Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter – March 09, 2009

March 9, 2009 at 6:17 pm

Monday, March 9, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) National Space Biomedical Research Institute, Alion Aim for Software to Help Keep Pilots Oriented

Link to story in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/03/09/update2-spatial-disorientation.aspx

CAMERAS

2) Video Surveillance Turns the Corner

Better cameras, smarter software and faster networks enhance systems.

Link to story in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/03/09/video-surveillance-technology.aspx

RAILROADS

3) Violations Before Los Angeles Crash Stir Rail Safety Debate

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g2lXQ1QkZ2c6oj4FJtK3kYMb_S4gD96QCP7O0

ROADWAYS

4) Road Lines Yielding to Wintry Barrage

Markings fade but technology may help drivers stay in their lane.

Link to story in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/09/road_lines_yielding_to_wintry_barrage/

5) Massachusetts Governor Details Flagger Success

Says $12,500 has been saved by taking police off detail.

Link to story in the Boston Herald:

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/2009_03_07_Gov__Deval_Patrick_details_flagger_success:_Saves__12G_taking_cops_off_jobs/

6) Federal Efforts to Strengthen Security Should Be Better Coordinated and Targeted on the Nation’s Most Critical Highway Infrastructure

Link go report from the US Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-57

7) Highway Trust Fund: Improved Solvency Mechanisms and Communication Needed to Help Avoid Shortfalls in the Highway Account

Link go report from the US Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-316

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Emergency Responders Need Equipment Compatibility, US Department of Homeland Security Official Says

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/625804

SPACE

9) NASA Plans Improved ‘Internet in Space’

Link to story in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/03/09/nasa-software-radios.aspx

TRANSIT

10) Boeing Improves the Landing Technology of Its Planes

Link to story in Quân Ðội Nhân Dân:

http://army.qdnd.vn/vietnam.travel.tnews.23190.qdnd

11) A Bus-Rider’s View of the Pittsburgh-Area Bus System

A few simple things, such as improved information, might go a long way.

Link to story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09065/953550-294.stm 

12) Cold, Silent Treatment for MARC Riders

Maryland rail agency could provide better information to customers.

Link to column in The Baltimore Sun:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/traffic/bal-md.dresser09mar09,0,1989231.column

13) Google Transit at TransITech: A Year Later and 500% Greener

Link to blog from Google:

http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/03/google-transit-at-transitech-09-year.html

14) Houston Metro Should Stay on Track in Getting Public Input on Rail

Link to editorial in the Houston Chronicle:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/6298263.html

News Releases

1) NOAA Report Uncovers Why Some People Don’t Heed Severe Weather Warnings

2) Hong Kong Coordination Center Ensures Smooth Traffic Flow

3) US Digital Signage Market to Grow by One Third in 2009

4) US Airways Launches Flight Trial of the Next Generation of In-Flight Entertainment Systems

5) New South Wales Trip Planner Widget Now Available for All Web Sites

6) BMW-led Research Validates Fast Delivery of Real-Time Traffic Information via HD Radio Technology

Job Posting

 –  Communication & Outreach Specialist – US DOT Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Joint Program Office – Washington, DC

http://tinyurl.com/b95y7h

 –  Knowledge & Technology Transfer Program Manager – US DOT FHWA – Washington, DC

http://tinyurl.com/ch55pz

Upcoming Events

ACI-NA Customer Service & Aviation Education Conference – April 22-24 – Detroit

http://www.aci-na.org/conferences/detail?eventId=138

Today in Transportation History

1989 **20th anniversary** – Eastern Air Lines filed for bankruptcy protection. 

http://testimony.ost.dot.gov/test/pasttest/89test/Murphy1.pdf

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

ITS South Africa Newsletter – March 9, 2009

March 9, 2009 at 4:59 pm

[ipaper id=13117453]

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter – March 5, 2009

March 5, 2009 at 6:10 pm

Thursday, March 5, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057


Register Today and Prepare for the Approaching Recovery: IBTTA’s Workshop on Managing in an Era of Changing Economic Times, April 19-21, 2009 in San Francisco, CA 

Join IBTTA in San Francisco for power-packed educational sessions and walk away with a world of knowledge on better managing your organization today and preparing for the approaching economic recovery. Learn how global issues are affecting your organization and the toll industry, the goals and efforts of the U.S. stimulus program, how to build a cost-conscious culture and make tough decisions, how to position your agency for unique opportunities during this slowdown, solid financing strategies and more. This is one meeting you don’t want to miss! Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda, make your travel arrangements and register today!

AVIATION

1) BWI Airport Uses Twitter to Update @travelers

Link to story on IntoMobile:

http://www.intomobile.com/2009/03/04/bwi-airport-uses-twitter-to-update-travelers.html

Link to BWI Twitter page:  http://twitter.com/BWI_Airport

2) Hong Kong Airline Apologizes for Airport Tantrum Video

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gJFHKJTt041ELxDCYFvCwvDOevswD96NPQDO0

Link to YouTube video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbVw7entkxg

RAILROADS

3) Locomotive Cameras May Follow Metrolink Crash Probe

Link to Bloomberg News story:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aUbV7DHy9GxM

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) NTSB Official Sees Threat in Cell Phone Use by Train Crews

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j3Z45uDic1fZCfx8hT1T0-Qqd0cwD96NHLMG0

TELEMATICS

 

5) Organic Grocer Uses Tech to Reduce Carbon Footprint

Telematics solution features real-time vehicle tracking, mileage information, SMS messaging and live traffic information.

Link to story in Progressive Grocer:

http://www.progressivegrocer.com/progressivegrocer/content_display/supermarket-industry-news/e3ib7a02a35762c94344de1767457f865d8

TRANSIT

6) Lynchburg, Virginia Area’s Mass Transit Maps Now a Click Away

Link to story in The News & Advance:

http://www.newsadvance.com/lna/news/local/article/lynchburg_areas_mass_transit_maps_now_a_click_away/14067/  

News Releases

1) New Mexico DOT Announces New Hotline to Take Reports of Fraud, Waste, Abuse or Misconduct

2) 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung: Bilingualism in Public Transport

Solicitation

 –  Call for Tenders – Framework Contract to Provide Technical, Legal and Organizational Support for Implementation of ITS Action Plan – European Commission

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/energy_transport/tenders/2009_en.htm

Upcoming Events

1st International Summit on the State of the Connected Vehicle – April 16-17 – Detroit

http://www.sae.org/events/scv/

Today in Transportation History

1979 **30th anniversary** – Voyage 1 made its closest approach to Jupiter.

http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/science/planetary.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter – March 4, 2009

March 4, 2009 at 6:05 pm

 Wednesday, March 4, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057


Register Today and Prepare for the Approaching Recovery: IBTTA’s Workshop on Managing in an Era of Changing Economic Times, April 19-21, 2009 in San Francisco, CA 

Join IBTTA in San Francisco for power-packed educational sessions and walk away with a world of knowledge on better managing your organization today and preparing for the approaching economic recovery. Learn how global issues are affecting your organization and the toll industry, the goals and efforts of the U.S. stimulus program, how to build a cost-conscious culture and make tough decisions, how to position your agency for unique opportunities during this slowdown, solid financing strategies and more. This is one meeting you don’t want to miss! Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda, make your travel arrangements and register today!

AVIATION

1) March/April Edition of FAA Aviation News Focuses on Technology

Link to newsletter:

http://www.faa.gov/news/aviation_news/2009/media/marapr2009.pdf

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) Police Use of Warrantless GPS Tracking Challenged in US Court

Link to AP story:

http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-dc–gps-privacylaw0303mar03,0,1751321.story

OTHER

3) March Issue of Florida DOT’s SunGuide Disseminator

Link to newsletter:

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/trafficoperations/Newsletters/2009/2009-003-Mar.pdf

RAILROADS

4) European Railway Union Awards IT Contract for Freight-Rail Communications Project

Link to story in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=19825

ROADWAYS

5) 24/7 Monitoring Keeps Ontario’s Highway 69 Project on Track

Sensors monitor settlement of nearby railroad tracks.

Link to story in Road Talk:

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/transtek/roadtalk/rt15-1/#a5

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Fatal Crashes Down in Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Metro Initiative

Specialized computer mapping and a public information campaign part of the effort.

Link to story in The Plain Dealer:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/03/fatal_crashes_down_in_ohio_hig_1.html

Link to news release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol:

http://statepatrol.ohio.gov/media/2009/09-015.pdf

7) Puerto Rico Bans Music, Cell Phones for School Bus Drivers

Link to AP story:

http://www.nydailynews.com/latino/2009/03/04/2009-03-04_puerto_rico_bans_music_cell_phones_for_s.html

8) Texting on a Train

Where technology exists to prevent transportation tragedies, from air crashes to grade-crossing accidents, it should be used.

Link to editorial in USA Today:

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2009/03/texting-on-a-tr.html

TRANSIT

9) WMATA Removes NextBus Public Test

Link to story on Greater Greater Washington:

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=1739

10) Chicago Transit Authority’s New Voice: Carolyn Hopkins

Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-talk-cta-voicemar04,0,7232148.story

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) NYC Subway’s E-Mail Alerts Fail the Blizzard Test

Link to commentary in the Silicon Alley Insider:

http://www.businessinsider.com/nyc-subways-email-alerts-fail-the-blizzard-test-2009-3

12) Superhighway Info Great; Millions Spent on It, Not so Great

Link to editorial in The Bay City Times:

http://www.mlive.com/opinion/bay-city/index.ssf/2009/03/superhighway_info_great_millio.html

News Releases

1) MIT Takes on Global Transportation Challenge – New initiative to pioneer 21st century solutions via greater coordination and interdisciplinary collaboration

2) The Google Maps vs MapQuest Online Mapping Portal War is Driving Map 2.0 Innovations

3) TransCore Selects GS&P for Team to Provide ITS Design Services for Florida DOT

4) NNG Global Services Selects Cellint for High-Resolution Traffic Service

5) CDW-G Launches Mass Notification Toolkit

Upcoming Events

Mississippi Valley Freight Coalition Spring Meeting & Conference – April 14-16 – Kansas City, Missouri

http://www.mississippivalleyfreight.org/2009meeting.html

Today in Transportation History

1824 **185th anniversary** – The National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck was created in the UK.

http://www.rnli.org.uk/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

TRB Newsletter – March 3, 2009

March 4, 2009 at 11:12 am

(Source:  Transportation Research Board)

[ipaper id=12978901]

ITS South Africa Newsletter – March 2, 2009

March 2, 2009 at 2:48 pm

 

2 March 2009
TENDERS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBER

There are several new tenders available. For information about tenders and business opportunities for ITS South Africa members, please clickhere to access the ITSSA Knowledge Management section.
TAXI TERROR ON OUR ROADS
Of the 36 daily deaths on South Africa’s roads, an average of three are killed in taxi-related incidents – translating into 1 095 deaths every year. And according to a study by the Automobile Association of South Africa, around 70 000 minibus taxi crashes happen each year – double the number of accidents involving other motor vehicles. 

Pretoria News, Candice Bailey, 28th February 2009 – Read more

TAXI COUNCIL CRIES FOUL OVER BUS-RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) wants to “reopen” the taxi industry in place of the bus-rapid transit (BRT) system, SABC radio news reported on Thursday. This formed part of a counter-proposal to the establishment of the BRT system. 

Mail & Guardian, Sapa, 27th February 2009 – Read more

STATE MUST SHOULDER BLAME – TAXI BODY
Taxi bosses say the government must shoulder the blame for the recent violent taxi strikes which led to the death of Katrina Samuels and her prematurely born baby, and the emotional and physical scarring of at least one other woman. Three weeks ago, the National Taxi Alliance (NTA) called for its members to stage a three-day strike in opposition to the Bus Rapid Transit System. 

Cape Argus, Andisiwe Makinana and Esther Lewis, 27th February 2009 – Read more

TRANSPORT-RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE SPEND TO RISE TO R51BN
Investment in transport-related infrastructure projects will total R50,9-billion over the next three years, reports the Treasury in its 2009 Budget Review. The South African Rail Commuter Corporation will receive an additional R600-million over the medium term in order to overhaul and upgrade 1 900 coaches and improve the signalling system. 

Engineering News, Irma Venter, 26th February 2009 – Read more

TRANSPORT-RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE SPEND TO RISE TO R51BN
Investment in transport-related infrastructure projects will total R50,9-billion over the next three years, reports the Treasury in its 2009 Budget Review. The South African Rail Commuter Corporation will receive an additional R600-million over the medium term in order to overhaul and upgrade 1 900 coaches and improve the signalling system. 

Engineering News, Irma Venter, 26th February 2009 – Read more

GAUTENG TO SPEND R40BN ON INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
The Gauteng provincial government (GPG) would spend about R40-billion in infrastructural projects over the next three years, in a move that could help to mitigate the impact of the global economic slowdown on the province, Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Mandla Nkomfe said on Tuesday. 

Engineering News, Chanel Pringle, 24th February 2009 – Read more

INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEM TO MAKE DRIVING ON HASSLE-FREE
Intelligent Transport System (ITS) will be introduced on the entire Outer Ring Road (ORR) with Japanese assistance to facilitate smooth flow of traffic. Work on laying an eight-lane, accesscontrolled expressway (ORR), running to a total length of 158 km, around the Hyderabad city is in progress. 

Express Buzz, S Bachan; Jeet Singh, 23rd February 2009 – Read more

For more information visit the 
ITS South Africa website at www.itssa.org

Click here to unsubscribe from this newsletter.

 

ITS South Africa Newsletter – Feb 27, 2009

February 27, 2009 at 11:57 am

 

27 February 2009

Registration for e-Transport Conference now open

The theme for this year’s e-Transport Conference is “Moving People Smartly: Transport Solutions for FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010 and Beyond.” The biennial e-Transport Confex is the premier ITS event to network with key decision-makers and ITS professionals and exploit business opportunities in South Africa’s booming ITS market. With a current infrastructure spend of R600 bilion, there are numerous ITS projects in the pipeline.

Most of the exhibition stands have been booked with only a few stands still available. Book now to prevent competing companies from leaving you behind!

These mega infrastructure and transport projects are transforming South Africa transport environment and are attracting huge local and international interest. If you want to be part of this rapidly growing market, explore the sponsorship and exhibition opportunities to raise your profile in the South African ITS Market, this is an opportunity not to miss!

To view the programme, click here.

You are cordially invited to register now. Click here.

For sponsorship and exhibition packages, click here.

For the exhibition floor plan, click here.

For the stand reservation form, click here.

For general information about South Africa, accommodation and airport transfers, click here.

 

ABOUT ITS SOUTH AFRICA
The ITS South Africa ensures that ITS and related organisations are kept up to date with the technology revolution, and allows one to harness the technology and gain the benefit it offers. ITS South Africa is a membership-based organisation. It consists of government bodies and its implementation agencies, manufacturers, suppliers, users and potential users of ITS technology.
Find out more about ITS South Africa by visiting our website at www.itssa.org,
or email us at paul@itssa.org.
Click here to unsubscribe from this newsletter.

Bernie’s TCN Newsletter – February 25, 2009

February 25, 2009 at 6:32 pm

Transportation Communications Newsletter

 Wednesday, February 25, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057


Register Today and Prepare for the Approaching Recovery: IBTTA’s Workshop on Managing in an Era of Changing Economic Times, April 19-21, 2009 in San Francisco, CA 

Join IBTTA in San Francisco for power-packed educational sessions and walk away with a world of knowledge on better managing your organization today and preparing for the approaching economic recovery. Learn how global issues are affecting your organization and the toll industry, the goals and efforts of the U.S. stimulus program, how to build a cost-conscious culture and make tough decisions, how to position your agency for unique opportunities during this slowdown, solid financing strategies and more. This is one meeting you don’t want to miss! Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda, make your travel arrangements and register today!

 AVIATION

 1) Key to Eliminating US Flight Delays? Redesign the Sky Over New York City

Link to story in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/cars/futuretransport/magazine/17-03/ff_airspace

 2) Could Radar Keep Birds from Colliding with Aircraft?

Link to story in Scientific American:

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=avian-aircraft-radar

 3) Airline Industry Seems to be Serious About Going Forward with Wi-Fi in Sky

Link to Scripps-Howard News Service story:

http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/41183

 4) American Airlines Aims to be On Time

Technology being used to improve performance.

Link story on The Street:

http://www.thestreet.com/story/10465948/1/american-airlines-aims-to-be-on-time.html

 CAMERAS

 5) Who’s Paying for New Missouri Red-Light Camera Advocacy Group?

Link to story in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/political-fix/political-fix/2009/02/whos-paying-for-new-red-light-camera-advocacy-group/

 CARTOGRAPHY

 6) Officials Eye a Geospatial ‘Virtual USA’

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/02/24/virtual-usa.aspx

 GPS / NAVIGATION

 7) Microsoft Sues TomTom for Patent Infringement

Link to CNET News story:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-10172068-75.html

 OTHER 

8) New Transportation Blog from ‘Gridlock Sam’ Schwartz: The Number Thirteen Line

Link to blog on PBS Blueprint America:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/blueprintamerica/category/blogs/13line

 9) 3D Simulation Solves Crime and Accidents

Link to story in Eureka:

http://www.eurekamagazine.co.uk/article/17221/3D-simulation-solves-crimes-and-accidents.aspx

 ROADWAYS

 10) WiMax System Warns Drivers on Dangerous Highway Prone to Dense Fog

Link to story in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9128619&intsrc=hm_list

Link to news release from Proxim Wireless:

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0477064.htm

 SAFETY / SECURITY

11) US Department of Homeland Security to Use More Simulations in Infrastructure Protection

Link to story on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090223_9398.php 

Link to National Infrastructure Protection Plan:

http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/NIPP_Plan.pdf

 12) FAA Will Use Software to Identify Sensitive Data

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/02/25/faa-software.aspx

 TRANSIT

 13) Automated Subway Train Rolls Out in New York City

Link to story in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/02/24/2009-02-24_automated_l_train_rolls_out.html

 14) Wired BART Should Please Passengers

Link to story in the Contra Costa Times:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/traffic/ci_11776662

 TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

 15) Get Connected to Go

Link to profile on New York State’s 511 system.

Link to story in New York State DOT E-Zine:

https://www.nysdot.gov/e-zine/winter2008/initiative

 VEHICLES

 16) Intelligent Transportation System Demoed in Japan

Link to story on Tech-On:

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20090225/166272/  

News Releases

1) Recent Studies Highlight Effectiveness of Radar Speedcheck Signs for Use in Traffic Calming

2) Westwood One’s Metro Traffic Goes Live with the Most Comprehensive Video Traffic Information Network in the Country

3) Port Authority of NY & NJ Leads Alliance Urging Full Federal Funding to Unclog Air Traffic Control System and Ease Delays for Passengers

4) INX Awarded State of New Mexico DOT Contract for Rail Runner Train’s High-Speed Wireless System

5) Inrix National Traffic Scorecard Reveals Startling 30 Percent Decrease in Traffic Congestion in 2008

 

Upcoming Events

Talking Freight Seminar: Freight Corridor Programs – March 18

https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=16392

 Today in Transportation History

1919 **90th anniversary** – Oregon became the first state to impose a gasoline tax.

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/CS/FTG/

 

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

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

NTOC Talks Newsletter: February 25, 2009

February 25, 2009 at 12:27 pm

[ipaper id=12814845]

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter – Feb 24, 2009

February 24, 2009 at 8:25 pm

Transportation Communications Newsletter

 Tuesday, February 24, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

 


 Register Today for IBTTA’s Toll Road Summit of Australia, New Zealand & the Asia Pacific Rim, March 15-18, 2009 in Sydney, Australia 

  If you are interested in public-private partnerships, innovations in customer service and next generation technologies, you need to attend this meeting! Join IBTTA and ITS Australia in Sydney, Australia and learn about the explosive growth of tolling in Australia, New Zealand and the countries in the Asia Pacific Rim. Learn about toll concessions and operations, including the political, regulatory, public affairs and customer service aspects of startup and mature facilities, and lessons learned from successive implementation of all electronic toll collection. Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda, make your travel arrangements and register today

 AVIATION

 1) Final FAA-Weather Service Decision Delayed Again

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2009/02/post_4.html

 2) New Technology May Prevent Bird Strikes

Link to ABC News story:

http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/Travel/story?id=6940435&page=1

 PARKING

 3) ‘Smart’ Parking Meters Catching on Across US

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/2009-02-23-smartmeters_N.htm

 ROADWAYS

 4) The Bridge to Smart Technology

Smart technology that makes infrastructure safer and more efficient is ready just in time for a flood of government spending.

Link to story and video in BusinessWeek:

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_09/b4121042656141.htm?chan=rss_topEmailedStories_ssi_5

 5) Let’s Stimulate Smart Highways

Link to commentary in Forbes:

http://www.forbes.com/2009/02/23/stimulus-transportation-hov-opinions-contributors_hot_highways.html

 SAFETY / SECURITY

 6) Privacy, Identity, and the Use of RFID and RF-Enabled Smart Card Technology

Link to story in Smart Card Talk:

http://www.smartcardalliance.org/pages/newsletter-200902-feature?issue=200902

 TRANSIT

 7) Utah Transit Authority Showcases Open Payment System

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/621904

Link to further information from the UTA:

http://www.rideuta.com/ridingUTA/amenities/electronicFare.aspx

 8) Updates from APTA’s Marketing & Communications Workshop

Link to blogs:

http://blog.apta.com/?cat=1

 9) Light Rail Vehicle Collisions with Vehicles at Signalized Intersections

Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=10004

 News Releases

1) Economic Downturn Favors Cheaper Navigation Form Factors

2) US Departments of Defense, Transportation, and Homeland Security Release 2008 Federal Radionavigation Plan

3) QNX Changes the Rules for In-Vehicle Software Development

4) ATX to Seek Local Partners to Expand European Telematics

 Upcoming Events

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Bus Safety Summit – March 5-6 – Arlington, Virginia

http://www.cvsa.org/events/Bus%20Summit%20Online_revised%20021009.pdf

 Today in Transportation History

1909 **100th anniversary** – The Hudson Motor Car Company was founded.

http://www.hemmings.com/hcc/stories/2005/11/01/hmn_feature11.html

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

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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