Monday, April 12, 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! 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) Salt Lake Minor League Baseball Team Credits Plane Banner with Attendance Boost

Link to article in the Salt Lake Tribune:

http://www.sltrib.com/bees/ci_14861668

CAMERAS

2) Florida Math Tutor Uses Numbers to Fight Red-Light Camera Ticket

Link to story and video on WBBH-TV:

http://www.nbc-2.com/Global/story.asp?S=12265823

3) Five Louisiana Bills Target Traffic Cams

Link to article in The Advocate:

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/90587519.html

4) Beware Photo Radar Ticket Wording in Arizona

State representative says efforts to identify drivers are designed solely to generate money.

Link to Capitol Media Services article:

http://azdailysun.com/news/local/state-and-regional/article_82960f4d-fb5e-55db-838d-d3b0eaac325f.html

CARTOGRAPHY

5) Volunteers Create New Digital Maps

Link to article in the San Jose Mercury News:

http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_14856802

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

6) Are Florida Rental Car Drivers Paying Double the Road Tolls?

State investigating whether companies tell customers their vehicles have automatic toll-paying systems.

Link to article in the Sun Sentinel:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-rental-car-tolls-0409-20100412,0,511504.story

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) Navigator Technology Takes GPS to a New High

Link to article in Space Daily:

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Navigator_Technology_Takes_GPS_To_A_New_High_999.html

OTHER

8) New York City Taxi Chief Wants to Make Cabs More User Friendly

Link to article in the New York Post:

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/taxi_chief_touching_vow_to_riders_vtKadUtQ4W0jZqWVI2xEhM

9) Taking It to the Streets: Collecting Travel Time Data, Speed with Bluetooth Technology

Link to article in Texas Transportation Researcher:

http://tti.tamu.edu/publications/researcher/newsletter.htm?vol=46&issue=1&article=3&year=2010

PARKING

10) Parking-Spot Finding in New York Gets Digital Aid

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/nyregion/11critic.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

11) Kansas DOT Uses YouTube to Illustrate Road Woes

Link to AP article:

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9EUG7NG1.htm

RAILROADS

12) Soon, Tweet or Access E-Mails While Traveling in Trains in India

Link to article in The Economic Times:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/railways/Soon-tweet-or-access-e-mails-while-travelling-in-trains/articleshow/5783998.cms

ROADWAYS

13) A Historic Sense of Direction

Centuries-old milestones dot the Connecticut landscape.

Link to commentary in the Hartford Courant:

http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/hc-plc-leff-historical-mileston.artapr11,0,4264909.story

SAFETY / SECURITY

14) NHTSA to Focus on Pedestrian Safety

Officials say new technology soon will detect walkers, cyclists to prevent fatal accidents.

Link to article in The Detroit News:

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100410/AUTO01/4100312/1148/NHTSA-to-focus-on-pedestrian-safety

15) Canadian ePassports to Launch in 2012

Link to CBC News story:

http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/2010/04/07/canadian-epassports.html

16) Scanners, Sensors are Wrong Way to Secure the Subway

Link to commentary in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2010/04/07/2010-04-07_scanners_sensors_are_wrong_way_to_secure_the_subway.html

TRANSIT

17) Oyster Brand Bought for £1 Million by Transport for London

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8615584.stm

18) New Electronic Ticketing System for New South Wales

Link to AAP article:

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/new-electronic-ticketing-system-for-nsw-20100411-s0hk.html

19) San Francisco Bay Area Transit On Board with New Payment Card

Link to story and audio report on KCBS Radio:

http://www.kcbs.com/bayareanews/Bay-Area-Transit-On-Board-With-Clipper/6774144

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

20) New Jersey Turnpike Authority Remakes Web Site with Commuters in Mind

Link to article in the Asbury Park Press:

http://www.app.com/article/20100410/NEWS/4100324/Turnpike-Authority-remakes-Web-site-with-commuters-in-mind

21) Clueless in Charlotte, North Carolina? Not if You Read These Signs

Link to article in The Charlotte Observer:

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/04/11/1369699/clueless-in-the-queen-city-not.html

22) Michelin App Delivers Maps, Real-Time Traffic Info

Link to article in Tire Review:

http://www.tirereview.com/Article/72621/michelin_app_delivers_maps_realtime_traffic_info.aspx

VEHICLES

23) Audi to Climb Pikes Peak Without a Driver

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j6SDS8jMxDqLp69_FVqJXo7Aq7MAD9EVFBL01

24) The Future of In-Car Technology

Link to article in Car and Driver:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10q2/the_future_of_in-car_technology-feature

25) Look to Korea for How Connected Cars Can Save Money, Planet

Link to blog on Earth2Tech:

http://earth2tech.com/2010/04/11/look-to-korea-for-how-connected-cars-can-save-money-planet/

News Releases

1) Multitasking Pedestrians Tempt Tragedy; Operation Lifesaver/MARTA Begin Safety PSA Campaign

2) Car Rear Seat Entertainment Shipments Set to Nearly Double by 2015

3) Intelligent Transportation Systems – A Global Market Perspective

4) American Society of Civil Engineers Launches Revamped Web Site

5) Trafficmaster: Easy to Use International Rescue Now Available on the Blackberry

Upcoming Events

MIT Short Course – Modeling and Simulation of Transportation Networks – August 2-6 – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://web.mit.edu/professional/short-programs/courses/simulation_transportation.html

Today in Transportation History

1935 **75^th anniversary** The first flight of the Bristol Blenheim, a British light bomber, was made.

http://www.raf.mod.uk/history_old/blen1.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 9, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Glitches May Delay Lockheed US Air-Traffic Upgrade, FAA Says

Link to Bloomberg article:

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-04-09/glitches-may-delay-lockheed-u-s-air-traffic-upgrade-faa-says.html

2) Review: Federal Program Used to Hide Flights From Public

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-04-08-blocked-flights_N.htm

CAMERAS

3) A New Way to Avoid Misbehaving Around Enforcement Cameras

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/08/a-new-way-to-behave-around-enforcement-cameras/

OTHER

4) RIM Buys Software Company that Delivers Internet Services to Cars

Link to CP article:

http://news.therecord.com/Business/article/695995

PARKING

5) Washington, DC Kicks Off Pay-to-Park by Phone

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2010/04/dc_kicks_off_pay-to-park_by_ph.html

ROADWAYS

6) Want to Avoid Red Lights? There’s an App for That

Link to story and audio report on NPR’s Talk of the Nation:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125729969

TELEMATICS

7) Voice Controls in the Car Keep Eyes on the Road

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-04-09-ford09_ST_N.htm

Link to news release from Ford:

http://www.ford.com/about-ford/news-announcements/press-releases/press-releases-detail/pr-virginia-tech-transportation-32381

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) The Driving Public Hungers for Better Road Weather Information

Link to article in Telematics Update:

http://social.telematicsupdate.com/executive-viewpoint/driving-public-hungers-better-road-weather-information

VEHICLES

9) Clear Channel to Add News Crawl to the Car Stereo

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/09/clear-channel-to-add-news-crawl-to-the-car-stereo/

10) iPod Owners Listening in the Car

Link to article in Radio Ink:

http://www.radioink.com/Article.asp?id=1763486&spid=24698

News Releases

1) ITS United Kingdom Makes 2010 Awards for Excellence

2) US DOT, States Plan ‘Transportation for the Nation’ Geospatial Data Initiative

3) ITS Joint Program Office to host IntelliDrive Workshops

4) TrafficLand Digital Helicopter with 3D Traffic Takes TV Reporting to New Heights

Upcoming Events

Short Course on Modern Mobility: What is PRT and Why You Should Care – April 23 – Kansas City, Kansas

http://www.advancedtransit.org/pub/2010/modernmobility.pdf

Friday Bonus

The World’s 18 Strangest Roadways

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/transportation/4338387.html?page=1

Today in Transportation History

1860 **150^th anniversary** – The first known recording of a human voice was made by Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville.

http://www.firstsounds.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

Thursday, April 8, 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

OTHER

1) Along for the Ride

When a team of Seton Hall alumni joined the launch of Shadow Traffic in 1979, they helped transform the morning commute.

Link to article in Seton Hall:

http://www.shu.edu/news/article/271059

2) FEMA Drafts MOU with Fish and Wildlife Service to Safeguard Migratory Birds from Communications Towers

Link to article in Government Security News:

http://www.gsnmagazine.com/article/20458/fema_drafts_mou_fish_and_wildlife_service_safeguar

RAILROADS

3) Amtrak Bill for Public Records: $6,080

Link to article in The Day:

http://www.theday.com/article/20100408/NWS01/304089467/1044

4) Derailed Locomotive Took Virginia Emergency Dispatchers Minutes to Find

Link to story and video on WVEC-TV:

http://www.wvec.com/news/Wrecked-locomotive-took-minutes-to-find-90035662.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) More Enforcement Planned Against Distracted Driving

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303591204575170232249655828.html

Link to news release from US DOT:

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot6210.htm

6) Hurricane Evacuation, Security System Tested

Link to story and video on KRIV-TV:

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/weather/100406-hurricane-evacuation-security-systems-tested

7) TSA OKs More than Just Apple iPad for Screening

Link to article in PCWorld:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/193749/tsa_oks_more_than_just_apple_ipad.html

8) Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 Safety Data Available Monday; Rollout Delayed Until November

Link to article on Truckinginfo:

http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=69999

9) Phoning While Driving

Link to articles in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Status Report:

http://www.iihs.org/externaldata/srdata/docs/sr4502.pdf

TRANSIT

10) Feds Deny TriMet’s Request for Quieter Train Horns

Link to article in The Daily News:

http://www.tdn.com/news/state-and-regional/oregon/article_952fa38e-ffc2-5120-a064-68fa7f52d49f.html

11) Seattle Next Train Announcements as Good as They’re Going to Get

Link to blog and video on Seattle Transit Blog:

http://seattletransitblog.com/2010/04/08/next-train-announcements-good-as-theyre-going-to-get/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) South Korea and Japan Streets Ahead in Smart Transport

Link to CNN story:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/04/08/urban.smart.transport/

13) Inside Inrix – How Traffic Data is Collected, What It Means for Your Commute

Link to article in Consumer Reports:

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/04/inside-inrixhow-traffic-data-is-collected-what-it-means-to-your-commute.html

14) Going with the Traffic Flow in Alachua County, Florida

Link to article in The Gainesville Sun:

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100408/ARTICLES/4081057/1002

VEHICLES

15) Toyota Execs Debated When to Disclose Accelerator-Pedal Problem

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-toyota-email8-2010apr08,0,218531.story

16) New Industry Group Formed to Promote Use of Satellite Technology for Australian Trucks

Link to article on Transport & Logistics News:

http://tandlnews.com.au/2010/04/08/article/New-industry-voice-for-IAP-providers/SGIUEJHOAS.html

News Releases

1) London Bike Hire Scheme to Use Contactless Smart Cards from Summer Launch

2) New 511 Travel Information Service to Assist Commuters and Motorists in California’s Inland Empire

3) Could EU-Funded CVIS Study Herald the Dawn of a New Transport Era?

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Impact of the New MUTCD on Pedestrians and Bicyclists – April 15

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/529240787

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** The Los Angeles Motordome, a wooden track built for motor racing, opened in Playa de Rey, California.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=950CE6D71430E233A25750C0A9629C946196D6CF

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

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 7, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Administrator Calls Collaboration Key to FAA’s NextGen

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100406_7676.php

CAMERAS

2) Stricter Rules Proposed for Traffic Camera Usage in Tennessee

Link to article in the Chattanooga Times Free Press:

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/apr/07/stricter-rules-proposed-for-traffic-camera-usage/

OTHER

3) US DOT Posts Open Gov Plan; Concrete Steps Promise Transparency, Collaboration, Citizen Participation

Link to Fast Lane blog from the US Department of Transportation:

http://fastlane.dot.gov/2010/04/dot-posts-open-gov-plan-concrete-steps-promise-transparency-collaboration-citizen-participation.html

RAILROADS

4) Federal Railroad Administration Sets $50 Million Rail Tech Program

Link to article in The Journal of Commerce:

http://www.joc.com/rail-intermodal/fra-sets-50-million-rail-tech-program

Link to FRA news release:

http://www.fra.dot.gov/Pages/press-releases/201.shtml

ROADWAYS

5) Stop! In the Name of Bilingualism at British Columbia’s Thompson Rivers University

Link to article on Kamploops This Week:

http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_thompson_nicola/kamloopsthisweek/news/90032612.html

TELEMATICS

6) Telematics is Opportunity Knocking’ at the Construction Equipment Dealer’s Door

Link to article in Construction Equipment Distribution:

http://www.cedmag.com/article-detail.cfm?id=10925876

TRANSIT

7) San Francisco Bus Advertising Plans Targeted by City Legislation

Link to article in The Examiner:

http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Bus-advertising-plans-targeted-by-legislation-90065367.html

8) Boston T Taps Tech-Savvy to Keep Riders in Loop

Link to article and video in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/04/07/t_taps_tech_savvy_to_keep_riders_in_loop/

9) After Years, New York MTA Cracks Down on Sign Dealer

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/06/after-years-m-t-a-cracks-down-on-sign-dealer/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Artificial Brain ‘Andy’ at College of Staten Island Could Guide Traffic

Link to article in the Staten Island Advance:

http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/04/aritifical_brain_andy_at_colle.html

11) Yosemite to Post Real-Time Traffic Updates on Web

Link to blog on myMotherLode:

http://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/931193/Traffic-Counts-At-Yosemite.html

12) Beijing to Launch Special Fund to Ease Traffic

Money will be used, in part, for ITS.

Link to story on China Radio International:

http://english.cri.cn/6909/2010/04/07/1901s561610.htm

13) Now, Traffic Alerts on Signboards

Bangalore becomes the first city in India to use variable message signs on roadways.

Link to article in the Deccan Herald:

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/62690/now-traffic-alerts-signboards.html

14) Real-Time Traffic Data Comes to South Africa

Link to article in TechCentral:

http://www.techcentral.co.za/real-time-traffic-data-comes-to-sa/13770/

VEHICLES

15) Fast Forward 2020: The Real Car Tech of Tomorrow

Link to article in Car and Driver:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10q1/what_s_new_fast_forward_2020_the_real_car_tech_of_tomorrow-feature

16) Self-Driving Cars Could See Like Humans

Link to article on TechNewsDaily:

http://www.technewsdaily.com/self-driving-cars-could-see-like-humans-0402/

17) Traffic Sign Recognition Systems Recognize Speed Limits

Link to DPA article:

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/lifestyle/autos/news/article_1546310.php/Traffic-sign-recognition-systems-recognize-speed-limits

News Releases

1) Houston TranStar’s Web-Based Emergency Evacuation Map Receives ITS America Smart Solution Spotlight Award

2) TomTom Expands Availability of Live Road Condition Information with HD Flow and HD Route Times Products

3) Bay Area 511 Adds Mobile App

4) Innovative ‘Green’ Traffic Signs Help Reduce Costs, CO2 Emissions and Keep Texas Traffic Flowing

5) American Airlines ‘Eco-Friendly’ Test on Trans-Atlantic Flight to Prove Fuel, Carbon Savings Benefits of NextGen Technology

6) 3UK Launches In Car Wi-Fi

7) Singapore Launches OneMap Intelligent Map Portal

Upcoming Events

Talking Operations Webcast: Regional Traffic Signal Operations Programs – Planning/Funding – April 28

https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webconfid=20164

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** The SMS Moltke, a battlecruiser of the German Imperial Navy, was launched.

http://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/germany/battleships/moltke/sms_moltke_page_1.htm

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

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 5, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Only Four Weeks Away:  Be Sure to Register for ITS America’s 20th Annual Meeting & Expo, May 3-5, 2010, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

• FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez joins the lineup of USDOT Presidential Appointees and executives at USDOT’s May 4 Opening Plenary.  Speakers Include Administrators of NHTSA, FMCSA and RITA as well as Deputy Administrators of FTA, FRA and RITA.
• Reserve your hotel room now. Rooms are 90% sold, and conference rates expire April 9.
• Can’t attend?  Register for our technical session webinars.  Click “Attendee Registration”; enter your info; on “Profile Page,” scroll down to “Webinar” block.
• Exhibit space and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

AVIATION

1) Lapses Hinder Rescue Teams Hunting for Lost Planes

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gUsdB2D_EMpcbbDce2qm8PAUQn6wD9ES0U4G0

2) FAA Error-Reporting Program Reveals Hazards, Yields Fixes

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-04-04-faa-error-reports_N.htm

3) Raleigh-Durham Airport to Appeal Ruling Allowing Newspaper Racks

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-04-05-airportcheckin05_ST_N.htm

4) Aviation Apps for iPad

Link to article on AVweb:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/AviationAppsForIPad_202278-1.html

CARTOGRAPHY

5) Google Street View Goes 3D

Link to article on Softpedia:

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Google-Catches-the-3D-Craze-139022.shtml

OTHER

6) States Pursue English-Only Driver Testing Requirement

Link to article in Land Line:

http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2010/Mar10/032910/040210-02.htm

7) ITS are Useful Tools to Weaken Greenhouse-Gas Emissions

Link to article in Roads & Bridges:

http://www.roadsbridges.com/Gas-Fizzling-article11

8) Need a Cab? New GPS Analysis Shows Where to Find One in New York City

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/03/nyregion/03icab.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

9) Gainesville, Florida Police Track Percentage of Drivers Yielding to Pedestrians

Link to article in The Gainesville Sun:

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100405/ARTICLES/100409725?Title=GPD-tracks-percent-of-cars-yielding-to-pedestrians

RAILROADS

10) DB Netz Grows High-Tech Track, Tunnels and Bridges

Link to article in Eurailmag:

http://www.eurailmag.com/mag/21.htm?page=116

11) Train Driver Desks Crossing Borders with EUDDplus

Link to article in Eurailmag:

http://www.eurailmag.com/mag/21.htm?page=18

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) Airline Passenger Conversations to be Monitored Under EU Project

Link to article in the Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/7553214/Airline-passenger-conversations-to-be-monitored-under-EU-project.html

SPACE

13) Key Antenna Fails as Discovery Enters Orbit

Link to article in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9174828/NASA_Key_antenna_fails_as_i_Discovery_i_enters_orbit

TRANSIT

14) Transit TV Returns with New Programming and an Innovative New Advertising System

Link to article in Los Angeles County MTA’s The Source:

http://thesource.metro.net/2010/04/02/transit-tv-returns-with-new-programming-and-an-innovative-new-advertising-system/

15) A New Look for Google Transit Maps

Link to Google’s Lat Long Blog:

http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2010/04/new-look-for-google-transit-maps.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) Seven Ways to Get Transportation Information for Shanghai World Expo

Link to article in the China Daily:

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009worldexpo/2010-04/05/content_9687283.htm

17) Eyes on the Road in San Marcos, California

Link to article in The San Diego Union-Tribune:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/04/eyes-on-the-road/

18) Way-To-Go Vancouver Olympics – Lessons For Transport Planners

Link to blog on Planetizen:

http://www.planetizen.com/node/43644

VEHICLES

19) NHTSA is Behind Times on Car Electronic Safety

Link to article in The Tennessean:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20104050333

20) E-tags Eyed for Car Transport

Link to article in The Yomiuri Shimbun:

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T100404001569.htm

21) An Interview with Christopher Barger, Director of Social Media for General Motors

Link to podcast on ZDNet:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/feeds/?p=2622

22) Ford Lures Small Businesses with Graphic Web Site to Customize Transit Connect

Link to article in The Detroit News:

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100403/BIZ/4030334/1148/Ford-lures-small-businesses-with-graphic-Web-site-to-customize-Transit-Connect

23) Shedding Light on Safety

Mercedes adaptive LED headlight system can help drivers see better and avoid blinding other drivers.

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/04/automobiles/04LIGHT.html

News Releases

1) Beat the Traffic Announces New Touch Technology for TV Traffic Reporting

2) EMBARQ Network Launches New Association to Advance Public Transport in Latin American Cities

Upcoming Events

ITS Joint Program Office Strategic Plan Workshop – April 28-29 – Washington, DC

http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/workshops/april28-10.asp

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** The Transandine rail tunnel, connecting Argentina and Chile, opened.

http://www.runyard.org/rr/baja/99_01.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 1, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) A Radical Cockpit Upgrade Southwest Fliers Will Feel

Link to column in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303338304575155813404043090.html

2) Air Safety Requires Worldwide Information Exchange: IATA

Link to AFP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jGofT0qzsSKmGvORMAo6BpaUZjbg

CAMERAS

3) Sensors Make Cities Smarter

In the not too distant future, cameras and sensors will empower officials to instantly monitor constantly changing dynamics.

Link to article in Governing:

http://www.governing.com/article/sensors-make-cities-smarter

MARITIME

4) Souped-Up Alert System Spreads the Word for US Coast Guard

Link to article in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2010/04/05/uscg-aws-alert-system.aspx

ROADWAYS

5) Nevada’s Financial Partners Hit Brakes on ‘Black Box’ to Track Vehicle Mileage

Link to article in the Las Vegas Sun:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/apr/01/financial-partners-hit-brakes-black-box/

TRANSIT

6) Metrolink Train Crews Threaten Boycott Over Personality Test Requirement

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/03/metrolink-train-crews-threaten-boycott-over-personality-test-requirement.html

7) Philadelphia Transit Riders Protest Gender ID on Passes

Link to article in the Philadelphia Daily News:

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20100331_Transpass_protest__Gender_s_a_sticky_issue.html

8) Los Angeles Metro Takes First Steps Towards Real-Time Bus Arrival Information System

Link to article in the Los Angeles County MTA’s The Source:

http://thesource.metro.net/2010/03/31/metro-takes-first-steps-towards-real-time-bus-arrival-information-system/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

9) Sendza Selected for Massachusetts Ad-Driven Traffic Info 511 System

Link to article in Mass High Tech:

http://www.masshightech.com/stories/2010/03/29/daily48-Sendza-selected-for-Mass-ad-driven-traffic-info-511-system.html

10) Singapore Traffic Info Platform Makes Driving a Breeze

Link to article from my paper:

http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Transport/Story/A1Story20100401-207906.html

VEHICLES

11) iBiquity Says More Automakers to Offer HD Radio

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/iBiquity-says-more-automakers-apf-2215079847.html?x=0&.v=2

News Releases

1) Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Announces Social Media Contest to ‘Name the Train’

2) Metro-North Completes Installation of Train Time System

3) Apollo Video Technology’s New RoadRunner MRH Series DVR Leads Industry

with 16 Cameras, Highest Resolution, and Longest Recording Rates

Upcoming Events

Talking Freight Web Conference: Non-traditional Freight Data Sources – April 21

https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webconfid=20012

Today (and Tomorrow) in Transportation History

1960 **50^th anniversary** The first weather satellite, TIROS-1, was launched.

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2008/03/dayintech_0401

2110 **-100^th anniversary** Ray LaHood IV, kicked-off a campaign against distracted teleportation.

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

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, March 31, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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CAMERAS

1) Taxi Cameras to be Compulsory in New Zealand

Link to article on Stuff:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/3533679/Taxi-cameras-to-be-compulsory

2) University of New Mexico Gets Green-Light to Study Traffic Cameras

Link to story and video on KOB-TV:

http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S1491721.shtml

OTHER

3) Hail a New York City Cab with Your Apple iPhone and Android Device Via Location Analytics

Link to article on SmartPlanet:

http://www.smartplanet.com/business/blog/smart-takes/hail-a-nyc-cab-with-your-apple-iphone-or-android-device-via-location-analytics/5571/

4) ERTICO’s i-Mobility Newsletter – March 2010

Link to newsletter:

http://webhouse.ipapercms.dk/ERTICO/Newsletter/NewsletterMarch2010/

ROADWAYS

5) What Happens When You Remove All Traffic Signs? A German Town Finds Out

Link to article in The Christian Science Monitor:

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2010/0331/What-happens-when-you-remove-all-traffic-signs-A-German-town-finds-out

6) New Jersey Toll Takers to Get Customer Service Training

Link to story on WCBS-TV:

http://wcbstv.com/topstories/rude.toll.collectors.2.1600194.html

7) A Portable Weigh Station for Rural Roads

Link to article in Sensor:

http://www.its.umn.edu/Publications/Sensor/2009/03/portableweigh.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) US Government Set to Ban Texting by Truck, Bus Drivers

Link to AP article:

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=10250915

Link to news release from US DOT:

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot5510.htm

9) Banning Texting in Trucks Raises Other Questions

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/31/banning-texting-in-truck-raises-other-questions/

10) National Work Zone Awareness Week 2010: Work Zones Need Your Undivided Attention

Link to article in Focus:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/focus/10mar/01.cfm

TRANSIT

11) New York MTA Rejects Subway Ads

Say acronyms used in ads imply obscene language.

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2010/03/31/2010-03-31_mta_bigs_derail_texty_ads_targeting_bloomy.html

12) Eight Essential Transit Agency Blogs

Link to article in the Los Angeles MTA’s The Source:

http://thesource.metro.net/2010/03/30/8-essential-transit-agency-blogs/

13) Shenzhen Tong Card and Hong Kong Octopus Card to Reach Interoperability

Link to article in the Shenzhen Post:

http://www.szcpost.com/2010/03/shenzhen-tong-card-and-hong-kong-octopus-card-to-reach-interoperability.html

14) Walt Disney World Uses Their Monorail for Advertising for the First Time

Link to article on Jaunted:

http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/3/31/8415/94345/travel/Walt+Disney+World+Uses+Their+Monorail+For+More+Than+Just+Transportation

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) I-81 Corridor Coalition Hosts Traffic Incident Management and Clearance Workshop

Link to article in The Sentinel:

http://www.cumberlink.com/articles/2010/03/31/news/local/doc4bb33e1bac62c764669740.txt

16) Meet ‘Cal North,’ the Imaginary Direction-Giver of 511

Link to column in SF Weekly:

http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2010/03/511_voice_cal_north.php

17) Voice of Bay Area 511 Often Calls Himself

Link to column in SF Weekly:

http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2010/03/voice_of_511_often_calls_himse.php

VEHICLES

18) How Ford’s Sync Technology Will Turn It Into America’s Most Surprising Consumer Electronics Company

Link to article in Fast Company:

http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/144/fords-big-reveal.html

19) Ford, Microsoft to Work on Electric-Car Charging

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011487820_apusfordelectricity.html

News Releases

1) US Cites Celebrate Transportation Innovation in Film Series

2) ITS Georgia Chapter Reviews Plans to Upgrade NaviGAtor ITS System

3) i95travelinfo.net Spells Relief for Holiday Travelers on the East Coast

4) Cellport Marks 15^th Anniversary of Its Invention of Internet-Connected Vehicle

Upcoming Events

LaGuardia Airport Kiwanis Club Charity Ball Honoring ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ First Officer – May 21 – Great Neck, New York

http://laguardiakiwanis.com/2010HONOREEGALA.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1980 **30^th anniversary** The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad operated its last train.

http://www.rits.org/www/histories/RIHistory.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

Tuesday, March 30, 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) IBM, FAA Team Up to Tackle Severe Security Risks to Flight Data

Link to column in The Hill:

http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/89689-faa-ibm-team-up-to-tackle-severe-security-risks-to-agencys-computer-systems

CAMERAS

2) Smile! Local Officers Quietly Snap Photos During Traffic Stops

Link to article in The Monitor:

http://www.themonitor.com/articles/smile-36924-local-snap.html

CARTOGRAPHY

3) Boom! Tweets and Maps Swarm to Pinpoint a Mysterious Explosion

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/external/readwriteweb/2010/03/29/29readwriteweb-boom-tweets–maps-swarm-to-pinpoint-a-myste-34026.html

OTHER

4) Georgia Senate OKs Bill Targeting Non-English-Speaking Drivers

Link to article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/senate-oks-bill-targeting-419647.html

ROADWAYS

5) How Good Asphalt Helps Visibility in the Rain

Link to column in the San Jose Mercury News:

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_14779911

6) Federal Sign Language Tests Local Budgets

Link to article in The Daily Reporter:

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2010/03/29/federal-sign-language-tests-local-budgets/

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Pennsylvania DOT to Change Policy on Release of Driving-Record Information for Prospective School Bus Drivers

Link to article in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/89491252.html

8) Study: Only 2.5% Can Safely Drive and Phone

Link to CBS News story:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/30/tech/main6346963.shtml

TRANSIT

9) Lack of Video Slows Hunt for a Killer in the New York Subway

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/nyregion/30subway.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Oklahoma City’s Traffic Link Project Gets a Green Light Again

Link to article and video in The Oklahoman:

http://www.newsok.com/oklahoma-citys-traffic-link-project-gets-a-green-light-again/article/3449849?custom_click=pod_headline_politics

11) High-Tech Data Collection to Aid Lower Manhattan’s Traffic Jams

Link to story and video on NY1 News:

http://www.ny1.com/8-queens-news-content/ny1_living/116093/high-tech-data-collection-to-aid-lower-manhattan-s-traffic-jams

12) Wireless Does Community Service

Behind-the-scenes municipal applications help urban traffic flow.

Link to article in Network World:

http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/wireless/2010/032910wireless2.html

VEHICLES

13) NASA to Test Toyota Electronics in Safety Probe

Link to Reuters article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62T0V620100330

14) Toyota Announces Safety Initiatives

Among steps, company will expand use of event data recorders and increase use of remote communications functions.

Link to article on just-auto:

http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?id=103853

15) Toyota’s PR ‘Lessons to be Learned’

Link to article on just-auto:

http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?id=103856&lk=dm

News Releases

1) One in Four Have Listened to an iPod or Other MP3 Player While Connected to a Car Stereo

2) Intelligent and Efficient Travel Management for European Cities – First In-Time Forum – Fine Tuning the Pilot Phase

3) CN Web Site Makes It Easier for Customers to Calculate Carbon Savings When Shipping by Rail

4) EGNOS Portal Launched for Europe’s Satellite Navigation Application Developers

5) US Airways Takes to the Sky with Gogo Inflight Internet

Upcoming Events

TRB Webinar: Knowledge Is Power: How TRB’s Databases Improve Access to Transportation Research – April 19

http://www.trb.org/Calendar/Blurbs/TRB_Webinar_Knowledge_Is_Power_How_TRBs_Databases_163080.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1945 **65^th anniversary** – A German Messerschmitt Me 262, the world’s first operational combat jet aircraft, was flown to flown to an American-held air base.

http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/Images/Me262/ME262PILOTDEBRIEF.pdf

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

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, March 29, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Only Five Weeks Away:  Be Sure to Register for ITS America’s 20th Annual Meeting & Expo, May 3-5, 2010, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

• FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez joins the lineup of USDOT Presidential Appointees and executives at USDOT’s May 4 Opening Plenary.  Speakers Include Administrators of NHTSA, FMCSA and RITA as well as Deputy Administrators of FTA, FRA and RITA.
• Reserve your hotel room now. Rooms are 90% sold, and conference rates expire April 9.
• Can’t attend?  Register for our technical session webinars.  Click “Attendee Registration”; enter your info; on “Profile Page,” scroll down to “Webinar” block.
• Exhibit space and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

AVIATION

1) Pocket GPS Used to Make Emergency Passenger Jet Landing in Russia

Link to RIA Novosti article:

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Pocket_GPS_Used_To_To_Make_Emergency_Passenger_Jet_Landing_999.html

2) Air Traffic Controller Talks About ‘Pushing Tin’

Link to article in the Daily Herald:

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=369081

CAMERAS

3) Columbus, Ohio Traffic-Camera Deal Won’t Face Competition

Link to article in The Columbus Dispatch:

http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/03/28/copy/traffic-camera-deal-wont-face-competition.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Illinois Tollway May Get Words, Not Lights, When Toll is Paid

Link to column in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/commute/ct-met-gettingaround-0329-20100328,0,852933.column

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) The 11 Mobile Apps You Need to Get Around Any City

Link to article on The Infrastructurist:

http://www.infrastructurist.com/2010/03/29/the-11-mobile-apps-you-need-to-get-around-any-city/

MARITIME

6) Radar to Spot Icebergs in Alaska’s Prince William Sound is Working Again

Link to article in Petroleum News:

http://www.petroleumnews.com/pntruncate/785662712.shtml

OTHER

7) ERTICO Interview with SINTEF

Link to interview:

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

ROADWAYS

8) New Jersey Exploring Selling Turnpike Rest-Stop Naming Rights

Link to AP article:

http://www.1010wins.com/NJ-Exploring-Selling-Turnpike-Rest-Stop-Naming-Rig/6672031

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Apps to Curb Texting While Driving Have Tough Task

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hDvCrghR-0yJ1CknUsB6YSp2L7VAD9ENPD680

TELEMATICS

10) CeBIT in Motion – Telematics and ITS Joining the IT-Community

Link to ERTICO article:

http://www.ertico.com/en/news/ertico_newsroom/cebit_in_motion__telematics_and_its_joining_the_it-community.htm

11) Peterbilt Launches New In-Dash Telematics and Infotainment System

Link to article in Truck News:

http://www.trucknews.com/issues/story.aspx?aid=1000365757

TRANSIT

12) Boston T Debuts Subway Wireless Service

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/03/27/orange_line_riders_get_cellphone_coverage_for_the_whole_ride/

13) Yale University Directing Parking Students to Transit via Personalized E-mail

Link to article in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2010/03/Yale-directing-parking-students-to-transit.aspx

14) Politicians Ask, and the New York MTA Jots It Down

State law requires agency to compile and publish every official communication from members of the legislature.

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/29/politicians-ask-and-the-m-t-a-jots-it-down/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) West Virginia Installing Traffic Detection Cameras as Part of Larger Intelligent Transportation System

Link to article in The Journal:

http://journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/534042.html

16) India, Canada to Sign MOU for Cooperation in Highways, Transport Sector

Areas of cooperation include ITS, highway management and road safety.

Link to ANI article:

http://sify.com/news/india-canada-to-sign-mou-for-cooperation-in-highways-transport-sector-news-national-kd3wOdhgijd.html

VEHICLES

17) How ‘Black Boxes’ Help in Car Crash Reconstructions

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-03-29-blackboxes29_ST_N.htm

18) BMW and Siemens Car2X System Transmits Data Between Traffic Lights and Vehicles to Optimize Stop-Start Function

Link to article on Green Car Congress:

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/03/car2x-20100318.html

19) NASCAR Drivers and Fans Embrace Social Networks

Link to article in the Martinsville Bulletin:

http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/article.cfm?ID=23044

News Releases

1) Telematics Can Reduce Range Anxiety and Enhance the Electric Vehicle Ownership Experience, Notes Frost & Sullivan

2) Tennessee DOT Debuts Enhanced TN511 Motorist Information System

3) TomTom Lifetime Map and Traffic Updates Now Available in North America

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

1945 **65^th anniversary** The final V-1 flying bomb attack against the UK took place.

http://www.stelzriede.com/ms/html/sub/marshwvr.htm

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

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, March 26, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Using the Phone and E-mail to Disseminate Transportation Information

As many of you know, in addition to editing the TCN and other transportation newsletters, I also lend my voice to a variety of transport projects.  This week I discovered an interesting service that allows you to easily record a message by phone or online and then add it to an e-mail message.  Seeing how transportation agencies and organizations are using everything from e-mail to Twitter accounts to share information, I thought this is an innovative method to engage those you want to reach in a different way.  I’ve included a couple of links to let you hear how it sounds.  The first is a message I recorded over the phone.

Phone message

The second example was done with a professional microphone.  It’s one of the announcements I made for the AirTrain at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Airport announcement

With this you could take advantage of those speakers attached to most computers and truly talk to your customers or constituents.  Using voice is more personal and conveys emotion better than words on a screen ever can.  Please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net if you’d like more information.  You can also visit my Web site at www.bwcommunications.net.

AVIATION

1) Air Traffic Controller Honored for Helping Pilot in Danger

Link to story and video on WISC-TV:

http://www.channel3000.com/news/22960687/detail.html

BICYCLES

2) Los Angeles DOT Launches Bicycle Blog

Link to LADOT Bike Blog:

http://ladotbikeblog.wordpress.com/

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) Court Rules Cell Phone GPS Records Not Enough to Dismiss Speeding Ticket

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-20001248-38.html

MARITIME

4) Safety Pain Scheme: Increasing Safety Morale

Link to article in Marine News:

http://dwp.marinelink.com/pubs/nwm/MN/201003/

PEDESTRIANS

5) British Columbia Launching Online Map to Show Walking Routes Around Province

Link to article in the Vancouver Sun:

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/westcoastnews/story.html?id=80b851e2-2b74-4b94-85d5-663862b023c3

ROADWAYS

6) ‘Hell is Real’ Bill Could Cost Kentucky $42 Million a Year in Federal Transportation Money

Legislation would exempt regulation of certain billboards.

Link to article in the Lexington Herald-Leader:

http://www.kentucky.com/2010/03/26/1198054/hell-is-real-bill-could-cost-state.html

TRANSIT

7) Uh Oh, Los Angeles Metro’s Time Schedule Monitors

Some suggestions on what the MTA can do to provide greater access to departure times on their monitors.

Link to blog on Plus Metro:

http://www.plusmetro.com/archive/all/2010/03/25/uh-oh-metros-time-schedule-monitors

News Releases

1) Destination-Specific Content Now Available on US Airways Boarding Passes

2) Ohio DOT District 7 Unveils New Online Technology Available to Motorists

3) British Columbia, Washington State Improve Cross-Border Travel with Expanding Traveler Information Systems

Upcoming Events

Webinars: National Transit Database Rural Reporting – Various Dates

http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.asp?CourseNumber=TRI18-18 (State DOTs and Tribes)

http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.asp?CourseNumber=TRI18-19 (Transit Agency Personnel)

Friday Bonus

Waiting for the Paris Metro? You might be in an IKEA ad.

http://www.fastcompany.com/1583435/waiting-for-the-paris-metro-you-might-be-in-an-ad

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** Orville Wright made the first engine-powered flight in Alabama in Montgomery.  The site later became Maxwell Air Force Base.

http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/face/Article.jsp?id=h-1364

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