TransportGooru

Thursday, May 26, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057

TCN Fundraiser

As May nears its end I want to mention another one of the ways you can help support the TCN.  In addition to financial support (please see below for details) you can support the TCN by inviting new subscribers, advertising in the TCN, using my voice-over work, and finally by getting a transportation newsletter of your own.  Did you know that in addition to the TCN I also produce similar newsletters for AASHTO, ACS, Sam Schwartz Engineering, ITS California and ITS Michigan?  Some are daily, others weekly and still others monthly, but each includes transportation news targeted to that particular audience.  If you’d like to learn more, please contact me.

CARTOGRAPHY

1) Google’s Street View Starts Mapping India

Link to AFP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gFoWVQF7xBpDXRIkUvRVkhqVT1ZQ?docId=CNG.3ae2c53954517f8b64ed19d65a6b92c0.771

PARKING

2) Computer Vision System Tracks Open Parking Spots at Truck Stops

Link to article in CTS Research E-News:

http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchENews/2011/05/index.html#computer

3) Prague Airport Introduces Online Parking with Chauntry

Link to article on The Moodie Report:

http://www.moodiereport.com/document.php?c_id=1113&doc_id=27396

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

4) Survey: Mobile News and Paying Online

Local traffic/transportation information obtained by 22% of owners of mobile devices.

Link to further information:

http://stateofthemedia.org/2011/mobile-survey/

ROADWAYS

5) Video-Based Data Collector Used to Detect Queues, Improve Safety in Work Zones

Link to article in CTS Research E-News:

http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchENews/2011/05/index.html#video

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) US to Store Passenger Data for 15 Years

Link to article in The Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/25/us-to-store-passenger-data

TRANSIT

7) Judge Hits Pause in Lawsuit Opposing Cameras on Metrolink Engineers

Link to article in the Los Angeles Daily News:

http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_18137105

VEHICLES

8) Volkswagen Aims for ‘Rolling Computer’

Link to article in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9217070/Volkswagen_aims_for_rolling_computer_

9) LTE Suited for Traffic Applications, Research Project Concludes

Link to article in EE Times Europe:

http://eetimes.eu/en/lte-suited-for-traffic-applications-research-project-concludes.html?cmp_id=7&news_id=222907544&vID=209

10) ERTICO Organizes Workshop on Connected Mobility at the Challenge Bibendum

Link to article from ERTICO:

http://www.ertico.com/ertico-organises-workshop-on-connected-mobility-at-the-challenge-bibendum/

11) Ford to Create Communication Standard for All Cars

Link to article on autoevolution:

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ford-to-create-communication-standard-for-all-cars-35743.html

12) Ford Prepares Global Launch of Electric Cars, Leads on Intelligent Vehicles

Link to article on SustainableBusiness.com:

http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/22462

News Releases

1) New 2011 Michigan DOT Transportation Map Includes QR Codes

2) Beat the Traffic Releases Beta Version of Live Traffic Maps With New Street Detail

3) Pioneer’s AppRadio Provides a Revolutionary Way to Use Apps in the Car

4) Allstate Wants Drivers to See Yellow, Then ‘LOOK’ for Motorcyclists on the Road

5) First Distracted Driving Month Campaign in California Called a Success

TCN Donations

Checks or money orders may be mailed to:

Bernie Wagenblast

1 Aberdeen CT

Cranford, NJ USA 07016-2911

You may also donate online with a credit card via PayPal at:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=10069680

Solicitation

–  Request for Information – Traffic Management Services Consolidation Concepts – Wisconsin Traffic Operations and Safety Laboratory

http://www.topslab.wisc.edu/resources/rfinfo.html

Upcoming Events

NYU Conference on Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technologies – June 14 – New York City

http://wagner.nyu.edu/rudincenter/conferences/

Today in Transportation History

1961 **50^th anniversary** The first flight of the Canadair CF-104 Starfighter was made.

http://www.rcaf.com/Aircraft/aircraftDetail.php?STARFIGHTER-13

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

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  www.bwcommunications.net

(Source: Times of India)

Apart from the well-documented ill-effects of long commutes on human life, now add this one – marriage. According to a new Swedish research study says those who spend a long time on trains or stuck in cars shuttling to the office are up to 40 per cent more likely to split from their spouse.

The research team, which looked at statistical data from two million Swedish households between 1995 and 2000, concluded that the risk is highest in the first few years of marriage when the dream of life together gives way to the daily grind.

The Researchers from Umea University said, “if one partner – most likely the husband – spends 45 minutes or more commuting they would come home too tired to help around the house.”

Click here to learn more.

Note:  Looking at the map above, I can’t help but wonder how are the divorce rates in these American states where people have significant commute times.  Scouring the web, I landed on this chart, which if laid out on a GIS map, would help us compare a bit more easily.. But it still helps to understand the dynamics between marital discord and heavy commutes.

Of course, there are many other contributing factors that lead to a couple’s separation/divorce.  Nevertheless, it is interesting to see someone quantify the impact of long commutes on a relationship.

 

(Source:  Houston Chronicle)

I came across this piece by Houston Chronicle’s contributor, Amanda L. Grossman and felt compelled to share with you all.  Quite a bit of research has gone into answer this simple question – How much can you buy with $5 inside a plane? Below is a snap shot of Mr. Grossman’s analysis from her blog – Frugal Confessions – A Guide to Thrifty Living.

The chart below is based on flying economy class on a domestic flight (typically including Hawaii and Caribbean). My research shows that most airlines (excluding Southwest) offer an array of expensive and ‘inexpensive’ food offerings (remember you are thousands of feet in the air), and that American Airlines and Continental/United offer more expensive options than others. Wine and cocktails are most expensive on Delta, American Airlines, and Continental, while AirTran even charges for water, milk and premium juices (these are offered as complimentary on other airlines).

Airline	Cost of Snacks or Meals	Cost of Non-Complimentary Beverages
Delta	$2.00-$8.50	$5.00 Beer, $7.00 wine/cocktails
American Airlines	$3.29-$10.00	$6.00 Beer, $7.00 wine/cocktails
Southwest	No food offered for purchase	$3.00 energy drinks, $5.00 beer, liquor and wine
Continental/United	$2.99-$9.49	$6.00-$9.00
AirTran (recently acquired by Southwest)	$1.00-$6.00	$2.00 water, milk, premium juices, $5.00, $6.00 wine/cocktails
jetBlue	$6.00	$6.00 cocktails

In order to compare the airline pricing further, I decided to see which airline would give me the most value for my $5 (please note that the products listed below are only offered on certain flights and at certain times of the day). What I found is that I certainly will not get full from any of the airline’s menus if I only want to spend $5. Also, for $5 there are very few healthy snack options (other than nuts, cheese, and dried fruit).

Airline	Food $5 Will Buy
Delta	1 package of M&Ms ($2.00) or Bentley’s Popcorn ($2.00) and Pringles ($3.00), a Breakfast on the Fly ($3.50 for a granola bar and yogurt for Caribbean and Latin American flights only) or a kids PB&J Plate ($4.50)
American Airlines	1 chocolate chip cookie ($3.29), Lay’s potato crisps ($3.29), a cheese and cracker tray ($4.49), a fruit and nut blend ($4.49), Fisher’s nuts ($4.00) or trail mix ($4.00)
Continental/United	6 oz. can of Blue Diamond almonds $4.99, 2.6 oz. can of Pringles ($2.99), 4 oz. box of strawberry twizzlers ($2.99) or two-bite cinnamon rolls ($2.99)
Airtran	“Sky Bites(SM) offers a la carte items, which range from $1 to $4, or combo packages ranging from $4 to $6 in price. A la carte selections include Kraft Foods snacks, such as Oreo Cakesters, Chips Ahoy! cookies, Nilla Wafers, Cheese Nips crackers” (could not find menu and pricing)

Click here to read the rest

Note: Barring transatlantic-flights, my two top favorite American airlines are Virgin America and Southwest.  That said, I hate flying the American carriers during the transatlantic flights.  Many European, Middle Eastern and Asian carriers are far better in their service and connectivity than the American carriers, some of them are well known for their appalling service (the worst I have experienced is United, which got me stranded in Dubai for almost 24hrs).  What are your favorite domestic & international carriers?

(Source: The Texas Tribune)

A threat from the federal government to shut down Texas airports or cancel flights may have killed legislation, House Bill 1937, pushed by Tea Party conservatives in the Texas Capitol to prohibit federal Transportation Security Agents from conducting “invasive searches.”

The Texas Tribune has the scoop: The bill passed by the House earlier this month, would make it a misdemeanor offense for a federal security agent to “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly [touch] the anus, sexual organ, buttocks, or breast of the other person, including touching through clothing, or touching the other person in a manner that would be offensive to a reasonable person.”

Two TSA officials visited Patrick at the Capitol earlier today to discuss the legislation. They warned him that the legislation “could close down all the airports in Texas,” he said. After their departure, U.S. Attorney John E. Murphy sent a letter to Speaker of the House Joe Straus and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst saying the bill would “conflict directly with federal law” and that if it became law, “TSA would likely be required to cancel any flight or series of flights for which it could not ensure the safety of passengers and crew” until the agency could seek a court order stopping the measure from being carried out.

Click here to read the rest of the story.

Note: This is not the first time or the first issue the Texas legislature has butted heads with the Federal government.  There is the legendary EPA vs Texas reg. the federal takeover of lax pollution standards in the state. And now a new issue looks to threaten the already fractured relationship and this one involves a brown, beady-eyed, two-and-a-half-inch animal – the sagebrush lizard.  The Texas House this morning approved a resolutioncalling on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to rescind its proposal to bring the lizard under the Endangered Species Act. For the West Texas lawmakers, this federal proposal to protect the dunes sagebrush lizard could halt the production of millions of barrels of oil and gas. Is this another classic Texas story where greed reigns supreme or a genuine concern for the people who depend on the oil & gas revenue?

Tuesday, May 24, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057

Register Today for IBTTA’s Transportation Finance and Policy Summit ― July 17-19, Baltimore, MD

Hosted by the Maryland Transportation Authority, IBTTA’s Transportation Finance and Policy Summit will feature interactive sessions covering the full range of issues affecting transportation finance, policy and funding from the action of central banks and congressional reauthorization to regulations affecting TIFIA and other credit assistance programs. Meeting highlights include: featured lunch speaker Beverley Swaim-Staley, Secretary, Maryland DOT; technical tour of the new Intercounty Connector; ceremony recognizing Mary Turkington, Kansas Turnpike Authority Chairman, as an IBTTA Honorary Member; and evening event at Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Orioles vs. Red Sox). Visit www.IBTTA.org/BALTIMORE to view the brochure, register, and learn about sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities. To view IBTTA’s entire 2011 Education Series, click here.

AVIATION

1) Two More Air Traffic Controllers Caught Sleeping, FAA Says

Link to Bloomberg article:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-24/two-more-air-traffic-controllers-caught-sleeping-faa-says.html

2) FAA to Fliers: Put Down that Magazine!

Link to article on MSNBC:

http://overheadbin.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/05/23/6701874-faa-to-fliers-put-down-that-magazine

3) How to Follow European Ash Cloud Travel Updates on Social Media

Link to article on Tnooz:

http://www.tnooz.com/2011/05/24/how-to/how-to-follow-european-ash-cloud-travel-updates-on-social-media

PEDESTRIANS

4) As Seniors Increase, a Push to Make Streets Safer

Link to story and audio on NPR’s Morning Edition:

http://www.npr.org/2011/05/24/136585282/as-seniors-increase-a-push-to-make-streets-safer

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) Yellow Dot Car Program Speeds Help to Crash Victims

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-05-23-yellow-dot-seniors-drivers-baby-boomers_n.htm

TRANSIT

6) From Here to There: Marketing and Branding Public Transport

Link to blog on TheCityFix:

http://thecityfix.com/blog/from-here-to-there-marketing-and-branding-public-transport-2/‘

7) Mind the Map! The Impact of Transit Maps on Path Choice in Public Transit

Link to blog on The Transportationist:

http://blog.lib.umn.edu/levin031/transportationist/2011/05/mind-the-map-the-impact-of-tra.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) Ofcom Re-Awards More Services Licenses to Integrated Transport Information Services

Link to Dow Jones Newswires article:

http://news.morningstar.com/all/dow-jones/europe/201105231220/000220/ofcom-re-awards-more-services-license-to-integrated-transport-info.aspx

9) Eyes in the Sky to Tackle Traffic in Trinidad and Tobago

Link to article in the Daily Express:

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Eyes_in_the_sky_to_tackle_traffic-122483268.html

New Gadgets to Cut Road Deaths by Half

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/___New_gadgets_to_cut_road_deaths_by_half-122483263.html

10) Kentucky Transportation Center Opens New Traffic Operations Lab

Link to article in The Link:

http://www.kyt2.com/assets/files/uploads/link_newsletter_Spring_2011.pdf (page 11)

VEHICLES

11) Is Google Motors the New GM?

Link to article in Fortune:

http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/23/autos/google_driverless_cars.fortune/index.htm?source=yahoo_quote

12) Google Scientist: Robot Cars Could Address Nation’s Transportation Infrastructure Crisis

Link to article on Talking Points Memo:

http://idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/05/google-scientist-robot-cars-could-address-nations-infrastructure-crisis.php

13) Louisiana House Panel Approves Bill for Split-Viewing Screens in Front Seat of Vehicles

Link to article in The Times-Picayune:

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/05/house_panel_approves_bill_for.html

14) Automotive Black Boxes, Minus the Gray Area

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/05/automotive-black-boxes/

News Releases

1) iFly.com to Help Travelers Find Their Way Through Airports with New GPS Terminal Maps

2) China and Other Developing Markets to Drive Commercial Telematics Systems to $12 Billion by 2016

3) SITA Partners with CDNetworks to Power Airline Online Performance

4) Green, Clean and ITS: Automotive M2M Comes of Age

5) TARTA to Provide Riders with Mobile Access to Bus Schedules

6) Ferry Times, NY Waterway’s All-New Customer Newsletter Launches

7) Google Transit Adds Route and Schedule Information for Delhi and Ahmedabad Buses

8) New York MTA Relaunches Website to Streamline Access to Key Travel Info and Add New Features

Solicitation

–  US DOT Seeks Comments on National ITS Architecture

http://www.its.dot.gov/press/2011/architecture_comments.htm

–  Call for Speakers – Polis Annual General Assembly and Annual Conference

http://www.polisnetwork.eu/publicevents/68/61/Polis-Annual-General-Assembly-and-Annual-Conference/

Upcoming Events

AAAE General Aviation Issues and Security Conference – June 26-28 – St. Louis

http://events.aaae.org/sites/110602/

Today in Transportation History

1961 **50^th anniversary** The Freedom Riders were arrested in Jackson, Mississippi after disembarking from their bus.

http://ms50thfreedomridersreunion.org

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

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  www.bwcommunications.net

(Source: Detroit Free Press)

Mike Thompson of Detroit Free Press (Freep.com) has nicely captured the sentiments of the American public (at least, the sensible ones) about Chrysler repaying the $5.9 billion bailout money.  God knows how much bickering will happen when the political leadership decides to spend it on other programs.

Note: For what it is worth, I’d also add this: It is nice to see the taxpayer $$ safely return to the government’s coffers, unlike what happened with some of the Wall Street beneficiaries.  This timely intervention from the U.S. Government not only prevented an American icon from vanishing without a trace, but it also saved thousands of jobs in a city that is already reeling from some really bad economic decisions.

Monday, May 23, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) GE: Navigation-Enabled Flight Paths Could Save $65.6 Million

Link to blog on SmartPlanet:

http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/business-brains/ge-navigation-enabled-flight-paths-could-save-656-million/15853

CARPOOLING

2) Internet Start-Up Hopes to Revolutionize Carpooling

Link to story and video on KOMO-TV:

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/122421574.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) LightSquared Cell Network Knocks Out First Responders’ GPS in Tests

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110520_9569.php

4) EU Announces Launch Date for First Galileo Satellites

Link to AFP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jWGrKp5BRtmMTNBEMswu5Y3wOXrw?docId=CNG.a1bf0c4f6861fa8bd4596b026903f37a.711

Link to news release:

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/627&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

OTHER

5) Tomorrow’s Transport

The Wall Street Journal looks at the future of transportation with a series of articles.

–  The Next Step in Auto Safety: Cars That Talk to Each Other

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703778104576286631174569232.html

–  Freight Railroads are Being Transformed by the Digital Revolution

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703907004576279162458057604.html

–  Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, Catching On

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703864204576318941374651446.html

–  Airlines Promise the Flying Experience Will Get Better

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703937104576303453009663330.html

–  Air Traffic Control May be Transformed by FAA’s New System

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704904604576333021387654108.html

6) OK, so You’re on Facebook – Now What?

Advice on how auto dealers should be involved with social media.

Link to column in Automotive News:

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110523/RETAIL03/305239956/1126

RAILROADS

7) Railroads are Building on Current Anti-terror Technology

Link to article in The Journal News:

http://www.lohud.com/article/20110522/NEWS01/105220366/Railroads-building-current-anti-terror-technology

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Momentum Builds for Devoting D-Block to Public Safety

Link to article in the National Journal:

http://www.nationaljournal.com/tech/momentum-builds-for-devoting-d-block-to-public-safety-20110520

TELEMATICS

9) Looking Down the Road

Latest communication technology could leave some drivers scrambling.

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://articles.boston.com/2011-05-21/business/29569344_1_onstar-telematics-consumers

TRANSIT

10) Sofia, Bulgaria Plans Major Public Transportation Overhaul

Plan includes 600 boards with transit information and data recorders for transit vehicles.

Link to article from Novinite:

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=128526

11) Great Free Bus App from the University of Washington, but Creator Off to Google

Link to blog in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2015126727_great_free_bus_app_from_uw_but.html

VEHICLES

12) Connect to Your Car Using Social Media

Link to audio on MarketWatch’s Take on Tech:

http://goo.gl/nATf0

Link to news release from Toyota:

http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/11/05/0523.html

News Releases

1) P3ITS: Make Pre-Commercial Procurement Your Tool for ITS Deployment

2) HeERO: The Way to eCall Harmonization Passes Through Lyon and the ITS European Congress

3) New Jersey Teen Safe Driving Coalition Honors ‘GDL Champions’ on 10^th Anniversary of Graduated Driver License Program

Upcoming Events

Webinar: New Frontiers for the Global Automotive Enterprise – May 24

http://www.rita.dot.gov/events/2011_05_24/

Today in Transportation History

1966 **45^th anniversary** The British government declared a state of emergency one week after the country’s seamen went on strike.

http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1966/may/23/proclamation-of-state-of-emergency-1

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

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  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, May 16, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057

Two weeks remaining to submit entries for the Best of ITS Awards

Submissions for ITS America’s highly competitive Best of ITS Awards are due on May 31.  Enter in either the Best New Innovative Product, Service or Application category or Best New Innovative Practice. Finalists will be recognized and the winners announced during a special awards ceremony and reception on Monday, Oct. 17 at the 18th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. For a complete list of guidelines and more information on the awards program, please visit http://www.itsworldcongress.org/awards.html. Don’t miss this opportunity to be showcased as the best and brightest in the ITS industry!

AVIATION

1) Guiding the Customer

A look at Modular Curved Frame Technology and how to choose a comprehensive wayfinding signage system.

Link to article in Airport Business:

http://www.airportbusiness.com/print/Airport-Business-Magazine/Guiding-the-Customer/1$44748

CAMERAS

2) Policy, Politics Far Behind Traffic Camera Technology

Link to blog in The Herald:

http://heraldnet.com/article/20110515/BLOG48/705159997/-1/NEWS01

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) Testing of New Wireless Network Could Cause GPS Outages in Nevada this Week

Link to article in the Las Vegas Sun:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/may/14/testing-new-wireless-network-could-cause-gps-outag/

OTHER

4) Drivers of Change: Forum Sees Technology Transforming Mobility

Link to article in The Sun:

http://www.sbsun.com/business/ci_18062299

5) Lakeland, Florida Commission Reviewing Law Against Gas Pump Videos

Link to article in The Ledger:

http://www.theledger.com/article/20110514/NEWS/110519646/1134?Title=Lakeland-Commission-Reviewing-Law-Against-Gas-Pump-Videos

6) IEEE ITS Society Newsletter – April 2011

Link to newsletter:

http://www.ieeeitss.org/v13n2.pdf

7) SunGuide Disseminator – May 2011

Link to newsletter from Florida DOT:

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/TrafficOperations/Newsletters/2011/2011-005-May.pdf

PARKING

8) San Francisco Parking App Gets Passing – Not Perfect – Grade

Link to article in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/05/16/BAA21JG4VI.DTL

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Cameras, High-Tech ID Cards Provide Top Security at Port of Palm Beach

Link to story and video on WPTV-TV:

http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_c_palm_beach_county/west_palm_beach/cameras,-high-tech-id-cards-provide-top-security-at-port-of-palm-beach

10) Sidewalk Stop Signs Promote Safety in Florida County

Link to story and video on WJXT-TV:

http://www.news4jax.com/news/27888785/detail.html

11) Ontario Provincial Police Kick Off Distracted Driving Blitz

Link to story on CityNews Toronto:

http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/news/local/article/131238–opp-kicks-off-distracted-driving-blitz

Link to news release from the Ontario Provincial Police:

http://www.opp.ca/ecms/index.php?id=405&nid=584

TRANSIT

12) BART Board President Wants Passenger Text-Message Line

Link to article in The Examiner:

http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2011/05/bart-board-president-wants-passenger-text-message-line

13) Dubai RTA’s Nol Card Now Comes with Online Top-Up Option

Link to article on Emirates 24|7:

http://www.emirates247.com/news/rta-s-nol-card-now-comes-with-online-top-up-option-2011-05-15-1.392965

14) Near Field Communication – The Tech that Could Replace Your Wallet

Link to BBC News video:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/9484898.stm

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) National Traffic Control Center Close to Completion in Ireland

Link to article in the Irish Examiner:

http://www.examiner.ie/ireland/national-traffic-control-centre-close-to-completion-154656.html

16) High-Tech Signs for Drivers ‘No Cure for Gridlock’ in Leeds, UK

Link to article in the Yorkshire Post:

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/hi_tech_signs_for_drivers_no_cure_for_gridlock_1_3377124

17) TrafficLand’s Love-Hate Relationship with Our Clogged Roads

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/value-added-trafficlands-love-hate-relationship-with-our-clogged-roads/2011/05/11/AFsulK4G_story.html

News Releases

1) Dedicated Traffic Radio Station Planned for Montreal Area

2) Getting EcoMobile: Cities to be Rewarded for Greener Urban Mobility

3) Clemson University Engineers Propose ‘Connected Vehicle’ Systems

4) Cities in 13 States Reduce Traffic Congestion with Rhythm Engineering’s InSync

Job Postings

–  Director International Highway Advisory Services  – Birmingham, UK

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Today in Transportation History

1919 Three US Navy aircraft took off from Trepassey Bay, Newfoundland to begin the first successful transatlantic flight.

http://www.century-of-flight.net/Aviation%20history/daredevils/Atlantic.htm

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The Department of Transportation Planning of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is seeking a Planner II or III to work with a small team responsible for public involvement and communications. The successful candidate will be a part of the Program Coordination Team, which supports the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB), the federally designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Washington, D.C. region. The TPB plays an important role as the regional forum for transportation planning in the National Capital region.  The TPB prepares plans and programs that the federal government must approve in order for federal-aid transportation funds to flow to the Washington region.

A successful candidate will perform professional-level planning activities with a focus on enhancing and maintaining communications and public outreach efforts.  Activities are likely to include:

• Improve external visibility of the TPB.
• Assist with long-range planning activities, such as scenario planning and development of a regional priorities plan, with a focus on public involvement and communications.
• Provide staff support to TPB activities and committees.

Please see the full job description below, which includes information on how to apply:  http://www.mwcog.org/resources/opportunities/detail.asp?JOB_ID=282