Monday, April 6, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

1) A Scramble to Add Air Traffic Controllers

Link to story in The New York Times:

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

2) Orlando International Airport Tower‘s Air Controllers’ Inexperience is a Cause for Concern

Link to story in the Orlando Sentinel:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-asecoia05040509apr05,0,3446929.story

BUSES

3) Challenging Times for Bus Rapid Transit System in Johannesburg

Link to story in Engineering News:

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/bus-transport-2009-04-03 

CAMERAS

4) Cameras Sought for Louisiana Railroad Crossings

Link to AP story:

http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20090405/UPDATES01/90405007

MARITIME

5) London Boats to Take Oyster Card as Mayor Promotes Thames

Link to Bloomberg News story:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=ah2LCGnMT9Ac

OTHER

6) North Korean Missile Launch Sends Officials Rushing Into Action

Air traffic, maritime vessels quickly advised.

Link to story in The Yomiuri Shimbun:

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20090406TDY02305.htm

7) Information and Communications Technologies and Climate Change: Problem or Solution?

Link to story on EurActiv:

http://www.euractiv.com/en/climate-change/ict-climate-change-problem-solution/article-180760

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Airport Face Scanners ‘Cannot Tell the Difference Between Osama bin Laden and Winona Ryder’

Link to story in the Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/5110402/Airport-face-scanners-cannot-tell-the-difference-between-Osama-bin-Laden-and-Winona-Ryder.html

9) US DOT Aggregates Hazmat Reporting

Link to story in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/04/06/dot-hazmat.aspx

TRANSIT

10) MTA Online – How the New York City Subway Transit System Uses the Internet and Social Media

Link to interview with Diane Chehab on Maketing.FM:

http://www.marketing.fm/2009/04/03/mta-online-how-the-nyc-subway-transit-system-uses-the-internet-and-social-media/

11) NBC in Transit Launches in New York, New Jersey

News and entertainment will air on PATH trains and stations.

Link to story in The Hollywood Reporter:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3iff50ba6951560a30f6b7af52e5d298b6

News Releases

1) Inrix Delivers Real-Time Access to 10,000 Traffic Cameras

2) Research and Markets: Navigation to Boost European Passenger Vehicle Telematics and Infotainment Market Growth in the Short to Medium-Term

Upcoming Events

2009 The Future of Tolling: ORT and the Path to Interoperability – June 14-16 – Tampa, Florida

http://www.ibtta.org/Events/eventdetail.cfm?ItemNumber=3616

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100^th anniversary** – Robert Perry and Matthew Henson claimed to have been the first to reach the North Pole.

http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0406.html#article

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Thursday, April 2, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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) American Airlines Union Goes Viral Against Execs

Link to AP story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/American-Airlines-union-goes-apf-14824283.html

2) Aircraft Could be Brought Down by DIY ‘E-Bombs’

Link to story in New Scientist:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20227026.200-aircraft-could-be-brought-down-by-diy-ebombs.html

3) EU Says Phone-Ready Planes to Double by Next Year

Link to column in The Wall Street Journal:

http://blogs.wsj.com/middleseat/2009/04/02/eu-says-phone-ready-planes-to-double-by-next-year

BICYCLES

4) Promoting the Use of Bicycles on Federal Lands

Link to report from the Western Transportation Institute:

http://www.wti.montana.edu/documents/reports/pdf/4W1303_Final_Report.pdf

CAMERAS

5) In Surprising Reversal, Maryland Senate Rejects Speed Cameras

Link to story in The Baltimore Sun:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.cameras02apr02,0,1079669.story

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

6) Toll Discounts for In-State Residents Draw Constitutional Challenge

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/02/us/02ezpass.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) TomTom Signs Deal with TrafficCast for Data for Wireless Navigation Device

Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123862738872480271.html

Link to news release from TrafficCast:

http://trafficcast.com/news/article/120/

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

8) New Jersey Warns Against Walking on Highways

Link to AP story:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20090402_N_J__warns_against_walking_on_highways.html

RAILROADS

9) Microsoft’s Telephony Software Gains Railroad Ties

BNSF hopes software can replacing aging phone system and attract younger workers.

Link to CNET News column:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10209569-56.html

10) Latest Issue of Signal the Newsletter of ERTMS, the European Rail Traffic Management System

Link to newsletter:

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/rail/interoperability/ertms/doc/011_signal_2009_04_en.pdf

ROADWAYS

11) Rural Issues with Optimal Sensor Placement for Transportation Applications

Link to report from the Western Transportation Institute:

http://www.wti.montana.edu/documents/reports/pdf/4W1531_Final_Report.pdf

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) US to Boost Ports of Entry Along US-Mexico Border

Plan calls for high-tech inspection equipment and surveillance systems.

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h7YK6qe9Xpfr4heKG3_hRDGJP6jwD97A1AF80

Link to news release from the US Department of Homeland Security:

http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1238626069590.shtm

13) Free Videos Aim to Reduce Teen Driving Fatalities

Link to story in The Wichita Eagle:

http://www.kansas.com/news/breaking/story/757969.html

14) Ad Hoc Routing for Rural Public Safety

Link to report from the Western Transportation Institute:

http://www.wti.montana.edu/documents/reports/pdf/4W1566_Final_Report.pdf

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) FM Stations Help Punjab Police Control Traffic

Link to story in The Indian Express:

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/road-waves-fm-stations-help-police-control-traffic/441995/

16) Alcoa, Tennessee Named ‘Smart City’ for Transportation

Link to story in Blount Today:

http://www.blounttoday.com/news/2009/apr/02/alcoa-named-smart-city-transportation/

VEHICLES

17) Can a Speed Demon Tame Teen Drivers?

A young inventor’s gadget lets parents track kids behind the wheel.

Link to story and video in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2009/04/02/can_a_speed_demon_tame_teen_drivers

News Releases

1) AASHTO Launches Are We There Yet? We Can Be. America, Let’s Get Moving!

2) Dashboard Navigation System Doubles as Covert GPS Tracker: Lets Boss Sit in Passenger Seat

3) Apisphere to Provide Mobile Traffic Network with Location-Smart Messaging

Upcoming Events

National Transit Institute Transit ITS Regional Workshops – April 29-30 – Chicago & June 9-10 – Dallas

http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.asp?CourseNumber=TRI-26

Today in Transportation History

1804 **205^th anniversary** – The HMS Apollo ran aground off the Portuguese coast. About 40 ships following in the convoy also were wrecked.

http://ageofsail.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/shipwreck-of-hms-apollo/  

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

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

Wednesday, April 1, 1909 – ISSN 1529-1057

1) O’Hare: Computer Kiosks Replace Laid-Off Greeters

Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-airport-stimulus-31-mar31,0,2064096.story

Link to news release from the Chicago Office of Tourism:

http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/about_the_city/press_room/chicago_office_of/Explore_Chicago_Installation_in_O_Hare.html

2) Aviation English Training Set to Boom in China

Link to story in the China Daily:

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-04/01/content_7640109.htm

Link to additional information from Edgewater College:

http://www.edgewater.ie/courses/aviationenglish.html

3) Panasonic Bringing Live TV to Intercontinental Flights

Link to IDG News Service story:

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/040109-panasonic-bringing-live-tv-to.html

Link to news release from Panasonic Avionics:

http://www.panasonic.aero/PressRelease/Detail.aspx?PressReleaseID=9

4) For the Birds: Federal Aviation Administration Stonewalling Safety Data

Link to editorial in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/04/01/2009-04-01_for_the_birds_federal_aviation_administr.html

CAMERAS

5) Red-Light Camera Ban Backed by Montana Senate

Link to story in the Billings Gazette:

http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/04/01/news/state/64-redlightcamera.txt

MARITIME

6) Indian Defense Minister for Plugging Gaps in Coastal Security

Link to story in The Times of India:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Antony-for-plugging-gaps-in-coastal-security/articleshow/4340856.cms

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

7) Work Zone Safety ‘Road Rally’ in Kentucky Highlights Need for Safety on Roads

Link to story on WOWK-TV:

http://wowktv.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=55739

ROADWAYS

8) Dual Metric-Mile Signs Will be in Place on Arizona Interstate for Two Years

Link to story in the Green Valley News and Sun:

http://www.gvnews.com/articles/2009/03/31/breaking_news/03metric401.txt

9) New Wireless System Reduces Paperwork, Maintains High Levels of Service for Bay Area Freeway Patrol

Link to story in On Patrol:

http://www.fsp-bayarea.org/on_patrol/On_Patrol_09_mar.pdf

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Surveillance Towers Planned for Detroit, Buffalo

Will be used to monitor water traffic between US and Canada.

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iP6OrS2bLH8Vb_Y1G25tRxce_EdAD9798SI00

11) New York City Police Move to Cloak Midtown with Camera License Plate Readers, and Radiation and Bio Scanners

Link to story in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/04/01/2009-04-01_nypd_moves_to_cloak_midtown_with_camera_.html

12) Cyprus Pondering UK-Style Surveillance

Link to story in the Cyprus Mail:

http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=44940&cat_id=1

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) All Clear – A Traffic Solution for Gauteng

Link to story on Shine 2010:

http://www.shine2010.co.za/goodnews.php?article_id=275

VEHICLES

14) The Black Box that Tracks Every Mile You Drive and Will Make Speed Cameras Obsolete

Link to story in the Daily Mail:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1166169/The-black-box-tracks-mile-drive-make-speed-cameras-obsolete.html

News Releases

1) ITS Georgia Publishes Annual Report

2) New Web-Based Interactive Course from CITE and FHWA – Improving Highway Safety with ITS

3) Better Traffic Management for the Confederation Bridge

4) Navteq Broadens Dynamic Real-Time Data Resources for Developers at Navteq Network for Developers

5) Operation Lifesaver Offers Six Tips for Safe Biking Near Train Tracks

Job Postings

 –  Operations Research Analysts – Volpe National Transportation Systems Center – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/ftva.asp?seeker=1&JobID=80220812  (GS-1515-12)

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/ftva.asp?seeker=1&JobID=80219772  (GS-1515-13)

Upcoming Events

ACI-NA Marketing & Communications Conference – May 31-June 3 – Montréal

http://www.aci-na.org/conferences/detail?eventId=158

Today in Transportation History

1924 **85^th anniversary** – The Royal Canadian Air Force was created.

http://www.wingsforfreedom.com/

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

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

Tuesday, March 31, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition Preliminary Program Now Available

The preliminary program for ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition is now available. The 2009 Annual Meeting is the highly anticipated three-day learning and networking event which will attract the most diverse transportation audience from across the country in one place. This event will take place at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD – inside the Washington, DC metropolitan area – from June 1-3.  This is a critical time for our industry to demonstrate how ITS technologies can improve safety, mobility, and the environment while optimizing transportation dollars and helping to finance the future of our transportation system. Don’t want to miss this valuable opportunity to find answers to your toughest transportation challenges, meet your legislators on Capitol Hill, see ITS solutions in action and take home ideas for implementation, and learn from your peers.  To view a copy of the program, please click here.  For further information, please visit: www.itsa.org/annualmeeting.html.

AVIATION

1) EU Adopts Air Traffic Management ‘Master Plan’

Link to story on EurActiv:

http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/eu-adopts-air-traffic-management-master-plan/article-180816

2) American Airlines to Expand In-flight Web Access

Link to AP story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/American-Airlines-to-expand-apf-14791346.html

3) On NextGen, Everything Clear Except Who Pays for It

Link to column in The Dallas Morning News:

http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/03/on-nextgen-everything-clear-ex.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) Apple Filing Details Safe Touch-Screen Navigation System

Link to story on AppleInsider:

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/03/26/apple_filing_details_safe_touch_screen_navigation_system.html

5) Smart Sat-Nav and Cruise Control Arrives

Link to story on RoadTransport:

http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/03/31/133295/smart-sat-nav-and-cruise-control-arrives.html

OTHER

6) Georgia Could Require Drivers to Take Test in English

Link to AP story:

http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/03/31/met_516494.shtml

7) Interview with Anne Jensen, MEP and Rapporteur on the ITS Action Plan

Link to interview from ERTICO-ITS Europe:

http://www.ertico.com/en/news_and_events/ertico_newsroom/ertico-its_europe_talks_to_anne_jensen

SPACE

8) US Military Vows to Track 800 Satellites by October 1

Link to Reuters story:

http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE52U0MR20090331

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Sydney Terrorism Warning System Reviewed After Power Failure

Link to Bloomberg News story:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=abFrjyqhRykM

10) It’s the Drawing Board for Real ID

Link to story on NextGov:

http://techinsider.nextgov.com/2009/03/its_the_drawing_board_for_real.php

TRANSIT

11) Portland Metro Unveils an Online Planning Tool

Build-a-system tool is designed to involve public in transit corridor development.

Link to story in the Daily Journal of Commerce:

http://www.djcoregon.com/articleDetail.htm/2009/03/30/Metro-unveils-an-online-planning-tool-Buildasystem-tool-is-designed-to-involve-public-in-transit-cor

12) South Florida’s Tri-Rail Starts ‘Fund or Fail’ Campaign

Link to story in Metro Magazine:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2009/03/Tri-Rail-starts-fund-or-fail-campaign.aspx

Link to further information from Tri-Rail: 

http://www.tri-rail.com/FundOrFail/

13) The Challenge of Using Public Transport: Descriptions by People with Cognitive Functional Limitations

Link to article in the Journal of Transport and Land Use:

https://www.jtlu.org/index.php/jtlu/article/download/97/42

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) New Detroit Traffic Management System All Set to Go

Link to story in The Detroit News:

http://www.detnews.com/article/20090331/METRO05/903310402/1361/New+traffic+management+system+all+set+to+go

15) Traffic Management System to be Constructed in Western Massachusetts

Link to story in The Republican:

http://www.masslive.com/metrowest/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-18/123848380163740.xml&coll=1

16) California DOT’s New Monitoring Systems to Speed Traffic Flow

Link to story in Traffic Technology Today:

http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news.php?NewsID=11441

17) Traffic Safety Through Smart Highways

Link to story in Popular Mechanics:

http://www.origin.popularmechanics.com/science/research/4308670.html?page=1

VEHICLES

18) Honda Connects Brain Thoughts with Electronics

Link to AP story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Honda-connects-brain-thoughts-apf-14792125.html

Link to news release from Honda Motor Company:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Honda-ATR-and-Shimadzu-bw-14790917.html

News Releases

1) TEN-T 2009 Call for Proposals – Nearly €1 Billion Available in Trans-European Transport Network Funding

2) Tripping with Mr. Solomon – Houston Metro Uses YouTube to Promote Airport Service

3) TransCore Proves Alternative Equipment Choice for IAG-Protocol Reader

4) City of Seattle Launches Construction Coordination Web Site

Upcoming Events

2^nd Middle East Parking Symposium – November 9-11 – Abu Dhabi

http://www.parking-me.com/

Today in Transportation History

1774 **235^th anniversary** – The Boston Port Act took effect, closing the Boston Port to all ships.  The action was a response to the Boston Tea Party.

http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/boston_port_act.asp

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  TCNL-subscribe@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

Summary of Contents

Seventh National Aviation System Planning Symposium
2009 Joint Summer Meeting: Forging Ahead in Uncertain Times
Northwest Traffic Data Workshop: Successful Strategies in Data Collection, Analysis and Use
Track Design Handbook for Light Rail Transit, Second Edition – Proposals Due May 20, 2009
Audience Measurement for Transit Advertising – Proposals Due May 27, 2009

Public Transportation’s Role in Addressing Global Climate Change
Transportation’s Role in Emergency Evacuation and Reentry
Protocols for Collecting and Using Traffic Data in Bridge Design
Research Pays Off–Safer Nighttime Construction Zones Through Better Lighting: Illinois Develops and Applies Practical Guidelines
Commercial Truck and Bus Safety Synthesis Program: A Status Report 2009

Climate Change: Current Issues and Policy Tools
Transportation Conformity Highlights: February 2009
EPA Needs to Improve Its Efforts to Reduce Air Emissions at U.S. Ports
Review of Commercial Vehicle Sector Security
Review of Liability and Indemnity Provisions Associated with Commuter Rail Agreements
Hearing on The Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
National Summary Report for the Traffic Incident Management Self-Assessment (2008)
Information Sharing for Traffic Incident Management
LTPP Manual for Profile Measurements and Processing
FHWA R&T Now – March 2009
FHWA Focus Magazine – March 2009
North American Surface Trade Numbers for 2008
U.S. Department of Transportation Posts New Fuel Economy Standards for Model Year 2011 Cars and Light Trucks

Best Practices in Transit Service Planning
University of Minnesota’s CTS Research E-News: March 2009

Hearing on Addressing Price Volatility in Climate Change Legislation
Protecting American Health from Global Shipping Pollution
Hearing on the Need for Transportation Investment
Financing Transportation Infrastructure in California
Connecting California: Key Public Transportation Projects and Their Benefits for the Golden State
6th Annual Roadmap to State Highway Safety Laws

Monday, March 30, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) Airline Lobby Impatient with Delays on New US Traffic Control System

Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123818857733360521.html

Link to news release from the Air Transport Association:

http://www.airlines.org/news/releases/2009/News_03-27-09.htm

2) Airlines Look at New Phone Devices for the Long Haul

Link to story in The Star:

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/28/business/3440300&sec=business 

3) Florida Breaks Ground for GPS Flight System

Link to story in The Tampa Tribune:

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/mar/29/na-state-breaks-ground-for-gps-flight-system/

CAMERAS

4) Proposal to Track Uninsured with Red-Light Cameras has Cities Seeing Big Money

Link to Fox News story:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,510999,00.html

5) Traffic Cameras in London Ordered Turned Off by Department for Transport in Advance of G20 Summit

DfT says mobile road cameras do not meet resolution standards.

Link to story in The Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/mar/30/cctv-london-government-transport-g20

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

6) Start of Cheap Road Tolls in Japan Sees Jams

Link to story in The Yomiuri Shimbun:

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20090329TDY02306.htm 

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) TomTom and Microsoft Settle Patent Fight

Link to Reuters story:

http://www.reuters.com/article/technology-media-telco-SP/idUSN3034876220090330

OTHER

8) A Badge, a Gun and a Facebook Profile

Police learn how to tap social-networking sites.

Link to story in the Edmonton Journal:

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/News/badge+Facebook+profile/1440929/story.html

9) Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Scolded by Governor’s Aide Over Blog Entry

Link to story in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/28/patrick_aide_scolded_aloisi_over_blog_entry/

Link to blog entry on Blue Mass Group: 

http://www.bluemassgroup.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=15099

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Efforts to Limit Cell Phone Use While Driving Grow in US

Link to story and video in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2009-03-29-driving-distracted-cellphones_N.htm

Link to further information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

http://www.iihs.org/laws/CellPhoneLaws.aspx

11) Trying to Limit Disclosure on Explosion

Chemical plant owners say maritime security law should limit what federal agency can disclose.

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/us/29chemical.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

Link to Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002:  http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/MTSA.pdf

12) Transportation’s Role in Emergency Evacuation and Reentry

Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=10106

TRANSIT

13) Alarm System to Detect Trouble on Denver Light-Rail Tracks

Link to story in The Denver Post:

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12020680

14) Tech Savvy Teenager Takes Massachusetts Transit Agency in New Directions

Link to story in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/29/tech_savvy_teenager_takes_lexington_transit_in_new_directions/

15) Boston T Riders Taking the Facebook Route

Facebook group lobbies for MBTA to provide information to Google Transit.

Link to story in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/03/29/t_riders_taking_the_facebook_route/

Link to Facebook group:  http://tinyurl.com/cu2xms

16) BART Begins Publishing Rider Tweets

Link to story on TheTransitWire:

http://www.thetransitwire.com/2009/03/30/bart-begins-publishing-rider-tweets/

Link to BART’s Twitter feed:  http://twitter.com/sfbart

News Releases

1) Vehicle Manufacturers are Leading Intelligent Transportation Systems Efforts with Obstacle Detection Systems Launching in 2009

2) Missouri DOT Introduces Podcasts by MoDOT Director

3) Saab and LFV Group Present Remotely Operated Airport Tower Concept

Upcoming Events

Canadian Transportation Research Forum 44^th Annual Conference – May 24-27 – Victoria, British Columbia

http://www.ctrf.ca/future_conferences.htm

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100^th anniversary** – The Queensboro Bridge, also known as the 59^th Street Bridge, opened connecting Manhattan and Long Island City, Queens.

http://www.nycbridges100.org/queensboro.php

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

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 ati95berniew@aol.com.   

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

 Friday, March 27, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) US Transportation Secretary Says New Air-Navigation System is FAA’s Top Priority

Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123810181998751549.html

2) FAA to Seal Bird-Strike Records

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-03-26-faa-birds_N.htm

3) American Airlines, Pilots to Resume Safety Program

Link to AP story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/American-Airlines-pilots-to-apf-14760201.html

CAMERAS

4) Get the Feeling You’re Being Watched? If You’re Driving You Just Might be

Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123811365190053401.html

CARTOGRAPHY

5) Google Makes User-Created Maps Searchable

Link to CNET News story:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10206008-2.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

6) New Zealand Toll Road‘s Charging Goes Awry Again

Link to story in The New Zealand Herald:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10563994

RAILROADS

7) Amtrak to Improve CRM, Passenger Information, Employee Information Management with Stimulus Money

Link to story on TMC:

http://callcenterinfo.tmcnet.com/analysis/articles/53139-amtrak-improve-crm-passenger-information-employee-information-management.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) GE Unveils High-Speed Baggage-Screening System for Airports

Link to Dow Jones story:

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200903261638DOWJONESDJONLINE000969_FORTUNE5.htm

Link to news release from General Electric:

http://genewscenter.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=6386&NewsAreaID=2&MenuSearchCategoryID

9) Risk-Based Approach Needed to Secure the Commercial Vehicle Sector

Link to report from the US Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d0985.pdf

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Seattle Launches Own Traffic Web Site

Link to story on KIRO-TV:

http://www.kirotv.com/traffic/19023782/detail.html

Link to City of Seattle Travelers Information Map:  http://web5.seattle.gov/travelers/

VEHICLES

11) US Appeals Court Upholds Ruling Allowing ‘Choose Life’ on Missouri License Plates

Link to story in The Kansas City Star:

http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/1109030.html

Upcoming Events

Railway Systems Suppliers C&S Exhibition – May 19-20 – Nashville, Tennessee

http://www.rssi.org/2009_exhibit

Friday Bonus

I’ve seen light rail credited with many things, but this is a first.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/401320_toilet25.html

Today in Transportation History

1794 **215^th anniversary** – The US Congress passed the Naval Act of 1794 establishing the nation’s first naval force.

http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=001/llsl001.db&recNum=473

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

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

Thursday, March 26, 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) US Lawmakers Seek Speedier Air-Traffic Modernization

Link to Dow Jone story: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200903251603DOWJONESDJONLINE000757_FORTUNE5.htm

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) China Asserts Itself in GPS Turf War

Link to story in The Christian Science Monitor:

http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2009/03/25/china-asserts-itself-in-gps-turf-war/

ROADWAYS

3) Citizens Could Get New Voice on Illinois Tollway Moves

Link to story in the Daily Herald:

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=281564&src=109

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) 80,000 on Transportation Security Administration’s ‘Cleared Fliers’ List

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-03-25-cleared-list_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

5) National Institute of Standards and Technology Publishes Guide for Emergency Communications Testing

Link to story in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/03/26/nist-emergency-communications.aspx

TRANSIT

6) Philadelphia-Area Trains to Offer ‘Quiet Ride’ Cars

Link to story in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/41879222.html

 7) New York MTA Trains Its Anger at Subway Web Site

Link to story in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/03/26/2009-03-26_mta_trains_its_anger_at_subway_web_site.html

Link to MTA Service Specialists:  http://www.mtaservice.org/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) Nova Scotia Considering Steps to Improve Information on Cobequid Pass

Link to story in The Chronicle Herald:

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/9011158.html

9) National Summary Report for the Traffic Incident Management Self-Assessment (2008)

Link to report from the Federal Highway Administration:

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=513

Upcoming Events

Air Cargo Europe 2009 – May 12-15 – Munich

http://www.aircargoeurope.com/

Today in Transportation History

1839 **170^th anniversary** – The first Henley Regatta took place.

http://www.hrr.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 ati95berniew@aol.com.   

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

TIC from GEWI means Proven Interoperability

Whether you need to share, view, collect, aggregate, or distribute data between agencies, offices, control centers, districts, counties, states, or even countries, TIC can be configured to your interoperability requirements using this highly-flexible commercial off-the-shelf solution (COTS). TIC has a 12 year track record and is proven worldwide, such as by the European Road Information Center (ERIC) which provides 100% live data interoperability between 22 countries in seven different languages. TIC is already operating in over 100 projects worldwide and can be deployed faster, more affordably, and with less risk than build-your-own solutions. Why reinvent the wheel?

To download a brochure and leaflets, please visit www.gewi.com.  To discuss your questions and requirements, please contact jim.oneill@gewi.com.

AVIATION

1) US Airways CEO Got Early Flight 1549 Info Via TV

Airline’s operations center used later to coordinate response.

Link to AP story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/US-Airways-CEO-got-some-apf-14734819.html

2) Onboard Device Could Offer Clue to Montana Crash

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/us/25crash.html

RAILROADS

3) IBM Hops Aboard High-Speed Rail

Link to CNET News story:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10203013-54.html

4) CSX Upgrades Signals – End of Era

Railroad is replacing semaphores with wireless communications in Indiana counties.

Link to story in the Journal & Courier:

http://www.jconline.com/article/20090325/NEWS/903250334

ROADWAYS

5) New Brunswick Tourism Signs Stir Debate

$450,000 redesign of scenic drive markers hailed as improvement, criticized as confusing.

Link to story in the Times & Transcript:

http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/news/article/614131

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) US Homeland Security Chief May Eliminate Color-Coded Alerts System: It’s of ‘Marginal Utility’

Link to story in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2009/03/24/2009-03-24_homeland_security_chief_may_eliminate_co.html

7) States See IT, Other Delays Costing Them on Real ID

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/03/25/states-see-prohibitive-costs-from-real-id-act.aspx

8) Inspector General: Transportation Security Administration Known Shipper Management System Database Behind Schedule

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/03/25/tsa-known-shipper-database-behind-schedule.aspx

Link to report:  http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIGr_09-35_Mar09.pdf

TRANSIT

9) MIT Tries to Bring NFC to Everyday Life

Link to story on ContactlessNews:

http://www.contactlessnews.com/2009/03/24/mit-tries-to-bring-nfc-to-every-day-life

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Urban Partnership Agreements: Congestion Relief Initiative Holds Promise; Some Improvements Needed in Selection Process

Link to report from the US Government Accountability Office:
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-154

VEHICLES

11) Road Sense

Intelligent driving system allows vehicle to drive itself.

Link to story in The Engineer:

http://www.theengineer.co.uk/Articles/310568/Road+sense.htm

News Releases

1) DC Metro ‘Tweets’ Rail Service Delay Information

2) The European Commission Welcomes Today’s Decision of the European Parliament to Support the Single European Sky Package

3) American Airlines Offers New AA.com/women Online Content

Job Posting

 –  Transportation Program Specialist – Federal Transit Administration, US DOT – Washington, DC

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=80051214&AVSDM=2009%2D03%2D23+00%3A03%3A01&Logo=0&jbf574=TD09&FedEmp=N&sort=rv&vw=d&ss=0&brd=3876&FedPub=Y&caller=/agency_search.asp&SUBMIT1.x=107&SUBMIT1.y=13

Upcoming Events

International Satellite Navigation Forum – May 12-15 – Moscow

http://www.glonass-forum.ru/eng/

Today in Transportation History

1634 **375^th anniversary** – The first European settlers came ashore in Maryland.

http://www.marylandtheseventhstate.com/article1001.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