TransportGooru

(Source: Popular Mechanics)

As well as being the largest jet in commercial service, the Airbus A380 represents a bid by Europe’s EADS to take from America’s Boeing the title of world’s most advanced commercial aircraft manufacturer. Critical to that endeavor is the aircraft’s ability to not crash, come apart in midair, or generally imperil the lives of the public. Unhappily for Airbus, Qantas A380 was taking off from Singapore on November 4, 2010, when its number two engine exploded with a loud bang. Flying shrapnel punched a hole in the wing and injured two people on the ground, but the plane was able to land safely. Was the engine’s failure a one-in-a-million coincidence, or a result of a fundamental engineering flaw? The fate of billions of dollars worth of aircraft orders may ride on the answer.

Popular Mechanics looked into the investigation preliminary report into the accident and offers an easy to understand explanations in plain English for us not-so informed average citizens. In short, the report notes that the accident happened due to a fatigued metal element inside the engine, which resulted in oil seepage there by leading to a fire and eventually exploding the internal parts of the engine.  Great explanations along with the reference to the preliminary report makes for an interesting read (at least that’s what my techy brain says). Click here to read the full analysis.

Related articles

• “Qantas Airbus A380 uncontained engine failure: ATSB preliminary report” and related posts (aircrewbuzz.com)
• Qantas to resume Airbus A380 flights (ft.com)
• Airbus A380: facts and figures (telegraph.co.uk)
• Engine problem grounds Airbus A380 at LAX (abclocal.go.com)
• “Airbus A380 operations back in flight” and related posts (instantriverside.com)
• Qantas Grounds Airbus A380 Fleet After Emergency Landing (dailyfinance.com)
• Engine Blow-Out Grounds Qantas Airbus A380 Fleet (npr.org)
• “Should Qantas Airways ask Rolls Royce for compensation as it restarts Airbus A380 flights?” and related posts (ceoworld.biz)
• About the Air Bus A380 (brighthub.com)
• Factbox: Airbus A380, the world’s biggest passenger jet (reuters.com)
• Airbus A380 engine woe wipes £1bn off Rolls-Royce (telegraph.co.uk)

(Source: The Guardian, UK)

Tube worker says station manager at King’s Cross refused to let him take bandages from control room to treat victims

A London Underground worker who was among the first to arrive at one of the bombed tube carriages on July 7 was told to “piss off” by his superior when he rushed back to collect more first aid equipment to treat the injured and dying, he said today.

Imran Chaudhury fought back tears as he said one of the duty station managers at Kings Cross, Ken Leach, tried to obstruct him from collecting bandages from the station’s control room, despite the fact that his clothing was covered in blood and injured passengers could clearly be seen on CCTV emerging from the ruined train.

Leach’s superior, group station manager Peter Sanders, had also been in the room but had said nothing, said Chaudhury, which still “haunts” him, he told the inquest into the deaths of the victims of the bomb attacks. Fifty-two people died in the attacks, 26 were killed in the Kings Cross blast.

Click here to read the entire story

Note: It scares me to think how ill-prepared many of our U.S. transit systems across the country are even after such a coordinated mass-casualty event occurred in one of the busiest and well-policed systems around the world.  In Washington, DC I see so many security lapses day in and day out when I ride the system but given the complexities of the system and its vast network, it is definitely difficult to have a 100% fool-proof security.  While it is not possible to put a policeman in every station every hour of the day, I can see a lot of vigilant riders who help keep a watch on the system.  The system riders are sensitized to such dangers and have been repeatedly requested over the PA system, over the years, to inform station managers or authorities if they spot an unattended bag or any object that looks suspicious. As I write this, I can feel that stern lady voice over the DC Metro’s PA system: “Hi, Is That Your Bag?”, a part of the “See it Say It” public safety campaign, suggesting people to report any suspicious object they spot while riding the trains or on the Metro facilities such as stations and parking lots.   At times, I can’t help but feel over a period of time after listening to the announcements a gazillion times,  I feel like I have a part to play in keeping the system safe and secure.  The sense of alertness goes up when I read about a bomb threat or a situation regarding transportation security (the downside of being in transportation business). At times I feel that any failure on my part,  as a rider and user heavily-dependent on the system, to be vigilant may result in a possible strike keeps me alert (I admit sometimes it’s hard to stay awake after a long day at work).   I assume this social policing (rather social conditioning/sensitizing) initiative involving our public definitely has helped the transit police.  It will be great  to know if the if the Metro has ever compiled an evaluation report of sorts explaining how many calls were received and how many threats (minor and major) were averted/prevented/addressed since this campaign went into effect.

Related articles

• 7/7 inquest: Passengers showed ‘remarkable heroism’ after London bombings as pics revealed of carnage (mirror.co.uk)
• Metro calls for vigilance by riders and employees – Washington Post (news.google.com)
• 7/7 inquest: staff tell of devastation (guardian.co.uk)
• Feds: Man Sought to Blow Up DC Metro Stations (abcnews.go.com)
• US: Man arrested over “plot to bomb Washington DC metro” (teaandpolitics.wordpress.com)
• 7/7 inquest: Phone calls reveal chaos – listen here (mirror.co.uk)
• 7/7 inquests: Aldgate manager ‘didn’t want to cause panic by mentioning bomb’ (telegraph.co.uk)
• 7/7 footage at inquest shows final bomber Hasib Hussain (guardian.co.uk)
• 7/7 inquest: Tube refused first aid kit (guardian.co.uk)
• You: Confusion after King’s Cross 7/7 blast (guardian.co.uk)
• 7/7 officer tells of frustration over firefighters (independent.co.uk)
• Firefighters delayed entering 7/7 tunnel (independent.co.uk)
• You: 7/7 bombers were seen ‘celebrating’ (guardian.co.uk)
• 7/7 inquest hears recordings of tube staff following blasts (guardian.co.uk)
• A.M. Top News: Washington DC Metro stations are allegedly targeted in terror plot (nj.com)
• Passengers showed ‘remarkable heroism’ after bombings (independent.co.uk)
• 7/7 inquests: firefighters refused to follow police onto tracks (telegraph.co.uk)

Monday, December 6, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

 

AVIATION

1) EU Moves Towards a Single Sky

Link to article in The Financial:

http://finchannel.com/news_flash/Travel_Biz_News/76898_EU_Moves_Forward_Towards_a_Single_Sky/

2) Utah Airport Uses Radar in Wildlife Assessment

Link to AP article:

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/outdoors/50807310-117/airport-cedar-wildlife-radar.html.csp

CAMERAS

3) Ridgeland, South Carolina Mayor Blasts Newspapers, Defends Use of Highway Traffic Cameras

Link to article and video in The Beaufort Gazette:

http://www.islandpacket.com/2010/12/03/1466710/ridgeland-mayor-blasts-newspapers.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) ‘EZ’ Go: Massachusetts Turnpike to Lose $500,000

With turnpike now under state control, bank sponsorship of electronic toll lanes must end.

Link to article in the Boston Herald:

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20101205ez_go_pike_to_lose_500g_fast_lane_merger_to_cost_state_citizens_bank_sponsorship

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) Crash Hurts Russia Satellite Challenge to US GPS

Link to Reuters article:

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=12324068

6) After Lorries, Indian Buses Need to Install GPS

Link to article in The Times of India:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/After-lorries-buses-need-to-install-GPS/articleshow/7049544.cms

OTHER

7) A Whole New Name Game

Parks, transit, schools consider corporate monikers in bid to plug budget gaps.

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703350104575652763782808830.html

8) How Hyperlocal Media are Taking Urban Planning to the Streets

Link to article in Next American City:

http://americancity.org/buzz/entry/2742/

RAILROADS

9) Spending Big on Safety

BNSF’s accident rate dropped 28% in the past decade, and collision-related fatalities dropped 42%.

Link to article in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/investigators/111318334.html

ROADWAYS

10) Mississippi DOT Tries New Truck Weigh Plan

The $3.5 Million Smart Roadside System can weigh trucks as they’re moving, check records.

Link to article in The Clarion-Ledger:

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201012040327

11) Sign, Sign, Nowhere is a Sign Warning Delaware Motorists of New Texting Law

Link to commentary in The News Journal:

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20101205/OPINION05/12050307/1004/OPINION

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) High-Tech Measures to Stop Wrong-Way Cars

Link to article and videos in Newsday:

http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/high-tech-measures-to-stop-wrong-way-cars-1.2517994

13) South African Railway Police Refuse ACs in CCTV Monitor Room, Saying They’ll Put Them to Sleep

Link to article in Mid Day:

http://www.mid-day.com/news/2010/dec/051210-railway-police-air-conditioning-cctv-camera-room.htm

14) TSA Blog Fights Back Against Satire

Link to column on CNET News:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-20024647-71.html

Link to The TSA Blog: http://blog.tsa.gov/

TRANSIT

15) Fort Worth Pastors Call for Bus Boycott Over Signs

Link to article in the Star-Telegram:

http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/12/02/2674421/fort-worth-pastors-call-for-bus.html

16) GPS Technology Set to Speed Up Bus Ride in Austin, Texas

Link to story and video on KXAN-TV:

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/GPS-technology-set-to-speed-up-bus-ride

17) What Makes the Wi-Fi Bus Successful?

Link to article in Mass Transit:

http://www.masstransitmag.com/interactive/2010/12/01/what-makes-the-wi-fi-bus-successful/

18) Transit Systems Move to Mobile Tech

Link to article in the International Business Times:

http://hken.ibtimes.com/articles/88771/20101204/transit-systems-move-to-new-payment-technology.htm

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

19) Officials Analyze New York Thruway Snow Woes

Stakeholders say improved interagency coordination and better information sharing to and from drivers would help.

Link to article in The Buffalo News:

http://www.buffalonews.com/city/article274544.ece

20) Travel-Time Signs Ruled Out on Alberta Highway

Link to article in the Calgary Herald:

http://www.calgaryherald.com/Travel+time+signs+ruled+Deerfoot/3927765/story.html

21) Seeing the Big Picture: New Fiber Optic Network Gives Engineers a Better Look at Phoenix-Area Traffic

Link to article in MAGAZine:

http://www.azmag.gov/Documents/MAGazine-November2010-Final.pdf (page 11)

22) New Electronic System on I-95 Will Aid Treasure Coast Motorists in Florida

Link to editorial in The Stuart News:

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2010/dec/03/thumb-up-new-electronic-system-on-i-95-will-aid/

23) Kyiv, Ukraine to Commission Computer-Based System for Managing Traffic in 2011

Link to Ukrainian News Agency article:

http://un.ua/eng/article/300641.html

VEHICLES

24) Electric Steering Creates Opportunities for Driver Assistance

Link to article on just-auto:

http://www.just-auto.com/analysis/electric-steering-creates-opportunities-for-driver-assistance_id107820.aspx

News Releases

1) Snow and Traffic: University of Buffalo Transportation Project Could Help Region Better Manage Traffic During Bad Weather

2)

3) Sensys Networks, Inc. Releases Arterial Travel Time 2.0

4) Fujitsu Develops Wide-Area Traffic Simulator Featuring Virtual Driving Experience

5) Acquisition of Com-Net Strengthens SITA’s Lead in Airport Technology Market Globally

6) City of Calgary Launches Road Conditions Map

Upcoming Events

American Bus Association Marketplace & Product Pavilion – January 8-12 – Philadelphia

http://www.buses.org/Member-Resources/Marketplace-Product-Pavilion

 

Today in Transportation History

1990 **20^th anniversary** An Aermacchi MB.326 crashed into a school in Casalecchio di Reno, Italy.  Twelve students were killed.

http://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Aermacchi_MB-326

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

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 at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

(Source: Copenhagenize via Treehugger)

This one image says a thousand words, and many of them indicate how a society is thoughtful, accommodative, encouraging and appreciative of its citizens’ efforts to use alternative modes of transportation, even during the punishing winter weather conditions.    Our beloved bike blogger, Mikael Colville-Andersen at  Copenhagenize.com, writes about the snow-removal practices in Copenhagen, Denmark,  where the focus is also given not only to travel lanes for cars and trucks but also for those bike lanes in the city.  Copenhagen,  as many of us know, has one of the highest number of bicycle commuters, who regularly use these bike lanes to get around the city.  You may ask but why snow-removal for bike lanes is a priority in the winter? Here is what Mikael has to say on his blog about this:

The result? Clear channels on which the bicycle traffic can move. Prioritizing the bike lanes is, of course, a great and necessary way to encourage people to ride bicycles all through the year. On the other hand, it is also a practical necessity. If the bicycle lanes weren’t cleared, a whole lot of people on the day after a snowstorm wouldn’t ride.Tens of thousands. They would seek alternatives. Cars, perhaps, but mostly public transport. Imagine the complications of having tens of thousands of people suddenly show up at train stations and bus stops. A logistical nightmare. So keeping the bike lanes clear is an important factor in keeping Copenhagen moving.

Hope other cities, especially the ones in the US (DC/NYC) realize the importance of keeping the snow off the bike lanes. Click here to read Mikael’s blog post and a few more awesome pictures from his collection.

Related articles

• A Picture Is Worth: Snow Removal In Copenhagen (treehugger.com)
• Copenhagen Cargo Bikes (streetfilms.org)
• copenhagen to berlin – in a box bike (ask.metafilter.com)
• Copenhagen to build superhighway for bikes (americablog.com)
• Copenhagen plans bike superhighways (grist.org)

Friday, December 3, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) EU Limits on Information Sharing Hinder Air Security: US Officials

Link to Dow Jones Newswires article:

http://goo.gl/hrCoR

CAMERAS

2) New Automated Phone Line to Address Las Cruces, New Mexico Traffic Cameras

Link to article in the Las Cruces Sun-News:

http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_16766230

OTHER

3) EU to Create Database to Track and Fine Drivers Regardless of the State of Origin of Violation

Link to article on autoevolution:

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/eu-driver-database-from-2013-27654.html

4) ITS Japan News: The 5^th Japan ITS Promotion Forum

Link to article from ERTICO:

http://www.ertico.com/its-japan-news-the-5th-japan-its-promotion-forum/

5) iMobility Newsletter – November Issue Online

Link to newsletter from ERTICO:

http://issuu.com/ertico/docs/november_2010_final

PEDESTRIANS

6) Portland, Maine Pedestrians to be Guided from Above

FHWA and Maine DOT testing sensors to trigger crossing signals when people approach.

Link to story and video on WCSH-TV:

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=139060&catid=2

Link to additional information from Migma Systems: http://www.migmasys.com/MigmaMidblock.html

ROADWAYS

7) Concerns About Mountain Vistas Lead South Carolina DOT to Drop Plan for Warning Sign

Link to article in The Greenville News:

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20101203/NEWS/312030022/Concerns-about-mountain-vistas-lead-DOT-to-drop-plan-for-warning-sign

8) Street Sign Squabble is MUTCD Ado About Nothing

Link to blog in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/12/street-sign-squabble-is-mutcd-ado-about-nothing/

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) National Maritime Domain Awareness Grid to be Set Up for Coastal Security: India Navy

Link to article on Zee News:

http://www.zeenews.com/news672012.html

TELEMATICS

10) Telematics Comes of Age

Advances in technology, consumer acceptance are enabling insurers to offer more pay-as-you-go offerings.

Link to article in Insurance Networking News:

http://www.insurancenetworking.com/news/auto_insurance_telematics_novarica_progressive_allstate_state_farm-26604-1.html

TRANSIT

11) Baltimore Circulator’s Misleading Message Blindsides Rider

Link to blog in The Baltimore Sun:

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/traffic/2010/12/circulator_suspension_blindsid.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) New York Thruway to Review Evacuation Plans After Snowstorm

Link to article and video in The Buffalo News:

http://www.buffalonews.com/city/article272437.ece

13) Social Media Tackles Traffic

Link to blog in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/12/ibm-thoughts-on-a-smarter-planet-8/

VEHICLES

14) US DOT Offers New Rules for Rear Visibility in Cars

Rearview cameras could become more common to prevent backing over children.

Link to AP article:

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=12302457

Link to news release from US DOT:

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/nhtsa1710.html

News Releases

1) Ford to Complete Rear Camera Roll-Out on Nearly All Models

Upcoming Events

Webinar: ITS and the New World of Performance Measures – December 7

https://webportal.itsa.org/Events/ViewEventDetail.aspx?code=9bde04e9-46a6-df11-9e40-00142210ec9e

Friday Bonus

A pedestrian warning with attitude.

http://www.kxly.com/news/25964246/detail.html

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** Georges Claude demonstrated neon tubes, in their modern form, for the first time at the Paris Motor Show.

http://www.neonlab.com/history.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

(Source: AFP via Yahoo)

A Chinese passenger train hit a record speed of 302 miles per hour (486 kilometers per hour) Friday during a test run of a yet-to-be opened link between Beijing and Shanghai, state media said.

The Xinhua News Agency said it was the fastest speed recorded by an unmodified conventional commercial train. Other types of trains in other countries have traveled faster.

A specially modified French TGV train reached 357.2 mph (574.8 kph) during a 2007 test, while a Japanese magnetically levitated train sped to 361 mph (581 kph) in 2003.

State television footage showed the sleek white train whipping past green farm fields in eastern China. It reached the top speed on a segment of the 824-mile (1,318-kilometer) -long line between Zaozhuang city in Shandong province and Bengbu city in Anhui province, Xinhua said.

Click here to read the entire article.

Note: I can’t help myself marvel at how different the conditions are for High Speed Rail deployment in two different ends of the globe – China vs. USA.  Here is a story that outlines how a  political game played in Washington is wreaking havoc to any chances of deploying a successful high-speed rail network.  While American politicians are embroiled in petty politics, Beijing’s communist rulers have already bought into he value of investing in such a network, especially with an exploding demand for transportation in the decades ahead as the nation’s wealth increases, and are determined to show their commitment to a successful, wide-spread deployment.  It makes one thing clear  – we in the West are not really lacking in ideas and ambitions; our pitfalls (and therefore the poor performance in a competitive economy) are in our inability to come together and look at common good beyond party lines. Somehow we managed to convince, not just the nation but the entire world, a $744+Billions war  (an utterly unprovoked and unnecessary war whose costs are still climbing at a giddying pace) is worth bleeding for in terms of national security.  But somehow we are not willing to look past our differences to come together and execute a project that is only going to make us better. Why are our politicians adamant to not realize that such modern infrastructure projects are good for our nation’s economic security in the long run? Oh well, its gotta be the Democracy that we are trying to export as a successful model.

Related articles

• China passenger train hits 300 mph, breaks record (sfgate.com)
• China Unveils World’s Fastest High Speed Train (huffingtonpost.com)
• China Passenger Train Breaks World Record (abcnews.go.com)
• China claims new passenger train speed record (ctv.ca)
• Chinese passenger train sets new world speed record after reaching 302mph (dailymail.co.uk)
• imabonehead: China passenger train hits 300 mph, breaks record – Yahoo! News (news.yahoo.com)
• Chinese train sets speed record, Xinhua reports (cnn.com)
• Chinese passenger train breaks world speed record (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Chinese passenger train breaks world speed record (foxnews.com)
• Chinese passenger train reaches 302mph, claims speed record for unmodified trains (engadget.com)

(Source: AFP via Yahoo)

Copenhagen, one of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities, has begun turning its extensive network of cycle paths into bike highways in an effort to push more commuters to leave their cars at home.

Considered one of Europe’s two “bicycle capitals” along with Amsterdam, Copenhagen counts more bicycles than people and cycling is so popular that its numerous bike paths can become congested.

Two-wheeler traffic jams are especially regular on the main Noerrebrogade thoroughfare used by around 36,000 cyclists a day.

• The currently jammed bike paths will be widened up to four metres (yards) on either side of the road, which will itself will be reserved for buses only.
• The goal is to hike the percentage of suburban commuters cycling to and from the city from the 37 percent it is today to over 50 percent by 2015.
• Within the city, 55 percent of all commuters already travel by bike, according to the municipality.
• Already Copenhagen stands out among other European capitals for its cycling infrastructure, counting more than 390 kilometres (242 miles) of bike paths.
• Between 2006 and 2010, it spent 250 million kroner (33.6 million euros) in bike infrastructure and an extra 75 million kroner were allotted for 2011.
• The first two city-to-suburb bicycle highways are due to open at the end of 2011 and reach a distance of 15 kilometres from central Copenhagen, while a third, going as far as 20 kilometres from the capital’s centre, will be put into service in 2012.

Click here to read the entire story.

Related articles

• Copenhagen plans bike superhighways (grist.org)
• Copenhagen to build superhighway for bikes (americablog.com)
• How Portland Is Planning to Become the First World-class Bike City in America (alternet.org)
• Transition and solutions – Nov 28 (energybulletin.net)
• 10 Cool Bike Stories (planetsave.com)
• Copenhagen to Residents: “You’re Safer On a Bike Than On a Sofa” (treehugger.com)
• The Bay Area Versus Amsterdam: Which Cycling Mecca Is Tops? (treehugger.com)
• Experiencing Copenhagen and Denmark on Two Wheels (denmark-travel.suite101.com)
• The Bay Area Versus Amsterdam: Which Cycling Mecca Is Tops? (treehugger.com)
• Should Sidewalks and Bike Paths Have a Designated Slowpoke Lane? (treehugger.com)
• Blog – Cyclists Pedal Faster On Wednesdays, Reveals Smart Bike Data (technologyreview.com)

Thursday, December 2, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

---

AVIATION

1) US Faces Obstacles in Upgrading Air Traffic Control: Study

Link to Dow Jones Newswires article:

http://bit.ly/i0uEgO

2) Pilots Find iPads Useful in the Cockpit

Link to story and video on KHOU-TV:

http://www.khou.com/news/technology/-Pilots-find-iPads-useful-in-the-cockpit-111161979.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

3) Drivers Ticketed During Bay Bridge Standoff

Motorists fined for turning around at toll plaza will have tickets dismissed.

Link to article in The Examiner:

http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2010/12/drivers-ticketed-during-bridge-standoff

OTHER

4) Kiosks Let Travelers Skip Long Passport Control Lines

Link to article in the Houston Chronicle:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/7319967.html

RAILROADS

5) Wisconsin Rail Debate Ascends (or Descends) to Social Media

Link to blog in BizTimes Milwaukee:

http://www.biztimes.com/blogs/milwaukee-biz-blog/2010/12/2/rail-debate-ascends-or-descends-to-social-media

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) New Traffic System May Stop Accidents

Rural Intersection Collision Avoidance System tells drivers when it’s not safe to cross highway.

Link to article in The Badger Herald:

http://badgerherald.com/news/2010/12/01/new_traffic_system_m.php

7) Seattle Hands Out Bright Umbrellas to Decrease Collisions

Link to story on KIRO Radio:

http://www.mynorthwest.com/category/local_news_articles/20101202/Seattle-hands-out-bright-umbrellas-to-decrease-collisions/

Link to further information from Seattle DOT:

http://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2010/12/01/umbrellas-spread-the-word-about-holiday-pedestrian-safety/

TRANSIT

8) Toronto Transit Commission Info a Perk for Riders at Coffee Shop

Link to article in the Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/news/transportation/article/899411–ttc-info-a-perk-for-riders-at-coffee-shop

VEHICLES

9) Your Stolen Vehicle May be Just a Tweet Away

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013571188_carthefts02m.html

Link to Seattle Police Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/getyourcarback

10) Apple Makes Motion Toward Home and Car Automation

Link to article in Electronic House:

http://www.electronichouse.com/article/apple_makes_move_into_home_and_car_automation/#When:17:30:18Z

News Releases

1) Kansas City Southern Launches New Branding Initiative Honoring Unique Legacy and Embracing the Future of Rail Transportation

2) US DOT Awards $1.54 Million Grant to Railroad Research Foundation for Hazardous Materials Routing Tool

3) Boingo Expands Wi-Fi Roaming Agreement with T-Mobile USA to Include Airports and Ferries

4) Volvo Trucks Encourages Freight Transportation Solutions; Launches Web Site

5) Sydney Metrobus SMS Trial to Provide Next Bus Service Information

Solicitation

–  Request for Proposals for Certification and Testing Expertise – National Institute of Justice

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-30293.htm

Upcoming Events

1^st International ICST Conference on Green Intelligent Future Transport Systems – March 16-18 – Athens, Greece

http://www.giftsconference.org/

Today in Transportation History

1970 **40^th anniversary** The United States Environmental Protection Agency began operations.

http://www.epa.gov/history/

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

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 at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

(Source: Bridging the Gap)

The latest edition of the United Nations Climate Change Conference CoP 16 opened its doors in Cancun, Mexico on November 29th  (duration – Nov 29th thru Dec 10) and our friends at Transport 2012 have created a compilation of side-events related to transportation issues at this conference.  Transportgooru is glad to share this with its readers (hoping some of you are already in Cancun, Mexico attending this event). Please check the Transport2012 website for an updated list:

“Bridging the Gap: Pathways for Transport in the Post 2012 Process‘ is an initiative of GTZ, TRL, UITP, ITDP and Veolia Transport created to tackle CO₂emissions from land transport and to integrate this major contributor to climate change into the international climate negotiation process. Click here to learn more about Bridging the Gap.