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What Recession? Amtrak’s NE Corridor Boosts Revenue, Confirms Growing Interest and Ridership for Rail

October 19, 2010 at 11:23 am

After years of sluggishnesses, there is a growing momentum for rail travel in this country and the Government is starting to realize the need for more investment in the rail sector. If there is any solid proof for demand, this had to be it: “Amtrak now enjoys a 65 percent share of the air-rail market between Washington and New York and a 52 percent share of the air-rail market between New York and Boston.” Now, can we get really serious and get real HSR along the NE corridor? If people get a taste of what it is like to travel at 220mph downtown to downtown at a reasonable price, without having to wait in security lines, and paying for extra baggage and stuff like that, then rail will become a truly viable option compared to aviation.

Amplify’d from www.economist.com

AMTRAK, America’s government-owned passenger rail company, has had a good recession. Ridership and ticket sales have steadily increased—presumably as people realise that comfortable seats, city-center-to-city-center travel, and less security theatre are all good things. Amtrak’s fiscal year 2010 continued the trend. The company carried 28.7 million riders, up 5.7% from FY 2009, and revenues from ticket sales were $1.74 billion, up 9% from last year. Almost 40% more people rode Amtrak this year than did in 2000. 

Ridership along the corridor was up 4.3%, while ridership on the corridor’s “high speed” Acela trains was up 6.5%. (Since business travellers favor the Acela, the good numbers there are a sign that business travel is fuelling Amtrak’s growth.) “Amtrak now enjoys a 65 percent share of the air-rail market between Washington and New York and a 52 percent share of the air-rail market between New York and Boston,” the company said in a press release [PDF].

Read more at www.economist.com
 
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What Recession? Amtrak’s NE Corridor Boosts Revenue, Confirms Growing Interest and Ridership for Rail

October 19, 2010 at 11:20 am

After years of sluggishnesses, there is a growing momentum for rail travel in this country and the Government is starting to realize the need for more investment in the rail sector. If there is any solid proof for demand, this had to be it: “Amtrak now enjoys a 65 percent share of the air-rail market between Washington and New York and a 52 percent share of the air-rail market between New York and Boston.” Now, can we get really serious and get real HSR along the NE corridor? If people get a taste of what it is like to travel at 220mph downtown to downtown at a reasonable price, without having to wait in security lines, and paying for extra baggage and stuff like that, then rail will become a truly viable option compared to aviation.

Amplify’d from www.economist.com

AMTRAK, America’s government-owned passenger rail company, has had a good recession. Ridership and ticket sales have steadily increased—presumably as people realise that comfortable seats, city-center-to-city-center travel, and less security theatre are all good things. Amtrak’s fiscal year 2010 continued the trend. The company carried 28.7 million riders, up 5.7% from FY 2009, and revenues from ticket sales were $1.74 billion, up 9% from last year. Almost 40% more people rode Amtrak this year than did in 2000. 

Ridership along the corridor was up 4.3%, while ridership on the corridor’s “high speed” Acela trains was up 6.5%. (Since business travellers favor the Acela, the good numbers there are a sign that business travel is fuelling Amtrak’s growth.) “Amtrak now enjoys a 65 percent share of the air-rail market between Washington and New York and a 52 percent share of the air-rail market between New York and Boston,” the company said in a press release [PDF].

Read more at www.economist.com
 
See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/d85b

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What Recession? Amtrak’s NE Corridor Boosts Revenue, Confirms Growing Interest and Ridership for Rail

October 19, 2010 at 11:18 am

After years of sluggishnesses, there is a growing momentum for rail travel in this country and the Government is starting to realize the need for more investment in the rail sector. If there is any solid proof for demand, this had to be it: “Amtrak now enjoys a 65 percent share of the air-rail market between Washington and New York and a 52 percent share of the air-rail market between New York and Boston.” Now, can we get really serious and get real HSR along the NE corridor? If people get a taste of what it is like to travel at 220mph downtown to downtown at a reasonable price, without having to wait in security lines, and paying for extra baggage and stuff like that, then rail will become a truly viable option compared to aviation.

Amplify’d from www.economist.com

AMTRAK, America’s government-owned passenger rail company, has had a good recession. Ridership and ticket sales have steadily increased—presumably as people realise that comfortable seats, city-center-to-city-center travel, and less security theatre are all good things. Amtrak’s fiscal year 2010 continued the trend. The company carried 28.7 million riders, up 5.7% from FY 2009, and revenues from ticket sales were $1.74 billion, up 9% from last year. Almost 40% more people rode Amtrak this year than did in 2000. 

Ridership along the corridor was up 4.3%, while ridership on the corridor’s “high speed” Acela trains was up 6.5%. (Since business travellers favor the Acela, the good numbers there are a sign that business travel is fuelling Amtrak’s growth.) “Amtrak now enjoys a 65 percent share of the air-rail market between Washington and New York and a 52 percent share of the air-rail market between New York and Boston,” the company said in a press release [PDF].

Read more at www.economist.com
 
See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/d85b

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Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – October 18, 2010

October 18, 2010 at 5:09 pm

Monday, October 18, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) Two Koreas Restore Aviation Hotline

Link to article in The Korea Times:

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/10/113_74762.html

2) New Zealand Earthquake Spurs Advice from Christchurch Airport CEO

Link to article in the Otago Daily Times:

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/132106/quake-spurs-advice-emergencies

CAMERAS

3) Victoria Government Threatens Lawsuit Against Hume Freeway Speed Camera Operators

Link to article and video in the Herald Sun:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/cops-admit-cameras-flawed/story-e6frf7kx-1225940001760

4) Traffic Camera Proponent in Garfield Heights, Ohio Campaign has Big Stake in Outcome

Link to article in The Plain Dealer:

http://www.cleveland.com/roadrant/index.ssf/2010/10/traffic_camera_proponent_in_ga.html

5) Xerox Tracks Traffic Violators with Camera on Buses

Link to IDG News Service article:

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/101810-xerox-tracks-traffic-violators-with.html

Link to news release from ACS:

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101018005125/en/ACS-CrossSafe-Captures-Drivers-Illegally-Passing-School

CARTOGRAPHY

6) Digital Maps Don’t Always Tell Whole Story

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/17/us/17bcmaps.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

7) Glitch Prompts Utah DOT to Refund Tolls

Link to article in The Salt Lake Tribune:

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/50482599-76/tolls-udot-lanes-toll.html.csp

8) Portugal Unveils Expensive – and Chaotic – Toll System for National Motorways

Link to article on TheReader.es:

http://thereader.es/en/spain-news-stories/4705-portugal-unveils-expensive-and-chaotic-toll-system-for-national-motorways.html

9) Woman Sues E-ZPass, Claiming She was Overcharged for Horse Trailer

Automated lanes at Delaware River bridges charge $14 more than staffed lanes.

Link to article in The Star-Ledger:

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/10/toms_river_woman_sues_e-zpass.html

10) Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission Mistakenly Billed Motorists $70,000 in Fines

Link to article in The Express-Times:

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/today/index.ssf/2010/10/delaware_river_joint_toll_brid.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

11) TomTom iPhone App Adds Navigate-to-Photo Feature

Link to article in PC Magazine:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2371034,00.asp

OTHER

12) Dubai RTA Unveils High-Tech Services at GITEX

Link to article in the Khaleej Times:

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle09.asp?xfile=data/business/2010/October/business_October282.xml&section=business

13) Nevada DMV Wait Eased with AAA Kiosks

Link to article in the Reno Gazette-Journal:

http://www.rgj.com/article/20101016/BIZ/101016025/-1/CARSON/DMV-wait-eased-with-AAA-kiosks-including-in-Reno

14) How Social Media is Fueling a Car-Sharing Revolution

Link to blog on AltTransport:

http://alttransport.com/2010/10/how-social-media-is-fueling-a-car-sharing-revolution/

Link to blog in Sharable:

http://shareable.net/blog/the-new-sharing-economy

15) Traffic Technology International – October/November Issue Online

Link to magazine:

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/95ebceeb

16) TechPlan: Planning and Policy for Intelligent Transportation Systems

Link to report from the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota:

http://www.its.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/reportdetail.html?id=1944

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

17) Fight Against Distracted Driving Turns Former Texas Resident Into Face of National Movement

Link to article in The Dallas Morning News:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/crime/stories/101710dnmetdistracted.29aae58.html

18) Transit Game Allows Public to Test Spokane Budgeting Priorities

Link to article in The Spokesman-Review:

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/oct/18/transit-game-will-be-gauge/

RAILROADS

19) Amtrak Launches Gay Microsite

Link to blog on ShermansTravel:

http://www.shermanstravel.com/blogs/gay_travel/3957/amtrak-launches-gay-microsite/

Link to site: http://www.amtrakridewithpride.com

ROADWAYS

20) High-Tech Sensors Help Spot Potentially Fatal Problems with Bridges

Link to column in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/traffic/ct-met-getting-around-1018-20101017,0,5424198.column

SAFETY / SECURITY

21) Mobile Alarm Plan for Safer Buses, Trains in Australia

Link to article from The West Australian:

http://www.masstransitmag.com/publication/article.jsp?siteSection=3&id=12717

TELEMATICS

22) GM Moves on with In-Car Facebook App

Feds slam driving distraction, but firms say technology is legal, safe.

Link to article in The Detroit News:

http://www.detnews.com/article/20101016/AUTO01/10160370/1148/GM-moves-on-with-in-car-Facebook-app

TRANSIT

23) Long Island Rail Road Launches Big Media Campaign for Major Service Disruption

Link to article from Newsday:

http://www.masstransitmag.com/publication/article.jsp?siteSection=3&id=12719

24) Twin Cities Area is in Line for Color-Coded Transit

Link to article in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/local/south/104916149.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aU6:iPhD_oD3aPc:i_kchO7DU

25) Virginia Railway Express Working to Offer Free Wi-Fi

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dr-gridlock/2010/10/vre_may_offer_free_wireless.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

26) Real Travel Times Now Available on Signs for Seattle City Streets

Link to story and video on KING-TV:

http://www.king5.com/news/Commuters-Now-Have-Real-Travel-Times-105163344.html

Link to story on KOMO-TV:

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/105193819.html

27) Central Monitoring System Being Installed in Five Tunnels on Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi

Link to article in Gulf News:

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/traffic-transport/central-monitoring-system-being-installed-in-five-tunnels-on-al-salam-street-1.697413

28) Get Real-Time Traffic Info on Dubai RTA’s Sat-Nav Gizmo

Link to article on Emirates 24|7:

http://www.emirates247.com/gitex-2010/get-real-time-traffic-info-on-rta-s-sat-nav-gizmo-2010-10-18-1.305554

29) TomTom Launches Live Traffic Updates in New Zealand

Link to article on TechDay:

http://www.techday.co.nz/netguide/news/tomtom-launches-live-traffic-updates/18263/1/

30) Measuring Cross-Border Travel Times for Freight: Otay Mesa International Border Crossing Final Report

Link to FHWA report:

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=681

VEHICLES

31) Cars Born to Run with Smart Phone Apps

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/automobiles/autospecial2/14ELECTRONICS.html?_r=1

32) US Federal Appeals Court Rejects Vermont Ban on Religious Vanity Plates

Link to article in The Christian Post:

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20101010/federal-appeals-court-rejects-vt-ban-on-religious-vanity-plates/

News Releases

1) eSafety Awards Winners and Ceremony 2010

2) FAA Certifies Enhanced Vision System on Boeing Business Jet

3) In-Flight Internet Takes Hold in Business Aviation

4) French Find Open Parking Spaces on Their Cell Phones

5) WMTV-TV, Madison, Wisconsin and Clear Channel Radio Stations Announce Partnership to Combine Resources Including Traffic Reporting

6) Michigan School Buses to be Equipped with Passenger Emergency Information Packets

7) Reportlinker Adds Global Intelligent Transportation Systems Industry

Upcoming Events

Airports Going Green Conference – November 15-17 – Chicago

http://events.aaae.org/sites/101102/

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100th anniversary** The crew of the airship America was rescued near Bermuda after failing in their attempt to make the first aerial crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8048396/America-the-airship-the-first-transatlantic-crossing.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

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Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – October 15, 2010

October 15, 2010 at 5:09 pm

Friday, October 15, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

Need a Voice for a Transportation Project?

Why not turn to someone who knows transportation and has a strong track record of providing friendly, professional voice-overs for a variety of transportation clients?  My clients include Econolite, NJ Transit, Virginia DOT, the New York MTA and the Port Authority of NY & NJ.  You’ll find turnaround time fast and affordable.  For more information and to hear samples of my work please visit www.bwcommunications.net.  If you have any questions, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

AVIATION

1) Airline Industry and FAA Vow Cooperation on Multibillion Dollar Satellite Program

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20101014_8019.php

CAMERAS

2) For Cops, Citizen Videos Bring Increased Scrutiny

Link to article and video in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-10-15-1Avideocops15_CV_N.htm

3) Missouri DOT Temporarily Puts Brakes on New Red Light Cameras on State Highways

Link to article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/article_ff187b1d-857b-5f43-9b24-df887e18d4b6.html

MARITIME

4) US Coast Guard’s Two-Way Alert System Keeps Partners Informed

Link to article in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2010/10/18/gcn-awards-coast-guard-alert-warning-system.aspx

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

5) Continental Tyres Launches Web Site with Road Safety Information and Traffic Updates

Link to blog on etyres:

http://www.etyres.co.uk/news/continental-tyres-launch-road-safety-website-9221.html

Link to site: http://conti-central.co.uk/

TRANSIT

6) New York MTA Tests Real-Time Bus Locator Map

Link to story and video on NY1 News:

http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/transit/127194/mta-tests-out-real-time-bus-locator-map/

Link to further information from the Metropolitan Transportation Administration:

http://bustime.mta.info/bustime/home.jsp

7) Mumbai: Transport Department’s High-Tech Dreams Turning Into Junk

Link to story on NDTV:

http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/mumbai-transport-departments-hi-tech-dreams-turning-into-junk-59997

8) DC Metro: We’ll Take All Smart Cards

Link to column on Nextgov:

http://whatsbrewin.nextgov.com/2010/10/dc_metro_well_take_all_smart_cards.php

News Releases

1) Iteris Collaborates with Qualcomm to Deliver Enhanced Safety Data to Truck Fleets Using SafetyDirect Software

2) Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Introduces ‘Commuter Alerts’

3) National Smarter Car Research Network Established at McMaster University

4) Irish Car & Travel Creates Smart Phone-Friendly Web Site

5) Social Networking While Driving Becomes a Reality

6) Global Benchmark of Real-Time Traffic Information Services and Other Research Reports Published by MarketPublishers

Upcoming Events

International Maritime and Naval Exhibition and Conference for Latin America – November 30-December 3 – Valparaiso, Chile

http://www.exponaval.cl/index.php?idi=10

Friday Bonus

10 Innovative Subway Ads

http://flavorwire.com/105040/10-innovative-subway-advertisements

Today in Transportation History

1970 **40th anniversary** A section of the West Gate Bridge over the Yarra River in Melbourne collapsed while under construction.  Thirty-five construction workers were killed.

http://www.westgatebridge.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

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Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – October 14, 2010

October 14, 2010 at 7:29 pm

Thursday, October 14, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) New Scanner Aims to Make Liquid on Planes Safer

Link to AP article:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2010-10-13-airport-security-liquids_N.htm

CAMERAS

2) Analysis: Loma Linda, California Yellow Lights Were Illegally Short

Link to article in the Contra Costa Times:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_16331567

OTHER

3) Expert: TSA ‘Playing Games’ with Public Records Requests

Link to story and video on KUSA-TV:

http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=157947&catid=188

4) ITS Japan News: GOTO, the Islands of EVITS

Link to article from ERTICO:

http://www.ertico.com/its-japan-news-goto-the-islands-of-evits/

5) Which Mobile Search Features Will be Handy for Travelers

Link to interview on EyeforTravel:

http://www.eyefortravel.com/news/online-travel/which-mobile-search-features-will-be-handy-travellers

PARKING

6) Smarter Parking in San Francisco

Link to article in Governing:

http://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/smarter-parking-san-francisco.html

ROADWAYS

7) Families Pay for Missouri DOT Signs to Remember Victims of Drunken Driving

Link to story and video on KYTV-TV:

http://www.ky3.com/news/ky3-story-drunken-driving-victims-modot-signs-10142010,0,276089.story

8) Information Overload is Endangering Urban Road Users in Ireland

Link to column in the Galway Advertiser:

http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/32156

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Valley Metro Unveils Driver Safety Train Wrap

Link to article in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2010/10/Valley-Metro-unveils-driver-safety-train-wrap.aspx

10) Do Terrorism Warnings Work?

Link to blog in The National Interest:

http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-skeptics/do-terrorism-warnings-work-4214

Link to Encounter on Voice of America:

http://www.voanews.com/mp3/voa/english/enco/enco2205a.mp3

11) Txting n Driving is No LOL Matter

Link to commentary in The Arbiter:

http://arbiteronline.com/2010/10/14/txting-n-driving-is-no-lol-matter/

TELEMATICS

12) GM Taps OnStar to Drive Volt Charging

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20019424-54.html

13) OnStar Eyes Insurance Discounts

Link to article in the Detroit Free Press:

http://www.freep.com/article/20101014/BUSINESS01/10140585/1002/BUSINESS/OnStar-eyes-insurance-discounts

TRANSIT

14) US Defense Department Seeks to Expand ID Cards for Use at Transit Systems, ATMs

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20101012_1861.php

15) Catch the T

New iPhone app delivers real-time data to your fingertips.

Link to video report from Abbey Niezgoda:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEgkMGM5tlo

VEHICLES

16) McLaren’s New Tech-Savvy Sports Car

Link to video on Forbes:

http://video.forbes.com/fvn/smart-luxury/mcclarens-new-tech-savvy-sports-car?partner=yahootix

News Releases

1) For Teen Driver Safety Week, Operation Lifesaver Offers Rail Crossing Safety Tips, Training

2) New Technology Helps Drivers Say No to Texting and Cell Phone Distraction

3) FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro Participates in Commercial Motor Vehicle Technology Showcase

Upcoming Events

Government Video Expo – November 30-December 2 – Washington, DC

http://gvexpo.com/

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100th anniversary** Claude Grahame-White landed a plane on a street next to the White House.

http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Explorers_Record_Setters_and_Daredevils/Early_US_shows/EX4G7.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 atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

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Clever! Volkswagen Promotes New Car with Car-shaped Recycling Bins

October 14, 2010 at 10:51 am

Clever idea! To promote its new Polo, which is apparently made of 95 percent recyclable materials, Volkswagen created these “Car Recycling Bins.”

Amplify’d from www.good.is
Volkswagen Car Recycling Bin

See more at www.good.is
 
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/dlp0GO

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Qatar Airways pilot dies in flight; Co-pilot takes over the controls and lands safely

October 13, 2010 at 11:29 am

Must be one heck of a scary experience for the flyers when the copilot came on the mic and the announcement.

Amplify’d from english.aljazeera.net

The captain of a Qatar Airways plane has died while flying the aircraft from the Philippines to the Qatari capital, Doha.

The assistant pilot took control of the plane and the flight was then diverted to Kuala Lumpur where it landed at around 11.30am local time, Qatar Airways said on Wednesday.

Read more at english.aljazeera.net
 
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/cliWN0

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Human in the Loop? or NOT? – Slate Magazine Says Google’s Self-Driving Car Makes Sense

October 12, 2010 at 6:52 pm

Slate’s Farhad Manjoo says Google’s approach to dealing with distracted driving is a sensible one. We all know texting while driving is dangerous. The solution: self-driving cars.

Amplify’d from www.slate.com

On Sunday, the New York Times reported that Google is building a car that can drive itself. The search company’s small fleet of self-driving cars—guided by roof-mounted sensors and a battalion of cloud-connected servers—has driven more than 140,000 miles with minimal human intervention. The cars can obey traffic signs, merge on to the freeway, and avoid pedestrians and bicyclists. I was stunned by the news; two years ago, I interviewed several auto-safety engineers about the potential for self-driving cars, and they all told me that the technology was decades away. Google told the Times that its cars are still an experiment, and the company hasn’t decided to turn the tech into a commercial product. The tech still has kinks—Google’s cars don’t know how to obey traffic cops’ hand signals, for instance. Still, self-driving automobiles appear to be on the way to revolutionizing modern transportation. Google’s technology could make cars safer, more efficient, and a lot more pleasant.

Indeed, it’s fascinating to think about how automated driving will change how we spend our time in the car. Americans squander nearly an hour each workday commuting. That’s exactly why legislating concentration seems like a futile approach. Working from the road has become a hallmark of the American economy—we’re all being pressed to be more productive, and the many hours each week we’re trapped in our cars seem like the perfect time to get something done. Many industries (like freight companies and plumbing outfits) require workers to be tied in to the central office using onboard computers, and even office workers feel the push to stay connected while on the road. What’s more, research suggests that while both teenagers and adults (PDF) know the dangers of texting while driving, we’re all overconfident about our own abilities to multitask on the road—you think it’s dangerous for me to look at my phone while I’m driving, but you’re pretty sure you can handle it. (And texting laws are so spottily enforced that you’re pretty sure that you can get away with it, too.)

Read more at www.slate.com
 
See this Amp at http://bit.ly/be3vgH

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Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – October 12, 2010

October 12, 2010 at 5:13 pm

Tuesday, October 12, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

U.S. DOT to Host Conference to Discuss Major Vehicle Safety Research Results

There is still time to register for the Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety Systems (IVBSS) public meeting that will be held in the metropolitan Detroit area on October 20, 2010. Members of the industry and U.S. DOT project team will discuss test results from the one-year field operational test (FOT) in which 10 heavy trucks and 16 passenger vehicles accumulated 900,000 miles of driving data. The meeting will also include a discussion of the FOT data system and how it might be accessed for future research. The Heavy Truck FOT Key Findings report is now available.

Click here for registration and additional information. Online registration deadline is October 15.

AVIATION

1) Aviation Weather: Agencies Need to Improve Performance Measurement and Fully Address Key Challenges

Link to report from the US Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-10-843

CAMERAS

2) Election Day: Cities to Get Say on Ticket Cameras

Link to article in Land Line:

http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2010/Oct10/101110/101110-04.htm

OTHER

3) French Web Site Makes Euro-carpooling a Snap

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/10/covoiturage-carpooling-website/

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) US Transportation Secretary Appeals to Automakers to Discourage Distracted Driving

Link to article in The Detroit News:

http://www.detnews.com/article/20101012/AUTO01/10120424/1361/LaHood-appeals-to-automakers-to-discourage-distracted-driving

5) Statewide System to Track Causes of Car Wrecks in Alabama

Link to article in The Birmingham News:

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2010/10/statewide_system_to_track_caus.html

VEHICLES

6) Pandora Chases US Drive-Time Listeners for Ad Revenue Beyond Smart Phones

Link to Bloomberg article:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-12/pandora-chases-drive-time-radio-after-capturing-mobile-market.html

7) 2011 CES Increases Focus on Electric Cars, In-Car Technology

Link to article on Marketnews:

http://www.marketnews.ca/LatestNewsHeadlines/2011CESIncreasesFocusonElectricCars,In-CarTechnology.html

News Releases

1) Intelligent Transportation Developers and Managers to Gather Near Jacksonville to Share Innovative Ideas

2) TrafficLand Provides Live Traffic Video for EnRoute Public Safety Software

3) Travel Web Site Gurus ASAP Ventures Acquires WorldParking.co.uk

4) TomTom Introduces Roadside Assistance

5) Atlanta Area Transportation Consulting Firm Street Smarts Joins Stantec

6) Zhenjiang Government, Nokia Siemens Networks to Create High-Tech City

7) FAA Falls Short of Addressing Need for Cockpit, Data Recorders on All Helicopters, Says Raleigh, North Carolina Aviation Attorney

Upcoming Events

2010 Polis Conference – November 25-26 – Dresden

http://www.polis-online.org/index.php?id=487

Today in Transportation History

1860 **150th anniversary** Elmer Sperry, an inventor and entrepreneur involved with numerous transportation-related projects, was born in Cincinnatus, New York.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/theymadeamerica/whomade/sperry_hi.html

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

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

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