Tuesday, August 31, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Countdown to IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition — September 12-15th in San Diego, CA – Register Today!

Join your colleagues in San Diego, September 12-15, 2010, for IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, the year’s most highly-anticipated learning and networking event — attracting more than 700 toll industry experts and decision makers from across the globe. Under the theme, Sustainable Transportation, the technical program offers tracks focused on innovation, policy, the economy, and the California tolling experience. Hosted by the California Toll Operators Committee (CTOC), this event features interactive seminars, influential speakers, technical tours and special events, informative exhibits and more! Register and make your hotel reservations today! Visit IBTTA’s website for details.

AVIATION

1) Tracking Planes that Aren’t in the Sky

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704340504575447852785706396.html

2) Simulator Training Flaws Tied to Airline Crashes

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-08-31-1Acockpits31_ST_N.htm

3) Inconvenience Not an Excuse for Ignoring First Amendment

Link to editorial in the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2010/aug/29/ed-wilk29-ar-476766/

Link to decision by US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit:

http://snpainfo.org/eBulletin/print/AppealsCourtRuling-07.13.10.pdf

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) GPS Tracks Students on School Buses

Link to story and video on WGN-TV:

http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-gps-school-bus-aug10,0,1008369.story

5) US Air Force Reorganization May Drastically Affect GPS Program

Link to article in GPS World:

http://www.gpsworld.com/gnss-system/gps-modernization/news/air-force-reorganization-may-drastically-affect-gps-program-10413

6) Do We Need Maps in Our Location-Based Apps?

Question is explored it in the context of navigation apps, weather and traffic apps, social apps and augmented reality.

Link to podcast from Directions Magazine:

http://www.directionsmag.com/podcasts/podcast-do-we-need-maps-in-our-location-based-apps/130733

7) Best iPhone Navigation Apps

Link to reviews from Good Gear Guide:

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/roundup/358425/best_iphone_navigation_apps/

RAILROADS

8) CSX Partners with Alabama, Mississippi for Safety Measures

Link to article in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=24218

ROADWAYS

9) Flashing Stop Signs – Now in Use in Kansas City and Elsewhere – Send a Clear Message

Link to article in The Kansas City Star:

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/29/2186131/flashing-stop-signs-send-clear.html

10) Minnesota Gives Yellow Arrows a Green Light

Link to article in The Daily Reporter:

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2010/08/31/minnesota-gives-yellow-arrows-a-green-light/

11) Keeping Tabs on Traffic

Data provide great details about traffic but driver unpredictability challenges models.

Link to blog in The Wall Street Journal:

http://blogs.wsj.com/numbersguy/keeping-tabs-on-traffic-986/

12) Can Eye Contact Enhance Road Safety and a Sense of Place?

Link to blog from the Project for Public Spaces:

http://www.pps.org/can-eye-contact-enhance-road-safety-and-a-sense-of-place/

13) Public has Right to Know Status of New Inlet Bridge in Delaware

Newspaper says state and DelDOT need to provide a status report on span’s problems.

Link to editorial in The News Journal:

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100831/OPINION11/8310317/1004/OPINION/Public-has-right-to-know-status-of-new-inlet-bridge

SPACE

14) NASA Brings Historical Photos to Flickr Commons

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20015106-17.html

TRANSIT

15) Transit Systems Easier to Predict with Smartphone Apps

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/phones/2010-08-30-transit-apps_N.htm

16) New Interactive Transit Kiosk in Seattle

Link to blog and video on seattlepi.com:
http://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/archives/219785.asp

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

17) Digital Life: Never Get Stuck in Twaffic Again

A report on the first satnav system in Ireland to report live traffic information.

Link to article in the Irish Independent:

http://www.independent.ie/business/technology/digital-life-never-get-stuck-in-twaffic-again-2317917.html

18) Inrix Launches iPhone App in Europe

Link to article on GPS Business News:

http://www.gpsbusinessnews.com/INRIX-Launches-iPhone-App-in-Europe_a2438.html

VEHICLES

19) US Wants Report Cards for Cars

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703369704575461602043868916.html

20) Cars: The Next Hacking Frontier?

Link to column on CNET News:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-20015184-245.html

News Releases

1) Frost & Sullivan: Smart Transit Card Users Promote Smart Card Adoption for Multiple Applications

2) UC Berkeley Researchers Launch High-Tech Transit Study in Bay Area Commute Hot-Spot

3) Lockheed Martin Delivers Prototype Threat Warning Systems to US Navy for Testing

4) NTSB Commends Operation Lifesaver as a Leader In Reducing Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Accidents Since Organization’s Founding

5) Glenn, Hakey Named Recipients of Operation Lifesaver 2010 National Safety Award

6) Vail Resorts Announces a New Application for Skiers to Track Activity, Mountain and Traffic Reports

Upcoming Events

InnoTrans 2010 – September 21-24 – Berlin

http://www1.messe-berlin.de/vip8_1/website/Internet/Internet/www.innotrans/englisch/index.html

Today in Transportation History

1940 **70^th anniversary** A Pennsylvania Central Airlines flight en route from Washington, DC to Detroit, crashed near Lovettsville, Virginia.  All 25 on board, including US Senator Ernest Lundeen from Minnesota, died.

http://www.baesel.net/capaccidents/1940.08.31_PennsylvaniaCentralAirlinesCorp_DouglasDC-3-A.pdf

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, August 30, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Countdown to IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition — September 12-15th in San Diego, CA – Register Today!

