP Radio:

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=2461257

PEDESTRIANS

7) No Tickets for Texting and Walking in Philadelphia

Link to story on WPVI-TV:

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=8258570

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Los Angeles International Airport Blames Technical Failures for Ongoing Security Woes

Link to story on KNBC-TV:

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Airport-Security-Breakdown–125778018.html

9) South Australia Police Goes Online

Link to article in Blueprint:

http://www.police.sa.gov.au/public/download.jsp?id=56866 (page 2)

10) The Role of Libraries and Librarians in Disaster Risk Reduction and Response

Link to transcript of EMForum.org presentation:

http://www.emforum.org/vforum/lc110713.htm

TELEMATICS

11) Pushing Buttons: Trying the OnStar Aftermarket Mirror

Link to article in Consumer Reports:

http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/07/pushing-buttons-trying-the-onstar-aftermarket-mirror.html

TRANSIT

12) New South Wales Public Transport Wi-Fi in New Agency’s Hands

Link to article on iTnews.com.au:

http://www.itnews.com.au/News/264071,nsw-public-transport-wifi-in-new-agencys-hands.aspx

13) Utah Transit Authority Hopes to Improve Rider Communication with New Signs

Link to article in the Deseret News:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705387809/UTA-hopes-to-improve-rider-communication-with-new-signs.html

14) MBTA’s YouTube Video Enlightens Commuters on the Ins and Outs of Quiet Cars

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/07/18/railroads_youtube_video_explains_rules_of_quiet_cars/

Link to video: http://youtu.be/u2pV8-TeEk4

15) Public Participation Strategies for Transit

Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/Public_Participation_Strategies_for_Transit_165652.aspx

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Unveils Online Traffic Navigator System

Link to article on Newsbytes Philippines:

http://newsbytes.ph/2011/07/19/mmda-unveils-online-traffic-navigator-system/

Link to news release from the MMDA:

http://www.mmda.gov.ph/news.html#jul182011

Link to Metro Manila Traffic Navigator:

http://mmdatraffic.interaksyon.com/system-view.php

17) The Carmageddon Effect

Is the real story here about good transportation planning?

Link to article on Planetizen:

http://www.planetizen.com/node/50452

18) Summary of Responses to November 2010 Request for Information on Real-Time System Management Information Program

Link to notice in the Federal Register:

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2011_register&docid=fr19jy11-8

19) Integrate Traffic Data with IBM Intelligent Transportation Using a Traffic Data Gateway

Link to further information from IBM:
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/industry/library/ind-inteltrans/index.html?ca=drs-

VEHICLES

20) Ford Sees All-Digital Car Audio Future

Link to article on just-auto:

http://www.just-auto.com/news/ford-sees-all-digital-car-audio-future_id112779.aspx?lk=dm

21) Ford Proves the Blind Can Drive a Stick

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/07/ford-proves-that-blind-drivers-can-learn-a-stick-shift

22) Study Shows Automatic Braking Reduces Rear-End Crashes

Link to article in USA Today:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/07/study-shows-automatic-braking-reduces-rear-end-crashes/1

Link to news release from the Highway Loss Data Institute:

http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr071911.html

News Releases

1) General Motors to Launch First Real-World Smart Grid Pilot with OnStar and Chevy Volt

2) Washington State DOT’s Innovative Management on I-5 Wins Award

3) AAA and the League of American Bicyclists Gear Up to Promote Safety: Not Child’s Play Any More

4) Kansas DOT’s Websites and Phone Services to be Unavailable to Public Wednesday and This Weekend

5) Navteq Expands Latin America Map Coverage to Include Uruguay

6) American Airlines Publishing Wins Multiple Magnum Opus Awards

7) China Automotive OEMs Face Telematics Challenges

8) New European Commission Tachograph Rules Will Save Companies More than €500 Million per Year

9) South Australia Police News Launch Mobile Web App

10) Bahrain Works Ministry Prepares National Plan for Traffic Safety

Upcoming Events

Podcar City: Stockholm – September 6-8 – Stockholm

http://podcarcity.org/stockholm/conference/

Today in Transportation History  

 

1911 **100th anniversary** Tolls were removed from the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queensboro and Williamsburg bridges in New York City.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F10716F63F5517738DDDAE0894DF405B818DF1D3

1961 **50th anniversary** TWA introduced the first regular in-flight movies.  The first film shown was By Love Possessed.

http://www.airspacemag.com/flight-today/Pass_the_Popcorn.html

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast Communications, LLC www.bwcommunications.net

If you see this cop in the rear view mirror, better stop! Skilled motorcycle cop tears up skills test course

July 19, 2011 at 10:14 pm

(Source: YouTube via Reddit)

Police Officer Donnie Williams shows who is the boss on the saddles – Grand Prairie Police Motorcycle Rodeo – April 30, 2011

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – July 18, 2011

July 18, 2011 at 10:11 pm

Monday, July 18, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


CAMERAS

1) Washington State Will Soon Have Eyes on I-5 Blind Spot

Link to article in The Daily Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110718/NEWS01/707189877/0/NEWS

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) Delta IV Lifts GPS Satellite Into Orbit

Link to article and video in Florida Today:

http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110717/NEWS02/107170317/Delta-IV-lifts-GPS-satellite-into-orbit

3) Google Maps Dumps Driving Times with Traffic Estimates

Link to article in PC Magazine:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2388609,00.asp

4) Public Electric Vehicle Charge Stations Coming to Car GPS

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20080313-54/public-ev-charge-stations-coming-to-car-gps/

OTHER

5) Washington State Litter Hotline Falls Victim to Budget Cuts

Link to story and audio on KUOW Radio:

http://kuow.org/northwestnews.php?storyID=138176035

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

6) Carmageddon: A Word that Got Attention, and Creator Gets His Due

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/07/carmageddon-creator-credited-with-getting-public-to-take-405-closure-seriously.html

7) Carmageddon II: Officials Likely to Use Same Fear-Factor Approach

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/07/carmageddon-ii-la-will-likely-take-same-approach-next-year.html

8) India Turns to Comic Books to Teach Road Safety

Link to AFP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h2IFzaDNf9m-znJH9ct25MtqUxeQ?docId=CNG.a44aaf9b8d6c4a5793fc64c9e5371dcb.81

ROADWAYS

9) The Evolution of Traffic Signal System Software – What’s Next

Link to blog on Terranautix:

http://terranautix.com/2011/07/16/the-evolution-of-traffic-signal-system-software-%E2%80%93-what%E2%80%99s-next/

TRANSIT

10) DC Metro Launches Aggressive Social Media Effort

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/metro-launches-aggressive-social-media-effort/2011/07/15/gIQA3J2XKI_story.html

11) Wi-Fi on Public Transport May Appease Commuters

Australian survey shows most public transport users willing to pay more for premium services.

Link to article on The Courier Pigeon:

http://thecourierpigeon.com.au/wi-fi-on-public-transport-may-appease-commuters/852208/

Link to further information from the Tourism and Transport Forum:

http://www.ttf.org.au/DisplayFile.aspx?FileID=1182

12) Cool Official Response in New Zealand to Free Wi-Fi for Trains

Link to article on Stuff.co.nz:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/5298327/Cool-response-to-free-wi-fi-for-trains

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) New York City Traffic System Aims to Keep ‘Midtown in Motion’

Link to story and video on NY1:

http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/143146/traffic-system-aims-to-keep–midtown-in-motion-

Link to news release from the NYC Mayor’s Office:

http://goo.gl/Nyvtg

14) Nepal Government Okays Traffic FM Radio Station

Link to article in Republica:

http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=33598

15) TomTom’s Real-Time Traffic Claims Questioned in South Africa

Link to article on MyBroadband:

http://mybroadband.co.za/news/gadgets/28992-tomtom%E2%80%99s-real-time-traffic-claims-questioned.html

