Friday, January 29, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Bernie’s Notes

Since you receive the TCN each day you’re no doubt familiar with some of my newsletter work.  What you might not know is there’s another aspect of transportation communications with which I’m involved.  I also do transportation voice-over work.  For example, if you’ve ridden on the AirTrain at JFK or Newark airports you’ve probably heard me inside the stations and onboard the trains.  Just recently I began providing announcements on the New York City subway system.  In addition I’ve been the radio voice for the New Jersey Turnpike and New York State Thruway, the original voice for the E-ZPass customer information phone line in New York and Virginia DOT’s Smart Tag.  If your organization needs a voice for anything from a Web or PowerPoint narration to a phone greeting, please contact me.  I know transportation and can help make your voice application sound friendly and professional.  You can learn about other projects I’ve done and hear samples of my work by visiting my Web site, www.bwcommunications.net.  For questions, or more information, please contact me atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

AVIATION

1) Judge Allows Flyer Advocate’s Suit to Go Forward

Lawsuit claims Delta Air Lines illegally obtained e-mails.

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Judge-allows-flyer-advocates-apf-1243647106.html?x=0&.v=1

2) Boeing Launches 787 Flight-Test Web Site

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010921991_boeingwebsite29.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

3) Visualization’s Next Frontier

Link to article in Public Roads:

http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/10janfeb/02.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) Interpol Chief Says Weak Passport Verification World’s Biggest Travel Threat

Link to CP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jamPf2nz2ey4fCJYuMaMBHkxtOOg

5) Driver Phone Bans’ Impact Doubted

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2010-01-29-cell-phone_N.htm

Link to news release from the Highway Loss Data Institute:

http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr012910.html

6) Talking Transport Security Trends

An interview with Andy Nicholson of ARINC.

Link to interview on Airport Technology:

http://www.airport-technology.com/features/feature74908/?WT.mc_id=WN_Feat&mxmroi=6268974/2575438/false

7) Vigilante Journalist Taunts TSA Agents

Link to story and video on WDIV-TV:

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/22368244/detail.html

TELEMATICS

8) UK Fleets Switch on to Benefits of Eye-in-the-Sky Tracking

Link to article in Fleet News:

http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/story/Fleets-switch-on-to-benefits-of-eye-in-the-sky-tracking/51991

TRANSIT

9) Toronto Transit Commission to Enhance Customer Service

Numerous communication improvements announced.

Link to article in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2010/01/TTC-to-enhance-customer-service.aspx

The TTC’s Failure to Communicate

Link to editorial in the Toronto Sun:

http://www.torontosun.com/comment/editorial/2010/01/28/12655531.html

VEHICLES

10) ‘Smart Pedals’ Could Stop Crashes Like Those Behind Recall

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-01-29-toyotabrakes29_ST_N.htm

11) Safety of Cars’ Keyless Entry and Ignition Systems Questioned

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jan/24/business/la-fi-carkeys24-2010jan24

News Releases

1) LogicTree Scheduled Arrival IVR Surpasses 400,000 Calls at RTD Denver – Achieves Automation Rate Approaching 80%

Upcoming Events

Making Connections: New Developments & Emerging Opportunities in Transportation Training Partnerships – March 17 – Silver Spring, Maryland

http://transportcenter.org/images/uploads/mc%20agenda.pdf

Friday Bonus

When they say to keep both hands on the wheel, they mean it.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2010/01/28/motorist-receives-50-on-the-spot-fine-for-blowing-his-nose-in-car-86908-22000682/

Today in Transportation History

1940 **70^th anniversary** – Three gasoline-powered trains crashed and exploded approaching the Ajikawaguchi station in Japan, killing over 180 people.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ajikawaguchi_derail_1940.jpg

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Thursday, January 28, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Discuss Federal Legislative Initiatives at IBTTA Legislative Conference – March 22-23, 2010 in Washington, DC

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association on March 22-23, 2010 in Washington, DC and participate in discussions on federal legislative initiatives with leaders in the transportation policy debate. Topics will include transportation authorization, electronic tolling interoperability, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) charging, the proposed Office of Public Benefit, and other important issues affecting tolling and road pricing. Participants will spend Tuesday afternoon visiting their congressional representatives to advance tolling initiatives on Capitol Hill. This meeting is ideal for toll industry professionals interested in US Federal and transportation legislation and regulations affecting the toll industry. Visit www.IBTTA.org for registration, hotel and travel information and to view the preliminary agenda. [More…]

AVIATION

1) JetBlue Hopes for Few Blips in Reservation Switch

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/JetBlue-hopes-for-few-blips-apf-4274801989.html?x=0&.v=2

2) Lessons are Learned from Aborted US Airways Flight

Link to article in The Charleston Gazette:

http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/201001270602

BICYCLES

3) RFID Enables Biking System

Link to article in RFIDNews:

http://www.rfidnews.org/2010/01/27/rfid-system-rewards-bike-commuters

OTHER

4) Intelligent Transportation Systems: US Not Leading the Pack

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/741034

Link to commentary by ITS America President and CEO, Scott Belcher in The Hill:

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-a-environment/78495-its-report-a-wake-up-call

ROADWAYS

5) Smart Signs Give False Readings

Australian roadway signs may be falsely detecting speeding and following too closely.

Link to article in The Gympie Times:

http://www.gympietimes.com.au/story/2010/01/29/smart-sign-of-the-times/

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) US Homeland Security Nuclear Detection Office Turns to Geospatial Routing

Link to article in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2010/01/27/homeland-security-domestic-nuclear-detection-office.aspx

7) Microsoft CEO Forecasts Cloudy Future for Public Safety

Link to article in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2010/01/28/steve-ballmer-keynote-at-microsoft-public-safety-symposium.aspx

News Releases

1) Before You Go…GeauxWider.com – New Web Site, Twitter, Facebook Provide I-10 and I-12 Construction Impacts in Real-Time

2) NYSERDA-Funded iCone Gaining National Prominence in Efforts to  Reduce Traffic Congestion, Energy Consumption, and Pollution

3) New 511 Service to Assist Commuters and Motorists in California’s Inland Empire

4) New Capital District Transportation Authority Web Site to Enhance Service Through Improved Communications

Job Postings

–  Transportation Safety Analyst – Volpe National Transportation Systems Center – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://volpedb.volpe.dot.gov/outside/owa/vntsc_outside.hr_career.display_job?p_job_id=JOB00183&p_type=CareerIntern

Upcoming Events

Oceanology International – March 9-11 – London

http://www.oceanologyinternational.com/

Today in Transportation History

1820 **190^th anniversary** A Russian expedition, led by Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen, reached Antarctica.  The expedition is credited by some as being the first to discover the continent.

http://www.south-pole.com/p0000073.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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BICYCLES

1) Designing Bicycle Cities

Planning clearly-marked urban biking systems can help us educate car drivers and decrease cycling accidents.

Link to article in Good:

http://www.good.is/post/designing-bicycle-cities/

OTHER

2) Interview with ITS Network Germany

Link to interview from ERTICO – ITS Europe:

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

3) ERTICO – ITS Europe Talks to Dr. Young-Jun Moon, IPC Chair of the ITS World Congress Organizing Committee

Link to interview from ERTICO – ITS Europe:

http://www.ertico.com/en/news/ertico_newsroom/ertico_-_its_europe_talks_to_dr_young-jun_moon.htm

4) Report on Intelligent Transportation Systems from The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation

Link to report:

http://gigaom.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/its2010report.pdf

RAILROADS

5) Web Site Offers Info — and Advocacy — on Proposed High-Speed Rail Line from Twin Cities to Chicago

Link to article on MinnPost:

http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2010/01/26/15308/website_offers_info_–_and_advocacy_–_on_proposed_high-speed_rail_line_from_twin_cities_to_chicago

Link to site: http://www.mnhighspeedrail.com/

ROADWAYS

6) EU Body Gives Thumbs Up to ‘Green’ Road Charging

Link to article on EurActiv:

http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/eu-body-gives-thumbs-green-road-charging/article-189224

TRANSIT

7) New York MTA’s Electronic Security Plan Late, Lacks Funds

Link to Reuters article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2612302120100126

8) Outgoing Hampton Roads Transit Chief Speaks Out on Facebook

Link to article in The Virginian-Pilot:

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/01/outgoing-hrt-chief-speaks-out-facebook

VEHICLES

9) Four States, DC Not Part of National Vehicle History Database

Link to article in The Clarion-Ledger:

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20100126/NEWS/100126032/1002/newsfrnt/Miss.-not-part-of-national-vehicle-database

News Releases

1) BART Launches API to Spur Innovation in Transit App Development

2) Weather Central Introduces Road Segment-Based Weather Solutions for Location-Based and Mobile Services

3) Galileo – The Next Big Thing – Today and Tomorrow Says Frost & Sullivan

4) Iraqis Controlling Air Traffic Alongside US Counterparts

Upcoming Events

Asia Pacific Rail 2010 – March 8-11 – Bangkok

http://www.terrapinn.com/2010/asiarail/

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** – The Hague Convention of 1907, which focused on naval warfare, went into effect.

http://avalon.law.yale.edu/subject_menus/lawwar.asp

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Discuss Federal Legislative Initiatives at IBTTA Legislative Conference – March 22-23, 2010 in Washington, DC

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association on March 22-23, 2010 in Washington, DC and participate in discussions on federal legislative initiatives with leaders in the transportation policy debate. Topics will include transportation authorization, electronic tolling interoperability, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) charging, the proposed Office of Public Benefit, and other important issues affecting tolling and road pricing. Participants will spend Tuesday afternoon visiting their congressional representatives to advance tolling initiatives on Capitol Hill. This meeting is ideal for toll industry professionals interested in US Federal and transportation legislation and regulations affecting the toll industry. Visit www.IBTTA.org for registration, hotel and travel information and to view the preliminary agenda. [More…]

AVIATION

1) Deciphering the German Airport Hack

Link to article in ContactlessNews:

http://www.contactlessnews.com/2010/01/25/deciphering-the-german-airport-hack

CARTOGRAPHY

2) Navteq, the Maps the Auto Industry Uses

Link to article on Bright Side of News:

http://www.brightsideofnews.com/news/2010/1/25/navteq2c-the-maps-the-auto-industry-uses.aspx

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

3) Ohio Turnpike Commission Reverses Itself on Higher Tolls for Bicycles or Luggage on Roof

Link to article in The Plain Dealer:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/01/ohio_turnpike_commission_rever.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) Navigation Programming Standard

Link to article in The Engineer:

http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/navigation-programming-standard/1000716.article

MARITIME

5) Port of Los Angeles Fights Crime with Mobile Video

Link to article in CIO:

http://www.cio.com/article/522914/Port_of_Los_Angeles_Fights_Crime_With_Mobile_Video

ROADWAYS

6) US Government Studies Effect of Digital Billboards on Drivers

Link to story on KUSA-TV:

http://www.9news.com/seenon9news/article.aspx?storyid=131467&catid=509

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) US DOT Bars Commercial Drivers from Texting at Wheel

Link to AP article:

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=9662151

Link to news release from US DOT:

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot1410.htm

8) Airport Security is a Tech-Firm Gold Rush

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-smallbiz-security26-2010jan26,0,636018.story

9) Pennsylvania County Publishes Emergency Call Information Online

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/740523?elq=f5509e76b98f45b9a914f8a0f6d0bbaa

TRANSIT

10) Smart Card Firms Team to Establish Open Standard

Link to article in EE Times:

http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222500054

11) Toronto Transit Commission Riders Ask Where Route Maps Went

Link to article in the Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/fixer/article/755855–fixer-ttc-riders-ask-where-route-maps-went

12) New Bus Times Signs Help UK Shoppers

Link to article in The Evening Telegraph:

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Queensgate-New-bus-times-signs.6014674.jp

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Long Island Rail Road Riders Get Real-Time Train Arrival Information by Text

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/01/26/2010-01-26_its_a_trip_sez_lirr_texting_gets_riders_latest_train_info.html

14) Is the 511 National Traffic Phone Number Worth $1.2 Billion?

Link to podcast from Directions Magazine:

http://www.directionsmag.com/article.php?article_id=3390

WEATHER

15) Google to Bring NOAA Data to New Heights

Link to article in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2010/01/26/noaa-google-coop-012610.aspx

News Releases

1) Streetcar App Now Available from App Store – Allows Users to Locate, Book and Open Cars

Upcoming Events

21^st International Women in Aviation Conference – February 25-27 – Lake Buena Vista, Florida

http://www.wai.org/10conference/index.cfm

Today in Transportation History

1500 **510^th anniversary** – Spanish explorer Vicente Yáñez Pinzón reached Brazil’s northeastern coast.

http://www.emayzine.com/lectures/HISTOR~6.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, January 25, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Preliminary Program Available for ITS America’s 20th Annual Meeting & Exposition

The preliminary program for ITS America’s 20^th Annual Meeting & Exposition, May 3-5, 2010, Houston, Texas is available online.  ITS America’s 20th Annual Meeting & Exposition will provide transportation professionals and policymakers with the necessary tools and strategies they need to create communities that are safer, cleaner, more livable and less congested.  Visit www.itsa.org/amprogram.html to learn more about the sessions, technical tours, technology demonstrations, exhibition, ancillary meetings, and the Texas Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security hearing.  Early registration ends January 31 and discounts are available for ITS America members, public agency staff, and first-time attendees.

AVIATION

1) Atlantic City’s High-Tech Airport Taking Off

Link to article in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/philly/business/82535372.html

2) New UK Air Traffic Control Center Opens

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/8477906.stm

CAMERAS

3) Average Speed Cameras Could be Used on All UK Motorways

Link to article in the Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/7066376/Average-speed-cameras-could-be-used-on-all-motorways.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Maine Turnpike Authority Dismisses All-Electronic Tolls

Link to article in the Portsmouth Herald:

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20100123-NEWS-1230314

5) South Jersey Transportation Authority May Scrap Plans for Cashless Toll Plazas on Atlantic City Expressway

Link to article in The Press of Atlantic City:

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/article_98d3851e-0843-11df-9a21-001cc4c002e0.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) US Air Force Chief of Staff Warns Against Dependence on GPS

Link to article in the Air Force Times:

http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2010/01/airforce_schwartz_012310/

7) New Garmin Navigation Device Airs Digital TV, Radio

Device, which will only be available in Europe, has feature to prevent TV use while driving.

Link to article in the Kansas City Business Journal:

http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2010/01/18/daily38.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Technology Will Allow Security Officials to Monitor Aircraft Movements in Area of Winter Olympics

Link to Canwest News Service article:

http://www.kelowna.com/2010/01/22/sea-to-sky-corridor-under-surveillance-technology-allows-security-officials-to-monitor-aircraft-movements-during-the-games/

9) US-Bound Fliers From 35 Countries Will be Required to Register Online

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-01-24-register_N.htm

10) States Go After Texting Drivers

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-01-24-texting_N.htm

11) Missouri Considers Letting Emergency Medical Technicians Report Dangerous Drivers

Link to article in The Kansas City Star:

http://www.kansascity.com/news/politics/story/1704958.html

TELEMATICS

12) Telematics to Help Provide Real-Time Road Information in Taiwan

Link to article in The China Post:

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2010/01/23/241952/Telematics-to.htm

13) It’s Time for Telematics

Link to article in Heavy Duty Trucking:

http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=69145

TRANSIT

14) Bob Noorda, Who Changed Look of the New York Subways, Dies at 82

Link to obituary in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/arts/design/24noorda.html

15) Clever Commute Helps Riders Track Trains Leaving Grand Central Terminal

Link to article in The Advocate:

http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/default/article/Clever-Commute-helps-rail-riders-track-trains-335232.php

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) More Indiana Highway Travel Time Signs Planned

Link to AP article:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-in-timesigns,0,5410752.story

17) New ITS System to Help Assuage Jacksonville, North Carolina Area Traffic Headaches

Link to article in The Daily News:

http://www.jdnews.com/news/text-72135-justify-align.html

18) Bluetooth Travel Time Technology Evaluation Using the BlueTOAD

Link to report from KMJ Consulting:

http://kmjinc.com/file/BlueTOAD%20final%20report%204%20Jan%202010.pdf

VEHICLES

19) LTE Connected Car

Link to video on CNET TV:

http://cnettv.cnet.com/lte-connected-car/9742-1_53-50082302.html

20) Dear Silicon Valley: Stay Out of My Car

Link to article in Computerworld:

http://news.idg.no/cw/art.cfm?id=66962B76-1A64-67EA-E41A690C21F930E7

News Releases

1) OmniAir EPS Committee Completes EPSNIS Draft – Prepares for NYSBA 5.9 GHz DSRC Test

2) Telvent to Install Tunnel Management System in Brazil

3) AutoPark 1.0 Introduced for iPhone – Say Goodbye to Parking Tickets

4) $8.7 Million Awarded for Traffic Management Improvements to I-15 in San Diego Area

5) Kovsky & Miller Research Study Provides Useful Insights Into Traffic Reporting in Newscasts

Job Postings

–  Supervisory, IT Specialist – Volpe National Transportation Operations Center – Cambridge, Massachusetts (open period extended until Feb. 2)

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=85639854

Upcoming Events

MetroRail 2010 Australia – February 25 – Sydney

http://www.terrapinn.com/2010/metro/

Today in Transportation History

1890 **120^th anniversary** – Nellie Bly completed a 72-day round-the-world journey.

http://www.library.csi.cuny.edu/dept/history/lavender/386/nellie.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Friday, January 22, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Bernie’s Notes

In yesterday’s edition I mentioned there are several ways you can support the TCN.  In addition to direct donations, another way is through a sponsorship.  Each weekday the TCN goes out to over 7,000 readers.  Since I never want the TCN to be cluttered with ads, there’s only one sponsorship per issue.  That also makes sure your message stands out.  The cost is surprisingly affordable at only $100 per ad.  For more information, or to check available dates, please e-mail me at the address below.  You can join sponsors such as IBTTA, ITS America, GEWI and INRIX in helping to support the TCN.  For those interested in direct donations, please see information at the bottom of today’s edition.  Thank you for all your support!

AVIATION

1) Gogo Gets $176 Million for In-Flight Wi-Fi

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/22/gogo-lands-176-million-as-in-flight-wi-fi-takes-off/

CAMERAS

2) London, Ontario Female Bus Drivers Demand Onboard Security Cameras

Link to article in the London Free Press:

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2010/01/18/12517286.html

3) London to Get UK’s First Urban Average Speed Camera System

Link to article in Traffic Technology International:

http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news.php?NewsID=18960

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Rival Australian Electronic Toll Tag Operators Accused of Dirty Tactics to Lure Drivers

Link to article in The Courier-Mail:

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26622874-3102,00.html

RAILROADS

5) NTSB Blames Engineer for 2008 Metrolink Crash, Urges Railroads to Install Cameras to Monitor Train Crews

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-metrolink22-2010jan22,0,5862623.story

Link to further information from the National Transportation Safety Board:

http://www.ntsb.gov/events/boardmeeting.htm#upcoming

6) China Launches ID-Based Rail Ticket System

Link to IANS article:

http://www.samachaar.in/Business_and_Economy/China_launches_IDbased_rail_ticket_system_98953/

7) Amtrak Replies on Policy Concerning Identification of People Hit by Trains

Link to blog in The Baltimore Sun:

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/traffic/2010/01/amtrak_replies_on_victim_ident.html

8) January Issue of Signal Newsletter of the European Rail Traffic Management System

Link to newsletter:

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/rail/interoperability/ertms/doc/016_signal_2010_01_en.pdf

SPACE

9) Astronaut Sends One Small Tweet for Man, One Giant Leap for Twitter

Link to article in USA Today:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/01/astronaut-sends-one-small-tweet-for-man-one-giant-leap-for-twitter/1

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

TRANSIT

10) Tweet Dreams! Photo of Toronto Transit Commission Ticket Booth Goes Viral

Link to article in the Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/ttc/article/754297–tweet-dreams-photo-of-ttc-booth-goes-viral

11) Low-Tech Used to Inform Passengers of Train Departures in Silicon Valley

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/22/us/22sfmetro.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Virginia DOT Traffic Operations Center Helps Staunton-Area Residents During Winter Weather

Link to story and video on WHSV-TV:

http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/82392812.html

VEHICLES

13) Volvo Goes Futuristic with a System That Can Detect Pedestrians

Link to article from the New York Times News Service:

http://blog.marketplace.nwsource.com/nwautos/2010/01/auto_stop_volvo_goes_futuristic_with_a_system_that_can_detect_pedestrians.html?cmpid=2696

14) GM Spreads Car Radio DVR

Link to blog in Consumer Reports:

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/01/gm-pause-play-car-radio-dvr.html

News Releases

1) US DOT Seeks Public Comments on Research and Technology Planning

2) US Drivers Not the Speed Demons You May Think

Upcoming Events

Talking Operations Webcast: International Experience with Road Pricing: Lessons From an International Scan – February 3

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=605

Friday Bonus

I hope she isn’t sued for copyright infringement.

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/cta-tattler/2010/01/devotion-to-cta-is-tattooed-on-her-foot.html

Today in Transportation History

1970 **40^th anniversary** – The first commercial flight of the Boeing 747 was made by Pan Am between New York and London.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,878184,00.html

Contributions for the TCN

Contributions to the TCN are greatly appreciated. You can mail a contribution to me at:

Bernie Wagenblast

1 Aberdeen Ct.

Cranford, NJ 07016-2911

You may also contribute through PayPal. Just go to:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=10069680

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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National Rural ITS (NRITS) Conference

As you are well aware, the National Rural ITS (NRITS) Conference has been facilitating the design, planning, deployment and maintenance of intelligent transportation systems in rural areas for nearly two decades.  The 2010 NRITS Conference promises to continue this trend.  If you are interested in becoming involved and wish to participate in the program you must submit an abstract before the Monday, February 1, 2010 deadline.  Submittal guidelines can be found online at http://www.nritsconference.org/2010program.html.

AVIATION

1) FAA Adds Anti-hacking Conditions to Boeing 747-8

Link to blog on seattlepi:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/aerospace/archives/191558.asp

2) FAA Testing Flight Operations Equipment at New Florida Airport

Link to article in The News Herald:

http://www.newsherald.com/news/west-80710-moves-airport.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) FAA, Honeywell Flag Jeppesen Aviation GPS Error

Link to article in Flight International:

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/01/20/337355/faa-honeywell-flag-jeppesen-gps-error.html

PARKING

4) Yahoo Files Patent to Track Parking Space Availability

Link to article on Ubergizmo:

http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2010/01/yahoo_files_patent_to_track_parking_space_availability.html

ROADWAYS

5) Traffic Control Devices, Visibility, and Highway-Rail Grade Crossings 2009

Link to papers in the Transportation Research Record:

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/Traffic_Control_Devices_Visibility_and_HighwayRail_162817.aspx

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) New York and New Jersey Airports’ Security System Draws Senators’ Ire

Link to story and video report on WABC-TV:

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/investigators&id=7227538

TRANSIT

7) Final Report on Deadly Metrolink Crash Comes Down to Signal Color

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-metrolink-ntsb20-2010jan20,0,785407.story

8) Chicago Transit Authority Warns Against Excessive Photography

Link to story on WMAQ-TV:

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local-beat/Losing-Focus-CTA-Cracks-Down-on-Photography-82138272.html

9) Latest Issue of Nordic Road & Transport Research Online

Issue focused on public transport.

Link to magazine:

http://www.nordicroads.com/website/files/Nordic-3-2009.pdf

VEHICLES

10) Virtual Dashboards: the Next Must-Have?

Link to column in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704561004575013152608105546.html

News Releases

1) Beat the Queue with RAC’s Free Mobile Traffic Application

Upcoming Events

EuroFreight 2010 – February 22-24 – Berlin

http://www.terrapinn.com/2010/eurofreight/

Today in Transportation History

1830 **180^th anniversary** – The Pontchartrain Rail-Road was chartered in Louisiana.

http://nutrias.org/exhibits/choochoo/page1.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Social Media – What is it? How can my agency use it? What experience have others had?

The I-95 Corridor Coalition is hosting a webcast titled “The Use of Social Media for Travel Information” on Thursday, January 28, 2010 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM (EST).

Many areas of interest regarding Social Media will be discussed during this webcast including: how it works, what information can be shared using it, how to implement it, how to get management buy-in for it, how do you know if it is working, and where is it all headed. In addition, two case studies from New York State DOT and North Carolina DOT will be highlighted.

For more information and to sign up for this no-cost webcast, please see the notice on the I-95 Corridor Coalition website athttp://www.i95coalition.org/

CAMERAS

1) Speed-Camera Company Behind Arizona Rule Change

Link to AP article:

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/149574

OTHER

2) Upwardly Mobile

MIT professor speaks out on transit, technology in emerging economies.

Link to article in Fortune:

http://brainstormtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2010/01/19/upwardly-mobile/

3) XM Canada Seeks to Diversify Away from Auto Market with iPhone, Internet Apps

Link to CP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hjt9IzEaQD0KzR3sS2XBshoWs7eQ

4) Man Fined for Writing ‘Dirty’ Words on Pennsylvania-Owned Truck

Link to AP article:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10018/1029154-100.stm

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) Video Cameras to Track High-Speed Rail in Northwest Russia – Police

Link to article in the RZD-Partner:

http://www.rzd-partner.com/news/2010/01/18/349756.html

TRANSIT

6) ‘Emergency Brake’ Name Confuses Many on New York Subways

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/19/nyregion/19brake.html

7) Commuters Using Fake Names to Register for Myki Transport Smartcard

Link to article in the Herald Sun:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/commuters-using-fake-names-to-register-for-myki-transport-smartcard/story-e6frf7jo-1225821393917

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) New SunGuide Traffic Management Center Opens in Florida

Link to article and video in The News-Press:

http://www.news-press.com/article/20100119/NEWS01/1190367/1075/I-75-traffic-message-signs-turned-on

9) Shanghai Rolls Out Resident-Friendly Traffic Remedies for Expo

Link to article on AsiaOne:

http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20100119-192915.html

10) Clearing the Road for Traffic Updates in Thailand

Link to article in the Bangkok Post:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/tech/technews/31344/clearing-the-road-for-traffic-updates

Link to Traffy Twitter channel: http://twitter.com/traffy (in Thai)

VEHICLES

11) The Future of High-Tech Trucks is Now

Link to article on Today’s Trucking:

http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=23170

News Releases

1) Government Investment Makes Intelligent Buses a Reality in Winnipeg

2) New Portal Launched for Dubai Metro, RTA Web Site Browser Service

3) China TransInfo Expands Real-Time Traffic Coverage, Establishes Relationship with Baidu

Job Postings

–  Supervisory IT Specialist – Volpe National Transportation Systems Center – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=85639854

Upcoming Events

EuroRail 2010 – February 22-24 – Berlin

http://www.terrapinn.com/2010/eurorail/

Today in Transportation History

1840 **170^th anniversary** – Lt. Charles Wilkes of the US Navy, while on an exploring expedition, discovers a portion of Antarctica later known as Wilkes Land.

http://www.jstor.org/pss/198611

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, January 18, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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17^th World Congress on ITS Call for Papers Deadline January 31

The International Program Committee invites ITS experts to submit draft technical and scientific papers to be considered for the 17^th World Congress in Busan, Korea, Oct. 25-29, 2010.   This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and high-level achievement within the field of ITS in a global setting.  Technical Paper authors may submit a technical abstract in place of a draft Technical Paper and Travel Awards are available to authors from non-OECD countries.  Draft Technical Papers/Abstracts and draft Scientific papers must be submitted by January 31.  For more information and to submit papers online, visit http://www.itsworldcongress.kr.  If you have questions about paper content or format, contact Nicole Oliphant at noliphant@itsa.org.

AVIATION

1) FAA Lends Air Traffic Aid to Haiti as US Air Force Opens Port au Prince Airport

Link to article in Air Transport Intelligence:

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/01/16/337234/faa-lends-air-traffic-aid-to-haiti-as-air-force-opens-port-au.html

2) Snagware Made Planes Disappear from Delhi Airport Radar

Link to article from Mail Today:

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/79468/India/Snagware+made+planes+disappear+from+radar.html

3) Spanish Air Traffic Controllers Earn £800,000… but Could be Replaced by Automatic Systems

Link to article in the Daily Mail:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1244156/Spanish-air-traffic-controllers-earn-800-000–replaced-automatic-systems.html

CAMERAS

4) US Communities Put a Halt to Red-Light Cameras

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-01-17-red-light_N.htm

5) California Governor’s Plan to Catch Speeders with Cameras Faces an Uphill Battle

Link to article in the San Jose Mercury News:

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_14195423

6) Indiana Legislators Propose Cameras to Catch Work Zone Speeders

Link to story on WIBC Radio:

http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?id=1185881

7) Is All This Surveillance Making Us Safer?

Link to column in Metro Calgary:

http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/comment/article/425458–is-all-this-surveillance-making-us-safer

GPS / NAVIGATION

8) China’s Compass Finds Route to Rival GPS

Link to story on China Radio International:

http://english.cri.cn/6909/2010/01/17/168s543131.htm

OTHER

9) How News Happens: Listening Devices on Buses?

Link to article on Journalism.org:

http://www.journalism.org/analysis_report/listening_devices_buses

10) Ghana Driver and Licensing Authority Reiterates Essences of Banning Illiterates from Driving

Link to Ghana News Agency article:

http://www.ghananewsagency.org/s_social/r_11487/

ROADWAYS

11) Secret Report on Illinois Tollway Oasis’ Subleases Paid for with Taxpayer Dollars Still Secret

Link to column in the Daily Herald:

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=351477

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) Training of Airport Screeners Varies Greatly Worldwide

Link to Fox News story:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,583219,00.html

13) Mind-Reading Systems for Airport Security

Link to story and audio report on KCBS Radio:

http://www.kcbs.com/pages/6135572.php

14) Twitter Joke Led to Terror Act Arrest and Airport Life Ban

Link to article in The Independent:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/twitter-joke-led-to-terror-act-arrest-and-airport-life-ban-1870913.html

TRANSIT

15) Seattle-Area Elderly, Disabled Struggle to Get ORCA Transit Card

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010807931_orcacards16m.html

16) San Diego Region Agencies Work Out Kinks in High-Tech Transit Pass

Link to article in The San Diego Union-Tribune:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jan/17/agencies-work-out-kinks-compass/

17) Brooklyn Judge Fines New York City Transit $15,000 for Not Turning Over Information on Fatal Accident

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/01/18/2010-01-18_nyc_transit_fined_15g_for_stall_on_05_death_details.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

18) New York State Laws Make Texting While Driving Illegal, Yet State Agencies Still Send Traffic Alert Texts

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/bronx/2010/01/17/2010-01-17_crossed_wires_on_wireless_law_agencies_still_send_texts_for_drivers_to_park__rea.html

19) California DOT Takes the Road Less Costly to Ease Gridlock

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-dynamic-lanes18-2010jan18,0,2775593.story

20) ‘Big Brother’ Offline

Numerous Tennessee DOT highway cameras are offline.

Link to article in the Chattanooga Times Free Press:

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/jan/18/big-brother-offline/

21) Reality Show for Commuters

Traffic radio beings airing in Ho Chi Minh City.

Link to Vietnam News Agency article:

http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=01KAL170110

22) Web Site to Offer Views of Masters Traffic Flow

Link to article in The Augusta Chronicle:

http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2010/01/16/met_563463.shtml

23) New York MTA Chief Vows Reform of Wasteful Spending

Steps include consolidation of 92 information lines and improved real-time information for buses and subways.

Link to article in The Journal News:

http://www.lohud.com/article/20100116/NEWS01/1160341/-1/newsfront/MTA-chief-vows-reform-of-wasteful-spending

VEHICLES

24) Technology Driving New Car Sales

Link to article in The Augusta Chronicle:

http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2010/01/17/bus_563421.shtml

25) Advancements Accelerate for Car Multimedia Devices

Link to article in the Detroit Free Press:

http://www.freep.com/article/20100117/BUSINESS03/1170328/1002/Business/Advancements-accelerate-for-car-multimedia-devices

News Releases

1) RoadSafe Traffic Systems Acquires CSW Safety Services

2) Metro-North Train Time to Give Real-Time Train Status on Smart Phones and Computers

3) US Department of Transportation Provides Air Traffic Assistance Paving Way for Additional Haiti Earthquake Relief Effort

4) Garmin Launches BirdsEye Satellite and Aerial Imagery

5) Trafficmaster Acquires Fleet Management Solutions

Upcoming Events

Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference and Exposition – February 2-4 – Philadelphia

http://www.tcipexpo.com/

Today in Transportation History

2005 **5^th anniversary** – The Airbus A380 was unveiled in Toulouse, France.

http://events.airbus.com/events/a380_reveal/event/index.asp

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Friday, January 15, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Seattle-Tacoma Airport First to Use New Bird-Tracking Radar

Link to article in The News Tribune:

http://www.thenewstribune.com/business/story/1029440.html

Link to news release from the Port of Seattle:

http://www.portseattle.org/news/press/2010/01_14_2010_01.shtml

2) US Government Fines United $30,000 for Fare Flub

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Government-fines-United-30000-apf-2599111297.html?x=0&.v=2

3) The Common Use Continuum

SITA’s airport IT survey highlights trends associated with passenger processing.

Link to article in Airport Business:

http://www.airportbusiness.com/print/Airport-Business-Magazine/The-Common-Use-Continuum/1$33194

Link to SITA survey: http://www.sita.aero/content/air-transport-it-review-issue-3-december-2009

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) Programming a GPS While Driving a Danger

Link to CBC News story and video on Marketplace:

http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2010/01/14/consumer-gps-marketplace.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

5) Virginia DOT Money Pays for Ads Warning of Construction on Gilmerton Bridge

Link to story and video on WTKR-TV:

http://www.wtkr.com/news/wtkr-gilmerton-bridge-ads,0,2062825.story

RAILROADS

6) Advertising at O’Hare Airport Aims to Lure Travelers to Amtrak

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-talk-amtrak-ohare_15jan15,0,4855609.story

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) LaHood Steps Up Campaign Against Texting While Driving

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704381604575005283282980468.html

8) Technology Makes Dodging Traffic (and Speed Traps) in South Africa Easier

Link to article on Moneyweb:

http://www.moneyweb.co.za/mw/view/mw/en/page292671?oid=339542&sn=2009%20Detail

TRANSIT

9) I-Bus Technology Now a Reality in Winnipeg

Link to story on CJOB Radio:

http://www.cjob.com/News/Local/Story.aspx?ID=1185384

VEHICLES

10) Seattle Companies Driving the Trend Toward In-Car Technology

Link to article in the Puget Sound Business Journal:

http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2010/01/seattle_tech_companies_develop_a_cottage_industry_in_cars.html

11) Challenges in Automotive Radio Design

Link to article in Automotive DesignLine:

http://www.automotivedesignline.com/222301137

News Releases

1) Federal Signal Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Sirit

2) FCC Adopts Order to Clear the 700 MHz Frequency for Public Safety and Next Generation Consumer Users

3) New York State DOT Introduces 511 NY Developer Resource Area

Upcoming Events

Bus Rapid Transit Australia 2010 – February 22 – Sydney

http://www.terrapinn.com/2010/brt/

Friday Bonus

I hope he left a good tip.

http://www.wesh.com/news/22157235/detail.html

Today in Transportation History

1845 **145^th anniversary** – Fort Fisher, which protected the last major open Confederate port, fell to Union forces in North Carolina.

http://www.nchistoricsites.org/fisher/fisher.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net