Thursday, December 23, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) ‘New United’ Settles on Technology Systems

Link to article in Air Transport World:

http://atwonline.com/airline-finance-data/news/new-united-settles-technology-systems-1222

2) Expedia Hides American Airlines Airfares in Support of Orbitz

Link to Bloomberg article:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-23/expedia-hides-american-airlines-fares-in-support-of-travel-website-orbitz.html

OTHER

3) ITS and Urban Mobility

Link to paper from ERTICO:

http://www.ertico.com/assets/i-Mobility-network/Thematic-Papers/1-Thematic-paper-Urban-Mobility.pdf

PARKING

4) New Streetline App Gives Los Angeles Drivers Real-Time Data on Available Parking

Link to article on TechCrunch:

http://techcrunch.com/2010/12/22/streetline-green-app-launch

PEDESTRIANS

5) Chirping Crosswalk Changes Its Tune

Some Canadian cities updating signals with four descending musical notes because chirping sounds too much like northern cardinal.

Link to article in the National Post:

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/Chirping+crosswalk+changes+tune/4017613/story.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Pilot Punished for YouTube Video

Video shows what pilot says are serious flaws in airport security.

Link to story and video on KXTV-TV:

http://www.news10.net/news/article.aspx?storyid=113529&provider=top&catid=188

TELEMATICS

7) Mercedes to Launch New Telematics Platform with Internet Access

Link to article on Telematics News:

http://telematicsnews.info/2010/12/22/mercedes-to-launch-new-telematics-platform-with-internet-access_d1221/

Link to article in Automobilwoche:

http://www.automobilwoche.de/article/20101222/REPOSITORY/101229989/1060/mercedes-bringt-in-c-klasse-erstmals-internet-ins-auto (in German)

TOURISM

8) With Travel App, No One Knows You’re a Tourist

Link to AP article:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=132288490

Link to further information from Fodor’s:

http://www.fodors.com/mobile-apps/iphone/

TRANSIT

9) Transport for London Calls for Faster NFC SIM Cards

Link to article in NFC Times:

http://www.nfctimes.com/news/transport-london-calls-faster-nfc-sims

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Keeping Traffic Flowing

A profile of Ron Boodhoo, operations manager of Georgia’s Transportation Management Center.

Link to article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/business/atlanta-nightside-keeping-traffic-786524.html

Upcoming Events

North American International Auto Show – January 10-23 – Detroit

http://www.naias.com/

Today in Transportation History

1900 **110^th anniversary** Reginald Fessenden transmitted on Cobb Island, Maryland what is believed to have been the first voice transmission by radio.

http://www.americanheritage.com/articles/magazine/it/2001/1/2001_1_40_print.shtml

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Wednesday, December 22, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) United Airlines Employing Technology to Cut Down on Lines

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-1222-linebuster-20101222,0,632321.story

2) Delta Pulls Flights from Some Online Travel Sites

Link to article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/business/delta-pulls-flights-from-784834.html

3) What’s Your Airport’s Marketing Strategy?

Link to column in Airport Business:

http://www.airportbusiness.com/web/online/The-New-Airport-Marketing/Whats-Your-Airports-Marketing-Strategy/23$41732

OTHER

4) Five Studies in Car Traffic that Can Teach Us Timesaving Tips

Link to article:

http://mastersinpublicadministration.com/5-studies-on-car-traffic-that-can-teach-us-timesaving-tips

RAILROADS

5) Canadian National Fined for Failing to Report Road Blockages

Link to article in the Lake County News-Sun:

http://newssun.suntimes.com/business/2973224-420/blockages-board-reports-caused-crossings.html

ROADWAYS

6) Pennsylvania Turnpike to Keep Toll Schedules on Tickets

Link to article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10356/1112633-100.stm

7) Abbey Road Zebra Crossing Given Protected Status

Crosswalk made famous on Beatles 1969 album cover.

Link to story and video from BBC News:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12060809

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) US Department of Homeland Security to Speed Traveler Identity Verification

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20101221_1763.php

9) University of Wisconsin-Madison Simulator is Meant to Find What Drives Us to Distraction

Link to article in the Wisconsin State Journal:

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/education/university/article_bf36e2a2-0d86-11e0-a199-001cc4c03286.html

TRANSIT

10) Digital Displays for Transit: Can More Information Mean More Riders?

Link to article on The City Fix:

http://thecityfix.com/digital-displays-for-transit-can-more-information-mean-more-riders/

11) Philippines Government Eyes GPS for Buses

System being considered for enforcement of traffic rules.

Link to ABS-CBN story:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/12/22/10/dotc-eyes-gps-passenger-buses

12) Marketing a ‘Bowl of Tangled Noodles’

Commentary on clarity of transit maps.

Link to blog on Human Transit:

http://www.humantransit.org/2010/12/email-of-the-week-marketing-a-bowl-of-tangled-noodles.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Delivery Channels for Traffic and Traveler Information Services

Link to paper from ERTICO:

http://tools.emailgarage.com/Pub/wUaRGQAAAAA~/YOt2cVVwj0evU630Ktbavg~~/Html/GotoLink.ashx

VEHICLES

14) Just Launched: Snazzy Mobile Site for 2011 Detroit Auto Show

Link to blog on Social Car News:

http://www.socialcarnews.com/blog/1052615_just-launched-snazzy-mobile-site-for-2011-detroit-auto-show

News Releases

1) Sync AppLink Now Available as Free Download; Ford Fiesta Owners First with Voice Control of Apps

2) Accenture and Magneti Marelli Sign Five-Year IVI, Telematics and Embedded Software Agreement

3) Application of New Technologies to Road Management in Basque Region

4) Pennsylvania Turnpike Hires Consultant to Study Conversion to All-Electronic Toll Collection

Upcoming Events

Mobile World Congress  – February 14-17 – Barcelona

http://www.mobileworldcongress.com/

Today in Transportation History

1890 **120^th anniversary** The Cornwallis Valley Railway began regular service between Kentville and Kingsport, Nova Scotia.

http://www.trainweb.org/canadianrailways/articles/CornwallisValleyRailway.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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Tuesday, December 21, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) American Airlines Pulls Fares from Orbitz

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/American-Airlines-pulls-fares-apf-2096015711.html?x=0&.v=9

2) Airline Gate Agents Face Constant Countdown

Link to article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/business/airline-gate-agents-face-783630.html

3) High-Tech Ways to Pass the Time at the Airport

Link to BBC video:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/fast_track/9300606.stm

CAMERAS

4) Redflex Suing Tempe, Arizona to Get Bigger Cut of Traffic Tickets

Link to story and video on KTVK-TV:

http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/Redflex-suing-Tempe-to-get-bigger-cut-of–112227104.html

5) In-Car Cameras to be Legal in California in 2011

Car owners will be allowed to install cameras to record accidents and aggressive driving along with other data.

Link to article on California Watch:

http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/car-cameras-record-state-roadways-7623

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Portable GPS Devices Head in Wrong Direction as Sales Slip

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2010-12-21-gps21_ST_N.htm

OTHER

7) Texas Aid Network Connects Aid Groups with Transportation Providers

Link to article in the Commercial Carrier Journal:

http://www.ccjdigital.com/texas-aid-network-connects-relief-organizations-with-transportation-providers/

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

8) Anti-Drunk Driving Ad in South Africa Too Shocking for Some

Link to article in the Cape Times:

http://www.capetimes.co.za/rape-in-jail-ad-too-shocking-for-some-1.1003729

ROADWAYS

9) States Prepare New Ways to Tackle Wintry Roads

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-12-21-plowingroads21_ST_N.htm

10) Asheville Highway Mural Cited in New North Carolina DOT Public Art Policy

Link to article in the Asheville Citizen-Times:

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20101221/NEWS/312210001

11) Azerbaijani Parliament Approves Convention on Road Signs and Signals to Match International Standards

Link to Trend News Agency article:

http://en.trend.az/news/politics/1801296.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) Auditors Question TSA’s Use of and Spending on Technology

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122005947.html

TRANSIT

13) First Transit TV Makes Debut in Washington, DC

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dr-gridlock/2010/12/klein_to_demo_transit_tv_today.html

14) Seattle Metro’s Acceptance of ‘Israeli War Crimes’ Bus Ad Draws Complaints

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013725651_israelad21m.html

15) Innovative Ads Bring in Revenue for Caltrain

Link to article in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2010/12/Innovative-ads-bring-in-revenue-for-Caltrain.aspx

16) In the New York City Subway, Literary Placards Will Soon be Mere Echoes in the Memory

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/21/nyregion/21poetry.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

17) Gulf Cooperation Council Banks on ITS

Link to article in The Gulf Today:

http://gulftoday.ae/portal/f461eddb-97d2-45a1-b38c-f035d586b8eb.aspx

18) Intelligent Transportation System Plan for Abu Dhabi

Link to article in the Gulf News:

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/traffic-transport/intelligent-transportation-system-plan-for-capital-1.733992

19) ‘Invaluable’ New Zealand Traffic Service Launched

Link to story on 3 News:

http://www.3news.co.nz/Invaluable-NZ-traffic-service-launched/tabid/423/articleID/191909/Default.aspx

Link to AA Traffic Roadwatch: http://maps.aa.co.nz/traffic/roadwatch

VEHICLES

20) Toyota to Pay Record Fines for Disclosure Delay

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/dec/20/business/la-fi-toyota-fine-20101221

Link to news release from US DOT:

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot21610.html

21) China Unicom, Geely Join Hands on 3G Intelligent Vehicles

Link to article on China Knowledge:

http://www.chinaknowledge.com/Newswires/News_Detail.aspx?type=1&cat=RND&NewsID=%2039715

News Releases

1) FCC Takes First Step to Help Revolutionize 911 Services Through Sharing of Videos, Photos and Data

2) Intelligent Transport System to Improve Safety Over the Cardwell Range in Queensland

3) New York MTA Installs Countdown Clocks and Next Train Announcements in 100 Stations

Solicitation

–  Call for Papers – 2011 IEEE Intelligent Vehicles Symposium

http://www.mrt.uni-karlsruhe.de/iv2011/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=56

Upcoming Events

Webinar: The Emergence of Open Electronic Payment Systems in Public Transit – January 18

http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s110118_openepay.asp

Today in Transportation History

1620 **390^th anniversary** A landing party from the Mayflower went ashore in present day Plymouth, Massachusetts.

http://www.pilgrimhall.org/arrival.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, December 20, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Deadline Approaching to Submit Papers for the ITS World Congress in Orlando

ITS America is now inviting transportation researchers, practitioners, policy experts and other interested parties to submit a paper for consideration for presentation at the 18^th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems and Annual Meeting convening October 16-20, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. Papers must be submitted online no later than January 14, 2011.  Paper presentations are an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your expertise, showcase research results, and advance ideas focused on ITS topics such as high-tech transit solutions, real-time traveler information, performance measurement, intermodal systems integration, advanced traffic management systems, commercial vehicle operations, electronic toll/fare collection, telematics, new consumer applications, and other ITS-related fields.  The program committee is also seeking the most relevant and thought-provoking papers pertinent to the conference theme: Keeping the Economy Moving.  For more information on paper topics or submission guidelines, please visit the World Congress website at www.itsworldcongress.org or contact Nicole Oliphant of ITS America at papers@itsa.org or 202-721-4215.

AVIATION

1) UK Airports and Passengers Take to Twitter as Snow Disrupts British Flights

Link to article in The Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/twitter/8214512/UK-weather-airports-and-passengers-take-to-Twitter-as-snow-disrupts-British-flights.html

2) Bangladesh Probes Porn Film Show on Airport Screen

Link to PTI article:

http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/bangladesh-probes-porn-film-show-at-airport-screen-73532

3) Simulated Trouble

Machine trains air traffic controllers to deal with snow, a flock of geese or worse situations.

Link to article in the Daily Pilot:

http://articles.dailypilot.com/2010-12-17/news/tn-dpt-1218-faa-20101217_1_controllers-faa-facilities-bill-withycombe

4) Fujitsu, Boeing to Develop Aircraft Tag System

Link to AFP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hujjWi_sjwqNaR1XjrrjJhR4ZHRA

Link to news release from Fujitsu:

http://www.fujitsu.com/global/news/pr/archives/month/2010/20101217-01.html

CAMERAS

5) Traffic Camera ‘Speed Traps’ Worry Tennessee Lawmakers

Link to AP article:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20101220/NEWS01/12200314/Traffic-camera-speed-traps-worry-Tennessee-lawmakers

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Is Apple Building Its Own Navigation Service for iPhone?

Link to article in Business Insider:

http://www.businessinsider.com/is-apple-building-its-own-navigation-service-for-iphone-2010-12

MARITIME

7) UK Government Proposes New Tech for Coastguard

Proposals include networked maritime operations centers with improved systems to monitor ships.

Link to article on ZDNet UK:

http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/networking/2010/12/20/government-proposes-new-tech-for-coastguard-40091212/

OTHER

8) A Fleeting History: Into the Ether

How technology has revolutionized the fleet industry.

Link to blog in Fleet News:

http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/blog/entry/a-fleeting-history-into-the-ether/38499/

9) Facebook as Travel Guidebook?

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703395204576023780996376852.html

PEDESTRIANS

10) Mixed Signals for New York City Pedestrians

Link to story and audio on WNYC Radio:

http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2010/dec/20/mixed-signals-city-pedestrians/

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

11) Rock and Roads Brought Together to Promote Nebraska Department of Roads

Link to article in the Lincoln Journal Star:

http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/article_e0c31758-0023-575d-934d-6968ff909c95.html

RAILROADS

12) WJLA-TV Reporter ‘International Sensation’ After Tweeting Amtrak Nightmare

Railroad criticized for lack of information.

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/tvblog/2010/12/channel-7-reporter-tweets-amtr.html

Link to Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/ABC7Stephen

13) Amtrak Apologizes for ‘Communications Breakdown’ that Lead to 11-Hour DC-New York Trip

Link to article in The Baltimore Sun:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-amtrak-friday-delay-20101219-14,0,67805.story

14) Lessons of MARC 538

‘It’s hard to believe that MARC service will ever improve until Amtrak and MARC employees adopt a greater concern for the well-being of their customers.’

Link to editorial in The Baltimore Sun:

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/2010/12/lessons_of_marc_538.html

ROADWAYS

15) Arizona DOT Tries to Secure Revenue from Logo Signs

Link to AP article:

http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2010/dec/18/bc-az-highway-logo-signs/

TELEMATICS

16) The Postman Always Pings Twice

What if the US Postal Service’s fleet of vehicles were equipped with sensors to collect and transmit information?

Link to commentary in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/18/opinion/18ravnitzky.html

TRANSIT

17) New York MTA Begins New Marketing Campaign

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/20/going-your-way-is-going-away-for-now

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

18) Webcast Recording Available for Real-Time System Information Final Rule

Link to further information from US DOT:

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=700

19) Graham Partners Buys Arizona Traffic Control Firm Eberle

Link to article in the Philadelphia Business Journal:

http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2010/12/20/graham-partners-buys-ariz-traffic.html

Link to news release:

http://www.pehub.com/91143/graham-partners-completes-acquisition-of-eberle-design/

20) More Road Traffic Information and Better Mobile Maps in Australia

Link to Google Australia blog:

http://google-au.blogspot.com/2010/12/more-road-traffic-information-and.html

News Releases

1) What Does Increased Technology Mean for Motorist Safety?

2) New Site Allows Travelers to Connect with Their Fellow Passengers

3) Nissan Leaf Cars Connected at All Times Through Telenor Connexion

**Bernie’s Notes**

In Friday’s newsletter I noted that I edit several other transportation-related newsletters.  A number of you asked about those newsletters and how you can subscribe.  Several are free and available to anyone who wishes to sign-up.  They include the AASHTO Daily Transportation Update, and TransCentral from Sam Schwartz Engineering.  The AASHTO DTU is a daily that has general transportation news from the US.  TransCentral is a weekly with regional transportation news from New York, Chicago, DC and Florida.  You can click on the links to subscribe.

Job Postings

–  Engineering Research Psychologist (GS-12) – Research and Innovative Technology Administration – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://goo.gl/mjOs4

–  Engineering Research Psychologist (GS-13) – Research and Innovative Technology Administration – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://goo.gl/9Ccvq

Upcoming Events

APTA Marketing & Communications Workshop – February 27-March 2 – San Diego

http://www.apta.com/mc/2011/Pages/Marketing.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** The Servicio de Aviación Militar de Chile, forerunner to the Chilean Air Force, was founded.

http://www.fach.cl/

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Friday, December 17, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Loopholes in ‘Do Not Board’ List Let Infected Travelers Fly

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-12-17-rw_donotboard16_ST_N.htm

2) Improving Pilot Visibility

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal via SmartBrief:

http://www.smartbrief.com/wsj.jsp?id=11990914

OTHER

3) High-Tech School Bus Teaches Students on the Road

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/education/School-Bus-Teaches-Students-Road.html

4) Talking Traffic with the Chief

The former head of the New York City Police Department’s Traffic Division talks about managing traffic in the city.

Link to interview in Reclaim:

https://www.transalt.org/newsroom/magazine/2010/Fall/5

5) Austria Discusses Sustainable Transport and Traffic at ITS Austria Conference

Link to article from ERTICO:

http://www.ertico.com/austria-discusses-sustainable-transport-and-traffic-at-its-austria-conference/

6) Who Will Own the Smarter Cities of the Future?

Link to blog on Grist:

http://www.grist.org/article/2010-12-17-who-will-own-the-smarter-cities-of-the-future

7) i-Mobility Newsletter – December 2010 Issue Online

Link to newsletter:

http://tools.emailgarage.com/Pub/_55sGQAAAAA~/IPLtTS13P0OoOFZkCpWuBA~~/62fy2vBpxUun6nx5Gl0I6g~~/ViewEmail.ashx

ROADWAYS
8) Florida DOT Hope New Signs Point to Traffic-Free Future

Link to story and video on WPTV-TV

http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_c_palm_beach_county/west_palm_beach/fdot-hopes-new-signs-point-to-traffic-free-future

9) Snow Removal Tools Gear Up in Cities

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/transportation/Cities-Use-Technology-With-Snow-Removal.html

10) Driving to Florida? Here’s a Handy Guide

Along Interstate 75 offers detailed information from Detroit to Florida.

Link to article in the Toronto Star:

http://www.wheels.ca/article/792882

Link to book’s Web site: http://www.i75online.com/

TELEMATICS

11) Telematics Turns the Corner

Link to article in Construction Equipment:

http://www.constructionequipment.com/article/telematics-turns-corner

12) Ford and GM’s Heavyweight Battle

Link to blog on CNET:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20025492-48.html

13) Incident-ly Improving Traffic in Seattle

Link to blog on Green Growth Cascadia:

http://www.greengrowthcc.com/2010/12/17/incident-ly-improving-traffic-in-seattle/

TRANSIT

14) Amtrak, MARC Faulted in ‘Hell Train’ Report

Investigation details operational, communications lapses.

Link to article in The Baltimore Sun:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/commuting/bs-md-marc-report-20101216,0,7565569,full.story

Link to report from the Maryland Transit Administration:

http://mta.maryland.gov/train_538_incident_final_report.pdf

15) Clipper: Big Brother’s Best Friend?

Link to article on Mission Local:

http://missionlocal.org/2010/12/clipper-big-brothers-best-friend/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) New York Thruway Further Tweaks Storm Policy

Link to article in The Buffalo News:

http://www.buffalonews.com/city/article286011.ece

17) Essex County, England Bosses Agree £4 Million Bus Info Scheme

Link to article in the Chelmsford Weekly News:

http://www.chelmsfordweeklynews.co.uk/news/county_news/8742881.County_bosses_agree___4m_bus_info_scheme/

18) Virginia DOT Operations Center Keeps Eye on Roads

Link to story and video on WVIR-TV:

http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=13687660

19) Hot or Not: Sexy Traffic on KILT Radio Not so Sexy

Link to blog in the Houston Press:

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2010/12/hot_or_not_sexy_traffic_on_610.php

Link to Sexy Traffic on KILT, including sample traffic report:

http://kilt.cbslocal.com/category/sexy-traffic/

VEHICLES

20) Big Brotheresque App Kills Your Automotive Anonymity

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/12/new-app-marks-the-end-of-automotive-anonymity/

News Releases

1) US DOT Proposes Rule to Ban Hand-Held Cell Phone Use for Commercial Truck and Bus Drivers

2) IBM and Telvent to Create Smarter Traffic Solutions for Smaller Cities

3) Cambridge Systematics Adds Expertise in Safety

4) Manitoba to Use Standardized Terms to Describe Winter-Driving Conditions

5) Chevy Turns to Ham Radio Geek for Antenna Solution

6) European Commission Adopts New Rules for Linking National Electronic Registers of Road Transport Undertakings

7) IBM to Collaborate with Leading Singapore Institutions Using Analytics to Improve the Quality of Water, Transportation and Energy Services in a City

8) Airbus Signs MOU with Chinese Authorities on Cooperation in Air Traffic Management

**Bernie’s Notes**

Many of you are kind enough to pass along story suggestions for the TCN. The story ideas are always appreciated.  Sometimes, even if it’s a good story, I don’t use it in the TCN.  I want to briefly explain how I pick the stories I use. First, the key is that the story has to relate to both transportation and communications.  If one of these two elements is missing I probably won’t run the article.  However, in addition to the TCN, there are eight other transportation-related newsletters I edit.  If I don’t use the story in the TCN, there’s a good chance it will be used in one or more of my other newsletters.

Upcoming Events

United Motorcoach Association Motorcoach Expo – January 19-23 – Tampa, Florida

http://www.motorcoachexpo.com/

Friday Bonus

Apparently London’s King’s Cross station isn’t the only place you can board the Hogwarts Express.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/11/22/2010-11-22_mta_offering_service_to_hogwarts_sign_for_magical_harry_potter_train_line_appear.html

Today in Transportation History

1960 **50^th anniversary** A US Air Force Convair C-131D crashed shortly after takeoff in Munich.  The plane crashed into a streetcar.  There were twenty fatalities on the plane and thirty-two deaths on the ground.

http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19601217-0

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Thursday, December 16, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Task Force: US Government Should Pay to Modernize Air Traffic System

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704828104576021673975040468.html

2) Passenger Terminal World – January 2011 Issue Online

–  Take Command: An Integrated Approach to Airport Security is Launched in the UK (page 8)

–  Screen Stars: Passenger Information Displays Can Also Drive Revenue (page 48)

Link to magazine:

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/ac06d72b#/ac06d72b/1

CAMERAS

3) Two Chicago TV Stations Partner with Illinois Tollway on Traffic Cams

Stations get access to cameras in return for advertising and promotional support.

Link to article in Broadcasting & Cable:

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/461172-Two_Chicago_O_Os_Partner_with_Illinois_Highways_on_Traffic_Cams.php

CARTOGRAPHY

4) New MapQuest Site Shows US Maps for, by the People

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h8wYNtICbHtOERhyoLKQ7dxGz_1A?docId=e4c419e86364447eb08359623f98c59b

Link to site: http://open.mapquest.com/

5) Google Updates Android Maps App, Making iPhone Maps Look Even Older

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward/2010/12/google_updates_android_maps_ap.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) GPS Helps Keep Track of Buses

TSA grant helps Trailways watch motorcoaches.

Link to story and video on KFYR-TV:

http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=45199

7) A GPS Journey with Snoop Dogg and Darth Vader

Link to blog in Forbes:

http://blogs.forbes.com/parmyolson/2010/12/16/a-gps-journey-with-snoop-dogg-and-darth-vader/

OTHER

8) How Come You Don’t Have a Well Produced Film on Your Transportation Web Site?

Link to article from Grey Sky Films:

http://www.timetravelispossible.com/transportationfilmproductionarticle.html

ROADWAYS

9) Traffic Technology International – January 2011 Issue Online

Link to magazine:

http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/magazine.php

TRANSIT

10) Religious Ads Banned from Fort Worth Buses

Link to article in the Star-Telegram:

http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/12/15/2708144/religious-ads-banned-from-fort.html

11) AFSCM Says Cityzi Branded Contactless Mobile Pilot a Success

Link to article on Near Field Communications:

http://nfcdata.com/blog/?p=882

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Chattanooga to Get Traffic Management Center

Link to story on WDEF-TV:

http://www.wdef.com/news/chattanooga_to_get_traffic_management_center/12/2010

VEHICLES

13) Seattle Police Twitter Account Yields First Stolen Car Recovery

Link to story on KIRO-TV:

http://www.kirotv.com/news/26147384/detail.html

14) Toyota’s Glass of Water App Aims to Help Drivers Reduce Emissions

Link to blog on Springwise:

http://springwise.com/automotive/aglassofwater/

15) Flash Ad: BMW Burns Logo Onto Cinema-Goers’ Eyes

Link to article and video in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/12/flash-ad-bmw-burns-logo-onto-cinema-goers-eyes/

16) Frequency of Target Crashes for IntelliDrive Safety Systems

Link to report from US DOT:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/DOT/NHTSA/NVS/Crash%20Avoidance/Technical%20Publications/2010/811381.pdf

News Releases

1) i-Mobility Network Webinars Launched by ERTICO

2) New Night Vision Technology Installed on All Sydney Ferries

3) Automated and Robust Traffic Surveillance System for Europe

4) Maryland Launches Maritime Law Enforcement Information Network

Upcoming Events

South Florida Transit Summit – January 12 – Dania, Florida

http://wtsevents.org/chapter/sfwts/

Today in Transportation History

1960 **50^th anniversary** Two airliners collided over New York City killing 134 people, including seven on the ground.  One plane crashed in Park Slope, Brooklyn, the other on Staten Island.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,895134,00.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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Wednesday, December 15, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) IATA Unveils Plan for Airport Security Tunnels

Link to Reuters article:

http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE6BD4Y920101214

2) Airline Apps Taking Off with Cool Features

Link to Tribune Newspapers column:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/sc-trav-1214-strip-airline-apps-20101214,0,5910859.story

CAMERAS

3) Some California Cities Bailing on Red Light Traffic Cameras

Link to article in The San Diego Union-Tribune:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/dec/14/some-cities-bailing-on-red-light-traffic-cameras/

OTHER

4) ERTICO Interviews

–  David O’Keefe, Chairman ITS Ireland

http://www.ertico.com/the-ertico-december-2-2010-interview/

–  Richard Weinstock, IBM Czech Republic

http://www.ertico.com/the-ertico-december-2010-interview/

PARKING

5) Online Parking Search Tool Launches in Pittsburgh

Link to article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10349/1110783-147.stm

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Mississippi DOT Tests Smart Van

Link to article in the Desoto Times-Tribune:

http://desototimes.com/articles/2010/12/14/news/local/doc4d06ba133939f749238900.txt

7) TSA Embraces New Medical Notification Cards

Link to column on MSNBC:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40647207/ns/travel-news/

8) Link to Global Road Safety Partnership News – December 2010

Link to newsletter:

http://www.grsproadsafety.org/themes/default/pdfs/GRSP-NEWS-Dec10-LR.pdf

TRANSIT

9) Transport for London Expands App Site for Developers

Link to article on ZDNet UK:

http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/mobile-apps/2010/12/15/tfl-expands-app-site-for-developers-40091167/

10) Kansas Transit System Takes Sponsored Approach to Wi-Fi Service

Link to article in Transit Talent:

http://www.transittalent.com/articles/index.cfm?story=jct_wi-fi

11) Last Train to Paris on New York City Subway

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/12/15/2010-12-15_paris_train__at_prince_st.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Faulty Snow Response in Seattle Prompts Changes

Plans include adding GPS to Metro buses.  City asks for better communication from state.

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013680250_snowresponse15m.html

News Releases

1) US Transportation Secretary LaHood Unveils New DOT Web Page on ‘Buy America’

2) US Transportation Secretary LaHood Receives Recommendations on Future of Aviation

3) Global Mobile Alert, a New Phone Application That Could Save Lives

4) Georgia Tech Savannah Engineering Design Project Focuses on Creation of Autonomous Vehicle to Help Paraplegics

5) Airlines Complete Move to Bar-Coded Boarding Passes

Upcoming Events

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting – January 23-27 – Washington, DC

http://trb.org/AnnualMeeting2011/AnnualMeeting2011.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1965 **45^th anniversary** Gemini 6A blasted off with astronauts Walter Schirra and Thomas Stafford.

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/masterCatalog.do?sc=1965-104A

1995 **15^th anniversary** The Ted Williams Tunnel, the first major piece of Boston’s Big Dig project, opened.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/12/15_years_ago_a.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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Tuesday, December 14, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Lack of Attention Caused Aeroflot Taxiway Departure: Accident Investigation Board Norway

Deficient cockpit procedures, inadequate signposting cited as contributing to incident.

Link to article on Flightglobal:

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/12/14/350908/lack-of-attention-caused-aeroflot-taxiway-departure.html

2) Airline Ticketers Find Ways to Skirt New Law

Travel sites, carriers mask identity of regional carriers.

Link to article in The Buffalo News:

http://www.buffalonews.com/world-nation/article282269.ece

3) Air Traffic Control in Spain to be Fully Privatized

Link to article on TheReader.es:

http://thereader.es/en/spain-news-stories/5495-air-traffic-control-to-be-fully-privatised.html

CAMERAS

4) Traffic Enforcement Camera Standards Eyed in Tennessee

Link to article in the Chattanooga Times Free Press:

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/dec/14/traffic-camera-standards-eyed/

OTHER

5) ITS International – November/December 2010 Issue

Link to magazine:

http://www.itsinternational.com/latest_issue/index.cfm?issue=155 (free registration required)

RAILROADS

6) Articles from November Issue of Progressive Railroading

–  Norfolk Southern’s Technology Embrace

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/pr/article/Norfolk-Southern39s-technology-embrace–24996

–  Railroads and Car-Tracking Technology

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/pr/article/Railroads-38-cartracking-technology–25010

(free registration required)

TRANSIT

7) They’re Baaack: The Live Map of London Underground Tube Trains Returns

Link to blog in The Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2010/dec/14/underground-trains-live-maps-tfl-api

Link to map: http://traintimes.org.uk/map/tube/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) Most Swear by the SMS Traffic Alerts in Bangalore

Link to article on DNA:

http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_more-swear-by-the-sms-traffic-alerts-in-bangalore_1480960

9) Free Online Live Traffic Mapping for South Africa

Link to article on MyBroadband:

http://mybroadband.co.za/news/internet/17287-Free-online-live-traffic-mapping-for-South-Africa.html

VEHICLES

10) Car Tech on the Cheap

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704457604576011811866947504.html

News Releases

1) AllPortJobs.com Launches Job Board to Meet Transportation Industry Needs – Rail, Trucking, Pipeline, Space and More

2) Siemens and Streetline Join Forces to Deliver Next Generation Parking Solutions

3) Mexico City Traffic Unsnarled: Clear Channel Radio’s Total Traffic Network Offers Data Solutions Available to All Local Information/Service Providers

4) New York MTA Customer Satisfaction Survey Results Show Value of Service Information

Upcoming Events

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting – January 23-27 – Washington, DC

http://trb.org/AnnualMeeting2011/AnnualMeeting2011.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1965 **45^th anniversary** The US Navy announced the completion of construction of a 1,272 foot radio tower in North West Cape, Australia.  At the time it was the highest manmade structure in the Southern Hemisphere.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Communication_Station_Harold_E._Holt

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, December 13, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Second Air Traffic Control Summit Opens in Abu Dhabi

Link to article on Trade Arabia:

http://www.tradearabia.com/news/TTN_190367.html

2) FAA Needs to Implement More Efficient Performance-Based Navigation Procedures and Clarify the Role

Link to report from the US DOT Office of Inspector General:

http://www.oig.dot.gov/node/5464

CAMERAS

3) A Lawsuit Over Cleveland Traffic Cameras is Getting the Green Light

Link to story and video on WJW-TV:

http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-green-light-cams-txt,0,1663747.story

4) Jakarta Police Install Hidden Cameras to Monitor Traffic Violations

Link to article in The Jakarta Post:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/12/11/jakarta-police-install-hidden-cameras-monitor-traffic-violations.html

5) Battle Heats Up Between Police Officers and Civilians Who Record Them

Link to commentary in The Huffington Post:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/10/battle-between-cops-cameras_n_795295.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

6) California Toll Scofflaws Get Free Ride with Confidential License Plates

Link to article in the Contra Costa Times:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/bay-area-news/ci_16818741

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) GPS Not the Answer to Fatigue and Speed: Road Tech

Link to article in Supply Chain Review:

http://www.supplychainreview.com.au/news/articleid/71328.aspx

OTHER

8) Taxi TV Screens Gain Ad Business in New York

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/13/nyregion/13taxitv.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

RAILROADS

9) Indian Railroad to Install Fog Safety Devices

Link to article in The Economic Times:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/7086391.cms

ROADWAYS

10) New Fog Warning System in Venice, Italy Region Pays for Itself Ten Times Over

Link to article in the VTT Newsletter:

http://www.vtt.fi/news/2010/10252010.jsp?lang=en?ad=NL122010news5

SAFETY / SECURITY

11) New Jersey Senate Panel Advances Emergency Notification Registry in Auto Accidents

Link to AP article:

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/12/nj_senate_panel_advances_emerg.html

12) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Launches Truck Safety Program Online

Link to article in The Journal of Commerce:

http://www.joc.com/trucking/fmcsa-launches-truck-safety-program-online

Link to news release:

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/news/news-releases/2010/CSA-Program-for-Commercial-Trucks-and-Buses.aspx

TRANSIT

13) Chicago Transit Authority Bus Driver Models Customer Service

Link to column in the Chicago Tribune:

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-12-12/classified/ct-met-getting-around-1213-20101212_1_cta-bus-driver-cta-spokeswoman-noelle-gaffney-wacker-express

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) Yosemite Staff Find Ways to Manage Record Crowds

Link to article in The Fresno Bee:

http://www.fresnobee.com/2010/12/08/2190564/yosemite-staff-strives-to-manage.html

15) Real-Time Traffic Development in China

Link to article from iSuppli:

http://www.isuppli.com/Automotive-Infotainment-and-Telematics/MarketWatch/Pages/RealTime-Traffic-Development-in-China.aspx

VEHICLES

16) Smarter Sensors for Tire Monitors

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/12/automobiles/12TIRE.html

News Releases

1) Trimble Acquires Tata AutoComp Mobility Telematics

2) American Airlines Launches Industry’s First iPhone Travel App for Employees, Retirees

3) Bristol International Airport App Keeps Flyers Informed

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Road Safety Attributes Exchange – Public-Private Cooperation – December 16

http://www.ertico.com/webinar-2/

Today in Transportation History

1960 **50^th anniversary** A new airplane altitude record of 91,450 feet was set by a North American RA-5C Vigilante.

http://www.history.navy.mil/museums/paxmuseum/a5/ra5c.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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Friday, December 10, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Missing Aircraft Ownership Info Could Pose Security Threat

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-12-10-misplaced-planes-faa_N.htm

2) Spain to Seek Prison Time for Striking Air Controllers

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/world/europe/10iht-spain.html

3) New Developments in Do-It-Yourself Travel

Link to story on MSNBC:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40571318/ns/travel-business_travel/

OTHER

4) Greyhound Removed Cell Phone from Bus Accident Scene

Link to story and video on KFSN-TV:

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7835125

5) ITS Technology Adoption and Observed Market Trends from ITS Deployment Tracking

Link to report from FHWA:

http://ntlsearch.bts.gov/repository/record/ntl/34991.html

ROADWAYS

6) Superstructures

Adding sensors and other devices to bridges, tunnels and buildings can turn them into ‘smart structures.’

Link to article in The Economist:

http://www.economist.com/node/17647603?story_id=17647603

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Czech Towns Deploy Cardboard Police in Miniskirts

Link to AP article:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=131936994

TELEMATICS

8) Telematics Giving Farmers Increasing Equipment, Internet Options

Link to article in the Western Farm Press:

http://westernfarmpress.com/equipment/telematics-giving-farmers-increasing-equipment-internet-options

News Releases

1) North Dakota DOT Launches Teen Traffic Safety Contest

2) US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and BMW of North America President Jim O’Donnell Share Concerns About Distracted Driving

Solicitation

–  Request for Proposals – Integrating Community Emergency Response Teams at Airports – Transportation Research Board

http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3045

Upcoming Events

Talking Operations Webcast: Real-Time System Management Info Program Final Rule – December 14

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=697

Friday Bonus

Messages that most likely are not (but maybe should be) part of your VMS message library.

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/11/vdot-signs-you-cant-get-there-here

Today in Transportation History

1985 **25^th anniversary** Steve MacLean was named Canada’s second astronaut.

http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/maclean.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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net