Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – June 5, 2009

June 5, 2009 at 6:17 pm

Friday, June 5, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) FAA Could Close 20 Weather Offices

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/04/AR2009060404176.html

Link to news release from the National Weather Service Employees Organization:

http://sev.prnewswire.com/airlines-aviation/20090604/DC2781704062009-1.html

2) Crash Prompts Call for Black Box Reforms

Link to story and video on the CBS Evening News:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/04/eveningnews/main5063424.shtml

3) Experts Mull Over Lessons from Brazil Plane Crash

Link to AP story:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/05/AR2009060502032.html

4) Runway Cameras Approved for Aspen, Colorado Airport

First airport to get FAA approval for cameras.

Link to story in the Aspen Daily News:

http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/134851

5) Harris to Buy Air Traffic Control Business

Link to Reuters story:

http://www.reuters.com/article/innovationNews/idUSTRE5537SX20090604

Link to news release from SolaCom Technologies:

http://www.solacom.com/news/20090604.shtml

6) Switching Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Signs is No Breeze, Officials Say

Link to story in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/47000462.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUjc8LDyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aU7DYaGEP7vDEh7P:DiUs

7) Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Seeks Funds to Tout Facility, Region

Link to story in The Dallas Morning News:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/industries/airlines/stories/DN-dfwmarket_05bus.ART.State.Edition1.41c6780.html

BUSES

8) Peter Pan Bus Lines to Equip Fleet with Wi-Fi

Link to story in Metro Magazine:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2009/06/Peter-Pan-to-equip-fleet-with-WiFi.aspx

GPS / NAVIGATION

9) Error in GPS Map Data Prompts Garmin Product Safety Recall

Link to IDG News Service story:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/166173/error_in_gps_map_data_prompts_garmin_product_safety_recall.html

MARITIME

10) Using Location Technology to Respond to Piracy

Link to interview in Directions Magazine:

http://www.directionsmag.com/article.php?article_id=3153

RAILROADS

11) Cuyahoga Valley Railroad to Implement GPS Commentary System on Excursion Trains

Link to story in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=20576

ROADWAYS

12) Washington, DC Commuters Left in Lurch, Virginia Congressmen Say

Roadwork on parallel spans compounded by inadequate communications.

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/06/virginia_congressmen.html

TELEMATICS

13) Continental System Would Let Drivers Download Telematics Appplications

Link to story in The Oakland Press:

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/06/03/business/doc4a264b8ba5bf3837696980.txt

News Releases

1) Telematics Awards 2009 Winners and Runners-Up Announced

2) Hughes Telematics Delivers Keynote at Telematics Detroit 2009 

3) UK Highways Agency’s New Magazine Gives Advice on Staying Safe on the Road

Upcoming Events

IBTTA 77th Annual Meeting & Exposition – September 13-16 – Chicago

http://www.ibtta.org/Events/eventdetail.cfm?ItemNumber=3859

Friday Bonus

This is not what McGruff means when he says ‘take a bite out of crime.’

http://www.dcexaminer.com/local/crime/Metro-bus-driver-takes-bite-out-of-McGruff-the-Crime-Dog-40558982.html

Today in Transportation History

1829 **180th anniversary** – The slave ship, Voladora, was captured by the HMS Pickle off the coast of Cuba.

http://www.mariner.org/captivepassage/abolition/captions/abo001-02.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – June 4, 2009

June 4, 2009 at 5:23 pm

Thursday, June 4, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


TIC for RDS-TMC and TPEG Broadcast Services – Reach More Navigation Devices Worldwide TIC has extended its globally accepted RDS-TMC broadcast solution to TPEG over digital media such as DAB, HD, satellite radio, and mobile telecoms (GPRS, UTMS), reaching even more navigation devices worldwide. TIC supports TPEG applications including Traffic Flow and Prediction (TFP) and Traffic Event Compact (TEC), AROGA-C location referencing, and encryption.  TIC is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution proven in over 100 projects operating worldwide, including being used to provide Interoperability between legacy systems,  511 Services, to generate Traffic Flows & Predictive models,  for Traffic Alerts, Traffic Plans & Simulations, report on Work Zones & Road Conditions, and more.   As a COTS solution, TIC can be deployed faster, more affordably, and with less risk than build-your-own solutions.  Contact jim.oneill@gewi.com to discuss your requirements.  

AVIATION

1) Avoiding Goof-Ups: Indian Airports Rely on Human Eye Link to story in The Times of India: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/Avoiding-goof-ups-Indian-airports-rely-on-human-eye/articleshow/4614432.cms

2) Common GPS Could Help Better Track Airline Flights Link to AP story: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-us-trackingplanes,0,4995854.story

3) Federal Aviation Administration Approves Safety-Reporting Program at American Airlines Link to AP story: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/FAA-approves-safetyreporting-apf-15441260.html?.v=1

4) Upgrading Avionics and Air Traffic Management in Tandem Takes Time and Patience Link to story in Military & Aerospace Electronics: http://mae.pennnet.com/display_article/363732/32/NEWS/none/none/1/Upgrading-avionics-and-air-traffic-management-in-tandem-takes-time-and-patience/

CAMERAS

5) Traffic Light Camera Provider Nestor Put in Receivership Link to story in The Providence Journal: http://newsblog.projo.com/2009/06/nestor-traffic.html

6) Speed Cameras on US Highways? Link to story from AOL Autos: http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/06/04/aa.speed.cameras.highways/

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) RIM Acquires Dash Navigation Link to story in InformationWeek: http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2009/06/rim_aquires_das.html;jsessionid=QUVGT1NWVHH4UQSNDLPCKH0CJUNN2JVN

MARITIME

8) Washington State Ferries Thinking About Reservation System Link to story in The Seattle Times: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009296076_apwaferryreservations1stldwritethru.html

ROADWAYS

9) US Officials Very Interested in VMT/Road Use Charges – ITS America People Link to story in TOLLROADnews: http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/4193

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Improving Public Safety Communications in the 800 MHz Band Link to order from the Federal Communications Commission: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-09-48A1.pdf

TELEMATICS

11) Telematics Industry Relying on Partnerships, Customer Demand, to Survive Auto Crisis Link to column in the Michigan Business Review: http://blog.mlive.com/svengustafson/2009/06/telematics_industry_relying_on.html

TRANSIT

12) Edmonton Transit to Test Smart CardsLink to story in the Edmonton Sun: http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2009/06/04/9672391-sun.html

13) Detroit Department of Transportation Unveils More Informative Bus Signs Link to story in the Detroit Free Press: http://www.freep.com/article/20090604/NEWS01/90604043/1003/DDOT+unveils+more+informative+bus+signs

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) Seattle‘s Bing Trucks Give Real-Time Traffic, Travel Updates Link to story in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer: http://blog.seattlepi.com/microsoft/archives/170328.asp

15) Montego Bay, Jamaica to Implement Traffic Management System Link to story in the Jamaica Observer: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/westernnews/html/20090603T220000-0500_152786_OBS____M_TO_EASE_CONGESTION.asp

VEHICLES

16) Telematics Detroit: Toy Store for In-Vehicle Infotainment Link to story on WWJ Radio: http://www.wwj.com/Telematics-Detroit–Toy-Store-For-In-Vehicle-Infot/4528594

17) New BMW’s Drive Themselves (Almost) A new driver-assistance system in the works by BMW means older drivers won’t have to hang up their keys — or their independence. Link to story in Popular Science: http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2009-06/rescued-tech-autonomous-vehicle-control-system-aids-elderly-drivers  

News Releases

1) Iteris Awarded $1.5 Million Inland Empire 511 Traveler Information System Contract

2) Get Connected with Complimentary Wi-Fi from US Airways

Upcoming Events

International Public Works Conference – September 6-10 – Melbourne http://www.alloccasionsgroup.com/IPWEA

Today in Transportation History

1939 **70th anniversary** – The St. Louis, carrying 936 Jewish refugees, was refused permission to land in the US.  Many of the passengers died in the Holocaust after returning to Europe. http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/stlouis/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.  To subscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at i95berniew@aol.com.    © 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – June 3, 2009

June 3, 2009 at 10:49 pm

Wednesday, June 3, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


TIC3 Speaks Your Language – Deploy in Multiple Languages
Whether you are looking to provide Interoperability between legacy systems, launch or upgrade a 511 Service, generate Traffic Flows & Predictive models, Traffic Alerts, Traffic Plans & Simulations, report on Work Zones & Road Conditions, run an automated Radio Traffic Advisory system, or produce Navigation Quality Data, TIC3 from GEWI is the solution.  All of these services, and more, can be achieved by simple configuration of this single commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software platform, already in use in over 100+ projects worldwide.  And, it is already configured for 12 languages with other languages easily added. TIC is offered with flexible pricing models, worldwide support, and will also be made available locally through GEWI Authorized Partners.  Contact jim.oneill@gewi.com to discuss your requirements.

AVIATION

1) Crash Mystery Tests Limits of Technology

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-06-02-crashinside_N.htm

2) Air France Flight Flew Well Beyond Range of Radar

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j5g0ENmGxuUgPabNpRzvxTuScdUQD98IQJ7G0

3) Factbox: How Planes Get Lost

Link to information from Reuters:

http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-40052920090602

4) US Air Force Uses Jets for Long-Range Communications on Battlefields

Link to story on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090602_3113.php

5) Delta Counting on New Red Coats to Boost Customer Service

Link to story in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/business/delta/stories/2009/06/03/redcoat_delta_customerservice.html

CAMERAS

6) Tennessee Traffic Camera Restrictions Bill Goes to Governor

Link to blog in the Knoxville News Sentinel:

http://blogs.knoxnews.com/knx/humphrey/2009/06/traffic-camera-restrictions-bi.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) Say Hello to BING-411, Bing’s Voice Service

Phone service offers driving directions.

Link to review on Appscout:

http://www.appscout.com/2009/06/say_hello_to_bing-411_bings_vo.php

OTHER

8) News Updates from ITS America Annual Meeting

Link to news update:

http://www.dailynews-online.com/itsa-am/

PARKING

9) New Meters Challenging San Francisco Parkers

Link to story in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/03/BA8V17USEA.DTL

ROADWAYS

10) Confusing Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Signs Targeted

Link to story in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/local/46769982.html?elr=KArks:DCiU1OiP:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

11) Measures to Stop Wrong-Way Drivers on Dallas North Tollway Debated

Link to story in The Dallas Morning News:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-wrongway_03met.ART0.State.Edition2.5134ae5.html

12) National Socialists’ Highway Cleanup Hits Bump

Jewish group worked through legislators to have Missouri roadway renamed after rabbi.

Link to editorial in the News-Leader:

http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009905310334

SAFETY / SECURITY

13) Airport Officials Ask Congress Not to Disrupt TSA Biometric Work

Link to story in Washington Technology:

http://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2009/06/03/congress-urged-not-to-disrupt-tsa-biometrics-work.aspx

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) Centralize Traffic Monitoring, New Jersey Lawmakers Say

Link to story in The Press of Atlantic City:

http://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/article_06dd2c88-4e2f-11de-b544-001cc4c03286.html

News Releases

1) CP24 and GO Transit Announce Exclusive Partnership – Live Reports Delivered from GO Transit Centre

Upcoming Events

smart rivers ’21-The Future of Inland Navigation – September 6-9 – Vienna

http://www.smartrivers.org/

Today in Transportation History

1969 **40th anniversary** – Australian light aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne and US Navy destroyer, USS Frank E. Evans collided in the South China Sea.  Seventy-four died.

http://www.vrb.gov.au/dvapublications/CLIK-Frank-E-Evans.pdf

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast ati95berniew@aol.com.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’sTransportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – June 1, 2009

June 1, 2009 at 8:07 pm

Monday, June 1, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


New Flexible TIC Architecture On Display at ITS America
TIC’s new architecture is a breakthrough in data processing offering unprecedented flexibility and functionality as required for traffic and travel information and management. As a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution, TIC is a proven, highly scalable solution used in over 100 projects operating worldwide. TIC can be deployed faster, more affordably, and with less risk than build-your-own solutions. TIC is offered with flexible pricing models, worldwide support, in several languages, and will also be made available locally through GEWI Authorized Partners.
See TIC at GEWI booth #329 through Wednesday at ITS America or contact jim.oneill@gewi.com to discuss your requirements.

CAMERAS

1) Effort to Overturn Speed Cameras Fails in Maryland

Link to AP story:

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/gov/2009/06/01-04/Effort-to-overturn-speed-cameras-fails.html

2) Big Brother? North Carolina Cameras Would Record All License Plates

Link to story in the Star-News:

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20090530/ARTICLES/905309990/1004?Title=Big-Brother-Area-cameras-would-record-all-licence-plates

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) Cell Phone Locator System Needs No Satellite

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/01/technology/start-ups/01locate.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

OTHER

4) Meet the Public’s Voice at Minnesota DOT

Link to story in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/local/46586247.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

5) News Updates from ITS America Annual Meeting

Link to news update:

http://www.dailynews-online.com/itsa-am/

ROADWAYS

6) University of South Carolina Focuses on Finding Bridge Damage Through Specialized Sensors

Link to story in The State:

http://www.thestate.com/local/story/805489.html

7) A Traffic Sign for John C. Calhoun

Why so many words on pedestrian yield sign?

Link to blog in The New York Times:

http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/01/a-traffic-sign-for-john-c-calhoon/

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) US Department of Homeland Security Expands RFID Use at Borders Today

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/06/01/dhs-expands-rfid-use-at-borders-today.aspx

9) National Transportation Safety Board: Charter Bus Companies Must Have Contingency Plans for Crashes in Remote Areas

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jtKEp9EQ8X9AFP94PbtWyAPOAQWgD98GQUT80

TRANSIT

10) Tube Undergoes Language Upgrade

Ticket machines on the London Underground have been upgraded to operate in 17 different languages.

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8076510.stm

11) Johannesburg BRT E-Ticketing System Delayed

Link to story on ITWeb:

http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2009/0906011042.asp?O=FPTOP&S=IT%20in%20Government&A=ITG

12) London Olympics Tickets to Double as Transport Tickets, Cash?

Link to story in ContaclessNews:

http://www.contactlessnews.com/2009/06/01/olympics-tickets-to-double-as-transport-tickets-cash#top

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Traffic Solutions Just a Phone Call Away in Jakarta

Link to story in The Jakarta Post:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/05/30/traffic-solutions-just-a-phone-call-away.html

VEHICLES

14) From MPG to Mbps: Broadband Cars to Hit Top Gear in ’12

Link to story in telecomasia:

http://www.telecomasia.net/article.php?id_article=13669

News Releases

1) Clear Channel Radio’s Total Traffic Network Partners with EarthCam

2) TrafficCast’s BlueTOAD to Monitor Traffic Using Bluetooth

3) TransCore and Sensys Networks Announce Alliance to Integrate Arterial Travel Time System into TransSuite

4) Louisiana DOT Launches Improved 511 Traveler Information Service

5) ITS America, IBM, Spencer Trask, & Partners Launch Congestion Challenge for Traffic Solutions

6) Ford Sync with Traffic, Directions and Information Now Live with Inrix Traffic and 3rd Generation Routing

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Talking Freight Special Session: TIGER Discretionary Grants Program – June 9

http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=17299

Today in Transportation History

1939 **70th anniversary** – The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 made its first flight.

http://www.warbirdalley.com/fw190.htm

2009 – General Motors declared bankruptcy.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/06/its-official-gm-seeks-bankruptcy-protection.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – May 29, 2009

May 29, 2009 at 6:31 pm

Friday, May 29, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


TIC3 From GEWI – One Platform, Multiple Deployment Options

 Whether you are looking to provide Interoperability between legacy systems, launch or upgrade a 511 Service, generate Traffic Flows & Predictive models, Traffic Alerts, Traffic Plans & Simulations, report on Work Zones & Road Conditions, run an automated Radio Traffic Advisory system, or produce Navigation Quality Data, TIC3 from GEWI is the solution.  All of these services, and more, can be achieved by simple configuration of this single commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software platform, already in use in over 100+ projects worldwide. To discuss your requirements, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com and look for GEWI in booth #329 at ITS America.

AVIATION

1) Coalition Aims to Revamp Air Traffic Control System

Link to story in The Record:

http://www.northjersey.com/news/aroundnj/Coalition_aims_to_revamp_air_traffic_control_system.html

RAILROADS

2) Amtrak Inches Closer to On-Track Wi-Fi in Northern California

Link to story on Jaunted:

http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/5/28/84647/7022/travel/Amtrak+Inches+Closer+to+On-Track+WiFi+in+Northern+California

ROADWAYS

3) High-Tech Upgrades to Pennsylvania Highways Could Manage Congestion

Link to story in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_627225.html

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

Link to newsletter:

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/trafficoperations/Newsletters/2009/2009-006-June.pdf

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) GIS Maps Prevent Vehicle Collisions with Elk and Deer

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/691425

6) New Travel Rules Kick in June 1 in US Amid Concerns Over RFID-Tagged Passport Cards

Link to story in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9133639

TRANSIT

7) Cleveland‘s Bus Rapid Transit

Link to interview and audio on WNYC Radio:

http://www.wnyc.org/news/articles/132968

8) New York MTA Offers Mobile Transit Directions

Link to story in amNY:

http://weblogs.amny.com/entertainment/urbanite/blog/2009/05/mta_offers_mobile_transit_dire.html

VEHICLES

9) Kansas is Owed $1 Million in Motor Vehicle Records Misuse Case

Link to story in The Wichita Eagle:

http://www.kansas.com/news/story/831007.html

News Releases

1) New Ford Sync Application – Traffic, Directions and Information – Ready for Download

Upcoming Events

Integrating Transit Applications: Defining Data Interfaces Using TCIP – June 24-25 – Los Angeles

http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.asp?CourseNumber=TRI27

Friday Bonus

Here’s an interesting way to calm traffic but panic drivers.*

http://sidestreets.freedomblogging.com/2008/11/19/gimme-a-pothole/852/

(*This is not a real product.  The photos are from an ad campaign.)

Today in Transportation History

1914 **95th anniversary** – The RMS Empress of Ireland sank after a collision with the Storstad in the Gulf of St. Lawrence killing 1078 people.

http://www.sea-viewdiving.com/shipwreck_info/empress_home/thetragedy.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter(TCN) – May 28, 2009

May 28, 2009 at 6:09 pm

Thursday, May 28, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


TIC3 From GEWI – One Platform, Multiple Deployment Options

Whether you are looking to provide Interoperability between legacy systems, launch or upgrade a 511 Service, generate Traffic Flows & Predictive models, Traffic Alerts, Traffic Plans & Simulations, report on Work Zones & Road Conditions, run an automated Radio Traffic Advisory system, or produce Navigation Quality Data, TIC3 from GEWI is the solution.  All of these services, and more, can be achieved by simple configuration of this single commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software platform, already in use in over 100+ projects worldwide. To discuss your requirements, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com and look for GEWI in booth #329 at ITS America.

AVIATION

1) Connexion by Boeing’s Former King Marketer Uncensored

Link to column on Flightglobal:

http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/runway-girl/2009/05/connexion-by-boeings-former-ki.html

BICYCLES

2) Online Mapping Tool Promotes Bike Safety

Link to story and video in The Seattle Times:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009270653_bikewise28m0.html

Link to bikewise:  http://www.bikewise.org/

OTHER

3) Q&A with US Coast Guard Rear Admiral Gary Blore About the New National Security Cutter Bertholf

Link to interview in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/05/28/q-and-a-with-coast-guard-acqusition-rear-admrl-gary-blore.aspx

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

4) Courtesy-Minded Metro Stands Up for Riders Who Shouldn’t Have to

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/26/AR2009052603286.html

RAILROADS

5) Latest Edition of Signal Online

Link to newsletter of the European Rail Traffic Management System:

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/rail/interoperability/ertms/doc/012_signal_2009_05_en.pdf

ROADWAYS

6) New Sign Will Count and Display Accident-Free Days on US 2 in Washington State

Link to story in The Snohomish Times:
http://www.snohomishtimes.com/snohomishNEWS.cfm?inc=story&newsID=563

7) Rolling Wheel Deflectometer – Network-Level Pavement Structural Evaluation – Measuring Deflection at Highway Speeds

Link to further information from the Federal Highway Administration:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/management/rwd/index.cfm

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) US-VISIT Tests New Approaches to Exit System

DHS will start testing two methods for electronically collecting and transmitting biometric data on non-citizens as they leave the US through airports.

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/05/27/web-us-visit-pilots.aspx

9) Ohio Troopers to Power Radios with Solar

Link to story in The Columbus Dispatch:

http://dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/05/28/z-apoh_greencruisers_0528.ART_ART_05-28-09_B6_1KE0FQ4.html?sid=101

TELEMATICS

10) Sync Gets Traffic Application

Link to story in the Detroit Free Press:

http://www.freep.com/article/20090528/BUSINESS01/905280459/1210/BUSINESS/Sync+gets+traffic+application

TRANSIT

11) Is God Dead? Or Just Not Riding the Bus?

Link to story in Time:

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1901301,00.html

12) Laval Commuters to Receive GPS Bus Updates

Link to story in The Gazette:

http://www.montrealgazette.com/Technology/Laval+unveil+updates/1636772/story.html

13) DC Metro Posting Signs for Next Bus Return

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/05/metro_posting_signs_for_next_b.html

News Releases

1) NTSB Expands Release of Accident Investigation Public Dockets Available on Web Site Beginning Next Week

2) DOT Secretary LaHood, US CTO Chopra, EPA Advisor Sussman, T&I Chairman Oberstar, Ranking Member Mica, Other Officials to Explore ITS Solutions to Nation’s Transportation, Economic, Environmental Challenges

3) Flyte Systems Installs Live Airline Information at LAX Airport Parking Complex – Will Also Include National Weather and Traffic Information for the Los Angeles Area

4) Brighter Lights On Roads at Night May Make Older Drivers Less Cautious: Ryerson Study

Upcoming Events

Intelligent Transportation Systems in the Airport Environment – August 3-5 – Salt Lake City

http://events.aaae.org/sites/090801/index.cfm

Today in Transportation History

1959 **50th anniversary** – Two monkeys became the first living creatures to survive a space flight.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/28/newsid_3725000/3725961.stm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – May 27, 2009

May 27, 2009 at 5:04 pm

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


OpenTMS – Provides Real-Time Operations System Solutions

 Open Roads’ Open TMS Enterprise is a proven off-the-shelf solution that incorporates data gathering, information dissemination, and real-time decision-making into a single, user-friendly interface.  OpenTMS is your gateway to visualizing all transportation data sources, while communicating with system operators and other users.  Our integrated platform provides a consolidated operational view of incidents, traffic congestion, weather, 911 dispatch information, and other decision-making tools.  OpenTMS is easy to use, highly scalable and configurable in all dimensions. Open Roads will be demonstrating OpenTMS at ITS America, and can be found at booth #840.  For appointments and customized demos, please call 757-546-3401 or email Steve Beckwith at slbeckwith@openroadsconsulting.com.  You can also visit us online at www.openroadsconsulting.com

AVIATION

1) FAA Bird Radar Tests to Expand this Summer

Link to story on AVweb:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/FAABirdRadarTestsToExpandThisSummer_200444-1.html

2) On the Radar: Bird-Proofing US Air Traffic

Link to column in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124328722028652079.html

3) Ethnic Tamil Malaysians Want Tamil Announcements at Airports

Link to story in The Hindu:

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200905261756.htm

CAMERAS

4) Texas Cities Speed Up to Beat Red Light Camera Contract Deadline

Link to story in The Dallas Morning News:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-redlights_27met.ART.State.Edition1.5100182.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) The GPS Revolution: Location, Location, Location

Link to story in BusinessWeek:

http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/may2009/id20090526_735316.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_innovation+%2Bamp%3B+design

OTHER

6) From Traffic Signs to Furniture

Link to story in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/26/DD8Q17F8MN.DTL

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

7) Transportation Security Administration to Promote Secure Flight Program

Link to story on AviationNews.net:

http://www.aviationnews.net/?do=headline&news_ID=167713

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Aviation Groups Fight Airport Badging Rule

Link to story in Aviation Week:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=businessweekly&id=news/BADG052609.xml&headline=Aviation%20Groups%20Fight%20Airport%20Badging%20Rule

9) Transport Canada Agrees to Release Results of Child Car Seat Tests

Link to CBC News story:

http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2009/05/26/child-car-seat-safety987.html

TRANSIT

10) Plan Would Let Chicago Transit Riders Pay with Phone

Link to story on WLS-TV:

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6832883

11) Subsidized Passes Problem for Phoenix-Area Light Rail

When riders don’t scan cards, Metro can’t recoup fares.

Link to story in The Arizona Republic:

http://www.azcentral.com/news/traffic/lightrail/articles/2009/05/26/20090526lostfares0526.html

12) It’s Open Sesame: New New York City Buses Feature Exit Sensors to Unclog Back-Door Bottleneck

Link to story in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/05/26/2009-05-26_new_buses_feature_exit_sensors.html

13) Twitter Largely Untapped by Campus Bus Services

Link to story in Metro Magazine:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2009/05/Twitter-largely-untapped-by-campus-bus-services.aspx

14) Israel Admits Tube Advert Map ‘Mistake’

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8063435.stm

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) Vancouver Braces for Olympic Traffic Nightmare with Interactive Web Tool

Link to story on itbusiness.ca:

http://www.itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/home/News.asp?id=53282

News Releases

1) Pennsylvania DOT and Telvent Select Inrix Traffic for New 511 Pennsylvania Traveler Information Service

2) WirelessCar Selected to Telematics Service Provider for BMW in Europe

Upcoming Events

Workshop on Roundabouts – August 18 – Maitland, Florida

http://trc.ce.ufl.edu/Roundabouts_Workshop_2009.html

Today in Transportation History

1919 **90th anniversary** – The NC-4, a flying boat, became the first aircraft to complete a trans-Atlantic flight.

http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/ww2Timeline/firstflight.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – May 26, 2009

May 26, 2009 at 10:31 pm

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition Kicks Off in Less Than One Week

From June 1-3, join U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, members of Congress, and other transportation, technology, business and policy leaders at ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition – located just 15 minutes away from the nation’s capitol. If you are in the transportation industry, you cannot afford to miss this event.  ITS America has put together an exciting program of nearly 100 educational and Congressional fact-finding sessions, opportunities to interact with members of Congress and senior government officials, 150,000 square feet of exhibits, tours of local ITS facilities and projects, a “City Streets” technology demonstration staged right outside of the convention center, and a closing reception and technology showcase in the new Capitol Hill Visitors Center.  For more information on the program and to register, visit http://www.itsa.org/amregistration.html.

CAMERAS

1) Internet Accelerating Speed Camera Foes in Maryland

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/25/AR2009052501975.html

2) Man Unhappy as Traffic CCTV Films His Home

Link to story on Get Surrey:

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2051346_man_unhappy_as_traffic_cctv_films_his_home

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) The GAO, the Media, and GPS

Link to commentary in The Space Review:

http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1381/1

OTHER

4) Four States Adopt ‘No Smiles’ Policy for Driver’s Licenses

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-05-25-licenses_N.htm

PEDESTRIANS

5) Indonesian Law Will Make Disabled Wear Signs in Traffic

Link to story in The Jakarta Globe:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/law-will-make-disabled-wear-signs-in-traffic/277469

ROADWAYS

6) Illinois Tollway Hopes New Signs Pay Off

Link to Chicago Breaking News story:

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/05/illinois-tollway-signs.html

7) Growth Means Signs Can’t Keep Up with Times

As communities spread ever outward, traffic signage estimates are frequently miles off the mark.

Link to story in The Ledger:

http://www.theledger.com/article/20090525/NEWS/905255031/1410?Title=Growth-Means-Signs-Can-t-Keep-Up-With-Times

TELEMATICS

8) Ford Takes on OnStar with 911 Assist

Link to story in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/05/ford-takes-on-onstar-with-911-assist/

TRANSIT

9) Trolley Anticrash Technology Put Off in Boston

Link to story in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/05/25/trolley_safety_system_put_off/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Digital Transport Project to be Rolled Out in Birmingham, UK

Link to story in the Birmingham Post:

http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/creative-industries-news/2009/05/27/digital-transport-project-to-be-rolled-out-in-birmingham-65233-23719905/

11) Upstate New York is Not Yet in 511 NY Real-Time Traffic Alert Loop

Link to column in the Times Union:

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=803479

Upcoming Events

ITS International Best Practices Workshop: Wireless Communications – July 13-14 – Charlotte, North Carolina

http://www.apta.com/conferences_calendar/itsbest/

Today in Transportation History

1889 **120th anniversary** – The first passenger elevator opened in the Eiffel Tower.

http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast ati95berniew@aol.com.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – May 25, 2009

May 25, 2009 at 9:05 pm


Monday, May 25, 2009
– ISSN 1529-1057


Open Roads’ RTIMIS: A Real-Time System Management Information Program Solution

RTIMIS is a software product from Open Roads Consulting that generates comprehensive real-time transportation information by fusing system information gleaned from existing stakeholder systems.  By collecting data from 911 CAD systems, traffic signal systems, freeway management systems, and others, RTIMIS creates a common operational picture of transportation across a region, a state, or a multi-state corridor.  This common operational picture enables improved incident response, increased responder and traveler safety, enhanced mobility, and represents a cost-effective means of achieving compliance with the requirements stated in section 1201 of the SAFETEA-LU legislation.    Open Roads will be demonstrating RTIMIS at ITS America at booth #840.  For appointments and customized demos, please call 757-546-3401 or email Steve Beckwith at slbeckwith@openroadsconsulting.com.  You can also visit us online at www.openroadsconsulting.com.

AVIATION

1) Can Airport Technology Halt a Pandemic?

Link to story in New Scientist:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20227095.900-can-airport-technology-halt-a-pandemic.html

2) New Web Program Aims to Reduce Fatigue-Related Aviation Accidents

Link to American Forces Press Service story:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=54456

SAFETY / SECURITY

3) New York City Goes Wireless

Wireless network supports transfers of large files, such as fingerprints, maps and full-motion streaming video.

Link to story in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/05/21/nyc-mobile-data-network.aspx

TRANSIT

4) New York City Transit Authority Feeling the Pain from a Crippled Advertising Market

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/25/nyregion/25ads.html?_r=1&ref=media

Upcoming Events

Low Cost Airlines World Americas – June 29-July 1 – Coral Gables, Florida

http://www.terrapinn.com/2009/americas

Today in Transportation History

1979 **30th anniversary** – American Airlines Flight 191 crashed on takeoff in Chicago, killing 273 people.  It is deadliest single plane crash on US soil.

http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19790525-2

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast ati95berniew@aol.com.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – May 22, 2009

May 22, 2009 at 5:20 pm

Friday, May 22, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Poor Communication Between Airports and Public Heath Authorities Hampers Swine Flu Fight: Aviation Official

Link to story from the Montreal Gazette:

http://www.canada.com/health/Poor+communication+hampers+swine+fight+Aviation+official/1613638/story.html

Link to news release from the International Civil Aviation Organization:

http://www.icao.int/icao/en/nr/2009/pio200906_e.pdf

2) Florida State Aircraft Flight Logs Go Online

Link to story in the Tallahassee Democrat:

http://floridacapitalnews.com/article/20090522/CAPITOLNEWS/905220330&theme

Link to site:

http://dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/specialized_services/aircraft_operations/state_aircraft_flight_information

CAMERAS

3) Port of Everett Rethinks Using Cameras to Catch Golf-Ball Bomber

Privacy concerns of homeowners lead to decision to develop formal policy on use of cameras.

Link to story in the Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090522/NEWS01/705229900

MARITIME

4) BC Ferries Settlement Will be Made Public

Link to Canwest News Service story:

http://www.canada.com/Sunk+ferry+settlement+will+made+public/1619558/story.html

5) Inquest Hears Boats on Sydney Harbor are Often Poorly Lit

Link to Australian Broadcasting Corp. story:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/20/2575825.htm

RAILROADS

6) Training Begins for ERTMS In-Cab Rail Signaling

Link to story in Transport Briefing:

http://www.transportbriefing.co.uk/news/story?id=5932

ROADWAYS

7) Confused at Interstate Split? Tennessee DOT Marking the Way

Link to story in the Chattanooga Times Free Press:

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/22/tennessee-confused-interstate-split-tdot-marking-w/?local

TRANSIT

8) New York MTA Eyes ‘E-Zier’ Pass for Riders

Next generation fare card would use contactless device.

Link to story in the New York Post:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/05222009/news/regionalnews/mta_eyes_e_zier_pass_for_riders_170462.htm

9) Bus Stops of the Future: Are They Realistic?

Link to story in Fast Company:

http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/ariel-schwartz/sustainability/mits-bus-stop-future-0

Link to further information from MIT:

http://senseable.mit.edu/eyestop/

VEHICLES

10) ‘Black Box’ Idea Travels to Cars

New device will let parents monitor teens’ driving.

Link to story in The News-Times:

http://www.newstimes.com/ci_12424612  

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Lessons Learned from Wireless Video Monitoring for Dynamic Traffic Light Synchronization as part of Operation GreenLight in Lenexa – June 9

http://metrovideomonitor.com/events/schedule/event_overview/p/eventId_7/id_19

Friday Bonus

Thank goodness they weren’t occupied!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1176715/Pilots-miracle-escape-plane-crash-lands—pile-Portaloos.html

Today in Transportation History

1969 **40th anniversary** – The lunar module, Snoopy, came within eight nautical miles of the Moon’s surface as part of a dress rehearsal for a landing in July.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/22/newsid_3034000/3034569.stm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast