Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – March 4, 2010

March 4, 2010 at 6:39 pm

Thursday, March 4, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


Register Now for IBTTA’s Organization Management Workshop – April 18-20, 2010 in Austin, TX

The toll industry is evolving at an astonishing rate. Driven by financial realities, political change, and technological innovations the industry is facing a wide range of challenges and opportunities and is being forced to respond to them at lightning speed. Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, April 18-20, 2010 in Austin, TX and keep your organization current on the latest industry trends toEnhance Mobility Through Innovation. Main topics will include: communications, winning with the news media, finance trends, reauthorization update, successful project implementation and more. This meeting is ideal for toll industry professionals focused in the areas of communications and marketing, human resources, finance, administration, management and advocacy. Click here for registration, hotel and travel information and to view the preliminary agenda. www.IBTTA.org

AVIATION

1) A Plan to Send Flight Data Somewhere Off the Plane

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/business/04air.html

CAMERAS

2) Federal Judge Tosses Suit Again Washington State Red-Light Camera Tickets

Link to article in The Daily News:

http://www.tdn.com/news/state-and-regional/article_c8809e0e-27ca-11df-9793-001cc4c03286.html

OTHER

3) By Request (Please Make It Stop!): Oregon DMV Pulling Plug on Muzak in Several Offices

Link to article in The Oregonian:

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/03/by_request_please_make_it_stop.html

4) ERTICO’s immobility Newsletter Online

Link to newsletter:

http://tools.emailgarage.com/Pub/1n5_DgAAAAA~/ViewEmail.ashx

ROADWAYS

5) Michigan Lawmakers to Discuss Move to Halt Digital Billboards

Link to article in the Detroit Free Press:

http://www.freep.com/article/20100304/NEWS06/3040385/1001/rss01

6) Wyoming DOT, Landowners Spar Over Information

Link to article in the Casper Star-Tribune:

http://www.trib.com/news/local/article_5f4854e7-6fee-5a26-b720-3df020cbc5e2.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) US Police Partner with License Plate Readers

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-03-03-license-plate-cameras_N.htm

TELEMATICS

8) GM Says OnStar Off to a Strong Start in China

Link to article on just-auto:

http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?id=103422&lk=dm

TRANSIT

9) A Lollipop on the Subway

Boston subway driver makes an extra effort to be friendly.

Link to article in The Christian Science Monitor:

http://www.csmonitor.com/Money/new-economy/2010/0304/A-lollipop-on-the-subway

VEHICLES

10) Toyota Secretive on ‘Black Box’ Data

Link to AP article:

http://www.northjersey.com/news/030410_Toyota_secretive_on_black_box_data.html

News Releases

1) Florida Next Generation Advanced Traveler Information System Recognized

2) Apollo Video Technology Launches iPhone App for Transit Managers and First Responders – Provides Instant Access to Live Video Feeds

3) Pioneer in Vehicle Telematics, ATX’s Steve Millstein, to Retire

4) Iteris Awarded $1.1 Million Contract for Maintenance and Operations for Inland Empire’s 511 Traveler Information System

Upcoming Events

Ports 2010 – April 25-28 – Jacksonville, Florida

http://content.asce.org/conferences/ports2010/

Today in Transportation History

1960 **50th anniversary** – The French freight La Coubre exploded in Havana Harbor.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,871556,00.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

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – March 03, 2010

March 3, 2010 at 7:10 pm

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


Call for Papers Deadline Fast Approaching

IRF’s Third Latin America Regional Congress, September 20-23, 2010 in Bogotá, Colombia, will provide road industry leaders with opportunities to share in-country experiences as well as promote the transfer of knowledge and technology throughout the region and the rest of the world. Papers must be submitted no later than March 26, 2010.  The congress will include speakers on road safety, pavements, ITS, financing and tunneling and will also include an exhibition.  For more information including topics, key dates, guidelines, and to submit your paper online, visit http://www.irfnews.org/llamado-a-presentar-trabajos/

AVIATION

1) FAA Not Amused as Kid Gives Directions to Pilots in Kennedy Airport’s Control Tower

Link to article in the Daily News:

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

Link to FAA statement:

http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=11212

CAMERAS

2) No Statewide Repeal of Red-Light Cameras in Illinois

Link to article in the Daily Herald:

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=363178&src=109

CARPOOLS

3) Social Networking and Phone Apps Enable Smarter Carpooling

Link to article on In Telematics Today:

http://intelematicstoday.com/2010/03/02/social-networking-and-phone-apps-enable-smarter-carpooling/

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Massachusetts Turnpike Electronic Toll Testing Approved

Link to story on WHDH-TV:

http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO136917/

MARITIME

5) Phantom Ledge Not so Far-Feteched

Grounding of fireboat in Maine harbor shows charts are not always accurate.

Link to article in the Portland Press Herald:

http://www.pressherald.com/news/Phantom-ledge-not-so-far-fetched-.html

A Crack in the Electronic Armor

Link to article in Points East:

http://www.pointseast.com/template.shtml?id=EkyuypAZEEKorYwewf&style=story

6) Washington State DOT Testing Real-Time Ferry Tracker

Link to story and video on KING-TV:

http://www.king5.com/news/New-Ferry-Watch-System-86172792.html

OTHER

7) The Secret Language of Signs

They’re the most useful thing you pay no attention to. Start paying attention.

Link to article in Slate:

http://www.slate.com/id/2245644/

8) The ERTICO February Interview

A discussion with MEPs Zita Gurmai and Dieter-Lebrecht Koch about ITS and urban mobility.

Link to interview from ERTICO:

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

RAILROADS

9) Railroad Experts Focus on Efficiency

Conference at technology center highlights new techniques to inspect cars and monitor rail conditions.

Link to article in The Pueblo Chieftain:

http://www.chieftain.com/articles/2010/03/03/news/local/doc4b8dec3924108874518667.txt

10) Skype on a Train

Will reliable Wi-Fi connections lure road warriors onto trains?

Link to article in The Globe and Mail:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/travel/skype-on-a-train/article1487226/

ROADWAYS

11) Replacement of Metric Signs Along Arizona’s I-19 Indefinitely Postponed

Link to article in the Arizona Daily Star:

http://www.azstarnet.com/news/local/article_d7dec8f6-26f5-11df-b567-001cc4c03286.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) Texting-and-Driving Bill Dies in Arizona Senate

Link to article in The Arizona Republic:

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2010/03/03/20100303politics-textingbill0303.html

13) Emergency Communications: Establishment of the Emergency Communications Preparedness Center and Related Interagency Coordination Challenges

Link to US Government Accountability Office report:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10463r.pdf

TELEMATICS

14) Telematics: The Game Changer for the Insurance Industry

Link to article in Insurance & Technology:

http://www.insurancetech.com/blog/archives/2010/03/telematics_the.html

TRANSIT

15) Lost in Penn Station

Why are the signs at the nation’s busiest train hub so confusing?

Link to article in Slate:

http://www.slate.com/id/2246104/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) March Issue of Florida DOT’s SunGuide Disseminator Online

Link to newsletter:

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/trafficoperations/Newsletters/2010/2010-003-Mar.pdf

VEHICLES

17) Control Your Car with Your Smartphone

Link to article in Popular Science:

http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2010-02/remote-control-cars

News Releases

1) Apollo Video Technology Launches iPhone App for Transit Managers and First Responders – Provides Instant Access to Live Video Feeds

2) Federal Signal Acquires VESystems

3) High Time for Real-Time Solutions with Mobility Integrators, Says Frost & Sullivan

Upcoming Events

APWA North American Snow Conference – April 18-21 – Omaha, Nebraska

http://sites.apwa.net/snow/2010/home.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1915 **95th anniversary** – The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), a forerunner of NASA, was created.

http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Evolution_of_Technology/NACA/Tech1.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

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – March 2, 2010

March 2, 2010 at 6:27 pm

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


Register Now for IBTTA’s Organization Management Workshop – April 18-20, 2010 in Austin, TX

The toll industry is evolving at an astonishing rate. Driven by financial realities, political change, and technological innovations the industry is facing a wide range of challenges and opportunities and is being forced to respond to them at lightning speed. Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, April 18-20, 2010 in Austin, TX and keep your organization current on the latest industry trends toEnhance Mobility Through Innovation. Main topics will include: communications, winning with the news media, finance trends, reauthorization update, successful project implementation and more. This meeting is ideal for toll industry professionals focused in the areas of communications and marketing, human resources, finance, administration, management and advocacy. Click here for registration, hotel and travel information and to view the preliminary agenda. www.IBTTA.org

AVIATION

1) Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ask for Captioning on Airline In-flight Entertainment

Link to article on eTurboNews:

http://www.eturbonews.com/14605/deaf-and-hard-hearing-ask-captioning-airline-inflight-entertainm

2) Routine Monitoring of Cockpit Talk

Differing views in USA Today:

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2010/03/editorial-our-view-on-air-safety-debate-use-recordings-to-check-on-pilots-cockpit-chatter-.html (in favor)

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2010/03/opposing-view-monitoring-undercuts-safety–proposals-could-suppress-pilot-communication-in-the-cockpit–by-john-prater–mon.html (against)

OTHER

3) Toyota Turns to Twitter to Repair Its Image

Link to article on Seeking Alpha:

http://seekingalpha.com/article/191544-toyota-turns-to-twitter-to-repair-its-image

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) On Patrol and Almost Undercover

‘Ghost’ police car helps officers enforce cell phone laws.

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/nyregion/28ghost.html

TRANSIT

5) Testing Local Public Transport Systems in Major European Cities

What was missing most was information.

Link to report from EuroTest:

http://eurotestmobility.com/images/filelib/Summary%20of%20results_Public%20Transport%202009-2010_2513.pdf

6) Oregon’s TriMet Adds Five New Transit Titles to App Center

Link to column in The Oregonian:

http://blog.oregonlive.com/commuting/2010/03/trimet_adds_five_new_transit_t.html

7) And, Cut! Money Woes Delay a TV Reality Show on New York City Subway Workers

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/nyregion/02reality.html

VEHICLES

8) Toyota to Provide Black Box Readers to Regulators

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jj7w_xiI8grfFvw23vVp4IHLpysgD9E6NK0O1

9) Frost & Sullivan Special Report: Vehicle Audio

Link to article in Aftermarket Business:

http://aftermarketbusiness.search-autoparts.com/aftermarketbusiness/Distribution/Frost-amp-Sullivan-Special-Report-Audio/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/658873

10) Ready for the ‘Connected Car?’

Link to article in Connected Planet:

http://connectedplanetonline.com/residential_services/news/ready-for-connected-car-0302/

News Releases

1) US Court Rules Against Long-Term Protection of Flight Data in BARR Program

2) Scenic America Petition Seeks Moratorium on Digital Billboards

3) Dubai Roads & Transport Authority Provides Access to Bus Stop Information Through Google Earth

4) Iteris’ SafetyDirect, with PeopleNet’s Wireless Connectivity, Named One of Heavy Duty Trucking’s Top 20 Products for 2009

Upcoming Events

2010 AutoTronics Taipei – April 12-15 – Taipei, Taiwan

http://www.autotronics.com.tw/

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100th anniversary** – The first US military flight was made by Lt. Benjamin Foulois in Texas.

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123192681

Bernie’s Notes

Want a preview of the TCN?  Each weekday I post a look ahead to that day’s edition on Twitter.  You can follow me athttp://twitter.com/brwagenblast.

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

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

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – March 1, 2010

March 1, 2010 at 6:05 pm

Monday, March 1, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


Intelligent Transportation Society of America’s 20th Annual Meeting & Exposition (May 3-5, 2010, Houston, Texas). America’s leading intelligent transportation systems industry association brings you speakers, sessions, demos and tours that will show you how technology innovations are making America strong by helping to solve the Nation’s transportation challenges!

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

1) All-Electronic Tolling Debated in Maine

Link to article in the Portsmouth Herald:

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20100228-NEWS-2280335

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) Raytheon Lands $886 Million GPS Contract

The project aims to improve the accuracy, reliability, and security of data from GPS satellites.

Link to article in InformationWeek:

http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/security/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=223100860

OTHER

3) Open Wi-Fi ‘Outlawed’ in UK Digital Economy Bill

Link to ZDNet UK article:

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/0,1000000085,40057470,00.htm

4) The Wired Repo Man – He’s Not ‘As Seen on TV’

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/automobiles/28REPO.html

ROADWAYS

5) Iowa Newspaper Maps and Tracks Potholes

Link to article in The Des Moines Register:

http://data.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/des-moines-potholes-map/

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Updated Tsunami Warning System in Action

Link to story on MSNBC:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35619051/

7) Growing Number of Drivers Check Facebook, Twitter While Driving

Link to article on ITProPortal:

http://www.itproportal.com/portal/news/article/2010/2/27/growing-number-drivers-check-facebook-twitter-while-driving/

TRANSIT

8) Toronto Transit Commission Chief Admits He Misjudged Rider Anger

Link to article in the Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/ttc/article/772371–ttc-chief-admits-he-misjudged-rider-anger

9) Golden Gate Transit Bus and Ferry Riders are Being Reminded to be Courteous to Fellow Passengers

Link to article in the Marin Independent Journal:

http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_14490186

10) Prepaid Cards and the Transit Industry

Link to article in Smart Card Talk:

http://www.smartcardalliance.org/pages/newsletter-201002-feature

VEHICLES

11) Philippine Automobile Group Ask Supreme Court to Halt Use of RFID

Link to article in the Business Mirror:

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22462

WEATHER

12) Snowpocalypse to Snowicane: Hype Reigns in Winter

National Weather Service meteorologists critical of terminology used for Northeast storm.

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jSJz0TVyhe6DZSJ_pUbbuWvsGswgD9E4N6381

13) Scientists Develop More Accurate Snow Forecasts

Link to article in USA Today:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/sciencefair/post/2010/02/snow-forecasting-made-easy/1

News Releases

1) Amtrak Launches Wi-Fi Service

2) ATX Joins Pilot Project to Promote Cross-Border eCall Solutions

3) Official UK Highways Agency Traffic News is Top of the Downloads

Upcoming Events

Organization Management Workshop – Enhancing Mobility Through Innovation – April 18-20 – Austin, Texas

http://www.ibtta.org/contentnoleftnav.cfm?ItemNumber=4469&token=40690

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100th anniversary** – The worst avalanche in US history occurred in Washington State when snow buried two Great Northern Railway trains and killed 96 people.

http://home1.gte.net/mvmmvm/index.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

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – February 26, 2010

February 26, 2010 at 6:06 pm

Friday, February 26, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


Register Now for IBTTA’s Organization Management Workshop – April 18-20, 2010 in Austin, TX

The toll industry is evolving at an astonishing rate. Driven by financial realities, political change, and technological innovations the industry is facing a wide range of challenges and opportunities and is being forced to respond to them at lightning speed. Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, April 18-20, 2010 in Austin, TX and keep your organization current on the latest industry trends toEnhance Mobility Through Innovation. Main topics will include: communications, winning with the news media, finance trends, reauthorization update, successful project implementation and more. This meeting is ideal for toll industry professionals focused in the areas of communications and marketing, human resources, finance, administration, management and advocacy. Click here for registration, hotel and travel information and to view the preliminary agenda. www.IBTTA.org

CARTOGRAPHY

1) EU Cautions Google Over Street View Photos

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10460355-93.html

2) Missouri DOT Archives Maps Online for Public Use

Link to article in the Joplin Independent:

http://www.joplinindependent.com/display_article.php/staff1267053914

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

3) NXP and IBM Announce Results of Dutch Road Pricing Trial

Link to article in Traffic Technology International:

http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news.php?NewsID=19894

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) Going Places

Nokia aims to make Ovi Maps a contextual platform at the center of a variety of mobile applications.

Link to article on telecoms:

http://www.telecoms.com/18399/going-places

MARITIME

5) Mobile Cameras Increase Surveillance at Los Angeles Port

Link to AP article:

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14472133

RAILROADS

6) IBM Helps Reinvent Russia’s Railroad

Link to article in IEEE Spectrum:

http://spectrum.ieee.org/computing/it/winner-ibm-helps-reinvent-russias-railroad/1

ROADWAYS

7) Smarter Snowplows

University of Minnesota researchers enhance automated sanding and salting system for plows.

Link to article on UMNews:

http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchENews/2010/02/index.html#smarter

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) FCC to Seek $18 Billion for Emergency Wireless Communications Network

Link to article on NextGov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100225_4181.php

TRANSIT

9) Houston Metro Launches Probe Into Document Shredding

Link to article in the Houston Chronicle:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6883826.html

VEHICLES

10) Toyota Accused of Withholding Test and Design Data

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/27/business/27toyota.html

11) California DMV App Helps iPhone Users Avoid Long Lines

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/747323

12) Making the Connected Car a Reality

Link to article in Telematics Update:

http://social.telematicsupdate.com/industry-insight/making-connected-car-reality

News Releases

1) Blog Presents Tips on Designing and Developing Wireless M2M Applications

Upcoming Events

Taipei International Auto Parts & Accessories Show – April 12-15 – Taipei, Taiwan

http://www.taipeiampa.com.tw/index.shtml

Friday Bonus

While I have to give credit to this transit line for not letting a little water stop service, some of these pedestrians, as well as the drivers on the bridge above, might ask them to cut back the speed a bit.

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

Today in Transportation History

1870 **140th anniversary** An experimental pneumatic subway line opened in New York City.

http://www.shohola.com/AlfredBeach/

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

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

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter – February 25, 2010

February 26, 2010 at 2:03 pm

Thursday, February 25, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


Register Now for IBTTA’s Organization Management Workshop – April 18-20, 2010 in Austin, TX

The toll industry is evolving at an astonishing rate. Driven by financial realities, political change, and technological innovations the industry is facing a wide range of challenges and opportunities and is being forced to respond to them at lightning speed. Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, April 18-20, 2010 in Austin, TX and keep your organization current on the latest industry trends toEnhance Mobility Through Innovation. Main topics will include: communications, winning with the news media, finance trends, reauthorization update, successful project implementation and more. This meeting is ideal for toll industry professionals focused in the areas of communications and marketing, human resources, finance, administration, management and advocacy. Click here for registration, hotel and travel information and to view the preliminary agenda. www.IBTTA.org

AVIATION

1) US Senate to Revive Long-Stalled FAA Bill to Modernize Air Traffic System

Link to article in The Dallas Morning News:

http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/02/senate-to-revive-long-stalled.html

CAMERAS

2) Victorian Government to Use Noise Cameras from March

System designed to photograph excessively loud trucks.

Link to article in The Motor Report:

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/49893/victorian-government-to-use-noise-cameras-from-march

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) Fatal Yacht Crash Inquiry Blames GPS

Link to Australian Broadcasting Corporation story:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/25/2830316.htm

MARITIME

4) Where’s Your Ferry? Washington State Ferries Launches Real-Time ‘Vessel Watch’

Link to article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/archives/195289.asp

OTHER

5) Minister, a Monkey Could Have ‘Hacked’ Secret New South Wales Transport Site

Link to article in The Sydney Morning Herald:

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/minister-a–monkey-could-have-hacked–secret-transport-site-20100223-p085.html

6) State Departments of Transportation Lead the Way Using New Media

Link to report from AASHTO:

http://www.transportation.org/sites/publicaffairs/docs/New_Media_Research_Brief.pdf

Link to list of state DOT Twitter and Facebook sites:

http://www.transportation.org/sites/publicaffairs/docs/DOT_Twitter_Facebook_Sites.pdf

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Human Performance, Information Systems, Simulations, and Visualization

Papers explore driver distraction issues.

Link to reports from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/Human_Performance_Information_Systems_Simulation_a_163017.aspx

TRANSIT

8) DC Metro’s Mixing of Signal Part Brands Could Have Caused Crash, Maker Tells NTSB

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/24/AR2010022403006.html

VEHICLES

9) Deadline Looms to Fit All New UK Vehicles with Digital Radio

Link to article in Aftermarket News:

http://www.am-online.com/aftermarket/story/Deadline-looms-to-fit-all-new-vehicles-with-digital-radio/42901645

News Releases

1) Alaska Airlines to Offer Gogo In-flight Internet Service on All Aircraft

2) Port Authority of NY & NJ Improves Reliability of Newark Liberty International Airport Surveillance Cameras and Takes Other Measures to Upgrade Airport Security

3) FEMA Leadership Meets with National Weather Service and European Partners On Large Scale Disaster Preparedness and Ways to Ensure Effective Communication

4) Victorian Roads Get Smarter with New Network Plans

5) IBM Scientists Use Analytics to Break Traffic Gridlock with Personalized Trip Information

Upcoming Events

Aviation Outlook Middle East – North Africa – April 12-15 – Cairo

http://www.terrapinn.com/2010/aome/

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100th anniversary** – Thomas Edison demonstrated a battery-powered trolley car in New York City.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9401E1D91539E433A25755C2A9649C946196D6CF%7C

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

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

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – February 24, 2010

February 26, 2010 at 1:11 pm

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


Advanced Road Weather Information System by Lufft answers the crucial need for real-time, professional/scientific grade data.  Road state information is collected at multiple sites, each containing various meteorological sensors collecting weather information such as temperature (road surface, sub-surface, ambient), relative humidity, water film height, wind speed/direction, road salt concentration and ice hazard, precipitation, and visibility—which is reported to a central location for an up-to-date viewing of incoming data.

Lufft environmental sensors are user-friendly, based on open system architecture and a modular concept, permitting the connection of any combination of Lufft digital sensors, or most analog sensors available on the market today.  Please contact us toll–free for more information at 886.466.4836 or visit us on the web at http://www.lufft.us

AVIATION

1) NTSB Asks to Monitor Pilots’ Talk in Cockpits

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-02-23-recorders_N.htm

CAMERAS

2) Wilmington, North Carolina Test Wi-Fi in TV ‘White Spaces’

Initial uses include traffic camera monitoring.

Link to article in Television Broadcast:

http://www.televisionbroadcast.com/article/95214

OTHER

3) Build Smarter, Not Bigger

Link to commentary in The Hill:

http://thehill.com/opinion/op-ed/83441-build-smarter-not-bigger

4) State of Transportation Planning 2010

Link to document from the American Planning Association’s Transportation Planning Division:

http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/207959/cb1d472c43/

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) Hackers Expose Security Flaws with ‘Elvis Presley’ Passport

Link to CNN story and video:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/02/19/passport.security/index.html

6) Women, Transit, and the Perception of Safety

Link to interview on Planetizen:

http://www.planetizen.com/node/42878

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

7) Clear Channel Outdoor Launches Traffic Net

Billboards to provide real-time traffic information.

Link to article in Mediaweek:

http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/news/out-there/digital/e3ib108b71d68d61db9a1b0f3fa2f40465b

Link to news release from Clear Channel:

http://www.clearchannel.com/Corporate/PressRelease.aspx?PressReleaseID=2613

8) New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway Spend $11 Million on Real-Time Signs

Link to article in The Star-Ledger:

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/02/nj_turnpike_garden_state_parkw.html

News Releases

1) EMS Aviation and OuterLink to Share Aircraft Tracking Data

2) Teletrac Partners with SpeedGauge to Deliver Fully Integrated GPS and Vehicle Tracking System with Real-Time Speed Notifications

Upcoming Events

AASHTO GIS for Transportation Symposium – April 12-14 – Charleston, West Virginia

http://www.gis-t.org/

Today in Transportation History

1950 **60th anniversary** – President Harry Truman appointed an emergency board to forestall a threatened national railway strike.

http://www.trumanlibrary.org/executiveorders/index.php?pid=113&st=&st1

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

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

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Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – February 23, 2010

February 23, 2010 at 6:19 pm

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


Discuss Federal Legislative Initiatives at IBTTA Legislative Conference – March 22-23, 2010 in Washington, DC

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association on March 22-23, 2010 in Washington, DC and participate in discussions on federal legislative initiatives with leaders in the transportation policy debate. Topics will include transportation authorization, electronic tolling interoperability, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) charging, the proposed Office of Public Benefit, and other important issues affecting tolling and road pricing. Participants will spend Tuesday afternoon visiting their congressional representatives to advance tolling initiatives on Capitol Hill. This meeting is ideal for toll industry professionals interested in US Federal and transportation legislation and regulations affecting the toll industry. Visit www.IBTTA.org for registration, hotel and travel information and to view the preliminary agenda. [More…

BICYCLES

1) California Bill Would Raise Hands-Free, Texting Fines, Extend Ban to Bicyclists

Link to article in The Sacramento Bee:

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/2010/02/bill-would-rais.html

CARTOGRAPHY

2) Virtual Maps to Help in Indian Disaster Management

Link to article in The Hindu:

http://www.hindu.com/2010/02/23/stories/2010022358542000.htm

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) Jamming of GPS Signals Threatens Vital Services

Link to article in the Financial Times:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4fa1c68a-2094-11df-9775-00144feab49a.html

ROADWAYS

4) New Jersey Toll-Takers Rude, Lewd and Racist, Complaints Charge

Link to article in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/85042697.html?cmpid=15585797

5) Cities Shortening Yellow Traffic Lights for Deadly Profit

Link to commentary on AlterNet:

http://www.alternet.org/rights/145752/cities_shortening_yellow_traffic_lights_for_deadly_profit

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Man Cited During Traffic Stop Fears His Picture Might End Up Online

Link to story and video on KENS-TV:

http://www.kens5.com/news/Do-you-realize-that-when-police-pull-you-over-for-a-citation-they-will-likely-take-your-picture–Is-that-wrong-85003517.html

7) ‘Embrace Life’ Goes Viral

PSA promoting seat belt use turns into a worldwide phenomenon.

Link to CNN video story:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2010/02/20/nr.levs.embrace.life.cnn

TRANSIT

8) Google Transit Launches in Europe

Link to IDG News Service article:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/189942/google_transit_launches_in_europe.html

9) Maryland Transit Administration Chief on How Agency Can do Better with Snow

Improved communications is at the top of his list.

Link to article in The Baltimore Sun:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/commuting/bal-md.cm.mta23feb23,0,3942742.story

10) Transit Smart Cards to be Adopted in Calgary by 2012

Link to article in the Calgary Herald:

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Transit+smart+cards+adopted+2012/2601354/story.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) Olympic Transportation Issues Being Dealt with as They Arise

Link to article in Pique:

http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/pique/index.php?content=Transportation

12) Dedicated Buses, 24×7 Monitoring of Transport for Commonwealth Games Athletes

Link to Sify article:

http://sify.com/news/Dedicated-buses-24X7-monitoring-of-transport-for-Games-athletes-news-National-kcxqOcbfegd.html

13) New Resources from US DOT

–  Searchable Tool: Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Performance Measurement Knowledgebase

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=613

–  A Domestic Scan of Congestion Pricing and Managed Lanes

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=612

–  Federal Highway Administration Focus States Initiative: Traffic Incident Management Performance Measures Final Report

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=614

VEHICLES

14) Could Electronics be What’s Causing Runaway Cars?

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2010-02-23-Electromagnetic23_CV_N.htm

15) Technology Solutions Newsmaker Q&A: Michael Gile

Interview with the founder of Fuzzy Luke, creator of a vehicle diagnostic application for mobile phones.

Link to interview in Aftermarket Business:

http://aftermarketbusiness.search-autoparts.com/aftermarketbusiness/Industry+News/Technology-Solutions-Newsmaker-QampA-Michael-Gile/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/657942

News Releases

1) Inrix National Traffic Scorecard Reveals America’s Top 10 Most Congested Cities

Upcoming Events

High Speed Rail 2010 – March 4-5 – Orlando, Florida

http://www.ushsr.com/events/florida2010.html

Today in Transportation History

1940 **70th anniversary** A squadron of British and French warships began a blockade of the north coast of Sweden, Norway and the Soviet Union.

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

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

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – February 22, 2010

February 22, 2010 at 7:05 pm

Monday, February 22, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


Intelligent Transportation Society of America’s 20th Annual Meeting & Exposition (May 3-5, 2010, Houston, Texas)

–  The Stars Align.  A stellar Closing Plenary will light up the George R. Brown Convention Center on Wednesday, May 5, from 10:30 a.m.-Noon.  This rare event features US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and IBM Chairman, President and CEO Sam Palmisano.  From their unique perspectives, both confirmed speakers will share their vision for a smarter 21st Century transportation network founded on technological innovation.

AVIATION

1) French Air Traffic Controller Plan Four-Day Strike Over European Reforms

Link to AP article:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/market_news/article.jsp?content=D9E18A8O0

2) American Airlines Tests New GPS Luggage Tracking

Link to story and video on WBIR-TV:

http://www.wbir.com/news/watercooler/story.aspx?storyid=113840&catid=141

CAMERAS

3) Tennessee Attorney General Approves Traffic Camera Bill

Link to article in the Knoxville News Sentinel:

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/feb/21/tennessee-attorney-general-approves-traffic-camera/

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) ETC to be Applied Comprehensively on Taiwan Freeway by the End of 2012

Link to article in the Taiwan News:

http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=1185246

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) GPS Modules Line Expands Beyond Portable Navigation Niche

Link to article in Electronic Components:

http://www.electroniccomponents.globalsources.com/gsol/I/Tuner-module/a/9000000108616.htm

OTHER

6) Massive Storms Don’t Halt DC IT Ops

Link to article in ComputerWorld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/347044/Massive_Storms_Don_t_Halt_D.C._IT_Ops

7) Profile of Pennsylvania Traffic Reporter ‘Rusty Fender’

Link to article in The Dispatch:

http://www.timesleader.com/pittstondispatch/news/_lsquo_Rusty_Fender_rsquo__first_subject_of_new_Dispatch_feature_02-21-2010.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) No Provisions to Track Texting Violations in New Hampshire

Link to article in The Telegraph:

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/statenewengland/642589-227/dots-tweeting-service-raises-its-own-questions.html

TRANSIT

9) ‘Real-Time’ Arrival Screens to be Placed at Dublin Bus Stops

Link to article in The Irish Times:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0222/1224264939076.html

10) Multimedia for Road Commuters?

Airline-style seat-back video for buses to be demonstrated at Dubai exhibition.

Link to article in Emirates Business:

http://www.business24-7.ae/Articles/2010/2/Pages/20022010/02212010_e2f501c7b19642538398445df240417d.aspx

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) Washington, DC Uses Regional Transportation Information System to Combine Data for Emergency, Traffic Response

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/746596

VEHICLES

12) Television that Streams, Even if Traffic Doesn’t

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/automobiles/21TEEVEE.html

13) Digital Driving

Display in hybrid car changes the way this person drives.

Link to commentary and audio on Vermont Public Radio:

http://www.vpr.net/episode/48020/

News Releases

1) LogicTree’s Wisconsin 511 IVR Delivers During Winter Storm

2) New Sample Bill from NHTSA Will Aid States in Banning Texting While Driving

Solicitation

–  Request for Proposals – Onsite Media/Communications Provider for Disseminating Traffic and Traveler Information – New Jersey Turnpike Authority

http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/Travel_and_Transit_Media_Services.pdf

Upcoming Events

National Conference on Highway Safety Priorities – April 11-13 – Philadelphia

http://www.lifesaversconference.org/

Today in Transportation History

1935 **75th anniversary** – Airplane flights over the White House became illegal.

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

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

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – February 19, 2010

February 22, 2010 at 7:01 pm

Friday, February 19, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


Plan now to attend ITS Canada’s Annual Conference this June 13-16 in Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s National Capital!

The program for ITS Canada’s Annual Conference is shaping up to be the best ever, with a wide selection of papers and topics. Each day will be structured to maximize the value to delegates, reinforcing the Conference theme of “ITS: For Efficient, Safe and Clean Transport”.  Morning plenary sessions will bring all delegates together to hear from key experts on the theme of the day. Monday will be our Connected Vehicle day, incorporating IntelliDriveSM and networked vehicle concepts. Tuesday will focus on multi-modal urban issues: transit, active transportation and urban transportation management. Wednesday will concentrate on traveller information and 511, providing opportunities for national and cross-border forums on issues and directions. Experts from across Canada and around the world will present leading-edge projects and technologies. Keynote luncheon speakers will focus on broad issues and perspectives, while panel discussions will re-energize delegates with interesting and perhaps controversial positions. You can’t afford to miss this event! More information:www.itscanada.ca/ottawa2010

AVIATION

1) Gunfire Detection System Figures in California Plane Crash Probe

Link to article in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/02/18/BA6C1C3LSP.DTL

BICYCLES

2) Turn Signal Bike Jacket

Link to article and video on GreenMuze:

http://www.greenmuze.com/green-your/fashion/2252-turn-signal-bike-jacket-.html

OTHER

3) Glimpse the Wireless Future of Transportation

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/02/intelligent-transportation-systems/

ROADWAYS

4) California Freeway Messages Stir Outrage in Some Drivers

Sign of trouble: Request to share the road with motorcyclists.

Link to article in The San Diego Union-Tribune:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/feb/19/sign-of-trouble/

5) Unsafe at Any Speed

California governor’s freeway advertising plan rightly deserves to crash and burn.

Link to editorial in the Los Angeles Daily News:

http://www.dailynews.com/opinions/ci_14377454

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) After Fatal Train Wrecks, Obama Administration to Crack Down on Cell Phone Use

Link to column in The Hill:

http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/82087-after-fatal-train-wrecks-obama-administration-to-crack-down-on-cell-phone-use

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

7) Boston Area Commuters Receive No Warning of Drawbridge Opening During Rush Hour

Link to article in the Hull Sun:

http://blogs.wickedlocal.com/hull_blog/?p=32915

8) Use of Social Media for Travel Information

Link to presentations from I-95 Corridor Coalition webcast:

http://www.i95coalition.org/i95/Library/MeetingMinutes/tabid/143/ctl/ArticleView/mid/533/articleId/85/Use-of-Social-Media-for-Travel-Information.aspx

VEHICLES

9) Audi and Qualcomm’s 3G Car System Early Review: Web on Wheels

Link to review on CNET UK:

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/cartech/0,250000513,49305093,00.htm

News Releases

1) Massachusetts DOT Developers Real-Time Challenge

2) Canadian National Campaign Promotes Public Transit as a Solution to Smog Forming Emissions from Old Cars

Upcoming Events

35th Annual FAA Aviation Forecast Conference – March 9-10 – Washington, DC

http://www.faa.gov/news/conferences_events/aviation_forecast_2010/

Friday Bonus

Do not try this at home (or in your local subway).

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

Today in Transportation History

1945 **65th anniversary** – US Marines land on Iwo Jima.

http://www.defense.gov/home/features/iwo_jima/iwo.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