Link to further information from the Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa:

http://www.asasa.org.za/ResultDetail.aspx?Ruling=5636

16) A Lot of Technology Goes Into Traffic Monitoring

Link to article in The Daily Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110718/NEWS01/707189879

VEHICLES

17) How Intelligent Cars Will Make Driving Easier and Greener

Link to article in Popular Science:

http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2011-07/smartening-car

News Releases

1) Comments on Crash Data Guidelines Sought

Upcoming Events

Talking Freight Webinar – 2011 TIGER Discretionary Grants – July 27

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=742

Today in Transportation History  

 

1966 **45th anniversary** Gemini 10 was launched.

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1966-066A

2001 **10th anniversary** A CSX freight train derailed and caught fire in a tunnel under downtown Baltimore.

http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/jpodocs/repts_te/13754.html

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast Communications, LLC www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – July 15, 2011

July 15, 2011 at 6:00 pm

Friday, July 15, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) San Antonio, Texas Boasts Latest Training Technology for Air Traffic Controllers

Link to story and video on KENS-TV:

http://www.kens5.com/news/San-Antonio-airport-boasts-latest-training-technology-for-air-traffic-controllers-125598318.html

2) Air Canada Fined for No French

One instance cited where passenger requested 7Up in French but was served a Sprite.

Link to article and video in the Ottawa Sun:

http://www.ottawasun.com/2011/07/14/air-canada-language-ruling-sparks-controversy

3) Singapore Airlines Sorry for Aggravation on New Website

Link to article on Tnooz:

http://www.tnooz.com/2011/07/15/news/singapore-airlines-sorry-for-aggravation-on-new-website

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Engineering, Aerial Mapping Firm Woolpert Acquires Water-Mapping Company, Geomatics Data Solutions

Link to article in the Dayton Daily News:

http://www.daytondailynews.com/business/dayton-company-acquires-survey-firm-1208006.html

OTHER

5) New South Wales Government Announces One Body for Roads, Rail, Freight and Ferries

Link to article in the Macarthur Chronicle:

http://macarthur-chronicle-campbelltown.whereilive.com.au/news/story/state-government-announces-one-body-for-roads-rail-freight-and-ferries/

TELEMATICS

6) EMI by the Dashboard Light

Electromagnetic interference more of an issue as telematics increases in vehicles.

Link to article in Microwave Journal:

http://www.mwjournal.com/article.asp?HH_ID=AR_11086 (free registration required for full article)

TRANSIT

7) California Lawmakers Push for Electronic Ads on Santa Monica Buses

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/07/lawmakers-push-for-electronic-ads-on-santa-monica-buses.html

8) Wi-Fi Service Now Available on Bay Area Light Rail System

Link to article in the San Jose Mercury Star:

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18480248

Link to news release from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority:

http://www.vta.org/news/show/NR+11+07+03

9) Ottawa’s OC Transpo Slams Private Twitters Tweeting Bus Updates

Link to CBC News story:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2011/07/14/ottawa-transpo-twitter.html

10) University Traveler Value of Potential Real-Time Transit Information

Link to article in the Journal of Public Transportation:

http://www.nctr.usf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/JPT14.2Fries.pdf

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) No Car-tastrophe in ’84

As Los Angeles prepares for Carmageddon this weekend, a look at what happened during the 1984 Olympics when massive traffic jams were predicted.

Link to video on KCET-TV:

http://www.kcet.org/shows/socal_connected/content/transportation/no-car-tastrophe-in-84.html

12) Traffic and How to Avoid Future Carmageddons

Link to commentary on Fox Business:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2011/07/14/traffic-and-how-to-avoid-future-carmaggedons/

News Releases

1) US DOT Proposes Rule to Require Airlines to Report More Data on Fees, Baggage and Mishandled Wheelchairs

2) Sensys Networks Launches TrafficDOT 2.0

3) ITS United Kingdom Launches ITS on Your Doorstep Series of Events

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Statewide Opportunities for Integrating Operations, Safety and Multimodal Planning – August 2

https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webconfid=23227

Friday Bonus

 

If you’ve seen Star Wars these devices probably look familiar.  Except these were created by GE in the 1960s.

http://www.gereports.com/where-jules-verne-meets-star-wars-ges-walking-truck-of-the-1960s/

Today in Transportation History  

 

1741 **270th anniversary** Aleksei Chirikov, a Russian explorer, became the first European to reach the Alaska coast.

http://www.win.tue.nl/~engels/discovery/chirikov.html

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast Communications, LLC www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – July 14, 2011

July 15, 2011 at 4:36 pm

Thursday, July 14, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Houston Airport Study Tracks Airport Times Using Bluetooth

Link to article in the Houston Chronicle:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/7652388.html

2) Gogo Launching New In-Air Multimedia Platform Beyond Just Wi-Fi

Link to ZDNet blog:

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/gogo-launching-new-in-air-multimedia-platform-beyond-just-wi-fi/52336

BICYCLES

3) Roanoke’s Award-Winning Greenway Map

Link to blog from the Virginia Bicycling Federation:

http://www.vabike.org/roanokes-award-winning-greenway-map/

CAMERAS

4) Debate Over Whether Austin, Texas Traffic Cameras Should Record

Link to story and video on KVUE-TV:

http://www.kvue.com/video/featured-videos/Debate-over-whether-traffic-cameras-should-record-125538533.html

OTHER

5) Trends in Computer Vision

An overview of vision-based data acquisition and processing technology and its potential for the transportation sector.

Link to paper from ITS America:

http://www.itsa.org/knowledgecenter/technologyscan/1301

6) Congress Conclusions: 8th ITS European Congress

Link to document:

http://tools.emailgarage.com/Pub/mAdlIgAAAAA~/V9TcEx3Pm0iEVNxXoD7CmQ~~/Html/GotoLink.ashx

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

7) Transport Quebec Needs to Make Changes: Ex-Traffic Reporter

Agency needs to revamp how it communicates says member of new roadwork coordination committee.

Link to article in The Gazette:

http://www.montrealgazette.com/Transport+Quebec+needs+make+changes+Rick+Leckner/5098496/story.html

ROADWAYS

8) Brisbane’s Clem7 Tunnel Should Have Had More Speed Signs: State Advice Revealed

Drivers challenging tickets when speeds are dropped following an incident.

Link to article in the Brisbane Times:

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/clem7-should-have-had-more-speed-signs-state-advice-revealed-20110714-1hg05.html

TRANSIT

9) As Phones Jam Following Mumbai Blasts, Twitter, Facebook Save the Day

Sites not only allow anxious relatives and friends to connect, but provide traffic updates.

Link to article in The Times of India:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/As-phones-jam-Twitter-Facebook-save-the-day/articleshow/9217717.cms

10) Upgrade for Melbourne Train Radios Sends a Costly Signal

Link to article in The Age:

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/upgrade-for-train-radios-sends-a-costly-signal-20110713-1hdyd.html

11) London’s Useless Bus Route ‘Spider Maps’ Due for an Overhaul

Link to blog on The Global Urbanist:

http://globalurbanist.com/2011/07/12/londons-useless-bus-route-spider-maps-due-for-an-overhaul.aspx

12) What Maps Should be at Stops and Stations?

Link to blog on Human Transit:

http://www.humantransit.org/2011/07/what-maps-should-be-at-stops-and-stations.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Regional Panel OKs New Traffic Management Center for Philadelphia

Link to article in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/125548253.html

14) Google Maps Gets Traffic Info in 13 European Countries

Link to further information from Google:

http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2011/07/live-traffic-information-for-13.html

15) Interview with Decell: Real-Time Traffic in Israel and Central Europe

Link to interview in GPS Business News:

http://www.gpsbusinessnews.com/Interview-with-Decell-Real-Time-Traffic-in-Israel-and-Central-Europe_a3143.html (link may only work for a short time)

VEHICLES

16) Can Your Car be Hacked?

Link to article in Car and Driver:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/11q2/can_your_car_be_hacked_-feature

News Releases

1) House Lawmakers Call on US DOT to Shelve Plan to Disable BARR

2) International Conference of Electrical Engineering Ends with Declaration to Build and Operate ITS

 Job Postings

–  Traffic Engineering Group Manager ITS – RC Associates LLC – Tampa, Florida
http://goo.gl/HVTta

–  Marketing Manager/Public Information Officer – Antelope Valley Transit
Authority – Lancaster, California

http://www.transittalent.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=21863
–  Manager, Market Development – Santa Clara Valley Transportation
Authority – San Jose, California

http://www.transittalent.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=20792

Upcoming Events

10th Annual Southern California Transportation Summit – September 6 – Los Angeles

http://mobility21.com/overview/

Today in Transportation History  

 

1911 **100th anniversary** Harry Atwood landed a plane on the south lawn of the White House and was given an award by President Taft.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F00F11F73F5517738DDDAC0994DF405B818DF1D3

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast Communications, LLC www.bwcommunications.net

Visualizing Carmaggedon – What Los Angeles Sans Cars Will Look Like? According to this video, the answer is very beautiful

July 15, 2011 at 4:32 pm

(Source:  The City Fix Blog)

As the much-feared and talked about Carmaggedon weekend in LA is almost here, our friends at The City Fix blog brought to our attention this beautiful video by Ross Ching, a filmmaker.  This video gives you an idea of what LA without cars would look like and I must admit it looks different (i.e., read as beautiful).  The footage, edited by Ross, is from “LA with no cars,” and it is a series of time-lapse clips edited to make it seem like the roads are empty. On his website, Ching explains how he achieved the effect. Watch the video below

Running on Empty from Ross Ching on Vimeo.

Inspired by Matt Logue’s Empty LA.

Read more about this video at http://rossching.com/running-on-empty

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – July 13, 2011

July 14, 2011 at 3:55 pm

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Enabling the Passenger

Airports have opportunity to capitalize on customer service gaps with new passenger processing and communication technologies.

Link to article in Airport Business:

http://www.airportbusiness.com/publication/article.jsp?pubId=1&id=45619

2) Mobile Information Delivery

A look at the advantages of mobile-enabled websites for airports.

Link to article in Airport Business:

http://www.airportbusiness.com/publication/article.jsp?pubId=1&id=45621

OTHER

3) How We Travel: A Sustainable National Program for Travel Data

Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/_How_We_Travel_A_Sustainable_National_Program_for_164998.aspx

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

4) California’s Metropolitan Transportation Commission Plans $2.4 Million Public Information Campaign

Hope to encourage drivers to comply with 65 mph speed limit and change driving habits that contribute to global warming.

Link to Bay Area News Group article:

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18463151

RAILROADS

5) Union Pacific Tracks Flood Disaster

Link to article in the Omaha World-Herald:

http://www.omaha.com/article/20110712/MONEY/707129963

ROADWAYS

6) Montreal Highway Repairs a Surprise to Officials

Even road construction coordination committee members say they were caught unaware.

Link to article in The Gazette:

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Ville+Marie+repairs+surprise+officials/5093193/story.html

Link to news release from Transport Quebec announcing appointment of committee:

http://www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca/portal/page/portal/accueil/salle_presse#mobilite (in French)

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Campaign Aims to Increase Safety Measures on Abu Dhabi Main Roads

Link to article in The Gulf Today:

http://gulftoday.ae/portal/60f43907-f853-40da-9ecf-22ddd332bcab.aspx

TRANSIT

8) NJ Transit Scores Low on Communication in Customer Surveys

Link to article in The Star-Ledger:

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/07/nj_transit_scores_low_on_commu.html

Link to news release from NJ Transit:

http://www.njtransit.com/tm/tm_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=PressReleaseTo&PRESS_RELEASE_ID=2692

9) Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Selling Ads on Its Website to Raise Revenue

Link to AP article:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/article/33486–mbta-selling-ads-on-its-website-to-raise-revenue

10) New Signs to Make Los Angeles Metro’s Nextrip Data Easier to Access

Signs display QR code to bring user directly to mobile-optimized page.

Link to article on blogdowntown:

http://blogdowntown.com/2011/07/6312-new-signs-to-make-metros-nextrip-data-easier

11) New Digital Signs Bring Memphis Area Transit Authority Trolley Riders Up to Speed

Link to article in The Commercial Appeal:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/jul/13/keeping-02/

12) Chennai and Hyderabad Local Bus Services Board Google Transit

Link to blog from Google India:

http://googleindia.blogspot.com/2011/07/chennai-and-hyderabad-local-bus.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Political Stakes are High for I-405 Closure

This weekend’s Carmageddon could be a public relations fiasco or a home run, depending on whether drivers heed the advice of officials.

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0713-405-pols-20110713,0,6913158.story

14) How Mobile Tech is Being Used to Fight Carmageddon

Link to blog and video on Mashable:

http://mashable.com/2011/07/13/carmageddon/

VEHICLES

15) The Great Online Car-Radio Race

To woo the coveted drive-time listener, Pandora and rival Clear Channel are trying to outfit cars with music apps.

Link to article in Fortune:

http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/03/14/the-great-online-car-radio-race

News Releases

1) Wayne County Airport Authority to Partner With Clear Channel Airports, McConnell Communications to Develop New Community Showcase Program

2) Replay of Ford Live Chat with Marketing Director on the Latest Tools

3) Amtrak Safety Video Receives Top Honors

4) Radio Show Super Session Focuses on ‘The Road Ahead: Entertainment and Information in the Car’

5) FCC Strengthens Enhanced 911 Location Accuracy Requirements for Wireless Services

6) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Announces Redesigned ‘Protect Your Move’ Website

7) New Air Traffic Control Center Implemented by Indra in Lima Starts Up

Upcoming Events

2nd International Conference on Driver Distraction and Inattention – September 5-7 – Gothenburg, Sweden

http://www.chalmers.se/safer/ddi2011-en/

Today in Transportation History    

1836 **175th anniversary** US patent #1 was issued for an invention designed to improve the traction of locomotive wheels.

http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa073100b.html

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast Communications, LLC www.bwcommunications.net

Better to be a gladiator than a Tour de France cyclist – Horrific crashes caught on camera

July 11, 2011 at 6:05 pm

(Source: Reuters via Guardian)

You thought cycling in the city streets was brutal?  Wait till you see what these elite athletes on controlled racing environments like Tour de France face.  Here are a couple of pictures showing what the athletes face on the road. Apparently, the incident was triggered by an errant media vehicle covering, knocking one of the riders and leading to this massive crash (See video at the end of the article).  These images give you an idea of how dangerous a ride (apart from the energy sapping, grueling effort to finish each stage)  it is for these guys to win the crown of cycling world and what they endure on the course flying at 60kmph.  Despite the injuries, the brave biker shown here tangled in the fence, Johnny Hoogerland, managed to finish the stage before taken to hospital for further treatment. Click here to view the rest of the image gallery covering the horrific crashes from the race.

cycling: sport

Driver of a French TV vehicle caused this incident during stage 9. Not only did his wild overtaking manoeuvre skittle rider Johnny Hoogerland, but it left Spain's Juan Antonio Flecha on the deck with his bike in pieces

cycling: Vacansoleil-DCM rider Hoogerland

Tour de France rider Johnny Hoogerland tries to free himself from a barb wire fence after he got thrown off his bicycle by a media vehicle during Stage 9

Click here to view the rest of the images.

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – July 11, 2011

July 11, 2011 at 5:18 pm

Monday, July 11, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


The Transportation Communications Newsletter & Social Media

While the daily email newsletter is the main way I share information, the TCN also has a presence on Facebook and Twitter.  You can become a fan of the TCN on Facebook by clicking here.  By becoming a fan of the TCN you can also makes posts on the page and connect with other TCN readers.  I also provide a quick summary, and occasional updates between editions on Twitter.  You can follow me at@TransportComm.

I also welcome personal connections on LinkedIn and Facebook.

AVIATION

1) Memphis a Proving Ground for FAA’s New Air Traffic Control System

Link to article in The Commercial Appeal:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/jul/10/fedex-delta-hop-on-board-with-nextgen/

2) GOP: FAA Should Use More Private Resources for NextGen

Link to article in The Hill:

http://thehill.com/blogs/transportation-report/aviation/170489-gop-faa-should-use-more-private-resources-for-nextgen

3) Iridium Offers New Air-Traffic Service

Link to article from The Wall Street Journal:

http://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/markets/newsfeeditem.aspx?id=148573656386616

Link to news release from Iridium:

http://investor.iridium.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=590316

OTHER

4) Intelligent Transport Society of South Africa Voices Support for User-Pays Principle

Link to article in Engineering News:

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/transport-society-voices-support-for-user-pays-principle-2011-07-08

5) US Army Transportation School Uses ‘Smart’ Training

Link to article on Military.com:

http://www.military.com/news/article/army-news/transportation-school-uses-smart-training.html

6) Technology May Soon Change Meaning of ‘Drive Time’

Link to commentary in The Patriot Ledger:

http://www.patriotledger.com/features/x1850042817/COMMENTARY-Technology-may-soon-allow-us-to-charge-fairly-for-highway-use

7) Traffic Technology International – June/July 2011

Link to magazine:

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/956bceea#/956bceea/1

8) SunGuide Disseminator – July 2011

Link to newsletter from the Florida Department of Transportation:

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/TrafficOperations/Newsletters/2011/2011-007-Jul.pdf

PARKING

9) The Ups and Downs of Meter Rates

First results in from San Francisco’s SFpark parking-management program.

Link to article in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/07/11/BAHN1K8DMK.DTL

10) Portland, Oregon Will Test Pay-by-Phone Street Parking Starting in August

Link to article in The Oregonian:

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/07/portland_will_test_pay-by-phon.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

11) ‘Move Over’ Rule to be Touted in California Traffic Safety Campaign

Link to article in The Sacramento Bee:

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/07/10/3759137/move-over-rule-to-be-touted-in.html

12) Winnipeg Stadium Traffic Plan ‘Clouded in Secrecy’

Link to article in the Winnipeg Free Press:

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/stadium-traffic-plan-clouded-in-secrecy-33000-fans-fewer-than-7100-parking-spots-at-bombers-future-home-125284893.html

RAILROADS

13) Suppliers Prep Wayside Components to Cover the Dark Territory and Trackside Monitoring Aspects of Positive Train Control

Link to article in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/ptc/article/CS-Suppliers-prep-wayside-components-to-cover-the-dark-territory-trackside-monitoring-aspects-of-PTC–26841

ROADWAYS

14) Worries About Boston Tunnel Lights Were Kept in the Dark

Engineers knew corroded tunnel fixtures could signify real danger, but they moved slowly, secretly.

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/07/10/worries_about_lights_were_kept_in_the_dark/

15) Massachusetts Lawmakers Seek to Query Transportation Head About Agency Secretiveness

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/07/11/lawmakers_seek_to_query_transportation_head_about_agency_secretiveness/

SAFETY / SECURITY

16) Distracted-Driving Programs Show Success

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-07-11-programs-help-cut-distracted-driving_n.htm

Link to news release from US DOT:

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2011/dot8211.html

17) FEMA and FCC Commit to More Training Before Implementing Emergency Mobile Alerts

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110708_4021.php

TELEMATICS

18) Talking to Your Car Not so Farfetched with Telematics Options

Link to column in the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

http://www.lvrj.com/drive/talking-to-your-car-not-so-farfetched-with-telematrics-options-125202298.html

TRANSIT

19) App Designed to Make Travel by Public Transit Easier

Link to article on Gizmag:

http://www.gizmag.com/fraunhofer-smart-way-public-transit-app/19168/

Link to further information from the Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems:

http://www.fraunhofer.de/en/press/research-news/2010-2011/19/mobile-guide.jsp

20) Toronto Transit Commission Launches Real-Time Vehicle-Tracking System for Buses

Link to article in The Globe and Mail:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/ttc-launches-real-time-vehicle-tracking-system-for-buses/article2093353/

Link to news release from the TTC:

http://www3.ttc.ca/News/2011/July/07_11_NVAS_Bus.jsp

21) DC Metro’s Model Riders are Really Models

Link to article in The Examiner:

http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/dc/2011/07/metros-model-riders-are-really-models

22) Social Media’s Influence on Public Transit

Link to blog on Human Transit:

http://www.humantransit.org/2011/07/social-medias-influence-on-public-transit-guest-post.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

23) Kentucky Speedway Officials Vow to Improve Traffic Conditions

Link to story and video on WLKY-TV:

http://www.wlky.com/r/28504910/detail.html

Link to statement from the Kentucky Speedway:

http://www.kentuckyspeedway.com/newsline/news.aspx?newsID=1038

24) California DOT Gets High-Tech for ‘Carmageddon’

Link to story and video on KABC-TV:

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=resources/traffic&id=8244027

25) Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to Launch Latest Traffic, Flood Updating Program

Link to article in the Sun.Star:

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2011/07/10/mmda-launch-latest-traffic-flood-updating-program-166071

26) Colorado Signs Display Travel Times

Vehicle transponders help compute the estimates.

Link to article in The Gazette:

http://www.gazette.com/articles/says-121304-sign-getting.html

27) Southampton, UK’s CCTV Control Center to Move

Officials hope to find a private firm to run the service.

Link to article in the Daily Echo:

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/9132274.CCTV_control_centre_to_leave_stadium/

VEHICLES

28) Ford Wins a Rare Corporate Foothold on Google+

Link to article on CNET:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20077242-264/ford-wins-a-rare-corporate-foothold-on-google/

29) Designing Intelligence Into the Car – On Demand Webinar

Link to view webinar from EE Times:

http://www.eetimes.com/electrical-engineers/education-training/webinars/4216833/Designing-Intelligence-into-the-Car?Ecosystem=communications-design

News Releases

1) New York MTA Launches Competition for Best Transportation-Related Apps

2) Ford Trials Complimentary Live Operator Assistance for Sync Services; Free Business Search and Address Entry Support

3) Streetline Launches Smart Parking Program for New Brunswick, New Jersey

4) European Traffic Information is Available Free on the ViaMichelin Website, the iPhone and the iPad

5) Avery Dennison Launches Retroreflectivity Compliance Kit

Upcoming Events

7th International ASME/IEEE Conference on Mechatronics and Embedded Systems and Applications – August 28-31 – Washington, DC

http://iel.ucdavis.edu/mesa/MESA11/

Today in Transportation History  

 

1911 **100th anniversary** The Federal Express derailed in Bridgeport, Connecticut.  Fourteen people died. The St. Louis Cardinals were traveling on the train and were credited with saving many lives.

http://www.ctnow.com/sports/hc-train-wreck-0710-20110709,0,2471871,full.story

1911 **100th anniversary** Construction began on California’s Santa Maria Valley Railroad.

http://www.ksby.com/news/santa-maria-valley-railroad-will-soon-celebrate-100th-anniversary1/

1936 **75th anniversary** The Triborough Bridge opened.  The bridge connects the New York City boroughs of Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan.

http://mta.info/news/stories/?story=305

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast Communications, LLC www.bwcommunications.net