Join your colleagues in San Diego, September 12-15, 2010, for IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, the year’s most highly-anticipated learning and networking event — attracting more than 700 toll industry experts and decision makers from across the globe. Under the theme, Sustainable Transportation, the technical program offers tracks focused on innovation, policy, the economy, and the California tolling experience. Hosted by the California Toll Operators Committee (CTOC), this event features interactive seminars, influential speakers, technical tours and special events, informative exhibits and more! Register and make your hotel reservations today! Visit IBTTA’s website for details.

AVIATION

1) British Airways Flight Scares Passengers After Emergency Crash Message Plays By Mistake

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

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/british-airways-flight-bound-hong-kong-scares-passengers/story?id=11496766

2) Transport Canada Bans Coverage of Float Plane Safety Workshop

Link to article in The Vancouver Sun:

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Transport+Canada+bans+coverage+workshop/3459288/story.html

CAMERAS

3) More Traffic Cameras for Pennsylvania’s Highways

Link to story on KYW Radio:

http://kyw.cbslocal.com/2010/08/29/more-traffic-cams-for-pa-s-highways/

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Stylish Maps that are Chatty

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/30/stylish-maps-that-are-chatty/

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

5) For New I-85 Toll Lane in Georgia, Signs Might Not Help Much

Link to article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/news/gwinnett/for-new-i-85-600843.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Newest in Construction Technology: GPS on Earthmovers

Link to article in the Deseret News:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700060879/Newest-in-construction-technology-GPS-on-earth-movers.html

7) GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems Help Drivers Go Green

Link to blog on Eco Institution:

http://www.ecoinstitution.com/green-news/gps-vehicle-tracking-systems-help-drivers-go-green/

OTHER

8) More US Travelers are Using Smartphones

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2010-08-30-smartphone-travel_N.htm

9) New System to Simplify Traffic Fine Collection in Turkey

Link to Anatolia News Agency article:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=new-system-to-ease-the-collection-of-traffic-fines-2010-08-30

10) The Inconvenient Truth About Traffic Math: Progress is Slow

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703959704575453921039632134.html

11) ITS Turbo Architecture Version 5.0 is Now Available

Link to further information from the Research and Innovative Technology Administration:

http://www.its.dot.gov/press/2010/arch_turbo5.htm

PARKING

12) New Electronic Signs Will Help Find Parking in Seattle

Link to article on seattlepi.com:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/archives/219586.asp

ROADWAYS

13) Highway Poles Listen to Glean Traffic Data from Road Noise

Link to article in The Journal News:

http://www.lohud.com/article/20100829/NEWS01/8290380/-1/newsfront/Highway-poles-listen-to-glean-traffic-data-from-road-noise

SAFETY / SECURITY

14) Metra Conductors Bar Riders Who Ignore Gates, Lights

Hand commuters cards warning of dangers and possibility of fine.

Link to article in the Chicago Sun-Times:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/transportation/2651500,CST-NWS-rideside30.article

TELEMATICS

15) GM: OnStar Upgrade Bypassed Dealers

Link to CNET blog:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20015055-48.html

TRANSIT

16) Virginia Tech Teams with Transit to Launch VT Bus Tracker

Link to article in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2010/08/Virginia-Tech-Blacksburg-Transit-launch-VT-Bus-Tracker.aspx

Link to VT Bus Tracker: http://www.bustracker.org/

17) Do You Have an App for That?

Link to column in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/Blog/Transit-Dispatches/Story/2010/08/Do-you-have-an-app-for-that-.aspx

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

18) Highway Police Web Site Launched in India

Link to Express News Service article:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Highway-police-website-launched/673921

19) 511 Traffic Advisory Service Proposed for Santa Cruz, California Region

Link to article in the Santa Cruz Sentinel:

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_15936847

20) Washington State DOT Launches Traffic App

Link to blog in The Stranger:

http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2010/08/30/early-adopters-scoff-at-new-wsdot-traffic-app

21) Smarter Commuting Starts with Analytics, Visualization

Link to blog on SmartData Collective:

http://smartdatacollective.com/brett-stupakevich/26847/smarter-commuting-starts-analytics-visualization

VEHICLES

22) Dude, Where’s My Apple iCar?

While Apple is wasting its time on TV, Microsoft drives away with the automobile market.

Link to commentary in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9182459/Dude_where_s_my_Apple_iCar_

23) Crash-Proof Cars?

Link to article in Fleet Owner:

http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucks_at_work/2010/08/30/crash-proof-cars/

24) Sweet Talking Your Computer

How should computers in vehicles interact with drivers?

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703959704575453411132636080.html

25) Untangling the Wireless Car

Link to article on cellular-news:

http://www.cellular-news.com/story/45083.php

News Releases

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

2) DC Metro Transit Police Use Tag Readers to Identify Stolen Cars and Car Thieves

3) OnStar Celebrates Patents During National Inventor’s Month

4) Shuttle GPS Devices Aid Mississippi State University Student Commuters

5) IEEE Members Globally Work on the Development of Intelligent, Vehicular Transport Systems for Smarter, Safer Travel

6) Winning Transportation Projects Saving Lives, Time, and Money

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Biodiesel Policies and Mandates: What’s Really Involved? – September 16

http://www.dieselforum.org/multimedia/webinars

Today in Transportation History

1985 **25^th anniversary** President Reagan signed an executive order to create an emergency board to investigate a dispute between the United Transportation Union and various railroads.

http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1985/83085c.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Friday, August 27, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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IBTTA 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition — Register Today! Early Bird Discount Ends August 22, 2010

Join your colleagues in San Diego, September 12-15, 2010, for IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, the year’s most highly-anticipated learning and networking event — attracting more than 700 toll industry experts and decision makers from across the globe. Under the theme, Sustainable Transportation, the technicalprogram offers tracks focused on innovation, policy, the economy, and the California tolling experience. Hosted by the California Toll Operators Committee (CTOC), this event features interactive seminars, influential speakers, technical tours and special events, informative exhibits and more! Breaking News! The Hilton San Diego Bayfront has reduced the contracted room rate from $241/night to $219/night. The new rate applies to all existing confirmed reservations and any new reservations. Customized sponsorship and exhibitor packages are available. Visit IBTTA’s website for details.

AVIATION

1) US DOT Fines Non-profit Mercy Flights $30,000 Over Personal Pronoun

Link to article in the Mail Tribune:

http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100826/BIZ/8260315/-1/NEWS

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) The Government’s New Right to Track Your Every Move with GPS

Link to article in Time:

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2013150,00.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

3) Antitexting Campaign is Getting the Star Treatment

Link to article and video in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/08/27/antitexting_campaign_is_getting_the_star_treatment/?p1=News_links

RAILROADS

4) Judge Orders EPA Not to Destroy Records Union Pacific Wants

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5izQLsYoanTsZoZZ6oQUZuzPGn7wAD9HRF6F80

5) Kentucky Puts Locations of Coal Infrastructure, Including Railroads and River Terminals, Online

Link to AP article:

http://www.kentucky.com/2010/08/27/1409200/ky-puts-locations-of-power-plants.html

Link to map:

http://kgs.uky.edu/kgsmap/KYCoal/viewer.asp

ROADWAYS

6) Visit FHWA’s Online Work Zone Training Compendium

Link to article in Focus:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/focus/10aug/04.cfm

Link to site:

http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/outreach/wz_training/index.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) US DOT to Unveil Database Standards to Improve Highway Safety

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100827_3266.php

8) Do Some Traffic Hazards Get Too Much Attention?

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/08/27/do-some-traffic-hazards-get-too-much-attention/

TRANSIT

9) Long Island Rail Road Information Screens Have Been Virtually Useless in Wake of Fire

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704913704575454110763083290.html

10) In Long Island Rail Road Mess, Local TV Had a Chance to be Relevant, but Failed Even to be Useful

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2010/08/27/2010-08-27_tvs_not_1st_stop_for_info_on_lirr.html

11) New Cameras to Catch DC Metrobus Drivers’ Mistakes

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/26/AR2010082603710.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) New Traffic Center Opens in Cobb County, Georgia

Link to story and video on WXIA-TV:

http://www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=151672&catid=3

13) Adelaide on a Road to Nowhere

Adelaide Traffic Management Centre helps manage traffic in South Australia.

Link to article in The Advertiser:

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/adelaide-on-a-road-to-nowhere/story-e6frea83-1225911069762

14) Driving IT Right

Traffic is a web of connections and solutions will look at those relationships.

Link to commentary in Express Computer:

http://www.expresscomputeronline.com/20100830/techviews01.shtml

News Releases

1) Global Number of Consumer Telematics Users Will Reach 211 Million by 2015, Says ABI Research

Upcoming Events

Talking Freight Seminar on Freight and Carbon Footprint: Efforts to Enhance Supply Chain Sustainability – September 15

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=667

Friday Bonus

Catch the humorous end to the call of this horse race at Monmouth Park.

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

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** What is recognized as the first official radio transmission from an airplane took place at Sheepshead Bay in New York City.

http://earlyradiohistory.us/1910enn2.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Get involved in the TRB sponsored 2011 International Transportation Economic Development Conference. Submit an abstract!  Subjects and perspectives will include public and private sectors; academic, practitioner and policy issues; theory, concepts and operational tools; and all transportation modes and their relationship to economic development. All abstracts must be received by Wednesday, September 15, 2010. Authors should take care to ensure that abstracts submitted follow the guidelines shown (see http://www.ited2011.org/program.html).

Questions can be directed to conference planning staff at Meetings Northwest (866-633-8110).

CARTOGRAPHY

1) Introduction to Road Data – Part One

Link to article in Directions Magazine:

http://www.directionsmag.com/articles/introduction-to-road-data-part-1/130105

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) Satnav Put to Traffic Test in South Africa

Link to article on ITWeb:

http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36186:satnav-put-to-traffic-test&catid=225

OTHER

3) Advanced Communications Support US Department of Defense in Pakistan Flood Relief

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100824_6147.php

4) UK Launches ERTOC Project to Improve Transport Efficiency and Sustainability; Track the Carbon Costs of Transport at the Consignment Level

Link to article from Green Car Congress:

http://www.favstocks.com/uk-launches-ertoc-project-to-improve-transport-efficiency-and-sustainability-tracking-the-carbon-costs-of-transport-at-the-consignment-level/2523307/

RAILROADS

5) Amtrak Power and Communication Lines Falter

Railroad says notifying the media is its first priority rather than its Web site or Twitter updates.

Link to story on WTOP Radio:

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=30&sid=2034708

ROADWAYS

6) Victoria to Institute Stricter Rules on Signage in Work Zones

Link to article in The Courier:

http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/general/tougher-rules-for-use-of-road-signs/1923850.aspx

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) California to Deploy Nation’s First Mass Mobile Alert System

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/768874

8) Transportation Security Laboratory Looks for Ways to Improve Threat Detection

Link to article and video in The Star-Ledger:

http://videos.nj.com/star-ledger/2010/08/at_government_lab_in_atlantic.html

TRANSIT

9) Webcams Show Progress of Light Rail Construction in Seattle

Link to blog on seattlepi.com:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/archives/219232.asp

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) TV Traffic Feeds Available to Gwinnett County, Georgia Commuters

Link to article in the Gwinnett Daily Post:

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/localnews/headlines/101441604.html

11) Nine Secrets to Surviving Summer Traffic Jams

Pre-trip information one key to avoiding tie-ups.

Link to ABC News story:

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/surviving-summer-traffic-jams-tips-roadtrips-families/story?id=11472848

News Releases

1) Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems are Gaining Momentum Worldwide Despite Challenges, Says Frost & Sullivan

2) SEPTA and Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management Join Forces for Public Notification Alerts

3) Frost & Sullivan: Healthy Competition Between Vehicle Manufacturers to Drive Development of Active Safety Systems in Japan

Job Posting

–  IT Specialist (Network Services) – Research and Innovative Technology Administration – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://tinyurl.com/28e8n96

Upcoming Events

Transport Systems Telematics 10^th International Conference – October 20-23 – Katowice-Ustron, Poland

http://www.tst-conference.org/index.php?page=home&lang=en

Today in Transportation History

1950 **60^th anniversary** President Truman ordered the US Army to take control of the nation’s railroads in anticipation of a strike.

http://www.trumanlibrary.org/publicpapers/index.php?pid=850&st=&st1

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Tuesday, August 25, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Countdown to IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition — September 12-15th in San Diego, CA – Register Today!

Join your colleagues in San Diego, September 12-15, 2010, for IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, the year’s most highly-anticipated learning and networking event — attracting more than 700 toll industry experts and decision makers from across the globe. Under the theme, Sustainable Transportation, the technical program offers tracks focused on innovation, policy, the economy, and the California tolling experience. Hosted by the California Toll Operators Committee (CTOC), this event features interactive seminars, influential speakers, technical tours and special events, informative exhibits and more! Register and make your hotel reservations today! Visit IBTTA’s website for details.

AVIATION

1) FAA Set to Plumb Mid-Air Incidents

Agency plans to bring air traffic controllers and pilots together to share information.

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704340504575447883834823838.html

2) Jetliner Crash Shows Dangers of Using Tainted USB Sticks

Link to article in USA Today:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/technologylive/post/2010/08/infected-usb-thumb-drive-implicated-in-deadly-2008-spanair-jetliner-crash/1

Link to original article in El Pais:

http://www.elpais.com/articulo/espana/ordenador/Spanair/anotaba/fallos/aviones/tenia/virus/elpepuesp/20100820elpepinac_11/Tes (in Spanish)

3) Fact Check: Malware Did Not Bring Down a Passenger Jet

Link to blog on ZDNet:

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/fact-check-malware-did-not-bring-down-a-passenger-jet/2354

CAMERAS

4) University of Maryland License Plate Scanning System Could Aid Police

Link to article on College Park Patch:

http://collegepark.patch.com/articles/university-of-maryland-license-plate-scanning-system-could-aid-police

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

5) Utah’s Electronic Payment System Goes Live on I-15

Link to article in the Deseret News:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700059605/Utahs-electronic-payment-system-goes-live-on-I-15.html

6) California Bill Would Protect Privacy of FasTrak Users

Link to AP article:

http://www.montereyherald.com/state/ci_15871881

PEDESTRIANS

7) Mobile Handset Used for Pedestrian Collision Avoidance

Link to article in EE Times Europe:

http://eetimes.eu/en/mobile-handset-used-for-pedestrian-collision-avoidance.html?cmp_id=7&news_id=222903300

RAILROADS

8) Positive Train Control Implementation Signals Challenges Ahead

Link to article in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/Article/Story/2010/08/Positive-Train-Control-Implementation-Signals-Challenges-Ahead.aspx

TELEMATICS

9) Traffic Data Quality Will Determine Telematics Winners

Link to blog from Strategy Analytics:

http://blogs.strategyanalytics.com/auto/?p=140

TRANSIT

10) Technology Helps Paratransit Services Go Lean

Link to article in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/resources/Images/MET08-Paratransit.pdf

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) Massachusetts State Police Seek Solution to Air Show Traffic Nightmare

Link to article in The Republican:

http://www.masslive.com/springfield/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-30/1282635940111310.xml&coll=1

VEHICLES

12) Prius Gets Sound Option to Protect Pedestrians

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Prius-gets-sound-option-to-apf-2437554670.html?x=0&.v=2

13) Report: Car Infotainment Systems to Put Consumers in Driver’s Seat

Link to article in USA Today:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/technologylive/post/2010/08/report-a-new-fourth-generation-of-car-infotainment-systems-will-put-consumers-in-the-drivers-seat/1

14) HD Radio Shouldn’t be this Hard

The chief engineer of WOR Radio recounts his difficulty in getting an HD Radio for his new Ford Escape.

Link to article in Radioworld:

http://www.radioworld.com/article/104712

News Releases

1) Jacobs Helps Washington State DOT Achieve Smarter Highways

2) Trucking Coalition, ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council to Facilitate IntelliDrive Workshop for Commercial Vehicles

3) QNX and Freescale Team Up to Accelerate Design Cycles for Automotive Infotainment

4) Sensys Networks Awarded 6^th Patent for Wireless Vehicular Sensor Network

Upcoming Events

Rail-Volution Conference – October 18-21 – Portland, Oregon

http://www.railvolution.com/

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** The schooner, Catherine M. Monohan, sank off the North Carolina coast.

http://www.nc-wreckdiving.com/WRECKS/MONOHAN/MONOHAN.HTML

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, August 23, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Rebranding of Combined United and Continental Presents Communication Challenges

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/feed/ct-biz-0822-united-choices–new-20100822,0,2640921.story

2) Technology Improves US Airways’ Customer Service

Link to article in the Phoenix Business Journal:

http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2010/08/23/story1.html?b=1282536000%5E3829171

3) Photographer Combined His Love of Cameras and Aircraft

Link to article in the San Jose Mercury News:

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_15797787?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com

BICYCLES

4) His Maps of Pittsburgh Give Tips for Everyday Bicyclists

Link to article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10235/1082029-140.stm

CARTOGRAPHY

5) Google Street View Cars Back Too Soon, Says French Watchdog

Link to article in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9181462/Google_Street_View_cars_back_too_soon_says_French_watchdog

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Indoor Positioning and Navigation – The Next LBS Frontier?

Link to article in Directions Magazine:

http://www.directionsmag.com/articles/indoor-positioning-and-navigation-the-next-lbs-frontier/129925

MARITIME

7) Canaveral Port Authority Weighs Options for Advertising Space

Link to article in Florida Today:

http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100823/BUSINESS/8230304/1006/NEWS01/Port+weighs+options+for+advertising+space

OTHER

8) imaGinyze Augments Your Driving Experience with Augmented Reality iPhone App

Link to article on Gizmag:

http://www.gizmag.com/imaginyze-augments-your-driving-experience-with-ar-iphone-app/16051/

Link to further information and screen shots:

http://car.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/series/car_app/20100817_387504.html (in Japanese)

9) iPhone Apps; Top Gear for Motorists

Link to article in The Daily Mail:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1304128/iPhone-apps-Top-gear-motorists.html

PARKING

10) Los Angeles Program Aims to Make Parking Easier

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-express-park-20100822,0,4725469.story

RAILROADS

11) Signaling the Future of the UK Railways

Thames Valley Signalling Centre will control trains on a portion of the rail network using new technologies.

Link to article in the Oxford Mail:

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/8344440.Signalling_the_future_of_the_railways/

ROADWAYS

12) Sponsor-a-Highway Signs Amount to Free Advertising on Philadelphia Roads While Program is Suspended

Link to article in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20100823_Sponsor-A-Highway_signs_amount_to_free_advertising_on_Philadelphia_roads_while_program_is_suspended.html

TRANSIT

13) Improve Driver Training, Rider Info: Toronto Transit Commission Report

Link to article in the Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/851197–improve-driver-training-rider-info-ttc-report?bn=1

Link to report:

http://ttcpanel.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/report.pdf

14) Modify DC Metro Next Train Displays to Improve Communication

Link to commentary on Greater Greater Washington:

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=6841

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) Nagpur, India Traffic Department Gets Net Savvy

Link to article in The Times of India:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Traffic-department-gets-net-savvy/articleshow/6390164.cms

16) Boston T Specific Apps a Real Time Saver

Link to article in the Boston Herald:

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20100823t_specific_apps_a_real-time_saver/

VEHICLES

17) Boulder, Colorado to Use Car Colors to Discourage Driving

Link to story in the Daily Camera:

http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_15851771?IADID=Search-www.dailycamera.com-www.dailycamera.com

18) Tesco to Introduce Speed Monitoring to Compare Van Speeds with Actual Speed Limits

Link to article in article in Fleet News:

http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/2010/8/23/tesco-to-map-van-speed-to-road-limit/37552/

News Releases

1) Clear Channel Partners with Geodelic to Launch the Ultimate Mobile Guide for Smart Air Travelers

2) Distracted Driving Takes Center Stage in Drive Safely Work Week

3) CITE’s 2010 Fall Blended Course Offerings

4) 2010 Power IT Down Day Challenges Government to Save More Kilowatt Hours, Decrease Carbon Footprint

Bernie’s Notes

I like to welcome my first grandchild … James Harrison Luedecker.  He was born Friday evening, August 20 at 7:12 (conveniently waiting until Friday’s TCN was sent) and checked in at 8 lbs. 2 oz.  The baby, and the proud mom and dad, Kirsten and Russell, are all doing well.

Upcoming Events

Webinar: The Significance of Search Engines in the Auto Industry: How Search Engines Have Radically Changed the Way Consumers Shop for Cars – August 24

https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=registration.jsp&eventid=232848&sessionid=1&key=9865A22D30B9685C55760943B51A06CB

Today in Transportation History

2000 **10^th anniversary** Gulf Air Flight 072 crashed in the Persian Gulf while attempting to land in Bahrain.  All 143 people onboard died.

http://www.bea.aero/docspa/2000/a40-ek000823a/htm/a40-ek000823a.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Thursday, August 19, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Countdown to the 17th ITS World Congress in Busan, Korea

Mark your calendar to attend the 17th ITS World Congress at the Busan Exhibition & Convention Center from October 25-29, 2010. This year’s theme is ‘Ubiquitous Society with ITS.’ In Busan, Korea’s second-largest city, industry leaders will promote and share the latest, cutting-edge ITS technologies and trends. Register now.

ITS America is once again hosting a U.S. pavilion at the event. As an exhibitor, you’ll gain access to the projected 3,000 potential customers and partners hailing from over 20 countries around the world.  You’ll also take advantage of the pavilion’s prime location in the middle of the exhibit floor. For more information, please contact Patty Del Pozo at 202-721-4238.

AVIATION

1) Medevac Industry Opposing Upgrades Wanted by NTSB

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-08-19-1Amedivac19_ST_N.htm

Link to news release from the Air Medical Operators Association:

http://airmedicaloperators.com/docs/AMOA%20Supports%20Safety%20Legislation.pdf

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

2) Phone Number on Older FasTrak Tranponders May Lead to Surprise

Link to article in the San Jose Mercury News:

http://www.mercurynews.com/traffic/ci_15819541

OTHER

3) Data Systems and Travel Survey Methods

Papers explore issues such as missing data from ITS and errors in real-time travel time estimation.

Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/Data_Systems_and_Travel_Survey_Methods_163904.aspx

PEDESTRIANS

4) HAWK Lights to Help Reduce Pedestrian Deaths in Metro Phoenix

Link to article in The Arizona Republic:

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/08/19/20100819hawk-lights-lower-phoenix-pedestrian-deaths.html

TRANSIT

5) SEPTA Seeks Federal Money for ‘Smartcard’ Fare System

Link to article in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20100819_SEPTA_seeks_federal_money_for__quot_smart_card_quot__fare_system.html

6) Haredim Oppose Ads on Bus Display Screens for Disabled in Israel

Bus company, Egged, planned to cover costs by selling ads; threats of boycott forced it to back down.

Link to article in The Jerusalem Post:

http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=185227

VEHICLES

7) Volkswagen Developing Hybrid Radio with Internet Interface

Link to article in Radio Today:

http://radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.6192

News Releases

1) VTT Takes Part in Opening South American Logistics Bottlenecks

2) Texas State Railroad Wins Awards for TV Commercial

3) Portland’s TriMet Launches TransitTracker by Text

4) US Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces $13.8 Million for Transportation Research and Education

5) Stanford University Researchers Tapped to Help Make Rules for Commercial Space Travel

6) Tracking Technology Wins Australian Defence Science and Technology Orgaisation Eureka Prize

Bernie’s Notes

Yesterday many subscribers to the TCN received multiple copies.  This was apparently due to a glitch with Google Groups which distributes the TCN.  My apologies for the problem.  I believe the glitch has been corrected.

Upcoming Events

eCoMove Workshop on Green Cooperative ITS – September 15 – Munich

http://tools.emailgarage.com/Pub/Asset.ashx?Id=b947ad58-8346-4081-a604-71e6e2425646&MessageId=333360444

Today in Transportation History

1960 **50^th anniversary** Sputnik 5 was launched.  It was the first spaceflight that launched animals into orbit and returned them safely to Earth.

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1960-011A

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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GEWI Traffic Technologies Tour Topic – Connected Vehicles /Infrastructure.

The purpose of the tour is to exchange information about advanced traffic technologies being used around the world to solve a variety of transportation related problems. This includes updates on European vehicle/infrastructure projects, similar to the US IntelliDrive initiative, TPEG, data collection and harmonization, interoperability and dealing with emerging data types. GEWI also wants to hear your current traffic data challenges.  This information exchange is just one of the many ways GEWI ensures that TIC software continues to be the global leader for the processing of transportation data.

If you’re interested in attending or hosting this free event in your area this November, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com

AVIATION

1) Analysis: US In-Flight Cell Phone Use Faces Uphill Battle

Link to Reuters article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE67G4H420100817

2) Edmonton Airport Lobby Group Keeps Donors Under Wraps

Link to article in the Edmonton Journal:

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/Airport+lobby+group+keeps+donors+under+wraps/3411128/story.html

3) Harnessing the Digital Revolution

Air transport industry IT summit highlights importance of integration, mobility.

Link to article in Airport Business:

http://www.airportbusiness.com/publication/article.jsp?pubId=1&id=38699

4) The Future of Magazines and What It Means for Aviation Marketing

Link to blog from ABCI:

http://www.aviationbusinessconsultants.com/?p=2014&goback=%2Egde_81978_member_27473627

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) Maine Automobile Loan Company Wants to Use GPS on Potential Clients
Link to story and video on WCSH-TV:

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=124530&catid=2

OTHER

6) US Baby Babble Hits Japan Taxis and Trucks

Baby monitors on US bases jamming radios.

Link to BBC News story:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-10998238

7) RITA Administrator Gives Update on ITS-JPO Strategic Plan

Link to letter from RITA:

http://www.its.dot.gov/press/2010/Appel_strategic_plan.htm

8) Report on ITS Asia Pacific BOD Meeting

Link to article from ERTICO:

http://www.ertico.com/en/news/ertico_newsroom/the_its12288asia_pacific12288bod_meeting.htm

RAILROADS

9) Siemens Takes Campaign for US High-Speed Rail Straight to the Customer

Link to blog on Streetsblog Capitol Hill:

http://dc.streetsblog.org/2010/08/17/siemens-takes-campaign-for-u-s-high-speed-rail-straight-to-the-customer/

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Safety Playbook May be a Lifesaver in New Jersey

Guidelines address procedures to protect emergency workers responding to incidents.

Link to article in The Record:

http://www.northjersey.com/news/100961444_Safety__playbook__may_be__lifesaver.html

TELEMATICS

11) Smart Uses iPhone for In-Car Electronics, Adds Car Finder

Link to article in USA Today:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/08/smart-uses-iphone-for-in-car-electronics-adds-car-finder/1

TRANSIT

12) Tech Savvy Transportation Center Opens in Aiken, South Carolina

Link to story and video on WJBF-TV:

http://www2.wjbf.com/news/2010/aug/17/tech-savvy-transportation-center-opens-aiken-ar-718300/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) North and South Carolina DOT Cooperation Alerted Drivers in Two States to I-77 Wreck

Link to story and video on News 14 Carolina:

http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/629386/dot-cooperation-alerted-drivers-in-2-states-to-i-77-wreck

14) SEPTA Expands Its High-Tech Customer Notification Options

Link to story on KYW Radio:

http://kyw.cbslocal.com/2010/08/11/septa-expands-its-high-tech-customer-notification-options/

VEHICLES

15) Alcatel-Lucent: ‘The Killer App for a Connected Car is Safe, Eco-friendly Driving’

Link to interview in Telematics Update:

http://bit.ly/bt0tKR

16) Volvo Shares Details on Trusted Truck Program

Link to article in Transport Topics:

http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=25005

17) Truck Dealer Uses Social Networking to Connect with Customers

Link to article from Heavy Duty Trucking:

http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=71379

News Releases

1) Solar-Powered Road Reflectors in Washington State May Light the Way for Future Safety Improvements

2) ITS America Forums Welcome New Leadership, Poised to Take on Key Transportation Issues

3) Internet is Coming to Cars Says IMS Research

4) The National Science Foundation, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, Boeing and Iridium Successfully Demonstrate Space Weather Observation

Upcoming Events

Viajeo Seminar ‘Strengthening Cooperation in ITS Between EU and China’ – September 12 – Shanghai

http://www.viajeo.eu/en/news/viajeo_seminar_shanghai_12_september_2010.htm

Today in Transportation History

1915 **95^th anniversary** Charles Kettering received a patent for an electric self-starting device for automobiles.

http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blignition.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, August 16, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Participate in Global Traffic Solutions – GEWI Traffic Technologies Tour

This November, GEWI will be touring the US and Canada for the purpose of exchanging information about advanced traffic technologies being used around the world.  The tour demonstrates solutions for a variety of transportation related problems and ideas, including global vehicle/infrastructure projects similar to the US IntelliDrive initiative.  Other topics include data collection, harmonization, interoperability and dealing with emerging data types.  GEWI also wants to hear your current traffic data or system challenges.  This information exchange is just one of the many ways GEWI ensures that the TIC software product continues to be the global leader for the processing of transportation data.

If you’re interested in attending or hosting this free event in your area, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com.

AVIATION

1) Southwest Airlines Takes Proactive Approach When Things Go Wrong In-Flight

Link to article in The Dallas Morning News:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/industries/airlines/stories/DN-swapology_15bus.ART0.State.Edition1.26cd7a0.html

BICYCLES

2) The Bike that Expresses Its Feelings

Link to blog on CNET News:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-20013670-71.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) New York City to Retrofit Buses with GPS Tracking

Link to article in Washington Square News:

http://nyunews.com/news/2010/08/08/09gps/

MARITIME

4) NTSB Ties US Coast Guard Collision to Cell Phone Use

Link to article in The Hill:

http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/114137-ntsb-ties-coast-guard-collisions-to-cell-phone-use

OTHER

5) Latest Issues of Thinking Highways Online

–  Europe/RoW edition

http://thinkinghighways.com/Pages/View-issue.aspx?id=5d1ae3bb-0899-4bf8-a786-2e2b31499a62

–  North American edition

http://thinkinghighways.com/Pages/View-issue.aspx?id=21c8d997-8d9c-4854-b34c-8ded4121fa79

RAILROADS

6) Railroads’ Guarded Secret: Not Even Hazmat Teams are Told What’s on Train

Link to article in the Press & Sun-Bulletin:

http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20100814/NEWS01/8140340/1112/Railroads–guarded-secret–Not-even-HAZMAT-teams-are-told-what-s-on-train

7) Rail Safety: Making the Railroad Mantra ‘Safety First’ More than Words in a Manual

Link to article in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/pr/article.asp?id=24056&email=bernie@bwcommunications.net

ROADWAYS

8) University of Maryland Researcher Aims for Early Warning System for Bridges

Link to article in The Baltimore Sun:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-bridge-sensors-20100816,0,7287279.story

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Firms Crack Down on Driving While Distracted

Link to article in the Chicago Sun-Times:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/transportation/2601804,CST-NWS-ride16.article

TRANSIT

10) Johnson County (Kansas) Transit Offers New Web Site to Explain Transit Task Force

Link to article in The Kansas City Star:

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/13/2148259/joco-offers-new-website-to-explain.html

11) Defining a Transit Wireless Blueprint

Link to blog in Mass Transit:

http://www.masstransitmag.com/interactive/2010/08/12/defining-a-transit-wireless-blueprint/

12) Reconciling Security, Disclosure, and Record-Retention Requirements in Transit Procurements

Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/Reconciling_Security_Disclosure_and_RecordRetentio_163894.aspx

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Rush Hour Alerts a Hit with Auckland Drivers

Link to article in The New Zealand Herald:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10666174

14) Real-Time Traffic Business in Europe: Interview with Mediamobile CEO Vincent Godec

Link to video interview on GPS Business News:

http://www.gpsbusinessnews.com/Real-Time-Traffic-Business-in-Europe-Interview-with-Mediamobile-CEO-Vincent-Godec_a2398.html

15) Hopes High for New Winter Haven, Florida Traffic-Monitoring System

Link to article in The News Chief:

http://www.newschief.com/article/20100815/NEWS/8155061/-1/living02?Title=Hopes-high-for-new-W-H-traffic-monitoring-system

16) Q&A: Color-Coded Traffic in Google Maps

Link to column in The New York Times:

http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/16/q-a-color-coded-traffic-in-google-maps/

News Releases

1) Minnesota DOT Commissioner Tom Sorel to Kick Off New ITS America Webinar Series

2) Announcement of the Inaugural ITS Australia Awards

3) Blind Driver Challenge Project Wins Top Awards at NIWeek

4) Walk Score Launches Transit Score and Commute Reports

5) UAE Roads & Transport Authority Launches Accepted Fasting, Safe Road Campaign for Ramadan

Upcoming Events

Webinar: General Overview of the 2009 MUTCD Parts 1 and 6 – August 24

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=664

Today in Transportation History

1960 **50^th anniversary** Joseph Kittinger set a world record, which still stands, for the highest altitude skydive at 102,800 feet (31,300 meters).

http://www.af.mil/information/heritage/person.asp?dec=&pid=123006518

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Friday, August 13, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Transportation Voice-Over Specialist

New York City Transit, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Virginia DOT, Siemens, Bombardier, TransCore; these are just a few of my many transportation voice-over clients.  Here are some comments from clients: “He brings his knowledge of this industry and his ability to improve the words and message,” “It is a pleasure to work with someone so gifted of voice yet knows all the acronyms of the profession.”

I welcome the opportunity to use my experience wherever your organization needs to sound its best.  I’ve provided voice recordings for services such as IVR systems, transit announcements, highway advisory radio, video and PowerPoint narrations and even live announcing.  Please visit my Web site at www.bwcommunications.net to learn more and to hear samples.  You may also contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net if you have questions.

AVIATION

1) With Oil Gusher Capped, Center to Manage Support Flights Closes

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100812_3595.php

2) Communication Problems May Have Delayed Search Following Alaska Plane Crash

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/13/us/13crash.html

3) FAA Adopts ICAO’s ‘Line Up and Wait’ Terminology

Link to article in Aviation International News:

http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/faa-adopts-icaos-line-up-and-wait-terminology-25807/

4) JetBlue’s Web Traffic Soars After Attendant Meltdown

Link to article in Crain’s New York Business:

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20100812/FREE/100819915

BICYCLES

5) District DOT Activates DC’s First Bike Traffic Signals

Link to story and video on WTTG-TV:

http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/traffic/ddot-activates-dcs-first-bike-traffic-signals-081110

CAMERAS

6) Safety Measure or Just Another Tax? Debate Over Red Light Cameras Intensifies

Link to ABC News story and video:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/citizens-fight-vote-red-light-cameras/story?id=11377323

7) Traffic Cameras Become Unbiased Witness to Accidents

Link to story and video on KCRG-TV:

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Traffic-Cameras-Becomes-Witness-to-Accidents-100593424.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

8) Glitch Keeps Cell Phone Maps from Prince Edward Island Ambulances

Link to CBC News story:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2010/08/13/pei-ambulance-cell-phone-map-584.html

OTHER

9) Can Cell Phones and Travelers Coexist Peacefully?

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/experts/mcgee/2010-08-12-cellphone-etiquette_N.htm

10) Research and Innovative Technology Administration Adds Facebook Page

Link to page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Washington-DC/Research-and-Innovative-Technology-Administration/121617491187775

11) Memo from ITS/JPO Advisory Committee on April 7 Meeting

Link to memo:

http://www.its.dot.gov/itspac/meetings/advisory_memo.htm

RAILROADS

12) California Bill Would Air Rail Bidders’ Holocaust Role

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hQ65mAbapUiUvF8j21oxjj1Tci4QD9HI60LG3

ROADWAYS

13) Smarter Highway Signs are Confusing Seattle Drivers

Link to story and video on KING-TV:

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Smarter-Highway-signs-confusing-drivers-100588684.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

14) Social Media Emerge as Digital Avenue for Emergency Response

Link to article in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2010/08/12/social-media-emerging-as-digital-avenue-for-emergency-response.aspx

TRANSIT

15) Natchez Transit System to Be Featured on PBS’s Blueprint America

Link to article in The Natchez Democrat:

http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2010/aug/10/natchez-transit-system-be-featured-pbs/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) Information-Sharing Guidebook for Transportation Management Centers, Emergency Operations Centers, and Fusion Centers

Link to guidebook from FHWA:

http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop09003/index.htm

News Releases

1) 511NJ Begins Providing Real-Time Travel Times to New Jersey Shore Destinations

2) USTRANSCOM Opens New Global Transportation Command-and-Control Facility

3) Australian First for Adelaide’s Cyclists – Web Site Provides Personalized Cycling Routes

4) Aircell Rebrands High Speed Internet Service as Gogo Biz in Business Aviation Market

5) SingTel Collaborates with Telmap to Offer Search, Mapping and Navigation to Consumers in Singapore

Upcoming Events

Systems Engineering for ITS Workshop – September 7-8 – Arlington, Texas

http://systemsitsworkshop.eventsbot.com/

Friday Bonus

Just in time for back-to-school.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ2iNOmPI-0

Today in Transportation History

1960 **50^th anniversary** The East Broad Top Railroad reopened as a tourist carrier.

http://www.ebtrr.com/

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Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net