Tuesday, November 10, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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IBTTA Summit to Explore Transformational Changes in Transportation Funding System — December 13-15, 2009 in Washington, DC
If you are responsible for funding or operating surface transportation infrastructure at the state, regional, county or municipal level, we invite you to attend IBTTA’s Transportation Policy and Finance Summit and explore the transformational changes that must take place to create a sustainable and efficient transportation funding system. CFO Roundtable on December 13, 2009: This Summit will include a special CFO roundtable for chief financial officers from toll agencies, state departments of transportation, and individuals in similar positions to share knowledge and ideas, network, and learn from one another. For registration, hotel and travel information or to view the preliminary agenda, visit www.IBTTA.org.

AVIATION

1) Google’s Gift: Free Wireless Internet in 47 Airports

Link to CNNMoney article:

http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/10/technology/Google_free_wifi_airports/

Link to notice from Google:

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/wi-fi-wonderland-in-sky-and-on-ground.html

OTHER

2) Suit Against Wisconsin DOT for Selling Data Dismissed

Link to article in the Journal Sentinel:

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/69627147.html

3) Rhode Island Governor Vetoes Bills to Limit Use of Tracking Devices

Veto message doesn’t address issue of data collected by electronic toll devices.

Link to article in The Providence Journal:

http://newsblog.projo.com/2009/11/carcieri-vetoes-bills-to-limit.html

Link to veto message:

http://www.projo.com/news/2009/pdf/veto_state_affairs.pdf

4) Wi-Fi for Travelers Becomes Web Marketing Lure

Link to AP article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/10/AR2009111009579.html

5) Transportation @ MIT Rethinks Everything

Link to article in ArchitectureBoston:

http://architectureboston.com/2009/11/09/transportation-mit-rethinks-everything/

Link to additional information on Transportation @ MIT:

http://transportation.mit.edu/

6) US DOT ITS Research Strategic Plan Update #3

Link to update:

http://www.its.dot.gov/press/2009/row_stakeholders3.htm

Link to additional information: http://www.its.dot.gov/spg/index.htm

ROADWAYS

7) Newspaper Calls for More Warnings on Bay Bridge S-Curve Following Fatal Crash

Link to editorial in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/10/EDSB1AHHIF.DTL

TELEMATICS

8) Polish Association of Transport Telematics Holds Telematics Conference

Link to article from ERTICO-ITS Europe:

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

Link to PSTT: http://www.pstt.eu/

9) With Road Trains, Highways Become Public Transportation

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/11/with-road-trains-highways-become-public-transportation/

TRANSIT

10) Serious Safety Fears as Number of New York City Bus Drivers Caught Texting While Driving Rises by 60% this Year

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/11/09/2009-11-09_bus_drivers_caught_texting_while_driving.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) Clever Commute a Clever Idea for Easing Traffic Pains

Link to article on OhMyGov:

http://ohmygov.com/blogs/general_news/archive/2009/11/10/clever-commute-a-clever-idea-for-easing-traffic-pains.aspx

Link to Clever Commute: http://www.clevercommute.com/

VEHICLES

12) The Pikes Peak Audi TTS in Action

Link to article and video in The New York Times:

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/10/video-of-the-pikes-peak-audi-tts-in-action

13) Connecting Cars to Avoid Speeding Tickets

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/10/connecting-cars-to-avoid-speeding-tickets

Link to further information on Coyote: http://www.coyotesystems.co.uk/

News Releases

1) Clear Channel Radio’s Total Traffic Network Launches First RDS-TMC Service in Mexico City

2) Ford Work Solutions and Sync Connectivity Systems Honored with CES Innovation Awards

Upcoming Events

Gulf Traffic – December 6-8 – Dubai

http://www.gulftraffic.com/

Today in Transportation History

1944 **65^th anniversary** – The USS Mount Hood exploded in Seeadler Harbor.  All aboard the ship, as well as others on nearby ships, were killed.

http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ships/logs/AE/ae11-Loss.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Monday, November 9, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Whether you are looking to provide Interoperability between legacy systems, launch or upgrade a 511 Service, generate Traffic Flows & Predictive models, Traffic Alerts, Traffic Plans & Simulations, report on Work Zones & Road Conditions, run an automated Radio Traffic Advisory system, or produce Navigation Quality Data, TIC3 from GEWI is the solution.  And, TIC3, can be configured for Transit applications and Cameras.  TIC is a highly configurable commercial off the shelf (COTS) software platform proven in over 100 commercial and government projects operating worldwide.  COTS means TIC can be deployed more quickly and affordably than build-your-own solutions.   Learn more about TIC3 this week at ITS Texas in Galveston and later this month at ITS Australia.  GEWI will also be at Gulf Traffic in Dubai. To schedule a meeting at any of these conferences to discuss your requirements, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com

With TIC3, the only limitation…is your imagination.

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

1) End of E-tolling Guarantees More Sydney Congestions

Link to article on iTWire:

http://www.itwire.com/content/view/29189/53/

OTHER

2) California Department of Transportation Offers Apology to San Diego Minutemen

Link to story on KGTV-TV:

http://www.10news.com/news/21536039/detail.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

3) Michigan Bill Pushes ‘Green’ Lessons for New Drivers

Link to article in The Detroit News:

http://www.detnews.com/article/20091109/METRO05/911090319/1409/METRO/Bill-pushes–green–lessons-for-new-drivers

ROADWAYS

4) Visitors to Indianapolis to Get Better Signs for Super Bowl

Link to article in The Indianapolis Star:

http://www.indystar.com/article/20091109/BUSINESS/91109020/1003/Super+Bowl+signs+to+highlight+Meridian+St

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) NASA Scientists Demonstrate Cell Phones as Mobile Chemical Sensors

Link to article on the Homeland Security Newswire:

http://homelandsecuritynewswire.com/day-americans-serving-mobile-chemicals-sensors

TELEMATICS

6) Spy-in-the-Cab Could Improve Teenage Driving

Link to article in New Scientist:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20427335.100-spyinthecab-could-improve-teenage-driving.html

TRANSIT

7) iPhone App has Public Transit Down ‘To-A-T’

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2009/11/09/iphone_app_has_public_transit_down_to_a_t/

8) No Mobile TV on Korean Trains, Subways?

Link to article in The Korea Times:

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2009/11/123_55108.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

9) ‘Smart’ Network of Roads Could Create Safer Louisiana Highways

Link to article in The Times-Picayune:

http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/post_59.html

10) Amscreen Links Up with TomTom for Traffic News

Updates will be provided on digital screens in convenience stores in UK.

Link to article in Media Week:

http://www.mediaweek.co.uk/News/MostEmailed/965044/Amscreen-links-TomTom-traffic-news/

11) Latest Issue of Florida DOT’s ITS Newsletter, SunGuide Disseminator

Link to newsletter:

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/trafficoperations/Newsletters/2009/2009-011-Nov.pdf

News Releases

1) New York City Subway Maps in Your Pocket with Google Maps for Mobile

2) FCC to Convene Staff Workshop Addressing Distracted Driving on November 20, 2009

Job Postings

–  Public and Community Relations Specialist – Charlotte Area Transit System – Charlotte, North Carolina

http://www.transittalent.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=10601

–  Public Relations Officer – Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority – Washington, DC

http://www.transittalent.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=10498

Upcoming Events

Parking Industry Exhibition – March 7-10 – Rosemont, Illinois

http://www.parkingtoday.com/pie/

Today in Transportation History

1979 **30^th anniversary** – A mistake by a NORAD technician leads to a false alarm about a Soviet missile attack.

http://archives.cbc.ca/war_conflict/defence/clips/10483/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Friday, November 6, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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GEWI’s TIC Platform:  Now Transit and Camera Compatible

TIC3, the latest generation of GEWI’s Transportation software platform can now be configured for Transit applications and features new Camera capabilities.   Learn more about TIC3 at upcoming ITS Conferences including ITS Texas, ITS Australia and Gulf Traffic in Dubai.  TIC is a highly configurable commercial off the shelf software platform proven in over 100 commercial and government projects operating worldwide.  COTS means TIC can be deployed more quickly and affordably than build-your-own solutions.   With TIC, the only limitation…is your imagination.  To discuss your project requirements, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com

OTHER

1) New Taxi Drivers in Australia Must Pass English Test

Link to Australian Broadcasting Corp. story:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/06/2735475.htm

Link to news release from the Australian Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,

Regional Development and Local Government:

http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2009/november/aa477_2009.htm

RAILROADS

2) California Rail Board Picks PR Firm After Rebidding

Link to article in The Sacramento Bee:

http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/2309391.html

ROADWAYS

3) California Fog Pilot Program Will Warn Drivers

Link to article in The Fresno Bee:

http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1700740.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) US Builds Largest Biometric Database

Link to article in Aviation Week:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/SCAN110509.xml&headline=U.S.%20Builds%20Largest%20Biometric%20Database&channel=defense

TELEMATICS

5) Telematics Platform Implements Firmware Applications from Service Providers

Link to article in EE Times Europe:

http://eetimes.eu/germany/221600575

TRANSIT

6) New York City Bus, Subway Info May Soon be on 311

Link to article in amNew York:

http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/bus-subway-info-may-soon-be-on-311-1.1569660

7) Bus Rapid Transit Helps Reduce Accident Rate in Pune, India

Link to Press Trust of India article:

http://www.ptinews.com/news/364253_BRT-helps-reduce-accident-rate-in-Pune

8) Walk Score Adds Public Transit Information to Its Data Mix

Link to column in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ontheblock/detail?&entry_id=50972

Link to Walk Score http://www.walkscore.com/

9) Transcript from Massachusetts DOT Developers Webcast Available

Link to article on The Transit Wire:

http://www.thetransitwire.com/2009/11/06/transcript-from-massdot-developers-webcast-available/

Link to presentation:

http://www.slideshare.net/massdotdev/massdot-developers-oreilly-media-webcast-presentation

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Control Restored to Montgomery County, Maryland Traffic Signals

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/05/AR2009110502344.html

11) Viajeo Demo Cities Kick Off

Project will implement an open platform to collect and process traffic data and provide traffic information.

Link to article from ERTICO-ITS Europe:

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

VEHICLES

12) Cars are Approaching ‘Auto’ Pilot Mode

Link to story on MSNBC:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33591971/ns/technology_and_science-innovation/

News Releases

1) ITIS Launch Trafficscience with PROGOROD in Russia

2) Announcing the New and Improved FHWA Freight Web Site

Upcoming Events

Center for Transportation Studies 13^th Annual Freight and Logistics Symposium – December 4 – Minneapolis

http://www.cts.umn.edu/Events/FLOGSymposium/index.html

Friday Bonus

I wonder if Yogi and Boo-Boo were part of this survey.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2009-10-27-yosemite-bears-minivans_N.htm

Today in Transportation History

1959 **50^th anniversary** The 41 Drive-In in Chattanooga, Tennessee closed to make way for an interchange on I-75.

http://cinematreasures.org/theater/25482/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.com

To unsubscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Thursday, November 5, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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IBTTA Summit to Explore Transformational Changes in Transportation Funding System — December 13-15, 2009 in Washington, DC
If you are responsible for funding or operating surface transportation infrastructure at the state, regional, county or municipal level, we invite you to attend IBTTA’s Transportation Policy and Finance Summit and explore the transformational changes that must take place to create a sustainable and efficient transportation funding system. CFO Roundtable on December 13, 2009: This Summit will include a special CFO roundtable for chief financial officers from toll agencies, state departments of transportation, and individuals in similar positions to share knowledge and ideas, network, and learn from one another. For registration, hotel and travel information or to view the preliminary agenda, visit www.IBTTA.org.

AVIATION

1) Administrator Says FAA Working to Adjust NextGen

Link to article in Aviation Week:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=comm&id=news/BABB110409.xml&headline=Babbitt%20Says%20FAA%20Working%20To%20Adjust%20NextGen

2) FAA Rules LAX Runway Incursion Not Serious; New Lights Considered

Link to article in the Daily Breeze:

http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_13714671

3) EBay Gets Onboard with Delta for Free Wi-Fi Holiday Promotion

Link to article in Advertising Age:

http://adage.com/article?article_id=140315

CAMERAS

4) Shudder Speed

Rise of the stealthy traffic camera fuels drivers’ disgust.

Link to article and video in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/04/AR2009110404747.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

5) Ohio Turnpike’s E-ZPass is Working Smoothly, but Drivers are Confused About What to Do with the Transponder

Link to article in The Plain Dealer:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/11/e-zpass_is_working_smoothly_bu.html

MARITIME

6) Old Bridge Bumper Technology Means Future Oil Spills Likely

San Francisco Bay pilots getting new technology to improve navigation; pleas for brighter-colored bumpers ignored.

Link to article in The Examiner:

http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Old-bridge-bumper-technology-means-future-oil-spills-likely-69245927.html

RAILROADS

7) Will Blue Lights Reduce Suicides in Japan?

Link to article in BusinessWeek:

http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/blog/eyeonasia/archives/2009/11/will_blue_light.html

ROADWAYS

8) Campaigners Take Steps to Make Lebanese Roads Safer at Night

Link to article in The Daily Star:

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=1&article_id=108361

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Texting While Driving: The New Drunk Driving

Link to article in The Christian Science Monitor:

http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/1105/p25s07-usgn.html

TRANSIT

10) DC Metro Power Unit Failure Cripples Communications

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/04/AR2009110404385.html

Link to news release from WMATA:

http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4132

11) Canadian Television Program to Originate from Toronto Streetcar

Link to article in Mediacaster:

http://www.mediacastermagazine.com/issues/ISArticle.asp?aid=1000346640

12) Should Home Prices Come with Warnings About Transit Costs, Too?

Link to article in the Contra Costa Times:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/growth/ci_13713631

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Smart Tech to Aid Traffic Flow to 2010 Shanghai World Expo

Link to article in the Shanghai Daily:

http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2009/200911/20091106/article_418650.htm

14) Missouri DOT Uses Simulators to Improve Local Traffic Flow

Link to article in the Hannibal Courier-Post:

http://www.hannibal.net/news_local/x896790834/MoDOT-uses-simulators-to-improve-local-traffic-flow

VEHICLES

15) US Criticizes Toyota for ‘Misleading’ Public in Recall

Link to article in The Detroit News:

http://www.detnews.com/article/20091105/AUTO01/911050362/1148/auto01/U.S.-criticizes-Toyota-for–misleading–public-in-recall

Link to news release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

http://tinyurl.com/yeka4ob

Link to news release from Toyota:

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota-s-response-to-nhtsa-news-release.aspx

News Releases

1) San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Implements DriveCam Across Entire Fleet

2) Local Innovative, Lifesaving Roadway Safety Programs Nationally Honored

Upcoming Events

ITS California Annual Meeting – November 16-17 – Anaheim, California

http://www.itscalifornia.org/

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100^th anniversary** – The only military aircraft of the United States was damaged upon landing at College Park Airport in Maryland.

http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/aviation/col.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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GEWI’s TIC Platform:  Now Transit and Camera Compatible

TIC3, the latest generation of GEWI’s Transportation software platform can now be configured for Transit applications and features new Camera capabilities.   Learn more about TIC3 at upcoming ITS Conferences including ITS Texas, ITS Australia and Gulf Traffic in Dubai.  TIC is a highly configurable commercial off the shelf software platform proven in over 100 commercial and government projects operating worldwide.  COTS means TIC can be deployed more quickly and affordably than build-your-own solutions.   With TIC, the only limitation…is your imagination.  To discuss your project requirements, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com

AVIATION

1) Pentagon Plans to Increase Surveillance Capabilities of Unmanned Aircraft

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-drone-eyes2-2009nov02,0,3816238.story

PARKING

2) Time Change Stumps Milwaukee’s Electronic Parking Meters

Link to article in the Journal Sentinel:

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/69075092.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

3) South Korea Taxi Drivers Can Watch TV, Court Rules

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8339680.stm

TRANSIT

4) Systems Failure Causes Problems for DC Metrorail, Bus Commuters

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/04/AR2009110401104.html

5) LED Signs May Brighten Ad Revenue for Buses

Link to article in Truck & Bus Engineering:

http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7123

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

6) Montgomery County, Maryland’s Traffic Computer System Fails

Link to article and video in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/04/AR2009110402413.html

VEHICLES

7) Garmin Communications with Your Car via ESP

Link to CNET News blog:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-31066_7-10390928-267.html?tag=newsBlogPromoArea.2

News Releases

1) US Department of Transportation and Federal Communications Commission Join Forces to Combat Distracted Driving

2) Big Traffic Launches Interstate 15 Corridor Consumer Monitoring Web Site

3) New Ontario Electronic Highway Signs Easier for Drivers to Read

Upcoming Events

VTM 2009 – November 19-20 – Paris

http://www.groupeactis.com/spip.php?rubrique48

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100^th anniversary** – Evelyn Johnson, who holds the record for most flight hours by a woman, was born in Corbin, Kentucky.

http://nationalaviation.blade6.donet.com/components/content_manager_v02/view_nahf/htdocs/menu_ps.asp?NodeID=-1656073709&group_ID=1134656385&Parent_ID=-1

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Register for IBTTA’s Toll Road Summit of the Americas — November 15-17, 2009 in São Paulo, Brazil

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association at the Toll Road Summit of the Americas and examine an array of methods to design, finance, operate and maintain user financed surface transportation facilities. The second day of this meeting will be held in conjunction with TranspoQuip 2009, Latin America’s biggest event for the transportation infrastructure industries in Latin America. Featured speakers include Cesar Queiroz, Consultant, Roads and Transport Infrastructure, World Bank, and Roberto Lucas, Jr., Author and Urban Planning Consultant. Meeting hosted by ABCR and CCR. For registration, hotel, travel and visa information, or to view the preliminary agenda, visit www.IBTTA.org.

AVIATION

1) Lawmakers Seek Ban on Laptops in Airliner Cockpits

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hA0WkLUZXW8iR6FIjNXOF4XHbuLQD9BNUDM00

2) NextGen Panel Warns of Obstacles

Link to article in Aviation Week:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=busav&id=news/COMMIT110209.xml

3) New Technology Could Revolutionize the Black Box

Link to article in The Globe and Mail:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/new-technology-could-revolutionize-the-black-box/article1349161/

4) Scared of Flying? Press the Fear iButton

Link to Reuters article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE5A21RR20091103

BICYCLING

5) Austin, Texas Installs ‘Sharrows’ as Part of Cycling, Driving Experiment

Link to story and video on KVUE-TV:

http://www.kvue.com/news/local/110209sharrows_10-68802522.html

CAMERAS

6) Red-Light Camera Cash Could Balance Budget, Louisiana Parish Considers

Link to article in The Times-Picayune:

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/11/jefferson_parish_officials_eye.html

CARTOGRAPHY

7) Mystery of Argleton, the ‘Google’ Town that Only Exists Online

Link to article in The Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/6474746/Mystery-of-Argleton-the-Google-town-that-only-exists-online.html

MARITIME

8) US Navy to Increase Broadband Speed Tenfold

Link to article in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/11/03/navy-installs-broadband-technology.aspx

OTHER

9) Highlights from the Second International Field Operational Testing Workshop at the ITS World Congress

Link to article and presentations from ERTICO-ITS Europe:

http://www.ertico.com/en/news/ertico_newsroom/fotnews200910.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Indianapolis has First Ambulance-Based Wireless Medical Records System

Link to article in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/10/21/indianapolis-ambulances-accessing-wireless-ehr-system.aspx

11) When Texting Kills, Britain Offers Path to Prison

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/technology/02texting.html?_r=2&th&emc=th

12) How Can We Promote Greater Awareness of Transportation Safety?

Link to comments on the National Journal’s Transportation Experts Blog:

http://transportation.nationaljournal.com/2009/11/how-can-we-promote-greater-awa.php

13) Safety Maintenance and Surface Weather

Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/Safety_Maintenance_and_Surface_Weather_162492.aspx

TRANSIT

14) T-Mobile Joins Cellular Carriers Providing Service in CTA Red, Blue Line Tunnels

Link to column in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/chi-talk-cta-t-mobile-dealnov03,0,7941765.column

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) Get Traffic Updates in Chennai Through FM Radios

Traffic police send SMS updates through thirteen FM stations.

Link to article on SiliconIndia:

http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/Get_traffic_updates_in_Chennai_through_FM_radios_-nid-62506.html

News Releases

1) Clear Channel Radio’s Total Traffic Network Adds Direct-to-Vehicle Deals with Mazda, Cydle

2) Frost & Sullivan: Telematics for Electric Vehicles – The Key to Reducing Range Anxiety and Enhancing the Overall EV Ownership Experience

3) Constellation Software Inc. Completes Acquisition of Public Transit Solutions Segment from Continental AG

4) PrePass Expansion Continues: Michigan Becomes 29th State

Upcoming Events

TRB Webinar: Maintenance Practices for Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity – November 17

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/TRB_Webinar_Maintenance_Practices_for_Traffic_Sign_162425.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100^th anniversary** – Henry Farman sent an flight endurance record of four hours, 17 minutes and 53 seconds.

http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Dictionary/Farman/DI82.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Monday, November 2, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Wi-Fi Creates Challenges as Well as Opportunities for Airlines

Link to article in Travel Weekly:

http://www.travelweekly.com/article3_ektid205642.aspx

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) GPS Satellite Beset by Permanent Signal Problem

Link to article on Spaceflight Now:

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n0911/02gps/

3) NASA Space Map Uses Quasars to Guide GPS Satnavs

Link to article in The Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/6485790/Nasa-space-map-uses-quasars-to-guide-GPS-satnavs.html

OTHER

4) States Scramble to Track Federal Stimulus Bucks

Link to article in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/344627/Follow_the_money_States_scramble_to_track_federal_stimulus_bucks

5) Maryland is Tops at Tracking Stimulus Spending

Link to article in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/344670/Maryland_Leader_of_the_Pack

6) Track Those Stimulus Tax Dollars in an ‘Augmented Reality’

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

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114359604

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Many in the US Want Texting at the Wheel to be Illegal

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/technology/02textingside.html

8) US Army Show More than One Way to Look Under a Car

Link to article on CNET News:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13639_3-10388439-42.html

9) US Department of Homeland Security Expands IdeaFactory

Link to article in Government Executive:

http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?filepath=/dailyfed/1109/110209ww.htm

TRANSIT

10) San Antonio Hopes Wi-Fi Lures Riders to Buses

Link to article in the San Antonio Express-News:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/VIA_testing_free_Internet_on_some_buses.html

11) Boston MBTA Unveils Ads Warning About Pervs

Link to article in the Boston Herald:

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20091102mbta_unveils_ads_warning_about_pervs

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Kansas DOT Warning Systems Put to Use

Link to article in The Hays Daily News:

http://www.hdnews.net/printstory/wintry110209

13) Massachusetts Transportation Agency Merger Faces a Few Snarls

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/02/new_transit_merger_faces_a_few_snarls/

14) Massachusetts Offers One-Stop Shopping for Traffic Webcams

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/10/state_offers_on.html

Link to webcams: http://www.mass.gov/511/cameras

15) Spanish and Basque Departments of Transportation Agree to Share Traffic Information

Link to EITB article:

http://www.eitb.com/news/politic/detail/281353/bc-agrees-to-share-information-with-central-dept-of-traffic/

16) New Traveler Information Services Association Specifications

Link to article from ERTICO-ITS Europe:

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

News Releases

1) Garmin’s Touchscreen aera Series Takes Pilots from Runway to Roadway

2) TrafficLand Launches Live Traffic Video in Chicago and Boston; Announces New Jersey and Colorado Coming Soon

3) FCC to Hold Broadband Field Hearing on Improving Public Safety Communications and Emergency Response

4) Inrix Traffic Powers ALK’s CoPilot Live Smartphone Navigation in North America

Upcoming Events

Webinar: TIMTC (Trucking Industry Mobility and Technology Coalition) – November 16

http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=18682

Today in Transportation History

1959 **50^th anniversary** – The first section of the M1 motorway, the first inter-urban motorway in the UK, opened.

http://www.iht.org/motorway/m1m10m45.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Friday, October 30, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Cockpit Distractions Go Beyond Laptops

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-10-30-pilot-distractions_N.htm

CAMERAS

2) Camera Upgrade on Washington State’s Snoqualmie Pass a Boon for Nighttime Weather Monitoring

Link to article in The Ritzville Adams County Journal:

http://tinyurl.com/yj8wosk

Link to cameras: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/snoqualmie/default.aspx

OTHER

3) IT Should be Included in Copenhagen Agreement, Says UN Agency

Technology, including ITS, should be seen as key to reducing emissions in any successor to the Kyoto Protocol.

Link to article in Computing:

http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2252305/should-included-copenhagen

Link to news release from the International Telecommunication Union:

http://www.itu.int/newsroom/press_releases/2009/NP09.html

4) Illinois Tollway Board Meetings to be Available via Webcasts

Link to article on Chicago Breaking News:

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/10/tollway-board-meetings-to-be-available-via-webcasts.html

5) IEEE ITS Society Newsletter – October Issue

Link to newsletter:

http://www.ieeeitss.org/v11n4.pdf

RAILROADS

6) Amtrak Plans Wi-Fi Internet Access on Acela Trains

Link to Bloomberg article:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=abyvg7fhE66k

ROADWAYS

7) Live Twitter Feed of Bay Bridge Discussion

Link to article and feed in The Record:

http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091030/A_NEWS/910309998#STS=g1fgoe42.1up7

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) Wyoming DOT Command Center Works Around the Clock

Link to story and video on KGWN-TV:

http://www.kgwn.tv/story.aspx?ID=3124&Cat=2

9) Live Traffic Updates Benefit Cayman Motorists

Link to article on Cayman Net News:

http://www.caymannetnews.com/news-19078–1-1—.html

VEHICLES

10) Chrysler Offers Live TV Service

Link to AP article:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2009-10-29-chrysler-live-tv-in-cars_N.htm

Upcoming Events

Network of Excellence for Advanced Road Traffic Management in the Information Society (NEARCTIS) Workshop – November 13 – London

http://www.nearctis.org/index.php?id=151&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=27&tx_ttnews[backPid]=3&cHash=76a99aeab4

Friday Bonus

It’s almost Halloween…here are a few streets you might not want to trick-or-treat on.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2009-10-29-streets-of-fear_N.htm

Today in Transportation History

1929 **80^th anniversary** – The Standseilbahn, a funicular railway in Stuttgart, Germany, opened.

http://www.stuttgart-tourist.de/DEU/freizeit/standseilbahn.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Thursday, October 29, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Register for IBTTA’s Toll Road Summit of the Americas — November 15-17, 2009 in São Paulo, Brazil

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association at the Toll Road Summit of the Americas and examine an array of methods to design, finance, operate and maintain user financed surface transportation facilities. The second day of this meeting will be held in conjunction with TranspoQuip 2009, Latin America’s biggest event for the transportation infrastructure industries in Latin America. Featured speakers include Cesar Queiroz, Consultant, Roads and Transport Infrastructure, World Bank, and Roberto Lucas, Jr., Author and Urban Planning Consultant. Meeting hosted by ABCR and CCR. For registration, hotel, travel and visa information, or to view the preliminary agenda, visit www.IBTTA.org.

AVIATION

1) US Transportation Secretary Promises Scrutiny of ‘Distracted Flying’

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/28/AR2009102803824.html

2) FAA Reacted Slowly to Errant Jet

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125677288976914581.html

3) Aviation Expert: Flight Automation Leads to Boredom

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

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114262744

4) Panel: $11 Million Air Safety Study Not Worth Much

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gCiRedzPiEzMIsP7x3Ma0zfTEdKAD9BK75B80

Link to news release from the National Research Council:

http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=12795

5) European Area Control Centers Get Communication Network

Link to article in Flight International:

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/10/29/334132/european-area-control-centres-get-communication-network.html

6) Canadian Reporters Grounded by US DOT Travel Restrictions

Link to article in the Ottawa Citizen:

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Reporters+grounded+travel+restrictions/2153255/story.html

CAMERAS

7) ‘Intelligent’ Speed Cameras in UK

Link to article on Autocar:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/244374/

8) Virginia DOT Completes Installation of Traffic Cameras in Central Virginia

Link to story on WVIR-TV:

http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=11408788

GPS / NAVIGATION

9) Winking Robot Nav Head Knows Where You’re Going

Link to CNET News blog and video:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10386183-48.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

10) Education Key for Bus-Stop Safety

Link to article in the News Herald:

http://www.newsherald.com/news/parent-78639-bus-safety.html

Link to School Bus Stop Safety: http://www.schoolbusstopsafety.net/

ROADWAYS

11) Pennsylvania DOT: ‘Go Yankees’ Sign Inappropriate for Interstate

Link to story and video on WNEP-TV:

http://www.wnep.com/wnep-luz-yankees-sign-interstate-81-penndot,0,6977134.story

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) Penalties, Perks in Texting-While-Driving Bills

Link to article in PC Magazine:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2354921,00.asp

TELEMATICS

13) GM’s OnStar Live in China in December

Link to article on just-auto:

http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?id=101833

14) Students Help Ford Bring the Cloud to Cars

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/10/ford-michigan/

15) In-Car Wi-Fi Puts ‘Infobahn’ on the Autobahn

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/10/in-car-internet/

TRANSIT

16) SEPTA Guide Prepares Commuters for Possible Strike

Link to article in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20091028_SEPTA_guide_prepares_commuters_for_possible_strike.html

Link to news release from SEPTA:

http://www.septa.com/news/press_releases/20091028_plan.html

17) Re-Stalinization of Moscow Subway Sparks Debate

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gTpm5znGibnm2u7dOkN1DrK-rhBQD9BJKR3O1

18) More on DART: Sometimes an Explanation Isn’t Enough

Transit agency needs to better acknowledge service problems.

Link to blog in The Dallas Morning News:

http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/10/more-on-dart-and-the-texas-ou.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

19) Traffic Management: New Internet Coming to Your Local Roads

Link to article on ZDNet:

http://government.zdnet.com/?p=5920

20) Electronic Signboards in Kuala Lumpur Not Serving Their Purpose

Link to article in The Star:

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/10/29/central/4994573&sec=central

21) Smart Signs Being Wasted in Queensland

Link to commentary in The Gympie Times:

http://www.gympietimes.com.au/story/2009/10/30/still-waiting-safety-message-hold/

22) ASEAN Meeting Focuses on ‘Harmonious’ Transport Links

Need to use technology to improve mobility.

Link to article in The Brunei Times:

http://www.bt.com.bn/en/news-national/2009/10/29/asean-meet-focus-harmonious-transport-links

VEHICLES

23) Institute Researchers Develop New Way to Test Tires

Link to article in the Boston Herald:

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/automotive/view/20091029institute_researchers_develop_new_way_to_test_tires/srvc=home&position=recent

News Releases

1) Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore Receives Inaugural CAPA Air Navigation Services Provider of the Year Award

2) NASA App Now Available from App Store

3) Berg Insight Says Over 3.5 Million Cars in Europe Have a Telematics Device

4) American Airlines and Lexus Team Up to Offer Free Wi-Fi in the Sky

5) IBM Global Trucking Study: Fuel Efficiency, High-Tech Features More Important than Brand Name

6) Navigation Market Leader Telmap Brings Navigation to iPhone with Navteq

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Talking Operations Performance Journalism: Improving Your Ability to Build Operations Program – November 10

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=586

Today in Transportation History

1969 **40^th anniversary** – The first computer-to-computer message was sent over ARPANET, the precursor to the Internet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:First-arpanet-imp-log.jpg

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.com

To unsubscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Incident Highlights Outdated Air-Traffic Control System

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-10-27-outdated-air-traffic-system_N.htm

2) Extensive Failures Found in Maryland Medevac Crash

NTSB faults air-traffic controllers and Maryland State Police efforts to track and search for chopper.

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/27/AR2009102702111.html

Link to news release from the National Transportation Safety Board:

http://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2009/091027.html

3) Next Generation Air Transportation System: FAA Faces Challenges in Responding to Task Force Recommendations

Link to testimony from the Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10188t.pdf

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Bill to Expand Geospatial Imagery Passes US House

Link to article in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/10/28/web-geospatial-mapping-bill.aspx

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) Google Maps Navigation Takes a Mobile Turn

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-30684_3-10384544-265.html

MARITIME

6) Traffic Control Faulted in Ship Crash

Link to article in The Japan Times:

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20091029a1.html

7) Malacca, Singapore Straits Can Handle Rise in Vessel Traffic

Link to article in The Business Times:

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/shippingtimes/story/0,4574,356796,00.html

OTHER

8) Australian Communications and Media Authority Prepares for Intelligent Transport Systems

Link to article on iTWire:

http://www.itwire.com/content/view/28885/127/

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Maryland Company Develops ‘Whisper’ Technology for TSA

Radios can send pre-programmed text messages to discreetly share information.

Link to article in The Capital:

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/bus/2009/10/27-37/Small-county-contractor-helps-TSA-whisper.html

10) Stop Texting-Drivers – Or Lose Highway Funds

Link to debate in BusinessWeek:

http://www.businessweek.com/debateroom/archives/2009/09/stop_texting-dr.html

TRANSIT

11) Take Notes, MTA: NY Waterways to Give Real-Time Bus Arrival Info on Web Site

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/10/27/2009-10-27_take_notes_mta_ny_waterways_buses_to_give_realtime_bus_arrival_info_on_web_site.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Traffic Reports to be Boosted on Ho Chi Minh City Radio Station

Link to Viet Nam News Agency article:

http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=05SOC281009

News Releases

1) Navteq Traffic Patterns Saves Drivers Up to 22 Hours per Year in North America

2) Navteq Traffic Patterns Saves Drivers Up to 42 Hours per Year in Europe

3) Follow the US DOT’s ITS Joint Program Office on Twitter

4) New Technology Enables Traffic Management Improvements in Boston Neighborhood

5) The Internet of the Future to Make Europe’s Systems Smart and Efficient

6) New Travel Conditions Map Available on Wyoming DOT 511 Web Site

Upcoming Events

ITS-CT Annual Meeting – November 2 – Cromwell, Connecticut

http://www.its-ct.org/annual.htm

Today in Transportation History

1949 **60^th anniversary** – Dr. Wernher von Braun, and other German rocket scientists, were transferred to the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama.

http://www.redstone.army.mil/history/orghist/welcome.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast