Friday, November 27, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Pilots of Errant Northwest Flight Cite Distraction in Transcript

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125934128806566563.html

Link to transcripts: http://www.faa.gov/data_research/accident_incident/2009-10-23/

2) Chicago Airport Music Helps Frazzled Fliers Connect with City

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-music-tracker-city-zonenov27,0,6104510.story

Link to further information from the Chicago Music Commission:

http://www.flychicago.com/terminaltunes/

MARITIME

3) New Port Community Information System for Australia

Link to article in Seatrade:

http://www.seatradeasia-online.com/News/4908.html

Link to further information from Tradegate Australia:

http://www.tradegate.org.au/news/14/

4) GPS Tagging for Children on Oasis of the Seas

Link to article in the Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/cruise-news/6669230/GPS-tagging-for-children-on-Oasis-of-the-Seas.html

OTHER

5) Traffic-Weary Kids Develop Web Site to Help Neighbors Share Rides

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/25/AR2009112501951.html

RAILROADS

6) Free Wi-Fi Awaited in Moscow Railroad Stations in December

Link to article on Russia-InfoCentre:

http://www.russia-ic.com/news/show/9282/

Link to further information from Russian Railways:
http://www.rian.ru/moscow/20091126/195609387.html (in Russian)

SPACE

7) A Wild Ride on NASA’s Massive Flight Simulator

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-10404808-52.html

Link to further information from NASA:

http://www.aviationsystemsdivision.arc.nasa.gov/facilities/vms/index.shtml

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) Signal Fading on Radio Traffic Reports

Link to AP article:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRAFFIC_WATCHERS

VEHICLES

9) Toyota Acts to Keep Its Grip on the PR Wheel

Link to column in the Financial Times:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a02a2bc2-da78-11de-9c32-00144feabdc0.html

Upcoming Events

Digital Signage Expo – February 23-25 – Las Vegas

http://www.digitalsignageexpo.net/DigitalSignageExpo/DSE.aspx

Friday Bonus

If you thought your daily commute was only fit for a dog, maybe you’re right.

http://image.examiner.com/x-9231-Denver-Dog-News-Examiner~y2009m8d15-Stray-dogs-learn-how-to-ride-subway

Today in Transportation History

1964 **45^th anniversary** – The Pennsylvania Railroad ended Pittsburgh commuter service.

http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/burnham/burnham5.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  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.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, November 25, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Happy Thanksgiving!

AVIATION

1) Aviation Groups Tell Congress NextGen Will Spur Jobs

Link to article in The Wichita Eagle:

http://blogs.kansas.com/aviation/2009/11/24/aviation-associations-tell-congress-nextgen-funding-will-spur-jobs/

Link to further information from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association:

http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2009/091124nextgen.html

ROADWAYS

2) Maryland State Highway Administration Pilots State-of-the Art Variable Speed Advisory Technology

Link to story on WBAL Radio:

http://wbal.com/apps/news/templates/story.aspx?articleid=40528&zoneid=3

Link to news release from Maryland SHA:

http://www.marylandroads.com/Pages/release.aspx?newsId=543

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

3) Traffic-Time Signs Going Statewide in North Carolina

But some commuters don’t find them useful.

Link to article in The Herald:

http://www.theherald-nc.com/front/story/12335.html

4) Intelligent Roads: Several Approaches to Keeping Streets Clearer

Link to article in the Financial Times:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c758d0e2-d7bf-11de-b578-00144feabdc0.html

5) Beware, Big Brother is Watching

A look behind-the-scenes of the Bangalore Traffic Management Centre.

Link to article in the Bangalore Mirror:

http://www.bangaloremirror.com/index.aspx?page=article&sectid=10&contentid=20091124200911241229152504848a683

Link to further information from the Bangalore City Traffic Police:

http://www.bangaloretrafficpolice.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&btp=87

VEHICLES

6) Traffic Accident Avoidance Technology Advances

Link to story on Minnesota Public Radio:

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/11/24/crashreduction/

7) GM to Work with National Federation of the Blind on 2011 Chevy Volt Sounds

Link to article in The Car Connection:

http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1039004_gm-to-work-with-national-federation-of-the-blind-on-2011-chevy-volt-sounds

Link to news release from General Motors:

http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2009/Nov/1125_Chevy_Volt

News Releases

1) Closer Links for ITS United Kingdom and ITS Australia

2) New Real-Time Interactive Traffic Map Aims to Help Connecticut Travelers

3) European Project for Integration of UAS: Unmanned Aircraft to Conquer the Skies

