Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter – May 6, 2009

May 6, 2009 at 7:28 pm

Wednesday May 6, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Register Now for IBTTA’s Upcoming Meeting – Incident Management, Safety and Security, July 19-21, 2009, Denver, CO 

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association in Denver, CO to learn about best practices from around the world in Incident Management and Emergency Response. Sessions will explore the most effective tools and communication methods available to promote toll facility safety and security, maintain operations in the face of disruption, and effectively communicate with customers during all phases of an incident – from prevention to recovery. Other topics include crisis management during special events, Post Traumatic Distress Disorder and psychological impacts to employees, the role of engineering and maintenance in prevention and safety, and business continuity during disasters. Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda and register today

AVIATION

1) Audit: US Air Traffic Systems Venerable to Attack

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/06/AR2009050601882.html

2) Pilots Group Takes to the Airwaves

Link to story on Politico:

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0509/22138.html

3) A Look at Virgin Atlantic’s Cockpit Technology

Link to video on Gadling:

http://www.gadling.com/2009/05/06/gadling-gets-an-exclusive-look-at-virgin-americas-cockpit-tec/

4) Airlines Use Computers to Get ‘Personal’ with Customers

Link to story and video on KXAS-TV:

http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/AIrlines-Use-Computers-to-Get-Personal-With-Customers.html

CARTOGRAPHY

5) Does GPS Mean the End of the Road for Street Directories?

Link to story in The Daily Telegraph:

http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,28383,25440716-5007185,00.html

MARITIME

6) US Coast Guard to Harness Ocean Data to Improve Search and Rescue

Link to story in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/05/06/noaa-ocean-data-tool.aspx

OTHER

7) Latest Edition of Horizons Online

Link to magazine from US DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration:

http://www.rita.dot.gov/publications/horizons/2009_05_01/pdf/entire.pdf

ROADWAYS

8) Boston Drivers Click to Fight Potholes

Link to story in Next American City:

http://americancity.org/daily/entry/1581/

Link to SeeClickFix:  http://www.seeclickfix.com/

9) Driving LED Signage Efficiently

Link to story in ECN:

http://www.ecnmag.com/article-Driving-LED-Signage-Efficiently-050609.aspx?menuid=334

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Report: FBI Slow to Update Terror Watch List

Link to AP story:

http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=42669

11) Ensuring Work Zone Safety and Mobility

Link to interview with the Maryland State Highway Administration in the NTOC Newsletter:

http://www.ntoctalks.com/articles/workzonesafety.php

TRANSIT

12) Mobile Commerce Apps Gaining Ground in US

But near field communications slow to arrive, conference panelists say.

Link to story in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9132567&intsrc=news_ts_head

VEHICLES

13) Teens and Driving: Ford Gadget Seeks to Curb Teen Speeding, but 80 MPH Limit Draws Criticism

Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-talk-my-keymay06,0,881053.story

14) Car Talk

Could cars talk to each other directly to make the streets safer?

Link to story in Popular Science:

http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2009-04/car-talk

News Releases

1) FAA Commends ARINC’s Performance in Support of Oceanic Flight Communications

2) Operation Lifesaver ‘Shark’ Safety PSAs Will be Featured in Amtrak Stations May 9

3) EASi and NeST Announce Strategic Partnership

4) Icomera Introduces Rugged Wi-Fi Cellular Router for Rail and Road Vehicles

Upcoming Events

APTA Intermodal Operations Planning Workshop – August 3-5 – Salt Lake City, Utah

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

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100th anniversary** – Loyd Sigmon, the originator of the ‘Sig Alert’ system used for major traffic problems in the Los Angeles area, was born.

http://harrymarnell.net/sigalert.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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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 – May 5, 2009

May 5, 2009 at 5:53 pm

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Looking for a Wi-Fi Hotspot? Try 10,000 Feet Up

Link to story on CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/business.travel/05/04/airplane.wifi/index.html

2) Airlines Boost Self-Service with Mobile Check-in

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

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103781402

OTHER

3) Bush-Era Secrecy Still Hiding Government Data

Information removed includes FAA enforcement actions and pipeline mapping data.

Link to ABC News story:

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=7496067&page=1

4) Latest Edition of Transport Business Online

Link to magazine:

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=mypagesuite&refresh=J0r72B1i1qH3&PBID=8a22ef1c-9187-4d60-a8da-96ecddd9260a&skip

ROADWAYS

5) Honk if You’re Going to Report This on the Internet

Web sites where you can complain about bad parkers, slow mergers, and that jerk who cut you off.

Link to story in Slate:

http://www.slate.com/id/2217429/?gt1=38002

TELEMATICS

6) Telematics and GPS Go In the Right Direction

Navigation assistance gets more user-friendly with help of technology.

Link to story on MSNBC:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30526005/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

7) Radio Road-Travel News is a Valuable Service in UK

Link to story on PublicTechnology:

http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=19887

8) Traffic Lights Covered Up by Ealing Council to Test Congestion ‘Cure’

Link to story in The Times:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6207518.ece

News Releases

1) Best Western First Hotel Chain to Offer New GPS and Online Mapping Service for North America/Caribbean

2) Traffic Sign Recognition Offers Additional Driver Safety

Upcoming Events

2009 Incident Management, Safety and Security – July 19-21 – Denver

http://www.ibtta.org/Events/eventdetail.cfm?ItemNumber=3857

Today in Transportation History

1494 **515th anniversary** – Christopher Columbus landed on Jamaica and claimed it for Spain.

http://www.columbusnavigation.com/v2.shtml

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

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 – May 4, 2009

May 4, 2009 at 6:16 pm

Monday, May 4, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Register Now for IBTTA’s Upcoming Meeting – Incident Management, Safety and Security, July 19-21, 2009, Denver, CO 

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association in Denver, CO to learn about best practices from around the world in Incident Management and Emergency Response. Sessions will explore the most effective tools and communication methods available to promote toll facility safety and security, maintain operations in the face of disruption, and effectively communicate with customers during all phases of an incident – from prevention to recovery. Other topics include crisis management during special events, Post Traumatic Distress Disorder and psychological impacts to employees, the role of engineering and maintenance in prevention and safety, and business continuity during disasters. Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda and register today

AVIATION

1) Colorado Airport May Get Cameras, Not New Tower

FAA committee expected to decide if Aspen airport can extend runway without new tower by using cutting-edge remote camera system.

Link to story in the Aspen Daily News:

http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/134390

2) Airlines Seek to Reassure Passengers in Outbreak

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/04/business/global/04iht-air.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

3) Air Force Flight Over Lower Manhattan Showed Bad Taste, Worse Communication

Link to column in The Star-Ledger:

http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2009/05/communication_coach_flight_sho.html 

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) Navigon Leaves North American GPS Market

Link to CNET News story:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10232879-48.html

5) New GPS Satellite’s Problems Indicated

Link to story in GPS World:

http://sidt.gpsworld.com/gpssidt/Latest+News/New-GPS-Satellites-Problems-Indicated/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/596465?contextCategoryId=33831

6) Smarter GPS to Let Cell Phones Point the Way

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/automobiles/03DASHTOP.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

OTHER

7) With Twitter as Your Tour Guide, Hitting Los Angeles’ Hot Spots is a Breeze

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2009-04-30-twitter-tips_N.htm 

RAILROADS

8) Union Pacific Makes a Game of Risk

Link to story from CIO:

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/043009-union-pacific-makes-a-game.html

ROADWAYS

9) Massive 14th Street Bridge Project to Begin in Washington, DC

Residents are questioning why the District didn’t give more advanced notice.
Link to story and video on WJLA-TV:

http://www.news8.net/news/stories/0409/618465.html

10) San Francisco to Try ‘Smart’ Meters

Link to story in The Examiner:
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Muni-Port-team-up-to-try-smart-meters-44202792.html

TELEMATICS

11) Telematics Still an Option for Repair Shops to Consider

Link to story in Motor Age:

http://motorage.search-autoparts.com/motorage/Business+%26+Management+Solutions/Telematics-still-an-option-for-repair-shops-to-con/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/596366?contextCategoryId=2827

TRANSIT

12) Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority Lets Residents Comment on Transit Plan by Phone

Link to story in the St. Petersburg Times:

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/article997254.ece

13) Advertising Company Delivers Ads Between Stop Announcements on Buses and Trains

Link to story in BtoB:

http://www.btobonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090504/HOLD/305049983/1155#seenit  (scroll down to third article)

14) Googling the Future

Google Transit changes the way riders find their routes and alters the way they think about public transportation.

Link to story in More Riders Magazine:

http://www.trilliumtransit.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/googling-the-future.pdf

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) Minnesota Firm Keeps the Wheels Turning

Image Sensing Systems designs software and equipment that helps to deal with traffic trouble spots around the world.
Link to column in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/business/44190017.html?elr=KArks:DCiU1OiP:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

16) What Use are Traffic Reports?

What are the chances of getting a radio traffic report that is actually relevant to your current car journey?

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8029704.stm

Job Posting

 –  SHRP 2 Implementation Lead Program Manager – Federal Highway Administration – Washington, DC

http://tinyurl.com/cr3u8v

Upcoming Events

ITS Strategic Planning Workshop – National Harbor, Maryland – June 4

http://www.itsa.org/ITS_Strategic_Planning.html 

Today in Transportation History

1859 **150th anniversary** – The Cornwall Railway opened in the UK.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornwall_Railway

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

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 – May 1, 2009

May 3, 2009 at 7:12 pm

Friday, May 1, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Make Reporting of Bird Strike Data Mandatory

Link to editorial in Newsday:

http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpfaa0112705871apr30,0,6873146.story

CAMERAS

2) Privacy, Cameras and Roadways

Link to story on Drivers .com:

http://www.drivers.com/article/1074/

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) GPS Evidence Too Unreliable for Legal Purposes

Link to story in InformationWeek:

http://www.informationweek.com/news/personal_tech/gps/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=217201050

4) US Department of Transportation Releases Civil Monitoring Performance Document

Link to story in GPS World:

http://sidt.gpsworld.com/gpssidt/System+Design+and+Test+News/Department-of-Transportation-Releases-Civil-Monito/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/596189?contextCategoryId=33831

OTHER

5) Cloud Computing Could Help Agencies Track Stimulus Funds

Link to story on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090430_4418.php

6) Delaware DOT’s Diversity Coaching Backfires

Newsletter lists slurs, insults and stereotypes that shouldn’t be used in workplace.

Link to story in The News Journal:

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090501/NEWS02/905010383/1007/DelDOT+s+diversity+coaching+backfires

ROADWAYS

7) Coordinating, Planning and Managing the Effects of Roadway Construction with Technology

Link to information from US DOT:

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

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) South Dakota Drivers Sign Up for Sobriety Alerts

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techpolicy/2009-04-30-policetexting_N.htm

Link to Act Civilized:  http://www.actcivilized.com/

TRANSIT

9) New Direction for San Diego-Area Transit System

Compass cards replacing paper passes with plastic.

Link to story in The San Diego Union-Tribune:

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/may/01/1m1compass213423-new-direction-transit-system/?metro&zIndex=91827

10) King County Metro Transit Develops New Tools to Keep You in the Loop

Link to story in the Auburn Reporter:

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/aub/community/44166027.html

VEHICLES

11) New Generation of Cars are ‘Mobile High-Tech Platforms’

Link to story in Engineering News:

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/auto-technology-2009-04-24

News Releases

1) Operation Lifesaver (Canada) Launches Web Site for Kids

2) South Florida Commuter Services Launches Public Transit Promotion to Feature Carpool Video on CNN

3) E-Railsafe Program Helps Union Pacific Ensure Railroad Safety and Security Awareness

Upcoming Events

ACI-NA Small Airports Conference – July 16-17 – St. Louis

http://www.aci-na.org/conferences/detail?eventId=136

Friday Bonus

Don’t expect to see these cars in the mall parking lot anytime soon.

http://www.myride.com/snacker-vehicle_category/2009_geneva_auto_show_15_hot_weird_and_wild_cars_youll_probably_never_drive-726-page1.html?id=30986

Today in Transportation History

1999 **10th anniversary** – Liberty Bell 7, the space capsule flown by Gus Grissom in 1961, was found on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

http://www.cnn.com/TECH/space/9907/20/grissom.capsule.01/

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

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 – April 30, 2009

April 30, 2009 at 5:18 pm

Thursday, April 30, 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) Aviation Industry Presses for ‘NextGen’ at Annual Summit

Link to story on NextGov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090429_7144.php

2) Airports Seek Thermal-Scan Solution to Swine Flu Spread

Link to story in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/04/airports-seek-thermal-scan-solution-to-swine-flu-spread/

3) AAAE, FAA Host Airfield Safety and Signage Meeting

Link to story on AviationNews:

http://www.aviationnews.net/?do=headline&news_ID=166848

4) In-Flight Wireless Ban Needs More Study

Link to commentary in the San Jose Mercury News:

http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_12257071

5) FAA’s Turn Toward Secrecy

Link to commentary on AVweb:

http://www.avweb.com/blogs/insider/AvWebInsider_PhotoOpTwo_200288-1.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Norway Joins Galileo Project

Link to story in GPS World:

http://sidt.gpsworld.com/gpssidt/Latest+News/Norway-Joins-Galileo-Project/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/594438?contextCategoryId=33831

7) Communication on the Road

A low-cost GPS-based positioning architecture for V2V and V2I systems uses a scalable, flexible system that enables a range of in-vehicle safety features.

Link to story in GPS World:

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/questex/gps0409/#/24 

OTHER

8) Latest Issue of ERTICO-ITS Europe’s iMobility Newsletter

Link to newsletter:

http://tools.emailgarage.com/Pub/iaOjBgAAAAA~/ViewEmail.ashx

PARKING

9) Maryland Program Lets You Pay Parking Meters Using Your Cell Phone

Link to story on WTOP Radio:

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=30&sid=1662418

ROADWAYS

10) Report Finds More Flaws in Seattle DOT’s Snow Response

Link to story in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/405702_Storm30.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

11) Adirondack Northway Cell Gap Closed

Coverage expanded over sections of previously dark I-87.

Link to story in the Press-Republican:

http://www.pressrepublican.com/homepage/local_story_119233554.html

12) Illinois Lawmakers Propose School Bus Tracking Devices

Link to story in the Quad-City Times:

http://www.qctimes.com/news/local/article_9355348e-3544-11de-8944-001cc4c03286.html

13) The Dangers of Texting While Driving

Video captures what happens when bus driver is texting.

Link to story on NBC’s Today:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30472366#30472366

TRANSIT

14) Oregon Lawmakers Want ‘Greeters’ in Place at MAX Stations

Link to story in The Oregonian:

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/lawmakers_want_greeters_in_pla.html

 15) Mobile Transit Payment Project in the Works in France

Link to story in American Banker:

http://www.americanbanker.com/article.html?id=200904297V1PTSMA

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) Bringing Efficiency to the Infrastructure

A smart infrastructure wave may be coming.

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/30/business/energy-environment/30smart.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

News Releases

1) Inrix Triples Real-Time Traffic Flow Coverage in North America to Over 160,000 Miles
2) More than a Gadget Every Mile Keeps the UK on the Move

3) Automotive DMB/DAB Will Feel Heat from Internet Radio

4) Sensys Networks Honored Among This Year’s Most Promising Private Technology Ventures in North America

Upcoming Events

International Congress on Sound and Vibration – July 5-9 – Kraków, Poland

http://www.icsv16.org/

Today in Transportation History

1939 **70th anniversary** – The New York World’s Fair opened with several transportation exhibits, including GM’s Futurama.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74cO9X4NMb4

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

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 – April 28, 2009

April 28, 2009 at 6:08 pm

Tuesday, April 28, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


U.S. Chief Technology Officer Nominee Aneesh Chopra to Moderate CTO Roundtable at ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition 

President Obama’s nominee for U.S. Chief Technology Officer and Virginia’s Secretary of Technology, Aneesh Chopra, will moderate the CTO Roundtable at ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition from 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. on Monday, June 1 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.  Offered for the first time at an ITS America Annual Meeting, the CTO Roundtable will bring together the technology experts of several organizations to present their vision for a technology-savvy organization and offer insights that will help shape and implement ITS solutions in the transportation arena. Discounted registration rates are available through April 30.  For more information and to register, go to http://www.itsa.org/annualmeeting.html.

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

1) All-Electronic North Texas Tollway Authority Toll Booth System Delayed

Link to AP story:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6395867.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) Obama Lifts Up GPS in Speech to US Scientists

Link to story in Inside GNSS:

http://www.insidegnss.com/node/1475

OTHER

3) New Google Search Tool Aimed at Making Sense of Public Data

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/28/AR2009042802280.html

ROADWAYS

4) Road Safety Interview: Sweden’s Vision Zero

Link to interview on Allianz Knowledge:

http://knowledge.allianz.com/en/globalissues/safety_health/road_safety/road_safety_vision_zero/article629.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) New York MTA a Tech Wreck

Lawsuit says high-tech security project can’t be completed.

Link to story in the New York Post:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/04282009/news/regionalnews/mta_a_tech_wreck_166543.htm

6) Microsoft Launches Social Media Tool

Emergency managers could use Vine to communicate with citizens.

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/648644

TELEMATICS

7) Mercedes’ OnStar Clone Tries Out Ads

Link to story in PC Magazine:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2346045,00.asp

TRANSIT

8) TransLink Fare Cards Pass BART Tests

Link to story in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/27/BAPV17A4OD.DTL

9) Contactless Fare Collection Systems Moving Forward

Link to story in ContactlessNews:

http://www.contactlessnews.com/2009/04/27/contactless-fare-collection-systems-moving-forward

Link to news release from the Smart Card Alliance:

http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/The-Smart-Card-Alliance-980102.html

10) Transit Alerts that Work

Link to story and video on WNYW-TV:

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/good_day_ny/090427_transit_alerts_best_of

News Releases

1) OnStar Shines for GM, as Auto Telematics Becomes Mainstream

2) Celebrate National Train Day Online with Streaming Video Programming Featuring the History of American Passenger Rail Service and the California Zephyr

3) Navteq Unveils a New Look and Enhancements for Navteq Traffic.com

4) New Kentucky Traffic Safety Web Site Launched

Upcoming Events

The Great West Truck Show – June 25-27 – Las Vegas

http://www.greatwesttruckshow.com/

Today in Transportation History

1789 **220th anniversary** – The mutiny on the HMAV Bounty took place.

http://www.fatefulvoyage.com/

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

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 – April 27, 2009

April 27, 2009 at 6:36 pm

Monday, April 27, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Airports’ Reporting of Bird Strikes Inconsistent

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-04-26-birdstrikes_N.htm

2) California Air Traffic Facilities Rely on Trainees

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iZVZ2TIKS6bAjzHKob0wTFPXjBUgD97QUKMO0

Link to further information from the US DOT Inspector General:

http://www.oig.dot.gov/item.jsp?id=2453

3) ADS-B Enters US Air Traffic Management Arena

Link to story in Aviation Week:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news/aw042709p1.xml&headline=ADS-B%20Enters%20U.S.%20Air%20Traffic%20Management%20Arena

4) Air Force One Photo Op Triggers Panic in Manhattan

Normal system of public notification broke down.

Link to story and video on ABC News’ World News:

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=7439287&page=1

5) Hot New Aircraft Features

From shower stalls to Wi-Fi.

Link to story from Forbes Traveler:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30195496/

PARKING

6) Evaluation of Transit Applications of Advanced Parking Management Systems – Final Evaluation Report

Link to report from US DOT:

http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/JPODOCS//REPTS_TE/14460.htm

ROADWAYS

7) TexasBush Turnpike Tolls to Go All-Electronic

Link to story in the Dallas Business Journal:

http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2009/04/20/daily71.html

8) Arizona Group Wants I-91 Metric Signs Kept

Link to story in the Arizona Daily Star:

http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/290334

9) Could Timely Twitter Tweet Thwart a Ticket?

In Seattle drivers using Twitter to warn of speed traps.

Link to story on KOMO-TV:

http://www.komonews.com/news/tech/43742627.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Thermal Imaging Scanners at Major International Airports in Malaysia to Spot Swine Flu

Link to story in the New Straits Times:

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/NewsBreak/20090427190025/Article/index_html

TRANSIT

11) More Bus Information Boards to be Installed in Seoul Area

Link to story in The Chosun Ilbo:

http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/04/27/2009042700666.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Managing Traffic in a New Way

Pennsylvania DOT’s new traffic center keeps watch of Harrisburg-area traffic.

Link to story on WHP-TV:

http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story/Managing-Traffic-in-a-New-Way/fW0n5W5OdEi7cK0FbJywqg.cspx

13) Hyderabad Cops Launch Web Site for Live Traffic Updates

Link to Press Trust of India story:

http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2996832

Link to site:  http://www.htp.gov.in/  

14) ITS Initiatives for Traffic Management in Bangalore

Link to story in the Deccan Herald:

http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Apr272009/city20090427132723.asp

15) When Will Ahmedabad See Smart Eyes on the Road?

Link to story in The Times of India:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/When-will-city-see-smart-eyes-on-the-road/articleshow/4452451.cms

VEHICLES

16) Florida May Issue Christian License Plates

Bill would allow plates with image of Jesus and one with a cross.

Link to story in The Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/legislature/story/1016751.html

News Releases

1) Al-Markazia Launches ‘Anta Muraqab’ (Traffic Safety) Campaign in Lebanon

2) Inrix Traffic to Enhance Live 411 Search – Mobile users now have free, instant voice-enabled access to local traffic

Upcoming Events

Snow and Ice Management Association 12th Annual Snow & Ice Symposium – June 24-27 – Louisville, Kentucky

http://www.sima.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=7

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100th anniversary** – An experiment in Washington, DC tested how well roads could handle high-speed automobiles.  The top speed reached was 70 mph.

http://www.transportation.org/?siteid=86&pageid=2219 

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

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 – April 24, 2009

April 24, 2009 at 6:28 pm

Friday, April 24, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Public Meeting on IntelliDriveSM Proof of Concept (POC) Results and Findings –  May 19

The US Department of Transportation would like to invite you to the upcoming Public Meeting on IntelliDriveSM Proof of Concept (POC) Results and Findings, which will take place on May 19 at the Sheraton Detroit Novi in Novi, Michigan.  POC testing resulted in a number of interesting findings, which will shape the coming activities on the IntelliDriveSM program.  Key POC participants from government and industry will discuss the testing that took place and present their findings, recommendations, and lessons learned at this meeting, as well as the next steps for the IntelliDriveSM program and the Michigan testbed. The results should also be of interest to industry representatives from the automakers and makers of after-market devices; federal, state, and local transportation officials; system integrators; information service providers; and university researchers.  The event is free, however registration is required for participation.  For more information on the meeting or to register, click here or contact Chris Lane at clane@itsa.org.

AVIATION

1) FAA’s Bird Strike Database Goes Public

Link to ABC News story:

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/story?id=7419909&page=1

Link to database:  http://wildlife-mitigation.tc.faa.gov/public_html/index.html#access

2) US Airways Rejects PETA Seal Hunting Ad

Link to story in the Phoenix Business Journal:

http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/04/20/daily66.html

Link to further information from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals:

http://blog.peta.org/archives/2009/04/us_airways_peta.php

CAMERAS

3) In Arizona, Cameras that Nab Speeders Record a Murder, Too

Link to story in The Christian Science Monitor:

http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0424/p02s06-usgn.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Minnesota Rips Illinois Tollway About Drivers It Says Were Unfairly Ticketed

Attorney general demands agency update car registration data.

Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-minnesota-illinois-tollway-2apr24,0,1750341.story

Link to news release from the Minnesota Attorney General:

http://www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/PressRelease/090424FaultyTollway.asp

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) Guide Dog GPS Device Up for Award

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8015296.stm

6) GPS in Cars Can Save Time and Money

Link to column in U.S. News & World Report:

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/daves-download/2009/04/23/gps-in-cars-can-save-time-and-money.html

Link to news release from Navteq:

http://www.navteq.com/webapps/NewsUserServlet?action=NewsDetail&newsId=724&lang=en&englishonly=false

MARITIME

7) Nortel Reporting System Helps Protect Endangered Whale

Link to story in Washington Technology:

http://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2009/04/17/nortel-system-looks-to-protect-endangered-whale.aspx

OTHER

8) San Jose, California Street Lights Get Smarter

Link to story in Fortune:

http://money.cnn.com/2009/04/24/technology/street_lights_echelon.fortune/?postversion=2009042412

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Digital IDs Make Clearing Customs Easier for US Citizens Traveling Abroad

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-04-23-fastentry_N.htm

10) Feds Turn to ‘Brain Music’ to Boost Emergency Worker Performance

Link to story in Wired:

http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/04/musical-mind-co.html

SPACE

11) NASA Astronaut Says He Will Twitter from Space

Link to story in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9132051

TELEMATICS

12) Toyota Plans ‘G-Book’ Telematics Service in China

Link to story on Tech-On:

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20090423/169207/

TRANSIT

13) Los Angeles MTA Approves Spanish Translation of Gold Line

Link to story in the Los Angeles Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/04/mta-approves-spanish-translation-of-gold-line.html

14) New Report Cites Nation’s ‘Transit Innovations’

Link to story in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=20253

Link to report from the Environmental Defense Fund:

http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=38941&redirect=transit

15) iPhone App Showdown: Battle of the CTA Bus Trackers

Link to story on ARS Technica:

http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2009/04/iphone-app-showdown-battle-of-the-cta-bus-trackers.ars

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) New Traffic Operations Center Opens for Western Australia Police

Link to story in The West Australian:

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=137946

VEHICLES

17) Vanity Plates Catch ACLU’s Eye

Link to story in The Denver Post:

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_12213302

News Releases

1) Speed Enforcement: Make Roads Safer and Increase the Number of Valid Reads

2) Cyprus Airport Guide Launched by Creators of the Successful Spanish Airport Guide

Upcoming Events

5th International Driving Symposium on Human Factors in Driver Assessment, Training, and Vehicle Design – June 22-25 – Big Sky, Montana

http://ppc.uiowa.edu/driving-assessment/2009/

Friday Bonus

Don’t worry…this does not smell like you think it does.  Take a closer look.

http://commercial-archive.com/n1rv4n4g8/2008/octjpgs/NED_BAONTV_busreklames.jpg

Today in Transportation History

1834 – 175th anniversary of the charter of the Long Island Rail Road.

http://www.mta.info/lirr/Video/175thAnniversary/

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

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 – April 23, 2009

April 23, 2009 at 6:13 pm

Thursday, April 23, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Registration is now open for IBTTA’s Upcoming Summit – The Future of Tolling:  ORT and the Path to Interoperability, June 14-16, 2009 in Tampa, FL 

Join IBTTA in Tampa, FL and receive cutting-edge information from agencies and toll service providers around the globe on the latest in all-electronic tolling, toll traffic management, and achieving full interoperability. This is the only Summit in the world in 2009 focused on the critical topics of Open Road Tolling, All-Electronic Tolling and Interoperability and will feature more than 100 of our industry’s most experienced and knowledgeable speakers, panelists and exhibitors. What matters most is your customer’s experience driving your roads, the quality of service they receive during the payment process and your success in collecting those payments. Are your customers satisfied? Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda and register today

AVIATION

1) FAA Plan Would Require Alarms on Air Ambulances

Would warn pilot if helicopter is in danger of hitting the ground.

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-04-23-air-ambulance_N.htm

Link to FAA testimony at congressional hearing:

http://www.faa.gov/news/testimony/news_story.cfm?newsId=10497

BUSES

2) Taiwan Lawmakers Criticize ‘Smart Bus’ Plan

System to inform riders of arrival times called a waste of money.

Link to story in the Taipei Times:

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/04/24/2003441897

CAMERAS

3) Traffic Camera Lawsuit Could Force Cleveland to Refund Millions in Fines

Link to story in The Plain Dealer:

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1240475581234500.xml&coll=2

4) Legislation Introduced in Ohio to Ban Red Light Cameras

Link to story in the Dayton Daily News:

http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/ohiopolitics/entries/2009/04/22/legislation_introduced_to_ban.html

5) Wisconsin Highway 172 Cameras Proving Useful in Emergencies

Link to story on WBAY-TV:

http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=10233347

6) Pennsylvania DOT Adds Traffic Cameras on I-79

Link to story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09113/964884-454.stm

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

7) Cities Track Stimulus Money on New Web Sites

Link to story in Washington Technology:

http://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2009/04/23/city-web-sites-are-tracking-stimulus-funds.aspx

RAILROADS

8) Remote Control is a Failure for Railroads

Link to commentary on Seeking Alpha:

http://seekingalpha.com/article/132466-remote-control-is-a-failure-for-railroads

ROADWAYS

9) Eye-Catching Highway Billboards in Newfoundland and Labrador to be Trashed

Link to CBC News story:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2009/04/22/highway-billboards-422.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Satellite Tracking for School Buses in North Wales

Parents will be able to use satellite tracking to check their children are on the school bus, as part of a new pilot project.

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8009624.stm

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) Beat the Traffic Embraces Bluetooth

Uses Wii remote for interactive reporting.

Link to story and video in Broadcasting & Cable:

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/209798-NAB_2009_Beat_the_Traffic_Embraces_Bluetooth.php

VEHICLES

12) European Parliament Backs Strict Labeling for Tires

Link to story on EurActiv:

http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/parliament-backs-strict-labelling-tyres/article-181540  

News Releases

1) US DOT Requests Public Comments on ITS Program

2) ‘Intelligent Transport Systems’: Using Technology to Make EU Roads Safer

3) Urban Mobility: More EU Funding Wanted for Inner-City Transport Systems

4) SITA and Appear Deploy First Context-Aware Mobile Platform for Airlines and Airports

5) Kansas City Royals Enhance Fan Experience in New Kaufmann Stadium – Cisco StadiumVision System Will Include Traffic Updates

6) NTSB Acting Chairman Praises DOT Secretary for Release of Bird Strike Data, Suggestion for Mandatory Reporting

7) Ford’s MyKey Teen Safety Technology Honored, Praised for Potential Life-Saving Benefits

Upcoming Events

FTA’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Program Strategic Planning Workshop – May 6 – Chicago

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications-add/message/38

Today in Transportation History

1949 **60th anniversary** – The People’s Liberation Navy was founded in China.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_366419.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 – April 22, 2009

April 22, 2009 at 8:03 pm

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


TIC for Traffic Plans and Simulation – Create and Operate with Live and Historic Data
TIC can be used in off-line mode with historic data to create, simulate, and compare pre-defined traffic plans for expected traffic situations. TIC can then be used in on-line mode with both live and historic data to monitor the network.  Once a situation is identified, TIC can recommend the best plans to operators within minutes, and if an unexpected situation is identified, TIC can be used to create and recommend new traffic plans, such as during evacuations. TIC can consider the complete road network, traffic patterns, weather, work zones, social events, sensors, CO2, NOx, and particle emissions, and more. TIC is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution proven in over 100 projects operating worldwide, and can be deployed faster, more affordably, and with less risk than build-your-own solutions.

See the new TIC3 at GEWI booth #329 at the ITS America Conference or contact jim.oneill@gewi.com to discuss your requirements.

AVIATION

1) US Department of Transportation Reverses FAA on Bird Strike Data

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/22/AR2009042202057.html

Link to blog entry from Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood:

http://fastlane.dot.gov/2009/04/public-disclosure-is-our-job.html

2) FAA Video Makes Case for Air Traffic Control Revamp

Link to story in Wired:

http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/04/faa-makes-case.html

3) Program Looks to Boost Image of Private Aviation

Link to story in the Wichita Business Journal:

http://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2009/04/20/daily20.html

Link to further information from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association:

http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2009/090420gaservesamerica.html

4) Alaska Air Approved as First Airline to Conduct Own Required Navigation Performance Flight Validation

Link to story in Air Transport World Magazine:

http://atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=16354

OTHER

5) All States Now Have Stimulus-Tracking Web Sites

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/04/20/news-recovery-links.aspx

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Homeland Defense: Actions Needed to Address Management of Air Sovereignty Alert Operations to Protect US Airspace

Link to testimony from the US Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09612t.pdf

TRANSIT

7) Interactive Maps Debut on Tokyo Subway

Link to IDG News Service story:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/163473/interactive_maps_debut_on_tokyo_subway.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) Virginia Officials Pull from Previous Incident to Streamline Response

Link to story in The Northern Virginia Daily:

http://www.nvdaily.com/news/2009/04/officials-pull-from-previous-incident-to.html

9) New South Wales Opposition Slams Slow F3 Response

Opponents say government took too long to respond to the traffic chaos caused by a fatal truck accident on a major freeway.

Link to story on 9News:

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/804839/nsw-opposition-slams-slow-f3-response

News Releases

1) Intelligent Transportation Society of America Introduces New Online Supplier Directory for ITS Industry

Upcoming Events

15th International Conference on Urban Transport and the Environment – June 22-24 – Bologna, Italy

http://www.wessex.ac.uk/09-conferences/urban-transport-2009.html

Today in Transportation History

1969 **40th anniversary** – Robin Knox-Johnston completed the first single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in a sailboat.

http://www.robinknox-johnston.co.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 at i95berniew@aol.com.   

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast