Monday, April 26, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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One Week Away from the ITS America Annual Meeting & Expo in Houston!

There’s still time to register for ITS America’s 20th Annual Meeting and Exposition, May 3 -5! The final program is now available, and includes more than 50 sessions filled with industry experts tackling the hottest transportation issues today. The conference will also feature a 150,000 square-foot exhibit hall featuring the best of ITS technology and products, and high-tech demos, including an 18-wheeler roll-over demonstrating the latest in incident response.

After the Closing Plenary, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will convene a U.S. DOT Surface Transportation Reauthorization Outreach Meeting to solicit the views of key stakeholders on ways to improve the delivery of surface transportation programs.  The meeting is scheduled from 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5. See you in Houston!

AVIATION

1) FAA Wants No Pilot Distractions

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-04-25-pilots_N.htm

Link to news release from the Federal Aviation Administration:

http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=11338

2) Displays on Jets’ Windshields Boost Safety, Study Finds

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703441404575206573356759514.html

3) Atlantic City Airport Named Test Site for New System that Speeds Important Updates to Pilots

Link to article in The Press of Atlantic City:

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/atlantic/article_c9c72a98-50a2-11df-85c7-001cc4c03286.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) MapQuest Introduces Free GPS App for Apple iPhone

Link to article in The Christian Science Monitor:

http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/Horizons/2010/0426/MapQuest-introduces-free-GPS-app-for-Apple-iPhone

RAILROADS

5) Satellite Navigation, Mobile Phone Network Can Enhance Trains’ Safety

Link to ANI article:

http://news.oneindia.in/2010/04/24/satellitenavigation-mobile-phone-network-can-enhancetra.html

6) Illinois Accident’s Lesson: Don’t Trust Railway Signals

Link to column in the Chicago Tribune:

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-04-25/classified/ct-met-getting-around-0426-20100425_1_amtrak-train-tracks-crossing

ROADWAYS

7) Virginia Considers Banning Cell Phones in Work Zones

Link to article in Roads & Bridges:

http://www.roadsbridges.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=sni&nid=20522

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) 23 EU Countries to Join eCall Initiative, Malta Still Absent

Link to article in The Malta Independent:

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=105110

9) 3-D Technology Helps Emergency Responders Observe Origins of 911 Calls

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/756599?elq=54d933d6ee8c449981070c1dc1d117da

10) In Chicago Cabs, More Cameras Will be Along for Ride

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-cab-cameras-20100422,0,1240545.story

SPACE

11) Inside NASA’s World-Class Supercomputer Center

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-20003333-52.html

TELEMATICS

12) Telematics Enable Smarter Driver and Auto Dealer Services

Link to article on SPEC:

http://smart-products.tmcnet.com/topics/smart-products/articles/83010-telematics-enable-smarter-driver-auto-dealer-services.htm

TRANSIT

13) ORCA Card Frustrates Some Puget Sound Transit Riders

Link to article on seattlepi:

http://www.seattlepi.com/transportation/418645_GettingThere26.html

14) Caltrain Joins Translink Regional Transit Ticketing System

Link to story and audio report on KCBS Radio:

http://www.kcbs.com/bayareanews/Caltrain-Joins-Translink-System/6886196

15) Cool Transit Apps Come Down the Pike as New York MTA Loosens Restrictions

Link to article in amNew York

http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/cool-transit-apps-come-down-the-pike-as-mta-loosens-restrictions-1.1880694

16) Metra Derails Wi-Fi for Now

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-04-25/news/ct-met-metra-wifi-20100425_1_commuter-rail-long-island-rail-road-metra-and-amtrak

17) A Dashboard for DC’s Metro

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://techinsider.nextgov.com/2010/04/a_dashboard_for_metro.php

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

18) Smarter Highways – Information the Key to Keep Washington State Moving

Link to article and video in the Issaquah Reporter:

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/iss/news/92098184.html

19) Jakarta Traffic Police Getting Hip to Twitter, Facebook in Bid to Improve Services

Link to article in the Jakarta Globe:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/traffic-police-getting-hip-to-twitter-facebook-in-bid-to-improve-services/371444

20) Canadian Oil Firm Uses Digital Signage to Give Ultra-Local Info to Heavy Vehicle Drivers

Link to article on Screens.tv:

http://www.screens.tv/article/111018/Oil_firm_uses_DOOH_to_give_ultra-local_info_to_drivers.html

VEHICLES

21) New Technology Lets Drivers Steer Car with Their Eyes

Link to AP article:

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/international/europe/view/20100424hands_off_that_steering_wheel

News Releases

1) FAA Controllers in Philadelphia Transition to Next Generation Air Transportation System Technology

2) Air Transport Association Launches Newly Redesigned Web Site

3) FCC Chairman Announces Launch of Spectrum Task Force

4) State Highway Safety Agencies Supporting Oprah’s ‘No Phone Zone’ Day

5) Deadline Extended – IRF Third LARC Call for Papers

Upcoming Events

ITS Canada Annual Conference 2010 – June 13-16 – Ottawa

http://www.itscanada.ca/ottawa2010/confEN.htm

Today in Transportation History

1860 **150^th anniversary** The steamboat Alfred T. Lacey, once piloted by Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), was destroyed in a fire.

http://www.twainquotes.com/Steamboats/LicensedPilot.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at 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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Friday, April 23, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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TIC3 From GEWI – It’s A Whole New Ballgame!

TIC3 from GEWI is the latest generation of the globally popular traffic data processing software. TIC3 is a whole new approach to collecting, storing, creating, monitoring, viewing and distributing traffic (and other) data.  TIC3’s revolutionary new architecture allows for quick and easy configuration for any data type and data format.  With new technologies being created for generating traffic data including Bluetooth, GPS, camera-generated speed data, RFID and more, it’s critical that your system can accept these new data types.  TIC is a highly configurable commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software platform proven in over 125 commercial and government projects operating worldwide.  COTS means TIC can be deployed more quickly and affordably than build-your-own solutions.   Visit GEWI in Houston in booth #333 ITS America, online at www.gewi.com, or to discuss your requirements, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com.

AVIATION

1) EU Ministers to Meet on May 4 to Draw Lessons from Eyjafjallajökull Ash Crisis

Link to DPA article:

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/320202,eu-ministers-to-meet-on-may-4-to-draw-lessons.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

2) Ohio Turnpike Adjusts Scanners so Correct Toll Ticket Issued for Vehicles with Bicycles or Luggage on Roof

Link to article in The Plain Dealer:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/04/ohio_turnpike_adjusts_scanners.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) Google Dashes Hopes of Free iPhone Turn-by-Turn GPS

Link to article in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9175953/Google_dashes_hopes_of_free_iPhone_turn_by_turn_GPS

RAILROADS

4) UK Train Tests Reveal Mobile Broadband Speeds

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8637241.stm

5) Library Saves the Railroads

When a fiber-optic cable was cut to a remote Colorado town, a local library provided a backup.

Link to column in the Highlands Ranch Herald:

http://coloradocommunitynewspapers.com/articles/2010/04/23/highlands_ranch_herald/opinion/29_hr_column_larue.txt

ROADWAYS

6) Virginia DOT to Open 800-Line to Report Road Hazards

Link to story on WTOP Radio:

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1941167

TELEMATICS

7) Two Paths to Similar Ends for In-Car Data Systems

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/automobiles/25STAR.html

VEHICLES

8) The Information Superhighway, On the Highway

Ford is trying to create an Internet that drivers can use.

Link to article in Forbes:

http://www.forbes.com/2010/04/22/cars-internet-twitter-technology-breakthroughs-ford.html

News Releases

1) IntelliStick Announces Enhancements to Its Engine Oil Condition Monitoring System

2) Western Kentucky Enhances Regional Transportation with ITS Technology

3) Research and Markets: Spending On Hardware, Software, and Services for 3D Visualization, Simulation, and Training in the Defense and Government Segment Will Reach $16.5 Billion In 2010

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Integrating Performance Measures into Traffic Incident Management Programs – April 27

http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webconfid=20061

Friday Bonus

I guess Ken should have taken the keys.

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/19/man-convicted-for-driving-drunk-in-barbie-car

Today in Transportation History

1965 **45^th anniversary** The Gemini 4 capsule was mechanically mated to the Titan rocket.

http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/history/gemini/gemini-iv/gemini-iv.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at 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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Thursday, April 22, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Register Now for IBTTA’s Upcoming Summit: The Future of Tolling – Going Mainstream Through ORT and Interoperability, May 23-25, 2010 in Boston, MA

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association in Boston for the fourth Summit in a series of workshops focused on the hot topics of ORT and Interoperability.  This Summit will bring together transportation experts who will focus on lessons learned, case studies, business Rules and future decision-making about all-electronic toll collection, interoperability, violation enforcement, and implications for vehicle miles traveled charging.  Breakout sessions are divided into four main categories – On the Road and in the Car; Technology and Backroom Issues; Road Pricing and Financial Issues and In the Public and Policy Forum.  IBTTA is exploring opportunities to involve university students and faculty from the Boston area in research connected with the main topics of this Summit.  Click here for registration, hotel and travel information and to view the preliminary agenda. www.ibtta.org

AVIATION

1) Problems Plague New US Air Traffic Control Computers

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jUzZBZ4iGVmNZdu6BygXGzliy2OgD9F7O8V81

2) Airlines, in Flight Again, See Lesson in Crisis

Industry officials see response to ash cloud as haphazard and urge speed in creating “single sky.”

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704133804575197363596504510.html

3) Review: Many Sick Airline Passengers Aren’t Reported

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-04-21-sick-passengers_N.htm

4) FCC Claims Three Radio Stations Caused Interference with Lubbock Airport Landing System

Link to story on KJTV-TV:

http://www.myfoxlubbock.com/news/local/story/ILS-FCC/Tcj-wxe1zUWgrlz84RcYOQ.cspx

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) Southwest Airlines Counts on GPS to Save Time, Money

Link to story and video on WFAA-TV:

http://www.wfaa.com/news/business/GPS-serves-up-precision-to-shave-off-time-for-Southwest-flights-91757794.html

OTHER

6) World’s First ITS-Specific Test Track Takes Shape

Link to article from ERTICO:

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

7) Los Angeles Metro Transportation Library Launches ‘Primary Resources’ Blog

Link to blog:

http://metrotransportationlibrary.blogspot.com/2010/04/as-many-of-you-know-metro-library.html

RAILROADS

8) Feds Say CN Underreported Blocked Illinois Rail Crossings

Link to article in the Southtown Star:

http://www.southtownstar.com/news/2187480,042210blockedcrossings.article

ROADWAYS

9) After Haiti, Chile Earthquakes, British Columbia Bridges Monitored for Seismic Events

An online system being developed with Chile to measure ground motion.

Link to article in the Daily Commercial News and Construction Record:

http://dcnonl.com/article/id38512

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Do Databases Cross a Line in Border Checks?

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/surveillance/2010-04-21-canadawatch_N.htm

VEHICLES

11) Virginia Stamps Out License to Hate: DMV Recalls Plate with Coded Racist Message

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/21/AR2010042105132.html

News Releases

1) Metro Traffic Announces New Enhancements to Traffic Data Collection with Integration of TIC3 from GEWI

2) Tolling Industry Mourns Loss of Ed DeLozier, IBTTA Board Member, Officer and Leader

3) NCR Brings Digital Entertainment to Airport Travelers with First Major Kiosk Deployment

4) New Pennsylvania DOT Web Site Offers Ways to ‘Green’ Your Commute

5) Federal Highway Administration Proposes Revision of Rules to Make Roadway Markings Brighter

6) Amtrak Scores Big with Television Commercial Targeting Hispanic Audiences

7) Frost & Sullivan Recognizes TomTom for its Outstanding Achievements in the Automotive Navigation Market

Solicitation

–  Call for Abstracts – Poster Section – Naturalistic Driving Research Symposium – Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

http://www.cpe.vt.edu/ndmas/ndmas-call-abstracts.pdf

Upcoming Events

FISITA World Automotive Congress – May 30-June 4 – Budapest

http://www.fisita2010.com/

Today in Transportation History

1930 **80^th anniversary** The United Kingdom, Italy, France, Japan and the United States signed the London Naval Treaty to reduce and limit naval armaments.

http://www.microworks.net/pacific/road_to_war/london_treaty.htm

1970 **40^th anniversary** The first Earth Day was observed.

http://celebrating200years.noaa.gov/events/earthday/nelson_newsletter650.jpg

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at 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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Wednesday, April 21, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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TIC3 From GEWI – It’s A Whole New Ballgame!

TIC3 from GEWI is the latest generation of the globally popular traffic data processing software. TIC3 is a whole new approach to collecting, storing, creating, monitoring, viewing and distributing traffic (and other) data. TIC3’s revolutionary new architecture allows for quick and easy configuration for any data type and data format.  With new technologies being created for generating traffic data including Bluetooth, GPS, camera-generated speed data, RFID and more, it’s critical that your system can accept these new data types.  TIC is a highly configurable commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software platform proven in over 125 commercial and government projects operating worldwide.  COTS means TIC can be deployed more quickly and affordably than build-your-own solutions.   See TIC3 in GEWI’s booth #333 at ITS America in Houston May 3-5^th, or to discuss your requirements, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com

AVIATION

1) Would Better Integrated Air Traffic Management Have Improved the Ash Cloud Response?

Link to article in Computer Weekly:

http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2010/04/21/240982/Would-better-integrated-IT-have-improved-the-ash-cloud.htm

2) Next Generation Air Transportation System: Challenges with Partner Agency and FAA Coordination Continue, and Efforts to Integrate Near-, Mid-, and Long-Term Activities are Ongoing

Link to testimony from the Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10649t.pdf

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) Google Maps Navigation Comes to UK and Ireland

Link to article on What Mobile:

http://www.whatmobile.net/News/Services/468835/google_maps_navigation_comes_to_uk_ireland.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) Cutting-Edge Traffic Safety Research in Israel

Link to article in the Jewish Journal:

http://www.jewishjournal.com/israel/article/cutting-edge_traffic_safety_research_in_israel_20100420/

5) Innovation Takes Flight on TSA Blog

Link to story and audio report on WFED Radio:

http://www.federalnewsradio.com/?sid=1938195&nid=15

SPACE

6) Europe Keeping Increasingly Capable Eye on Orbital Debris

Link to article on Space News:

http://www.spacenews.com/civil/100421-europe-eye-orbital-debris.html

TELEMATICS

7) Telematics 2.0: Ford’s American Journey

Link to column on M2M:

http://m2m.tmcnet.com/topics/m2mevolution/articles/82599-telematics-20-fords-american-journey.htm

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) ‘Saher’ Traffic System Launched in Saudi Arabia

Traffic management system can monitor and track vehicles using license plate recognition technology.

Link to article in Arab News:

http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article45412.ece

News Releases

1) TomTom’s Latest Traffic Study Reveals Most Polluting Roads in the United States

2) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Announces New Online Hazardous Materials Special Permit Application Process

3) ITS America’s Smart Solutions Spotlight: Avego’s Shared Transport Matches Drivers with Potential Riders Through iPhone

Upcoming Events

TransAction Conference – April 28-30 – Atlantic City, New Jersey

http://www.njtransactionconf.com/

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** The Holland-America freight steamer Sommelsdyk was destroyed by a fire in Rotterdam.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9D03E4DF1530E233A25751C2A9629C946196D6CF

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at 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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Tuesday, April 20, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Register Now for IBTTA’s Upcoming Summit: The Future of Tolling – Going Mainstream

Through ORT and Interoperability, May 23-25, 2010 in Boston, MA

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association in Boston for the fourth Summit in a series of workshops focused on the hot topics of ORT and Interoperability. This Summit will bring together transportation experts who will focus on lessons learned, case studies, business rules and future decision-making about all-electronic toll collection, interoperability, violation enforcement, and implications for vehicle miles traveled charging. Breakout sessions are divided into four main categories – On the Road and in the Car; Technology and Backroom Issues; Road Pricing and Financial Issues and In the Public and Policy Forum. IBTTA is exploring opportunities to involve university students and faculty from the Boston area in research connected with the main topics of this Summit. Click here for registration, hotel and travel information and to view the preliminary agenda.www.IBTTA.org

AVIATION

1) PUFF, Just Like that US Air Force Predicts Volcanic Cloud Path

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100419_1592.php

CAMERAS

2) UK Speed Camera Can Track Cars for Miles

Link to article in The Sun:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2939119/Satellite-speed-camera-can-track-cars-for-miles.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

3) Troubling New Toll System in Japan

Link to editorial in The Japan Times:

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ed20100421a1.html

MARITIME

4) Tracking of Ships Near Great Barrier Reef to be Extended

Link to article in the Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/7609104/Tracking-of-ships-near-Great-Barrier-Reef-to-be-extended.html

OTHER

5) Louisiana House Directs State Not to Share Driver’s License Info for National ID Card

Link to article in The Times-Picayune:

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/04/use_of_drivers_license_informa.html

RAILROADS

6) CN Warning System Failed in Fatal Illinois Crossing Collision

Link to article in the Daily Herald:

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=374494&src=3

ROADWAYS

7) Next Up: A Smarter Streetlight

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/16/next-up-a-smarter-streetlight/

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Biometrics Make Headway with Distance Identification

Link to UPI article:

http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2010/04/19/Biometrics-make-headway-with-distance-identification/UPI-60901271706525/

9) California to Track 911 Calls Statewide Through Centralized System

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/754469

TRANSIT

10) Red X’s Mark Atlanta Start to Transit Cut Protests

Link to AP article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/20/AR2010042002116.html

11) Virginia’s Hampton Roads Transit to Receive Online Performance Tracking Tool

Link to article in the Daily Press:

http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-local_hrt-dashboard_0420apr20,0,5506323.story

12) Los Angeles Metro: Promoting Mass Transit

Agency is marketing its services as if it were a private company.

Link to article and video on Vimeo:

http://vimeo.com/7984623

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Garmin Takes Real-Time Traffic to Germany

Link to article in the Kansas City Business Journal:

http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2010/04/19/daily12.html

News Releases

1) Sync AppLink to Launch on 2011 Fiesta, Making Ford First to Deliver Voice Control of Smartphone Apps

2) Twin Cities’ Metro Transit Unveils New Web Site

3) FAA Accepts FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure Outage Review Panel Recommendations

4) Hitachi Automotive and Airbiquity Partner to Provide Global Connected Services for Electric Vehicles

5) China TransInfo Announces Official Launch of Information and Control System for the World Expo in Shanghai

Upcoming Events

IntelliDrive for Transit 101 Workshop – May 4 – Houston

http://www.itsa.org/itsa/files/pdf/Flyer.pdf

Today in Transportation History

1980 **30^th anniversary** The Mariel boatlift was launched from Cuba to Florida.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0409/21421.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at 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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, April 19, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood to Host Surface Transportation Reauthorization Meeting during ITS America Annual Meeting & Expo in Houston

ITS America has a last-minute addition to the Annual Meeting program that you won’t want to miss! Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will convene a U.S. DOT Surface Transportation Reauthorization Outreach Meeting to solicit the views of key stakeholders on ways to improve the delivery of surface transportation programs.  The meeting is scheduled from 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5, immediately following ITS America’s Closing Plenary featuring keynote presentations by Secretary LaHood and Sam Palmisano, Chairman and CEO of IBM.

Another great reason to attend ITS America’s 20th Annual Meeting and Exposition, May 3-5 in Houston!

AVIATION

1) NORAD General Warns That Wind Turbines Pose National Security Threat, but He’s Breezy on Details

Link to article in the Colorado Springs Independent:

http://www.csindy.com/colorado/dang-that-wind/Content?oid=1679562

2) Air Traffic Ban Boosts Video Conferencing – Cisco

Link to Reuters article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE63I15Y20100419

3) Volcano-Stranded Travelers Turn to Social Media

Link to blog on GigaOM:

http://gigaom.com/2010/04/17/volcano-stranded-travellers-turn-to-social-media/

BICYCLES

4) B-cycle Bike-Sharing Program Makes Denver a Roll Model

Link to article in The Denver Post:

http://www.denverpost.com/lifestyles/ci_14839372

CAMERAS

5) Tennessee Lawmakers Reach Compromise on Legislation to Place Restrictions on Traffic Cameras

Link to AP article:

http://www.whnt.com/news/sns-ap-tn-xgr–trafficcameras,0,5473019.story

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Cell Phone Satnav Use Surging in Europe

Link to Reuters article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63F1AH20100416

7) Disney World Bus Accidents: GPS Units on Buses is Distracting, Critics Say

‘Magic in Motion’ allows vehicles to be tracked and re-routed in real-time.

Link to article in the Orlando Sentinel:

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-04-16/business/os-disney-world-bus-accidents-20100416_1_bus-driver-fort-wilderness-campground

8) GPS a Go-Go for Hoboken Community Shuttle Bus

Link to article on Planetizen:

http://www.planetizen.com/node/43852

MARITIME

9) New Marine Atlantic Commercial Vehicle Ferry Reservation System has Issues

Link to article in Today’s Trucking News:

http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=23781

OTHER

10) April Edition of Traffic Technology International Online

Link to magazine:

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/e5728f6e#/e5728f6e/1

ROADWAYS

11) Massachusetts Highway Division Chief has Thousands of Lane Miles on Her Mind Each Day

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/04/18/highway_division_chief_has_thousands_of_lane_miles_on_her_mind_each_day/

TRANSIT

12) As Cellular Service Expands in Subways, Thefts Rise

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/17/us/17cellphones.html

13) New York City and Philadelphia Transit Goes Real-Time

Link to blog in InformationWeek:

http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2010/04/nyc_and_philade.html

14) Toronto Transit May Opt for ‘Open’ Electronic Fare Payment System

Link to article on IT Business:

http://www.itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/home/News.asp?id=57224

15) Smooth Sailing so Far for MyZone Tickets in Sydney

New system allows passage on a range of transport with one ticket.

Link to Australian Broadcasting Corporation story:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/19/2876660.htm

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) CVIS Report on the Cooperative Mobility Showcase 2010

Link to article from ERTICO:

http://www.ertico.com/en/news/ertico_newsroom/cvis_report_on_the_cooperative_mobiliy_showcase_2010.htm

17) New Jersey Traffic Info Improving, but Not Enough

Link to editorial in the Asbury Park Press:

http://www.app.com/article/20100418/OPINION01/4180328/Traffic-info-improving–but-not-enough

VEHICLES

18) VW Car Driven by iPhone Control

Link to video on MarketWatch:

http://us.rd.yahoo.com/finance/external/video/cbsm/SIG=131o5o4q7/*http%3A//www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/yho/%7B600700BD%2D4119%2D4FF7%2D9CF9%2D28A85AE3A6AA%7D

19) Rush to Cash in on Transit Trucks Tracking Devices in Kenya

Move is designed to curb illegal trade.

Link to article in Business Daily:

http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Rush%20to%20cash%20in%20on%20transit%20trucks%20tracking%20devices/-/539444/902488/-/r9r4oaz/-/

20) Key Fobs to Keep You Connected to Your Car

Link to article in M2M:

http://www.m2mmag.com/news/articles/article.aspx?ID=8339

21) euroFOT – Italian Test Site News

Link to article from ERTICO:

http://www.ertico.com/en/news/ertico_newsroom/eurofot_-_italian_test_site_news.htm

News Releases

1) State DOTs Begin Campaign to Halt Work Zone Deaths

2) New Web Site Makes It Easier than Ever to Explore North Carolina’s Scenic Byways

3) Iridium and Quake Global Partner to Enhance New Generation of Intelligent Satellite Transceivers

4) So this is Hollywood: Video as a Tool for Environmental Change

5) NTSB to Hold a Public Forum on Professionalism in Aviation

6) Saab to Continue to Offer OnStar Hardware and Services to Customers

7) Getmapping Launch ‘WMS’ Web Mapping Service

Upcoming Events

Challenge Bibendum – Convention on Sustainable Mobility – May 30-June 3 – Rio de Janeiro

http://www.challengebibendum.com

Today in Transportation History

1995 **15^th anniversary** A truck bomb exploded outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people.

http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at 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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Friday, April 16, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood to Host Surface Transportation Reauthorization Meeting during ITS America Annual Meeting & Expo in Houston

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has decided to convene a U.S. DOT Surface Transportation Reauthorization Outreach Meeting to solicit the views of key stakeholders on ways to improve the delivery of surface transportation programs.  The meeting is scheduled from 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5, immediately following ITS America’s Closing Plenary featuring keynote presentations by Secretary LaHood and Sam Palmisano, Chairman and CEO of IBM.  It is part of a series of sessions across the country designed to bring together Federal, state and local officials, as well as transportation providers, users, and other stakeholders, to discuss the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization. Another great reason to come to Houston for ITS America’s 20th Annual Meeting and Exposition!

AVIATION

1) FAA, IBM Set Sights on Real-Time Network Security

Link to article in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2010/04/19/update1-ibm-faa-real-time-security.aspx

RAILROADS

2) Local Officials Say They’re in the Dark on Dangerous Freight Rail Traffic

Link to article from The Center for Public Integrity:

http://www.publicintegrity.org/data_mine/entry/2037/

3) Latest Issue of Signal Newsletter of the European Rail Traffic Management System

Link to newsletter:

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/rail/interoperability/ertms/doc/017_signal_2010_04_en.pdf

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) Traffic Safety Data: State Data System Quality Varies and Limited Resources and Coordination Can Inhibit Further Progress

Link to report from the US Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10454.pdf

TRANSIT

5) Toronto Mayor Uses Subway PA to Fight for Transit City

Link to article in the Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/795683–miller-uses-subway-pa-to-fight-for-transit-city

6) Miami-Dade Transit to Remove ‘Offensive’ Islamic Bus Ads

Link to article in The Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/16/1581903/miami-dade-transit-says-it-will.html

VEHICLES

7) Ford to Unveil Navigation Device Aimed at Conserving Fuel

Link to article and video in The Wall Street Journal:

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/04/15/ford-to-unveil-navigation-device-aimed-at-conserving-fuel/

News Releases

1) IBM Helps City of Stockholm Predict Better Commuting Options

2) Norfolk Southern Goes Social: The Thoroughbred is on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr

3) April 20 Abstract Submission Deadline for Transportation and Development Institute Congress on Integrated Transportation and Development

4) Travelers Marketing is Recognized as the Boston Region’s 11^th Fastest Growing Company

Upcoming Events

ITS Massachusetts Annual Meeting – April 29 – Boston

http://www.itsmassachusetts.org/downloads/2010PrelimaryProgram.pdf

Friday Bonus

Mysterious street signs

http://www.comcast.net/video/mysterious-street-signs/1466225130/Comcast/1464368180/

Today in Transportation History

1935 **75^th anniversary** The first Pan American Airways flight from the continental US to Hawaii left Alameda, California.

http://www.hawaii-post.com/2005-17APR.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at 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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Thursday, April 15, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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IC3 From GEWI – It’s A Whole New Ballgame!

TIC3 from GEWI is the latest generation of the globally popular traffic data processing software. TIC3 is a whole new approach to collecting, storing, creating, monitoring, viewing and distributing traffic (and other) data. TIC3’s revolutionary new architecture allows for quick and easy configuration for any data type and data format. With new technologies being created for generating traffic data including RFID, GPS, camera-generated speed data, Bluetooth and more, it’s critical that your system can accept these new data types.  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.   See TIC3 in GEWI’s booth #333 at ITS America in Houston May 3-5th, or to discuss your requirements, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com.

CAMERAS

1) $500 for Running a Red Light? Blame the Camera

Link to story and audio report on NPR’s All Things Considered:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125990368

RAILROADS

2) CSX Hikes Crash Avoidance Costs to $1.2 Billion

Link to article in The Journal of Commerce:

http://www.joc.com/rail-intermodal/csx-hikes-crash-avoidance-costs-12-billion

3) UK Rail Passengers to Get TV Service

Link to article in the Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/road-and-rail-transport/7588377/Rail-passengers-to-get-TV-service.html

ROADWAYS

4) F3 Traffic Fiasco Report ‘Will be Made Public’

Link to Australian Broadcasting Corp. story:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/15/2873333.htm

5) Adaptive Traffic Control Systems: Domestic and Foreign State of Practice

Link to document from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/Adaptive_Traffic_Control_Systems_Domestic_and_Fore_163323.aspx

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Wireless in the Wilderness Brings Risks, Rewards

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2010-04-14-wireless-state-national-parks_N.htm

TRANSIT

7) The Route to Smart Transit

Explore Web sites, mobile applications, open data, and APIs for public transportation.

Link to article from IBM:

http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/library/j-transit/

News Releases

1) 2010 TRB Environment and Energy Research Conference Early Registration Deadline Extended Until April 30

2) Toshiba’s New 200GB 2.5-inch HDD for Automotive Applications has Industry Largest Storage Capacity

Upcoming Events

SISTER Project Final Workshop – May 26-27 – Brussels

http://www.sister-project.org/en/news/sister_project_final_workshop.htm

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** Japanese ‘Submarine No. 6’ sank in Hiroshima Bay with the loss of all aboard.

http://tinyurl.com/y5z3ccs

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at 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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Come see the best of ITS at the ITS America Annual Meeting & Expo, May 3-5 in Houston!

• New speakers just added! Polly Trottenberg, Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy at U.S. DOT, Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee join an impressive group at the podium.
• Browse nearly 150 booths led by ITS industry experts in the 150,000 square-foot exhibit hall.
• Catch a high-tech demo between sessions. We’ll have an 18-wheel truck rollover response – complete with police helicopter, fire and rescue and live video, and a Bus Rapid Transit demo featuring a “lane assist” guidance system.

AVIATION

1) Device Spurs Questions in Polish Crash

Plane was equipped with a Terrain Awareness and Warning System.

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-04-13-fog-plane-crash-poland_N.htm

2) Lights, Cameras, Airports

A behind the scenes look at the filming of Up in the Air.

Link to article in Airport Improvement:

http://www.airportimprovement.com/content/story.php?article=00160

3) Articles in Future Airport

–  Eye Spy – An increasing number of airports are adopting biometric security techniques.

http://viewer.zmags.co.uk/publication/8c5cc239#/8c5cc239/30

–  A Critical Approach – A look at the new centralized IT and telecommunications infrastructure at Athens Airport

http://viewer.zmags.co.uk/publication/8c5cc239#/8c5cc239/23

–  Future ATC – A supplement on how the latest ATC technologies make for a more efficient industry

http://viewer.zmags.co.uk/publication/8c5cc239#/8c5cc239/35

OTHER

4) April Issue of Florida DOT’s SunGuide Disseminator Online

Link to newsletter:

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/trafficoperations/Newsletters/2010/2010-004-Apr.pdf

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

5) Florida Stimulus Spending: DVDs, Buses and More

Portion of federal dollars used for video promoting state’s ‘scenic highways.’

Link to commentary and video on WOKV Radio:

http://wokv.com/blogs/reporters_notebook/2010/04/florida-stimulus-spending-dvds.html

RAILROADS

6) Amtrak Uses AAAE’s Passenger Advisory System to Communicate Security and Border-Crossing Information to Passengers

Link to article on AviationNews:

http://www.aviationnews.net/?do=headline&news_ID=178288

ROADWAYS

7) New Washington State Freeway Signs Will Razzle, Dazzle, and Save You Time

Link to story and video on KOMO-TV:

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/90795879.html

8) UK Motoring Group Calls for Road Signs to Have Bigger Lettering for Older Drivers

Link to article in the Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/7586105/Motoring-group-calls-for-road-signs-to-have-bigger-lettering-for-older-drivers.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) US Senators Look to Amsterdam for Airport Explosives-Detection Technology

Link to article in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2010/04/14/web-auto-detection-tech-airport-screening.aspx

TRANSIT

10) Los Angeles Metro Talks Transit Safety with Students from the Braille Institute

Link to article and video in The Source:

http://thesource.metro.net/2010/04/13/metro-talks-transit-safety-with-students-from-the-braille-institute/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) Escape the Jam

Real-time traffic information may soon help South African drivers.

Link to article on TechCentral:

http://www.techcentral.co.za/escape-the-jam/13877/

VEHICLES

12) Surfing the Web in the Car

Link to article in Forbes:

http://www.forbes.com/2010/04/13/web-browsing-wifi-technology-security-10-autos.html

13) BlackBerrys and iPhones Want to Cozy Up to Cars

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/14/iphones-and-blackberries-want-to-cozy-up-to-cars

14) Chip Maker Touts Automotive Safety Record

Link to article from Automotive News:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20002260-48.html

News Releases

1) American Airlines Enhances Online Flight Check-In, Adds Option for International Travelers

Upcoming Events

International Conference on Safety and Mobility of Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians, Motorcyclists, and Bicyclists – May 30-June 2 – Jerusalem

http://vulnerableroadusers.d-u.co.il/

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** The Sperry Gyroscope Company was incorporated.  It eventually became part of today’s Unisys.

http://invention.smithsonian.org/resources/MIND_Repository_Details.aspx?rep_id=1370

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at 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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Tuesday, April 13, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Register Now for IBTTA’s Upcoming Summit: The Future of Tolling – Going Mainstream Through ORT and Interoperability, May 23-25, 2010 in Boston, MA

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association in Boston for the fourth Summit in a series of workshops focused on the hot topics of ORT and Interoperability. This Summit will bring together transportation experts who will focus on lessons learned, case studies, business rules and future decision-making about all-electronic toll collection, interoperability, violation enforcement, and implications for vehicle miles traveled charging. Breakout sessions are divided into four main categories – On the Road and in the Car; Technology and Backroom Issues; Road Pricing and Financial Issues and In the Public and Policy Forum. IBTTA is exploring opportunities to involve university students and faculty from the Boston area in research connected with the main topics of this Summit. Click here for registration, hotel and travel information and to view the preliminary agenda.www.IBTTA.org

AVIATION

1) International Pilots’ Group Wary of Israel’s Anti-hijacking System

Link to article in Haaretz:

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1161370.html

CAMERAS

2) Bill to Ban Traffic Cameras in Louisiana Scuttled; but Hope Not Gone, Says Rep

Link to story and video on WWL-TV:

http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/Bill-to-ban-traffic-cameras-scuttled-but-hope-not-gone-says-rep-90651019.html

OTHER

3) New Jersey Police Recordings Highlight Gaps in Victim Identifications, Family Notifications Rules

Link to column and audio in The Star-Ledger:

http://blog.nj.com/njv_bob_braun/2010/04/nj_police_recordings_highlight.html

4) Latest Edition of Transport Business International Online

Link to magazine:

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?referral=mypagesuite&pnum=&refresh=n19LRi0513pF&EID=921f4033-733d-4e36-b0cd-4d5262a2ad38

PEDESTRIANS

5) Deciphering the Movement of Pedestrians in a Crowd

Link to article on ScienceDaily:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100413072044.htm

Link to article in PLoS ONE:

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0010047

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

6) Utah DOT Wants Public Informed About Construction Projects in Works

Link to article in the Deseret News:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700024069/UDOT-wants-public-informed-about-Utah-construction-projects-in-works.html

RAILROADS

7) Amtrak Launches Podcast for Sunset Limited

Link to AP article:

http://www.wdam.com/Global/story.asp?S=12299968

ROADWAYS

8) Highway Sign in Wisconsin Warns of Dangerous Intersection

Sign is one of only two in the US.

Link to story on KUWS Radio:

http://www.businessnorth.com/kuws.asp?RID=3374

9) U-turn Ends German Row Over Traffic Signs

Link to DPA article:

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/318487,u-turn-ends-german-row-over-traffic-signs.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Pulitzers for Distracted Driving

Link to blog in The New York Times:

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/13/pulitzers-for-distracted-driving/?nl=automobiles&emc=wheelsema2

11) Getting the Word Out Through Notifications, Alerts and Warnings

Link to article in Emergency Management:

http://www.emergencymgmt.com/safety/Notifications-Alerts-Warnings.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) A Better Traffic Information System in Massachusetts – for Free

Link to article in the Telegram & Gazette:

http://www.telegram.com/article/20100413/NEWS/4130352/1002/BUSINESS

VEHICLES

13) Better In-Car Integration Coming to the iPhone with OS 4.0?

Link to blog in The Car Connection:

http://www.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1044206_better-in-car-integration-coming-to-the-iphone-with-os-4-0

14) Lane Departure Warning Systems for the Rest of Us

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/13/lane-departure-warning-systems-for-the-rest-of-us/

News Releases

1) FAA Expands Air Education Program

2) Kentucky.gov Launches iPhone and iPad Apps for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

3) MTA New York City Transit Expands Subway Countdown Clocks to Numbered Lines in Brooklyn

4) McCarran Airport Taps Social Media Sites to Reach Growing Number of Tech-Savvy Customers

5) Rhode Island DOT Web Site and Social Media Channel Information to Public During 2010 Flood

6) ACS to Provide Intelligent Transportation System for the Memphis Area Transit Authority

Upcoming Events

International Road Federation World Road Meeting 2010 – May 25-28 – Lisbon

http://www.irfnews.org/news-events/event-detail/irf-world-road-meeting-2010/

Today in Transportation History

1860 **150^th anniversary** The first westbound Pony Express delivery arrived in Sacramento, California.

http://www.americanwest.com/trails/pages/ponyexp1.htm

1970 **40^th anniversary** An oxygen tank aboard Apollo 13 ruptured while en route to the Moon.

http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-13/apollo-13.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at 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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net