Job Posting

–  Executive Director – E-ZPass Interagency Group – Wilmington, Delaware/Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Area

http://www.e-zpassiag.com/executive_director_ad.pdf

Upcoming Events

Texas Transportation Forum – January 6-8 – Austin, Texas

http://www.dot.state.tx.us/ttf/

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100^th anniversary** – Edvard Rusjan made the first successful flight in an Eastern European airplane.

http://www.earlyaviators.com/erusjan.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  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.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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IBTTA Summit to Explore Transformational Changes in Transportation Funding System — December 13-15, 2009 in Washington, DC

If you are responsible for funding or operating surface transportation infrastructure at the state, regional, county or municipal level, we invite you to attend IBTTA’s Transportation Policy and Finance Summit and explore the transformational changes that must take place to create a sustainable and efficient transportation funding system. CFO Roundtable on December 13, 2009: This Summit will include a special CFO roundtable for chief financial officers from toll agencies, state departments of transportation, and individuals in similar positions to share knowledge and ideas, network, and learn from one another. For registration, hotel and travel information or to view the preliminary agenda, visit www.IBTTA.org.

AVIATION

1) India, EU to Cooperate Closely in Aviation Sector

Link to Press Trust of India article:

http://www.ptinews.com/news/392414_India–EU-to-cooperate-closely-in-aviation-sector

Link to news release from the Government of India:

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=54512

2) How Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Safety is Unique – In the Tower

Link to story and video on KNXV-TV:

http://www.abc15.com/content/news/phoenixmetro/central/story/Exclusive-How-Sky-Harbor-safety-is-unique-in-the/Yp2bx2LN6U2CoFHa0qvpPg.cspx

CARTOGRAPHY

3) Iowa Cities Discover Mapping Devices Lagging Behind Rapid Growth

Link to article in The Des Moines Register:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091124/NEWS/911240306/1125/

OTHER

4) Pressure Grows for IT Inclusion in Copenhagen Agreement

Link to article in Computing:

http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2253895/top-level-pressure-grows-ict

RAILROADS

5) Amtrak Promoting ‘Green’ Tourism in Illinois

Link to article in The State Journal-Register:

http://www.sj-r.com/business/x441552799/Amtrak-promoting-green-tourism-in-Springfield-elsewhere

ROADWAYS

6) Quick Way to Weigh

Trucks monitored in motion on Delaware highway.

Link to article and video in The News Journal:

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20091124/NEWS/911240347/Quick-way-to-weigh

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

7) I-95 Relief for East Coast Holiday Travelers

Link to article in the Washington Business Journal:

http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2009/11/23/daily18.html

Link to I-95 Corridor Travel Time Information: http://www.i95travelinfo.net/

8) A National Action Plan for Safer More Efficient Transport in Australia

Link to article in Transport & Logistics News:

http://tandlnews.com.au/2009/11/24/article/A-national-action-plan-for-safer-more-efficient-transport/XTGZDKIKKJ.html

News Releases

1) Seattle Adding 57 More Traffic Cameras in 2009

Upcoming Events

Transportation Research Board 89^th Annual Meeting – January 10-14 – Washington, DC

http://www.trb.org/AnnualMeeting2010/AnnualMeeting2010.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1969 **40^th anniversary** – Apollo 12 splashes down in the Pacific Ocean.

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/apollo12info.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  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.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Monday, November 23, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Airline Web Sites Battle for Fewer Customers

Link to article on MarketWatch:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/airline-web-sites-battle-for-fewer-customers-2009-11-20

2) United’s LineBusters Keep Lines Moving

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-11-20-airportcheckin23_ST_N.htm

OTHER

3) Lack of Backup Foils Virginia’s New IT System

State DMV and DOT suffer numerous outages.

Link to article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/DMVV21_20091120-222606/307063/

RAILROADS

4) Marketing Helps Vermont Train Ridership

Link to article in the Burlington Free Press:

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20091121/NEWS02/911210307/Marketing-helps-Vermont-train-ridership

Link to further information from Vermont Rail Action Network: http://www.railvermont.org/

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) High-Tech Babysitters Get Drivers Off Phone

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/22/technology/22distracted.html

6) Intelligent Transportation System Hits Roadblock in Kansas

Link to story and video on KAKE-TV:

http://www.kake.com/news/headlines/70679812.html

7) Shortage Slows a Program to Detect Nuclear Bombs

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/23/us/23helium.html

8) New Web Site Launched for Forth Road Bridge

Link to article in Queensferry Today:

http://www.queensferrygazette.co.uk/news/New-website-launched-for-Forth.5844719.jp

Link to site: http://www.feta.gov.uk/

TRANSIT

9) Overland Trains to Accept Oyster Card

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8373913.stm

Link to news release from the City of London:

http://www.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=24359

10) Zambian Transporters Urged to Display RTSA Number to Facilitate Passenger Communication

Link to article in the Times of Zambia:

http://www.times.co.zm/news/viewnews.cgi?category=6&id=1258954716

11) The Days May be Grim, but Here’s a Good Word to Put In Your Pocket

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/nyregion/20metrocard.html

Link to further information from the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority:

http://www.mta.info/mta/aft/about/optimism.html

12) Eyes on the Street: Is This Our Stop? Signage Shortcomings on Muni Metro

Link to blog on Streetsblog San Francisco:

http://sf.streetsblog.org/2009/11/23/eyes-on-the-street-is-this-our-stop-signage-shortcomings-on-muni-metro/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Dublin Firm Starts Ireland’s First Real-Time Traffic Information System

Link to article in The Sunday Business Post:

http://www.sbpost.ie/news/ireland/get-traffic-info-by-text-45803.html

Link to further information from iTraffic:

http://itraffic.ie/ProductsPageMED.html

14) Australian Government to Begin ‘Smart Infrastructure’ Inquiry

Link to article in the Queensland Business Review:

http://www.qbr.com.au/news/articleid/61171.aspx

VEHICLES

15) How Crash Tests Help Bring Traffic Deaths Down

Link to story and audio report on NPR’s Morning Edition:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120628434

16) New Custom Texas Car Plates Offer Range of Colors, Themes

Link to article in the Star-Telegram:

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/story/1773760.html

Link to news release from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles:

http://www.myplates.com/Press20091029.aspx

News Releases

1) Successful eCall Demonstration by Qualcomm and Hughes Telematics

2) NOAA Installs System to Improve Safety and Efficiency of Ships along the Cherry Point Reach in Washington State

3) FAA Takes Aim at Icing with New Ice Protection Proposal

4) Beat the Traffic Announces New BlackBerry Application

5) Web Site Spells Relief for Holiday Travelers on the East Coast

6) United Airlines Introduces Try-Before-You-Buy Wi-Fi Promotion

7) Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Introduces Online Noise and Flight Tracking Tool

8) GE Aviation Acquires Leader in Performance-Based Navigation

Solicitation

–  Request for Proposals – Safety Patrol – E-470 Public Highway Authority

http://www.e-470.com/Default.aspx?pn=Requests%20For%20Proposals

Upcoming Events

Consumer Telematics Seminar 2010 – January 6 – Las Vegas

http://www.telematicsupdate.com/cts/

Today in Transportation History

1809 **200^th anniversary** – Pirate Edward Jordan was hung in Nova Scotia.

http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mma/events/pirates.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  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.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Friday, November 20, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Coverage of FAA Computer Problems

–  FAA Glitch Impacted Military Air Defense

Link to ABC News story and video:

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/faa-glitch-impacted-military-air-defense/story?id=9132323

–  FAA Computer Failure Reflects Growing Burden on Systems

Link to article in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/11/19/update-faa-software-hackers-delays.aspx

–  FAA Glitch Shines Spotlight on Troubled Telco Project

Link to article in Computer World

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9141195/FAA_glitch_shines_spotlight_on_troubled_telco_project

–  FAA or Your Car: Whose Computer Has More Muscle?

Link to ABC News story and video:

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Travel/BusinessTraveler/air-traffic-control-system-overhaul-years/story?id=9131728

2) FAA: Unmanned and Commercial Aircraft Don’t Mix

Link to article in Network World:

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/111909-layer8-faa-civilian-unmanned-airspace.html

3) Bill Seeks to Allow Airlines Access to Cockpit Conversations

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125866886792856401.html

4) Air Canada Tests In-flight Internet Service

Link to Reuters article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssTechMediaTelecomNews/idUSN1918222220091119

Link to news release from Air Canada:

http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=1711193027&view=13213-0&Start=0&htm=0

CARTOGRAPHY

5) Bing Maps China Grows with New Features

Link to article on Softpedia:

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Bing-Maps-China-Grows-with-New-Features-127545.shtml

Link to further information from Microsoft:

http://www.bing.com/community/blogs/maps/archive/2009/11/19/bing-maps-china-expands-reach.aspx

Link to Bing Maps China: http://cn.bing.com/ditu/

6) The Art of Maps

What can artists do with maps? What makes maps such a unique art form?

http://www.kuow.org/program.php?id=18828

Link to audio recording of Weekday on KUOW Radio:

http://www.kuow.org/podcast/WeekdayA20091119.mp3

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

7) Seattle DOT Talks Snow on Facebook

Link to article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/archives/185838.asp

Link to SDOT Winter Weather Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seattle-WA/SDOT-Winter-Weather/169438402522

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) US Government Wants Speedy Screening at More Airports

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jKiEV7AXabtsUR09J62q4Y4R3iFgD9C2SN483

Link to notice in the Federal Register:

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-27774.pdf

9) Tiburon, California to Record Every Car Coming and Going

Link to article in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/19/BAP71ANBF4.DTL&tsp=1

Link to further information from the Town of Tiburon:

http://www.ci.tiburon.ca.us/news/images/SECURITY-CAMERA-FACT-SHEET-Nov-09.pdf

http://www.ci.tiburon.ca.us/government/town%20council/staff%20reports/2009/council-staff-report-nov18.pdf

TRANSIT

10) Why Weren’t Toronto Transit Riders Alerted to Shutdown?

Link to article in the Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/ttc/article/728462–why-weren-t-ttc-riders-alerted-to-shutdown

11) Feds Publish New Special Education Transportation FAQs

Link to article in School Transportation News:

http://www.stnonline.com/home/latest-news/1545-feds-publish-new-special-education-transportation-faqs

Link to questions and answers from the US Department of Education:

http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cdynamic%2CQaCorner%2C12%2C

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Bob Marbourgh is Still Driven by His Passion

Veteran DC traffic reporter marks 30-years on-the-air.

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/19/AR2009111904267.html?hpid=dynamiclead

13) Speech by Australian Minister for Transport to Australian ITS Summit

Link to speech on Australia.TO:

http://www.australia.to/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16554

VEHICLES

14) Volt Drive: Great Ride, Interesting Interior and a Friendly Chirp

Electric vehicle is virtually silent so a chirp sound warns pedestrians of the vehicle’s presence.

Link to column on CNBC:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/34062113/

Link to video:

http://gm-volt.com/2009/11/20/worlds-first-journalist-test-drive-of-the-chevy-volt-in-charge-sustaining-mode-occurs-and-isnt-described/

News Releases

1) National Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management Celebrates Second Anniversary

2) Bus Users Get Mobile with Arriva M-ticketing Launch

3) North Dakota DOT Provides Wireless Internet at Visitors’ Centers and Rest Areas

4) Smart Cities and Communities, Performance-Based Transportation System Needed to Solve US Congestion, Safety and Environmental Challenge

5) US and EU Join Forces for Cooperative Systems

6) TNO’s Connected Traveler Workshop

Upcoming Events

Electric Drive Transportation Association Conference & Annual Meeting – January 26-28 – Washington, DC

http://electricdrive.org/index.php?ht=d/sp/i/13273/pid/13273

Friday Bonus

Signs which have lost their original meaning.

http://www.infrastructurist.com/2009/04/16/gallery-amusingly-defaced-street-signs/

Today in Transportation History

1984 **25^th anniversary** – The SETI Institute was founded.  The institute searches for extraterrestrial intelligence by listening for radio signals from space.

http://www.seti.org

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.com

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

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

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

Thursday, November 19, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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IBTTA Summit to Explore Transformational Changes in Transportation Funding System — December 13-15, 2009 in Washington, DC
If you are responsible for funding or operating surface transportation infrastructure at the state, regional, county or municipal level, we invite you to attend IBTTA’s Transportation Policy and Finance Summit and explore the transformational changes that must take place to create a sustainable and efficient transportation funding system. CFO Roundtable on December 13, 2009: This Summit will include a special CFO roundtable for chief financial officers from toll agencies, state departments of transportation, and individuals in similar positions to share knowledge and ideas, network, and learn from one another. For registration, hotel and travel information or to view the preliminary agenda, visit www.IBTTA.org.

AVIATION

1) FAA Says Software Failure Caused Flight Disruptions Across US

Link to Bloomberg article:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aPjkdWINEvx4&pos=9

Link to FAA statement:

http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=10966

2) Bill Seeks to Ban Pilots’ Use of Electronic Devices in Cockpit

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-11-18-laptops-ban-pilots_N.htm

3) FAA to Investigate Cell Phone Use on Atlanta Flight

Link to article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/faa-to-investigate-cell-202143.html

BICYCLES

4) Google Bike Directions Could be Useful Tool for Cities

Link to article in Mobilizing the Region:

http://blog.tstc.org/2009/11/17/google-bike-directions-could-be-useful-tool-for-cities/

CARTOGRAPHY

5) Wisconsin Bill Would Halt Printing of State Highway Maps

Link to story on WISC-TV:

http://www.channel3000.com/news/21658090/detail.html

6) AOL Also Likely to Eye Sale of MapQuest — Is Microsoft a Possible Buyer?

Link to article on All Things Digital:

http://kara.allthingsd.com/20091119/aol-also-likely-to-eye-sale-of-mapquest-is-microsoft-a-possible-buyer/

OTHER

7) Errors on US Government Web Site Make It Difficult to Track Stimulus Money

Link to article in The Dallas Morning News:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-stimulus_19nat.ART.State.Edition1.4bab174.html

Link to Recovery.gov:  http://www.recovery.gov

8) Web Page for Honolulu DUI Arrests Criticized

Link to article in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin:

http://www.starbulletin.com/news/20091119_Web_page_for_DUI_arrests_criticized.html

PARKING

9) Public Rallies Against Pay Parking in Canadian Town

Communication missteps contribute to backlash.

Link to article in Parking Today:

http://www.parkingtoday.com/articledetails.php?id=822

ROADWAYS

10) Illinois Taxpayers Paying for Non-Working Electronic Signs

Link to story on WBBM-TV:

http://cbs2chicago.com/specialreports/electrical.signs.2.2.1321385.html

11) Along the Road, Signs of the Times

Questions in Massachusetts about signs for stimulus-funded projects.

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/11/by_martin_finuc_3.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) US Department of Homeland Security Launches Critical Infrastructure Web Site

Link to article in Government Security News:

http://www.gsnmagazine.com/cms/features/news-analysis/2976.html

TRANSIT

13) Ottawa OKs Next-Stop System for Buses

Link to CBC News story:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2009/11/17/ottawa-bus-next-call-system-approved.html

14) Oyster Cards to Expand to Suburban Rail Lines ‘Early Next Year’

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8364001.stm

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) Singapore’s Land Transport Authority Partners with Google to Provide Traffic and Transit Information

Link to article on Channel NewsAsia:

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1019247/1/.html

16) SingTel Launches Traffic Planning Guide TrafficLive

Link to blog on CNET Asia:

http://asia.cnet.com/crave/2009/11/19/singtel-launches-traffic-planning-guide-trafficlive/

17) New York City to Install Radar for Coordinated Traffic Control

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/733536?elq=afba1877eee947328cde1a0c8c4ecef9

18) Aha Mobile Reads Drivers Traffic Info, Facebook Status

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10401586-2.html?tag=newsLatestHeadlinesArea.0

VEHICLES

19) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Clears Way for Intermodal Registry

Link to article in The Journal of Commerce:

http://www.joc.com/node/414743

News Releases

1) SNCF and Gemalto Enable Ticketing on Contactless Mobile Phones

2) IBM Chairman Sam Palmisano to Deliver Keynote Address at ITS America’s 20^th Annual Meeting & Exposition

3) American Airlines Launches Wi-Fi Widget to Allow Travelers to Find Wi-Fi Equipped Flights

4) NJ Transit Joins Federal Railroad Administration ‘Close Call’ Pilot Program

5) Indiana DOT Launches Statewide Traveler Web Site, Phone Number

6) Sentinel and GEWI Announce Strategic Partnership

Upcoming Events

ITS America Annual Meeting & Exposition – May 3-5 – Houston

http://www.itsa.org/annualmeeting.html

Today in Transportation History

1959 **50^th anniversary** – Ford announced the discontinuance of the Edsel.

http://www.edsel.net/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  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.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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On LinkedIn or Facebook?

If so, I invite you to connect with me.  For those who enjoy the TCN, I also encourage you to become a fan of the TCN on Facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Transportation-Communications-Newsletter/25187272828

AVIATION

1) FAA to Determine Fate of West Virginia Beacon

Link to article in The State Journal:

http://www.statejournal.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=70523

Link to photo of Rich Mountain Beacon:

http://www.atchistory.org/History/FacilityPhotos/WV/RichMountain/RichMountainBeacon.htm

2) Non-profit to Supply Free Wi-Fi at Cleveland’s Hopkins Airport

Link to article in The Plain Dealer:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/11/free_wi-fi_available_at_clevel.html

Link to news release from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport:

http://www.clevelandairport.com/Portals/Documents/FINAL%20CLE%20WiFi.pdf

CAMERAS

3) Traffic Camera Fibs Spread by E-mail in Florida

Link to article in The Tampa Tribune:

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/17/na-traffic-camera-fibs-spread-by-e-mail/

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) All Electronic Tolls Coming to Florida’s Turnpike

Link to AP article:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1339999.html

Link to further information from Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise:

http://www.floridasturnpike.com/all-electronictolling/publicmeeting.html

5) Dialogue, Education Key in Getting Public to Accept Road Tolls, US Transportation Officials Say

Link to article in Daily Commercial News and Construction Record:

http://dcnonl.com/article/id36366

OTHER

6) NTSB Chairman Laments ‘If It Scares, It Airs’ Mentality

Link to CBS News story:

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/11/17/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5683620.shtml

Link to text of speech:

http://www.ntsb.gov/speeches/hersman/daph091116.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Canadian Privacy Watchdog Slams No-Fly List, Financial Database

Link to Canwest News Service article:

http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Privacy+watchdog+slams+list+financial+database/2234059/story.html

Link to news release from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:

http://www.priv.gc.ca/media/nr-c/2009/nr-c_091117_e.cfm

8) Video Surveillance Reality Check

Link to interview on SecurityInfoWatch:

http://www.securityinfowatch.com/Homepage+Articles/video-surveillance-reality-check-part-1

TRANSIT

9) Students Keep Track of University of Vermont Buses

Link to article in the Burlington Free Press:

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20091117/NEWS0213/91116021

News Releases

1) FCC Releases Agenda for November 20 Staff Workshop on Distracted Driving

2) Common Language for Smart Devices Envisioned by Newly Launched Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Standards Initiative
3) Garmin Makes Custom Maps Free and Easy, Merging Paper and Digital Maps with GPS Handhelds

Upcoming Events

University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies 21^st Annual Transportation Research Conference – April 27-28 – St. Paul, Minnesota

http://www.cts.umn.edu/Events/ResearchConf/

Today in Transportation History

1809 **200^th anniversary** – The Action of 18 November 1809 took place in the Bay of Bengal.  French naval forces captured vessels of the Honourable East India Company.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_of_18_November_1809

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  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.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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IBTTA Summit to Explore Transformational Changes in Transportation Funding System — December 13-15, 2009 in Washington, DC

If you are responsible for funding or operating surface transportation infrastructure at the state, regional, county or municipal level, we invite you to attend IBTTA’s Transportation Policy and Finance Summit and explore the transformational changes that must take place to create a sustainable and efficient transportation funding system. CFO Roundtable on December 13, 2009: This Summit will include a special CFO roundtable for chief financial officers from toll agencies, state departments of transportation, and individuals in similar positions to share knowledge and ideas, network, and learn from one another. For registration, hotel and travel information or to view the preliminary agenda, visit www.IBTTA.org.

AVIATION

1) An Air Traffic Upgrade to Improve Travel by Plane

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/science/17air.html

2) Swedes Leading Efforts to Integrate UAVs Into EU Airspace

Link to article in Europolitics:

http://www.europolitics.info/sectorial-policies/swedes-leading-efforts-to-integrate-uavs-into-eu-airspace-art254428-13.html

3) AirTran to Put Ads on Seatback Tray Tables

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/AirTran-to-put-ads-on-apf-2706832646.html?x=0&.v=4

4) Airport Web Users Let Time Fly By

Link to article in Adweek:

http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3i6b92ac9c285d0176872551018ce57c7c

Link to JiWire news release:

http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Jiwire-1077728.html

BICYCLES

5) Cyclists’ App Aids Traffic Planners

Link to article in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/17/BA141AK16V.DTL

BUSES

6) All’s Fare in Travel by Bus

Cheaper fares, Web access draw many to bus travel.

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/11/17/cheaper_fares_web_access_draw_many_to_bus_travel/

7) Researcher Demonstrate Next-Generation Bus

Link to article in Report:

http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/CTSReport/2009/11/bus.html

CARTOGRAPHY

8) Crowdsourcing Cartography with PublicEarth and OpenStreetMap

Link to article on CNET News:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10399029-2.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

9) ETC to be in All Vehicles Using Taiwan Freeways in Late 2012: MOTC

Link to article in The China Post:

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2009/11/17/233007/ETC-to.htm

GPS / NAVIGATION

10) Volkswagen Goes Crowdsourcing

Exploring the future of navigation technology.

Link to article in Das Auto:

http://www.dasautomagazine.com/2009/v47n02/DasAutoMagazine_v47n02.pdf (page 18)

SAFETY / SECURITY

11) Half of US Teens Say They’ve Used a Cell Phone While Driving

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2009-11-16-teens-cellphones_N.htm

TRANSIT

12) Remote Infrared Audible Signage Pilot Program

Link to report from the Federal Transit Administration:

http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/RIAS_EvaluationReport.pdf

VEHICLES

13) Multi-core, Multi-IP Concepts Reduce Development Time for Infotainment Applications

Link to article in Automotive DesignLine:

http://www.automotivedesignline.com/howto/221600273;jsessionid=K2GWJ5VGCFBNBQE1GHRSKHWATMY32JVN

14) Green Up: Automotive Solutions Designed Faster, Smarter

Link to column in Embedded Computing:

http://www.embedded-computing.com/articles/id/?4311

News Releases

1) Wireless Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Wins Award for Saving Los Angeles County $7 Million

2) Navigon Selects Inrix as the Exclusive Provider of Real-Time Traffic Info in Europe and North America

Upcoming Events

National Bike Summit – March 9-11 – Washington, DC

http://www.bikeleague.org/conferences/summit10/index.php

Today in Transportation History

1869 **140^th anniversary** – The Suez Canal was opened for navigation.

http://www.suezcanal.gov.eg/sc.aspx?show=8

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  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.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Monday, November 16, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Lost Luggage at Indian Airports is Now Only a Click Away

Link to article on Daily News & Analysis:

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_lost-luggage-at-airport-is-now-only-a-click-away_1312216

2) A Cool Pilot, but the Plane was Cooler

Link to review in Books of The Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/11/books/11book.html

Sullenberger Takes Issue with New Book

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/sullenberger-takes-issue-with-new-book/

CAMERAS

3) Speed Cameras to be Privatized in Western Australia

Link to article in The Sunday Times:

http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,26350207-5017004,00.html

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Swiss Say Google’s Street View is Too Revealing

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/14/technology/companies/14google.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Link to news release from the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner:

http://www.edoeb.admin.ch/aktuell/index.html?lang=en

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) Dutch Drivers to Pay Tax on Road Time, Not on Car

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ggzUbQMWph8GplMdWzjDEnKD7ZJQD9BVD87O1

Link to further information from the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management:

http://www.verkeerenwaterstaat.nl/english/news/newsitems/kilometrechargemostpeoplewillenduppayingless.aspx

6) Pioneer Sues Garmin Over Navigation Technology

Link to IDG News Service article:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9140919/Pioneer_sues_Garmin_over_navigation_technology

Link to news release from Pioneer:

http://pioneer.jp/press-e/2009/pdf/1116-1.pdf

7) Map Hole Points the Way

Link to further information from Yanko Design:

http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/11/13/map-hole-points-the-way/

ROADWAYS

8) Florida’s Turnpike Workshops Go Digital

Link to article in The Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/1335979.html

Link to news release from Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise:

http://www.floridasturnpike.com/PressReleases/TurnpikewebinarNov17.pdf

9) Bridge Sensors Send Stress Data to Drexel Researchers

Link to article in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20091116_Bridge_sensors_send_stress_data_to_Drexel_researchers.html

Link to news release from Drexel University:

http://drexel.edu/news/headlines/drexel-university-engineering-students-turn-bridge-into-living-laboratory.aspx

10) The Road Ahead – Without Potholes

Engineers are working on a ‘forever open’ design involving a new generation of road surfaces that clean and repair themselves.

Link to article in Scotland on Sunday:

http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/latestnews/The-road-ahead–without.5825411.jp

SAFETY / SECURITY

11) Real ID Program in Deep Trouble

Link to article in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/344982/Washington_Watch_National_ID_Program_in_Deep_Trouble_as_Budget_Is_Cut_40_

12) Report on ‘the eCall Summit: Time for Deployment’

Link to article from ERTICO-ITS Europe:

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

TRANSIT

13) Massachusetts Offers First Set of Real-Time MBTA Transit Data to Developers

Link to story on WBUR Radio:

http://www.wbur.org/2009/11/14/mbta-real-time-data

Link to MassDOT Developers Page Beta:  http://www.eot.state.ma.us/developers/

14) New iPhone Apps Offer Help for MBTA Riders

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/11/new_iphone_apps.html

15) Chile’s Transport Ministry to Monitor Mass Transport with Intelligent Systems

Link to article on Business News Americas:

http://www.bnamericas.com/story.jsp?sector=5&noticia=497954&idioma=I&source

16) E-ticketing Soon on All Bangalore Buses

Link to article in The New Indian Express:

http://tinyurl.com/y8l2gvt

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

17) Downing Street Plan to Put Transport Info at Passengers’ Fingertips

Link to article in the Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/road-and-rail-transport/6560308/Downing-Street-plan-to-put-transport-information-at-passengers-fingertips.html

18) Dallas Cowboys Stadium Avoids Traffic Snarls with Camera System

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/733358

19) These Traffic Reporters do Their Work on the Fly

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-then15-2009nov15,0,7135240.story

VEHICLES

20) No Smart Plates for Gauteng for January 2010

Link to article on ITWeb:

http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28063:no-smart-plates-for-jan-2010&catid=160:it-in-government

21) Internet May Forever Change Your Car Radio

Link to article in The National:

http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091114/BUSINESS/711149942/1005

22) Volvo Safety, 2011 Style: It Brakes for Walkers

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/automobiles/15safety.html

23) BMW Traffic Management — Keep Those Ultimate Machines Driving

Link to article in Motor Trend:

http://blogs.motortrend.com/6606759/technology/bmw-traffic-management-keep-those-ultimate-machines-driving/index.html

News Releases

1) New Air Navigation Center Opens in Abu Dhabi

2) New Technology Allows Enforcement of Anti-Texting Legislation

3) ITS-NY is now on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn

4) Massachusetts DOT Announces Creation of Cape Cod Canal Area Traffic Task Force

5) Mercedes-Benz USA and Hughes Telematics Launch New Telematics Service: mbrace

Upcoming Events

Intertraffic Amsterdam – March 23-26 – Amsterdam

http://www.amsterdam.intertraffic.com/nl/en/Pages/default.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1979 **30^th anniversary** – The first line of the Bucharest Metro opened.

http://www.metrorex.ro/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  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.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Friday, November 13, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Airlines Fight for Safety-Upgrade Funds

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125807147909646329.html

Link to letter from US Airways CEO:

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=196799&p=irol-newsArticle_print&ID=1354832&highlight

2) FAA Chief Say Controllers Were Too Slow in Alerting Military

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125812862524947187.html

Link to news release from the FAA:

http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=10923

BUSES

3) Pimp My Bus Ride

Link to article in Time:

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1938660,00.html

Link to BusJunction: http://busjunction.com/

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) Galileo ‘Pathfinders’ Take Shape

Link to BBC News story and video:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8351457.stm

Link to further information from the European Space Agency:

http://www.esa.int/esaNA/SEM1MURMD6E_galileo_0.html

5) Google Maps Navigation is Solid, but About that Voice

Link to column in the Chicago Sun-Times:

http://www.suntimes.com/technology/ihnatko/1882911,ihnatko-google-maps-navigation-111309.article

Link to video with voice recording: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7WzO6cUFOw

MARITIME

6) Wave of Social Media Precedes World’s Largest Cruise Ship

Link to article in The Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/467/story/1330897.html

Link to further information on the Oasis of the Seas: http://oasisoftheseas.com/

7) Smarter than Average Buoy

Link to article in The Capital:

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/top/2009/11/12-44/Smarter-than-average-buoy.html

Link to Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System: http://www.buoybay.org/

8) Any Data Port in a Storm

Technology takes the guesswork out of sailing into stormy weather.

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/13/AR2009111301374.html

ROADWAYS

9) Pay-per-Mile for Drivers Could be in UK in 2020

Link to article in The News:

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/newshome/Pay-per-mile-for-drivers.5821940.jp

10) BMW Pushing for Smart Traffic Lights to Aid Fuel Efficiency

Link to article on The Car Connection:

http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1038317_bmw-pushing-for-smart-traffic-lights-to-aid-fuel-efficiency

Link to presentation from BMW:

http://www.bmwusanews.com/University/documents/BMW%20Group%20One%20Day%20University%20Dirk%20Kessler%20Nov%2010%202009%20final.pdf

11) I-40 Barstow Sign Gone for Good

North Carolina sign gave mileage to western end of interstate.

Link to article in the Star-News:

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20091112/ARTICLES/911129963

Link to photo of sign:

http://media.photobucket.com/image/i-40%20wilmington%20barstow%20sign/sw1067mk/01PS963/BarstowSign.jpg

TELEMATICS

12) Mercedes ‘mbraces’ Telematics

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/11/mercedes-mbrace-telematics/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Venezuelans Tweet Way Through Traffic in BlackBerry Revolution

Link to Bloomberg News article:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601082&sid=a5YA9bpzOrZQ

Link to Tráfico Twitter account: http://twitter.com/Trafico

News Releases

1) FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate Keynotes Random Hacks Of Kindness, Disaster Relief Codejam

2) AirIQ Announces Non-Binding Letter of Intent Relating to a Potential Sale of US Subsidiary, Boatracs

3) US and Europe Share Air Traffic Management Research

Upcoming Events

ITE 2010 Technical Conference and Exhibition – March 14-17 – Savannah, Georgia

http://www.ite.org/conference/

Friday Bonus

Thief steals truck…finds surpise in back.

http://www.thelocal.de/society/20091111-23203.html

Today in Transportation History

1959 **50^th anniversary** – The Narrows Bridge opened in Perth, Australia.

http://tinyurl.com/ycnjslc

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  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.

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast