Friday, May 1, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Make Reporting of Bird Strike Data Mandatory

Link to editorial in Newsday:

http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-vpfaa0112705871apr30,0,6873146.story

CAMERAS

2) Privacy, Cameras and Roadways

Link to story on Drivers .com:

http://www.drivers.com/article/1074/

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) GPS Evidence Too Unreliable for Legal Purposes

Link to story in InformationWeek:

http://www.informationweek.com/news/personal_tech/gps/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=217201050

4) US Department of Transportation Releases Civil Monitoring Performance Document

Link to story in GPS World:

http://sidt.gpsworld.com/gpssidt/System+Design+and+Test+News/Department-of-Transportation-Releases-Civil-Monito/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/596189?contextCategoryId=33831

OTHER

5) Cloud Computing Could Help Agencies Track Stimulus Funds

Link to story on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090430_4418.php

6) Delaware DOT’s Diversity Coaching Backfires

Newsletter lists slurs, insults and stereotypes that shouldn’t be used in workplace.

Link to story in The News Journal:

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090501/NEWS02/905010383/1007/DelDOT+s+diversity+coaching+backfires

ROADWAYS

7) Coordinating, Planning and Managing the Effects of Roadway Construction with Technology

Link to information from US DOT:

http://www.its.dot.gov/press/2009/road_construction_tech.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) South Dakota Drivers Sign Up for Sobriety Alerts

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techpolicy/2009-04-30-policetexting_N.htm

Link to Act Civilized:  http://www.actcivilized.com/

TRANSIT

9) New Direction for San Diego-Area Transit System

Compass cards replacing paper passes with plastic.

Link to story in The San Diego Union-Tribune:

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/may/01/1m1compass213423-new-direction-transit-system/?metro&zIndex=91827

10) King County Metro Transit Develops New Tools to Keep You in the Loop

Link to story in the Auburn Reporter:

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/aub/community/44166027.html

VEHICLES

11) New Generation of Cars are ‘Mobile High-Tech Platforms’

Link to story in Engineering News:

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/auto-technology-2009-04-24

News Releases

1) Operation Lifesaver (Canada) Launches Web Site for Kids

2) South Florida Commuter Services Launches Public Transit Promotion to Feature Carpool Video on CNN

3) E-Railsafe Program Helps Union Pacific Ensure Railroad Safety and Security Awareness

Upcoming Events

ACI-NA Small Airports Conference – July 16-17 – St. Louis

http://www.aci-na.org/conferences/detail?eventId=136

Friday Bonus

Don’t expect to see these cars in the mall parking lot anytime soon.

http://www.myride.com/snacker-vehicle_category/2009_geneva_auto_show_15_hot_weird_and_wild_cars_youll_probably_never_drive-726-page1.html?id=30986

Today in Transportation History

1999 **10^th anniversary** – Liberty Bell 7, the space capsule flown by Gus Grissom in 1961, was found on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

http://www.cnn.com/TECH/space/9907/20/grissom.capsule.01/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Thursday, April 30, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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TIC3 From GEWI – One Platform, Multiple Deployment Options

Whether you are looking to provide Interoperability between legacy systems, launch or upgrade a 511 Service, generate Traffic Flows & Predictive models, Traffic Alerts, Traffic Plans & Simulations, report on Work Zones & Road Conditions, run an automated Radio Traffic Advisory system, or produce Navigation Quality Data, TIC3 from GEWI is the solution. All of these services, and more, can be achieved by simple configuration of this single commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software platform, already in use in over 100+ projects worldwide.  To discuss your requirements, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com and look for GEWI in booth #329 at ITS America.

AVIATION

1) Aviation Industry Presses for ‘NextGen’ at Annual Summit

Link to story on NextGov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090429_7144.php

2) Airports Seek Thermal-Scan Solution to Swine Flu Spread

Link to story in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/04/airports-seek-thermal-scan-solution-to-swine-flu-spread/

3) AAAE, FAA Host Airfield Safety and Signage Meeting

Link to story on AviationNews:

http://www.aviationnews.net/?do=headline&news_ID=166848

4) In-Flight Wireless Ban Needs More Study

Link to commentary in the San Jose Mercury News:

http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_12257071

5) FAA’s Turn Toward Secrecy

Link to commentary on AVweb:

http://www.avweb.com/blogs/insider/AvWebInsider_PhotoOpTwo_200288-1.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Norway Joins Galileo Project

Link to story in GPS World:

http://sidt.gpsworld.com/gpssidt/Latest+News/Norway-Joins-Galileo-Project/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/594438?contextCategoryId=33831

7) Communication on the Road

A low-cost GPS-based positioning architecture for V2V and V2I systems uses a scalable, flexible system that enables a range of in-vehicle safety features.

Link to story in GPS World:

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/questex/gps0409/#/24 

OTHER

8) Latest Issue of ERTICO-ITS Europe’s iMobility Newsletter

Link to newsletter:

http://tools.emailgarage.com/Pub/iaOjBgAAAAA~/ViewEmail.ashx

PARKING

9) Maryland Program Lets You Pay Parking Meters Using Your Cell Phone

Link to story on WTOP Radio:

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=30&sid=1662418

ROADWAYS

10) Report Finds More Flaws in Seattle DOT’s Snow Response

Link to story in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/405702_Storm30.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

11) Adirondack Northway Cell Gap Closed

Coverage expanded over sections of previously dark I-87.

Link to story in the Press-Republican:

http://www.pressrepublican.com/homepage/local_story_119233554.html

12) Illinois Lawmakers Propose School Bus Tracking Devices

Link to story in the Quad-City Times:

http://www.qctimes.com/news/local/article_9355348e-3544-11de-8944-001cc4c03286.html

13) The Dangers of Texting While Driving

Video captures what happens when bus driver is texting.

Link to story on NBC’s Today:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30472366#30472366

TRANSIT

14) Oregon Lawmakers Want ‘Greeters’ in Place at MAX Stations

Link to story in The Oregonian:

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/lawmakers_want_greeters_in_pla.html

 15) Mobile Transit Payment Project in the Works in France

Link to story in American Banker:

http://www.americanbanker.com/article.html?id=200904297V1PTSMA

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) Bringing Efficiency to the Infrastructure

A smart infrastructure wave may be coming.

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/30/business/energy-environment/30smart.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

News Releases

1) Inrix Triples Real-Time Traffic Flow Coverage in North America to Over 160,000 Miles
2) More than a Gadget Every Mile Keeps the UK on the Move

3) Automotive DMB/DAB Will Feel Heat from Internet Radio

4) Sensys Networks Honored Among This Year’s Most Promising Private Technology Ventures in North America

Upcoming Events

International Congress on Sound and Vibration – July 5-9 – Kraków, Poland

http://www.icsv16.org/

Today in Transportation History

1939 **70^th anniversary** – The New York World’s Fair opened with several transportation exhibits, including GM’s Futurama.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74cO9X4NMb4

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Tuesday, April 28, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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U.S. Chief Technology Officer Nominee Aneesh Chopra to Moderate CTO Roundtable at ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition 

President Obama’s nominee for U.S. Chief Technology Officer and Virginia’s Secretary of Technology, Aneesh Chopra, will moderate the CTO Roundtable at ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition from 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m. on Monday, June 1 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.  Offered for the first time at an ITS America Annual Meeting, the CTO Roundtable will bring together the technology experts of several organizations to present their vision for a technology-savvy organization and offer insights that will help shape and implement ITS solutions in the transportation arena. Discounted registration rates are available through April 30.  For more information and to register, go to http://www.itsa.org/annualmeeting.html.

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

1) All-Electronic North Texas Tollway Authority Toll Booth System Delayed

Link to AP story:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6395867.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) Obama Lifts Up GPS in Speech to US Scientists

Link to story in Inside GNSS:

http://www.insidegnss.com/node/1475

OTHER

3) New Google Search Tool Aimed at Making Sense of Public Data

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/28/AR2009042802280.html

ROADWAYS

4) Road Safety Interview: Sweden’s Vision Zero

Link to interview on Allianz Knowledge:

http://knowledge.allianz.com/en/globalissues/safety_health/road_safety/road_safety_vision_zero/article629.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) New York MTA a Tech Wreck

Lawsuit says high-tech security project can’t be completed.

Link to story in the New York Post:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/04282009/news/regionalnews/mta_a_tech_wreck_166543.htm

6) Microsoft Launches Social Media Tool

Emergency managers could use Vine to communicate with citizens.

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/648644

TELEMATICS

7) Mercedes’ OnStar Clone Tries Out Ads

Link to story in PC Magazine:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2346045,00.asp

TRANSIT

8) TransLink Fare Cards Pass BART Tests

Link to story in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/27/BAPV17A4OD.DTL

9) Contactless Fare Collection Systems Moving Forward

Link to story in ContactlessNews:

http://www.contactlessnews.com/2009/04/27/contactless-fare-collection-systems-moving-forward

Link to news release from the Smart Card Alliance:

http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/The-Smart-Card-Alliance-980102.html

10) Transit Alerts that Work

Link to story and video on WNYW-TV:

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/good_day_ny/090427_transit_alerts_best_of

News Releases

1) OnStar Shines for GM, as Auto Telematics Becomes Mainstream

2) Celebrate National Train Day Online with Streaming Video Programming Featuring the History of American Passenger Rail Service and the California Zephyr

3) Navteq Unveils a New Look and Enhancements for Navteq Traffic.com

4) New Kentucky Traffic Safety Web Site Launched

Upcoming Events

The Great West Truck Show – June 25-27 – Las Vegas

http://www.greatwesttruckshow.com/

Today in Transportation History

1789 **220^th anniversary** – The mutiny on the HMAV Bounty took place.

http://www.fatefulvoyage.com/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Monday, April 27, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Airports’ Reporting of Bird Strikes Inconsistent

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-04-26-birdstrikes_N.htm

2) California Air Traffic Facilities Rely on Trainees

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iZVZ2TIKS6bAjzHKob0wTFPXjBUgD97QUKMO0

Link to further information from the US DOT Inspector General:

http://www.oig.dot.gov/item.jsp?id=2453

3) ADS-B Enters US Air Traffic Management Arena

Link to story in Aviation Week:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news/aw042709p1.xml&headline=ADS-B%20Enters%20U.S.%20Air%20Traffic%20Management%20Arena

4) Air Force One Photo Op Triggers Panic in Manhattan

Normal system of public notification broke down.

Link to story and video on ABC News’ World News:

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=7439287&page=1

5) Hot New Aircraft Features

From shower stalls to Wi-Fi.

Link to story from Forbes Traveler:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30195496/

PARKING

6) Evaluation of Transit Applications of Advanced Parking Management Systems – Final Evaluation Report

Link to report from US DOT:

http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/JPODOCS//REPTS_TE/14460.htm

ROADWAYS

7) Texas‘ Bush Turnpike Tolls to Go All-Electronic

Link to story in the Dallas Business Journal:

http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2009/04/20/daily71.html

8) Arizona Group Wants I-91 Metric Signs Kept

Link to story in the Arizona Daily Star:

http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/290334

9) Could Timely Twitter Tweet Thwart a Ticket?

In Seattle drivers using Twitter to warn of speed traps.

Link to story on KOMO-TV:

http://www.komonews.com/news/tech/43742627.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Thermal Imaging Scanners at Major International Airports in Malaysia to Spot Swine Flu

Link to story in the New Straits Times:

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/NewsBreak/20090427190025/Article/index_html

TRANSIT

11) More Bus Information Boards to be Installed in Seoul Area

Link to story in The Chosun Ilbo:

http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/04/27/2009042700666.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Managing Traffic in a New Way

Pennsylvania DOT’s new traffic center keeps watch of Harrisburg-area traffic.

Link to story on WHP-TV:

http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story/Managing-Traffic-in-a-New-Way/fW0n5W5OdEi7cK0FbJywqg.cspx

13) Hyderabad Cops Launch Web Site for Live Traffic Updates

Link to Press Trust of India story:

http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2996832

Link to site:  http://www.htp.gov.in/  

14) ITS Initiatives for Traffic Management in Bangalore

Link to story in the Deccan Herald:

http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Apr272009/city20090427132723.asp

15) When Will Ahmedabad See Smart Eyes on the Road?

Link to story in The Times of India:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/When-will-city-see-smart-eyes-on-the-road/articleshow/4452451.cms

VEHICLES

16) Florida May Issue Christian License Plates

Bill would allow plates with image of Jesus and one with a cross.

Link to story in The Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/legislature/story/1016751.html

News Releases

1) Al-Markazia Launches ‘Anta Muraqab’ (Traffic Safety) Campaign in Lebanon

2) Inrix Traffic to Enhance Live 411 Search – Mobile users now have free, instant voice-enabled access to local traffic

Upcoming Events

Snow and Ice Management Association 12^th Annual Snow & Ice Symposium – June 24-27 – Louisville, Kentucky

http://www.sima.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=7

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100^th anniversary** – An experiment in Washington, DC tested how well roads could handle high-speed automobiles.  The top speed reached was 70 mph.

http://www.transportation.org/?siteid=86&pageid=2219 

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Friday, April 24, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Public Meeting on IntelliDrive^SM Proof of Concept (POC) Results and Findings –  May 19

The US Department of Transportation would like to invite you to the upcoming Public Meeting on IntelliDriveSM Proof of Concept (POC) Results and Findings, which will take place on May 19 at the Sheraton Detroit Novi in Novi, Michigan.  POC testing resulted in a number of interesting findings, which will shape the coming activities on the IntelliDriveSM program.  Key POC participants from government and industry will discuss the testing that took place and present their findings, recommendations, and lessons learned at this meeting, as well as the next steps for the IntelliDriveSM program and the Michigan testbed. The results should also be of interest to industry representatives from the automakers and makers of after-market devices; federal, state, and local transportation officials; system integrators; information service providers; and university researchers.  The event is free, however registration is required for participation.  For more information on the meeting or to register, click here or contact Chris Lane at clane@itsa.org.

AVIATION

1) FAA’s Bird Strike Database Goes Public

Link to ABC News story:

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/story?id=7419909&page=1

Link to database:  http://wildlife-mitigation.tc.faa.gov/public_html/index.html#access

2) US Airways Rejects PETA Seal Hunting Ad

Link to story in the Phoenix Business Journal:

http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/04/20/daily66.html

Link to further information from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals:

http://blog.peta.org/archives/2009/04/us_airways_peta.php

CAMERAS

3) In Arizona, Cameras that Nab Speeders Record a Murder, Too

Link to story in The Christian Science Monitor:

http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0424/p02s06-usgn.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Minnesota Rips Illinois Tollway About Drivers It Says Were Unfairly Ticketed

Attorney general demands agency update car registration data.

Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-minnesota-illinois-tollway-2apr24,0,1750341.story

Link to news release from the Minnesota Attorney General:

http://www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/PressRelease/090424FaultyTollway.asp

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) Guide Dog GPS Device Up for Award

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8015296.stm

6) GPS in Cars Can Save Time and Money

Link to column in U.S. News & World Report:

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/daves-download/2009/04/23/gps-in-cars-can-save-time-and-money.html

Link to news release from Navteq:

http://www.navteq.com/webapps/NewsUserServlet?action=NewsDetail&newsId=724&lang=en&englishonly=false

MARITIME

7) Nortel Reporting System Helps Protect Endangered Whale

Link to story in Washington Technology:

http://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2009/04/17/nortel-system-looks-to-protect-endangered-whale.aspx

OTHER

8) San Jose, California Street Lights Get Smarter

Link to story in Fortune:

http://money.cnn.com/2009/04/24/technology/street_lights_echelon.fortune/?postversion=2009042412

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Digital IDs Make Clearing Customs Easier for US Citizens Traveling Abroad

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-04-23-fastentry_N.htm

10) Feds Turn to ‘Brain Music’ to Boost Emergency Worker Performance

Link to story in Wired:

http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/04/musical-mind-co.html

SPACE

11) NASA Astronaut Says He Will Twitter from Space

Link to story in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9132051

TELEMATICS

12) Toyota Plans ‘G-Book’ Telematics Service in China

Link to story on Tech-On:

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20090423/169207/

TRANSIT

13) Los Angeles MTA Approves Spanish Translation of Gold Line

Link to story in the Los Angeles Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/04/mta-approves-spanish-translation-of-gold-line.html

14) New Report Cites Nation’s ‘Transit Innovations’

Link to story in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=20253

Link to report from the Environmental Defense Fund:

http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=38941&redirect=transit

15) iPhone App Showdown: Battle of the CTA Bus Trackers

Link to story on ARS Technica:

http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2009/04/iphone-app-showdown-battle-of-the-cta-bus-trackers.ars

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) New Traffic Operations Center Opens for Western Australia Police

Link to story in The West Australian:

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=137946

VEHICLES

17) Vanity Plates Catch ACLU’s Eye

Link to story in The Denver Post:

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_12213302

News Releases

1) Speed Enforcement: Make Roads Safer and Increase the Number of Valid Reads

2) Cyprus Airport Guide Launched by Creators of the Successful Spanish Airport Guide

Upcoming Events

5^th International Driving Symposium on Human Factors in Driver Assessment, Training, and Vehicle Design – June 22-25 – Big Sky, Montana

http://ppc.uiowa.edu/driving-assessment/2009/

Friday Bonus

Don’t worry…this does not smell like you think it does.  Take a closer look.

http://commercial-archive.com/n1rv4n4g8/2008/octjpgs/NED_BAONTV_busreklames.jpg

Today in Transportation History

1834 – 175^th anniversary of the charter of the Long Island Rail Road.

http://www.mta.info/lirr/Video/175thAnniversary/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Thursday, April 23, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Registration is now open for IBTTA’s Upcoming Summit – The Future of Tolling:  ORT and the Path to Interoperability, June 14-16, 2009 in Tampa, FL 

Join IBTTA in Tampa, FL and receive cutting-edge information from agencies and toll service providers around the globe on the latest in all-electronic tolling, toll traffic management, and achieving full interoperability. This is the only Summit in the world in 2009 focused on the critical topics of Open Road Tolling, All-Electronic Tolling and Interoperability and will feature more than 100 of our industry’s most experienced and knowledgeable speakers, panelists and exhibitors. What matters most is your customer’s experience driving your roads, the quality of service they receive during the payment process and your success in collecting those payments. Are your customers satisfied? Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda and register today! 

AVIATION

1) FAA Plan Would Require Alarms on Air Ambulances

Would warn pilot if helicopter is in danger of hitting the ground.

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-04-23-air-ambulance_N.htm

Link to FAA testimony at congressional hearing:

http://www.faa.gov/news/testimony/news_story.cfm?newsId=10497

BUSES

2) Taiwan Lawmakers Criticize ‘Smart Bus’ Plan

System to inform riders of arrival times called a waste of money.

Link to story in the Taipei Times:

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/04/24/2003441897

CAMERAS

3) Traffic Camera Lawsuit Could Force Cleveland to Refund Millions in Fines

Link to story in The Plain Dealer:

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1240475581234500.xml&coll=2

4) Legislation Introduced in Ohio to Ban Red Light Cameras

Link to story in the Dayton Daily News:

http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/ohiopolitics/entries/2009/04/22/legislation_introduced_to_ban.html

5) Wisconsin Highway 172 Cameras Proving Useful in Emergencies

Link to story on WBAY-TV:

http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=10233347

6) Pennsylvania DOT Adds Traffic Cameras on I-79

Link to story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09113/964884-454.stm

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

7) Cities Track Stimulus Money on New Web Sites

Link to story in Washington Technology:

http://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2009/04/23/city-web-sites-are-tracking-stimulus-funds.aspx

RAILROADS

8) Remote Control is a Failure for Railroads

Link to commentary on Seeking Alpha:

http://seekingalpha.com/article/132466-remote-control-is-a-failure-for-railroads

ROADWAYS

9) Eye-Catching Highway Billboards in Newfoundland and Labrador to be Trashed

Link to CBC News story:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2009/04/22/highway-billboards-422.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Satellite Tracking for School Buses in North Wales

Parents will be able to use satellite tracking to check their children are on the school bus, as part of a new pilot project.

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8009624.stm

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) Beat the Traffic Embraces Bluetooth

Uses Wii remote for interactive reporting.

Link to story and video in Broadcasting & Cable:

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/209798-NAB_2009_Beat_the_Traffic_Embraces_Bluetooth.php

VEHICLES

12) European Parliament Backs Strict Labeling for Tires

Link to story on EurActiv:

http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/parliament-backs-strict-labelling-tyres/article-181540  

News Releases

1) US DOT Requests Public Comments on ITS Program

2) ‘Intelligent Transport Systems’: Using Technology to Make EU Roads Safer

3) Urban Mobility: More EU Funding Wanted for Inner-City Transport Systems

4) SITA and Appear Deploy First Context-Aware Mobile Platform for Airlines and Airports

5) Kansas City Royals Enhance Fan Experience in New Kaufmann Stadium – Cisco StadiumVision System Will Include Traffic Updates

6) NTSB Acting Chairman Praises DOT Secretary for Release of Bird Strike Data, Suggestion for Mandatory Reporting

7) Ford’s MyKey Teen Safety Technology Honored, Praised for Potential Life-Saving Benefits

Upcoming Events

FTA’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Program Strategic Planning Workshop – May 6 – Chicago

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications-add/message/38

Today in Transportation History

1949 **60^th anniversary** – The People’s Liberation Navy was founded in China.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_366419.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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TIC for Traffic Plans and Simulation – Create and Operate with Live and Historic Data
TIC can be used in off-line mode with historic data to create, simulate, and compare pre-defined traffic plans for expected traffic situations. TIC can then be used in on-line mode with both live and historic data to monitor the network.  Once a situation is identified, TIC can recommend the best plans to operators within minutes, and if an unexpected situation is identified, TIC can be used to create and recommend new traffic plans, such as during evacuations. TIC can consider the complete road network, traffic patterns, weather, work zones, social events, sensors, CO2, NOx, and particle emissions, and more. TIC is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution proven in over 100 projects operating worldwide, and can be deployed faster, more affordably, and with less risk than build-your-own solutions.

See the new TIC3 at GEWI booth #329 at the ITS America Conference or contact jim.oneill@gewi.com to discuss your requirements.

AVIATION

1) US Department of Transportation Reverses FAA on Bird Strike Data

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/22/AR2009042202057.html

Link to blog entry from Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood:

http://fastlane.dot.gov/2009/04/public-disclosure-is-our-job.html

2) FAA Video Makes Case for Air Traffic Control Revamp

Link to story in Wired:

http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/04/faa-makes-case.html

3) Program Looks to Boost Image of Private Aviation

Link to story in the Wichita Business Journal:

http://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2009/04/20/daily20.html

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

http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2009/090420gaservesamerica.html

4) Alaska Air Approved as First Airline to Conduct Own Required Navigation Performance Flight Validation

Link to story in Air Transport World Magazine:

http://atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=16354

OTHER

5) All States Now Have Stimulus-Tracking Web Sites

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/04/20/news-recovery-links.aspx

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Homeland Defense: Actions Needed to Address Management of Air Sovereignty Alert Operations to Protect US Airspace

Link to testimony from the US Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09612t.pdf

TRANSIT

7) Interactive Maps Debut on Tokyo Subway

Link to IDG News Service story:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/163473/interactive_maps_debut_on_tokyo_subway.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) Virginia Officials Pull from Previous Incident to Streamline Response

Link to story in The Northern Virginia Daily:

http://www.nvdaily.com/news/2009/04/officials-pull-from-previous-incident-to.html

9) New South Wales Opposition Slams Slow F3 Response

Opponents say government took too long to respond to the traffic chaos caused by a fatal truck accident on a major freeway.

Link to story on 9News:

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/804839/nsw-opposition-slams-slow-f3-response

News Releases

1) Intelligent Transportation Society of America Introduces New Online Supplier Directory for ITS Industry

Upcoming Events

15^th International Conference on Urban Transport and the Environment – June 22-24 – Bologna, Italy

http://www.wessex.ac.uk/09-conferences/urban-transport-2009.html

Today in Transportation History

1969 **40^th anniversary** – Robin Knox-Johnston completed the first single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in a sailboat.

http://www.robinknox-johnston.co.uk/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Regular Registration Ends April 30 for ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition

The deadline to register at the regular registration rate for the 2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition of ITS America is rapidly approaching! Members of ITS America and public sector employees can register for $800.00 – that’s a $100.00 discount off the late registration rate! Full registration includes admittance to all educational sessions, the exhibit hall, the Technology Showcase, and ITS America’s networking events.  With ITS America 2009 in the Metro Washington Area, this is a wonderful opportunity to interact with legislators on the federal, state, and local level to showcase ITS products and services.  In addition to policy and technical sessions, the event will feature “city streets” vehicle and infrastructure technology demonstrations, a 150,000 square foot exhibit hall, tours of area transportation projects and facilities, and many other activities.  Be sure to take advantage of these registration rates before they increase on May 1. For more information on registration packages and to register, click here.

AVIATION

1) Hudson Ditching Survivor Joins Overwhelming Public Opposition to FAA Bird Strike Data Secrecy

Link to AP story:

http://www.startribune.com/nation/43306877.html?elr=KArks:DCiUMEaPc:UiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

Link to all responses:

http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=FAA-2009-0245

2) Airline Leaders Shift Focus on Air Traffic Control Replacement

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2009-04-20-nextgen-air-traffic-control_N.htm

CAMERAS

3) Police: Suspect in Custody in Murder of Photo Radar Worker

Link to story in The Arizona Republic.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2009/04/19/20090419photoworker-ON.html

OTHER

4) DC First in Line for Free Mobile Digital TV; Other Cities to Follow

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/20/AR2009042001302.html

ROADWAYS

5) Missouri City, Texas Approves Intelligent Transportation System

Link to story on FortBendNow:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2009/04/21/37268

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Secure Flight Roils Booking Technology

Link to story in Business Travel News:

http://www.btnonline.com/businesstravelnews/headlines/frontpage_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003963792

TELEMATICS

7) Low on Oil? Check Your Cell Phone

Link to story in The Korea Herald:

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/04/22/200904220069.asp

TRANSIT

8) Dubai Commuters Can Now Plan Their Journey

Link to story in the Gulf News:

http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Traffic_and_Transport/10305737.html

Link to Wojhati:  http://www.rta.ae/WOJHATI/dub/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?language=en

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

9) Streetfilms: Behind the Scenes at Los Angeles Traffic Control

Link to video on Streetsblog:

http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/04/20/streetfilms-behind-the-scenes-at-la-traffic-control/

News Releases

1) Public Meeting on IntelliDrive Proof of Concept (POC) Results and Findings

2) Aviation Weather, Flight Planning and Airport Data on Your Cell Phone

3) DC Metro Expands Advertising Opportunities with New Digital Projection Advertising

4) Cadcorp Launches CCTV Mapping System

Upcoming Events

12^th International Conference on Automated People Movers – May 31-June 3 – Atlanta

http://content.asce.org/files/pdf/APM09_PreProgram_v14_000.pdf

Today in Transportation History

1994 **15^th anniversary** – US DOT unveiled its ‘Share the Road’ public service campaign.

http://www.sharetheroadsafely.org/supportingMaterials/shareTheRoadFinalReport.asp

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Monday, April 20, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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CAMERAS

1) Chattanooga: Cashing in on Car Cameras

Link to story in the Chattanooga Times Free Press:

http://timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/20/chattanooga-cashing-car-cameras/

2) Maryland Speed Camera Law Could Go to Voters

Link to story in The Washington Times:

http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/19/speed-camera-law-could-go-to-voters/

3) Bangkok to Install 10,000 CCTV Cameras for Added Security and to Monitor Traffic

Link to Thai News Agency story:

http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=9579

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Six South Florida Expressways to Collect All Tolls Electronically

Link to story in The Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/1007893.html

5) E-ZPass Records Offer Key Evidence

Nearly half of subpoenas to New York Thruway are rejected.

Link to story in the Times Herald-Record:

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090419/NEWS/904190316/-1/NEWS

6) Warning Letters Decrease Speeding at New Hampshire Tolls

Link to story in Foster’s Daily Democrat:

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090418/GJNEWS_01/704189917

MARITIME

7) Virginia DOT Limiting On-Ferry Activities

Memo prohibits passenger distribution of flyers following information on possible service cuts.

Link to story in the Smithfield Times:
http://www.smithfieldtimes.com/index.php/news/25-top-stories/80-vdot-limiting-on-ferry-activities

OTHER

8) New York City Taxis May Get Internet Access on Back-Seat TVs

Link to story in the Business Mirror:

http://businessmirror.com.ph/component/content/article/52-technology/9013-new-york-city-taxis-may-get-internet-access-on-back-seat-tvs.html

9) April Issue of IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Society Newsletter Online

Link to newsletter:

http://www.ieeeitss.org/v11n2.pdf

RAILROADS

10) Follow Historic Train Trip on Twitter

Link to AP story:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2009-04-20-twitter-train-tour_N.htm

ROADWAYS

11) Virginia DOT Tries Paint to Promote Road Safety

Zigzag pattern used on approach to trail crossing. 

Link to column in The Washington Post:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/04/vdot_tries_paint_to_promote_sa.html

12) Safety Behind New Mile Marker Signs on Massachusetts Highways

Link to story from The Standard-Times:

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090418/NEWS/904180350

SAFETY / SECURITY

13) Legislator Says Virginia DOT Wasting Money on Police Radios

Says units, which allow highway crews to communicate directly with state police, are unnecessary.

Link to story in The Northern Virginia Daily:

http://www.nvdaily.com/news/2009/04/gilbert-vdot-wasting-funds-on-police-rad.html

14) University of Michigan Launches Field Testing of Safety System for Passenger Cars

Link to story on WWJ Radio:

http://www.wwj.com/UM-Launches-Field-Testing-Of-Safety-System-For-Pas/4235192

TRANSIT

15) Seattle-Area Transit Agencies Unveil All-Purpose Pass

Link to story in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

http://www.seattlepi.com/transportation/405269_ORCA18.html 

16) Fredericton Transit Bus Fleet May Go High-Tech

Internet, webcams, wireless access down the road?

Link to story in The Daily Gleaner:

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/front/article/640542

17) (Fake) Signs of Bad Times for the New York MTA

Web site allows riders to print notices that look like the real thing.

Link to story in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/04/18/2009-04-18_fake_signs_of_bad_times_for_the_mta.html

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

18) Economy, Standards Stand in the Way of Near Field Communications

Link to story in ContactlessNews:

http://www.contactlessnews.com/2009/04/20/economy-standards-stand-in-the-way-of-nfc

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

19) Traffic Monitoring Center Set Up in Malaysia

Link to story in The Star:

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/4/18/nation/3723588&sec=nation

20) LG Telecom to Launch Free Traffic Information to Mobile Phone Subscribers in Korea

Link to story in The Chosun Ilbo:

http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/04/20/2009042000788.html

21) Hands On with Ford Sirius Travel Link

Link to review on autoinsane:

http://www.autoinsane.com/2009/04/20/news/tech/hands-on-with-ford-sirius-travel-link/

News Releases

1) Broadcaster Traffic Consortium Expands with New Broadcasting Partners, More RDS and HD Radio Broadcasting Market Coverage

Upcoming Events

The History of Sleeping Cars 150^th Anniversary Symposium – April 23-26 – Chicago

http://www.trainweb.org/pths/symposium.html

Today in Transportation History

1534 **475^th anniversary** – Jacques Cartier began a journey which brought him to present day Labrador and Prince Edward Island.

http://www3.sympatico.ca/goweezer/canada/z00cartier1.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Friday, April 17, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Daily Twitter Updates for TCN

If you’d like a preview of what’s coming up in the TCN, you can now follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/brwagenblast. 

AVIATION

1) The FAA and the Freedom of Information Act

Link to column in The Dallas Morning News:

http://watchdogblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/04/the-faa-and-the-freedom-of-inf.html

2) Logan Airport to Try High-Tech Bird-Detection System

Link to story on WBZ-TV:

http://wbztv.com/local/bird.detection.system.2.986910.html

3) Delta No Longer Sending Reservation Calls to India

Link to AP story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Delta-no-longer-sending-apf-14957481.html?.v=3

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) GPS Units Plug Into the Web, but We’re Not There Yet

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/17/AR2009041700047.html

MARITIME

5) Maritime Academy Simulates Pirate Attacks

Link to story and video report on KGO-TV:

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/east_bay&id=6765847

6) US Government Accountability Office Urges Review of Ship-Tracking Plans

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/04/17/web-tracking-ships.aspx

Link to GAO report:  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09337.pdf

ROADWAYS

7) For Massachusetts Pike Chief, Tact Not Part of the Job

Link to story in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/04/17/for_pike_chief_tact_not_part_of_the_job/

TRANSIT

8) ‘Suicide’ Ad Irks Toronto Transit Authority

Link to story in The Globe and Mail:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090417.wsubway17art12247/BNStory/National/home

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

9) Intelligent Transportation Projects Get Stimulus Funding

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/641154

10) Profile of San Francisco Traffic Reporter Liz Saint John

Link to column in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/17/PKDQ16V7SU.DTL

11) Technologies that Compliment Congestion Pricing – A Primer

Link to publication from the Federal Highway Administration:

http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop08043/cp_prim3_00.htm

12) Best Practices in Traffic Incident Management

Link to draft report from the Federal Highway Administration:

http://www.nasemsd.org/Projects/HITS/documents/tim_best_practices2.pdf

VEHICLES

13) Pay Up or Your Car Engine Will Stop

Link to AOL Autos story:

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/04/17/aa.bills.shut.engine.down/

News Releases

1) HelloFlight.com Announces ‘Exclusive/First-Time Available to Public’ FAA Online Flight Tracking Tools

2) The 7,000km Long, Four Terabyte ‘Gadget’ that Keeps the UK on the Move

3) Toyota to Show Infrastructure-Linked Driving Safety Systems

Job Posting

 –  General Engineer – Volpe National Transportation Systems Center – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobId=80513390&AVSDM=4%2F17%2F2009+3%3A43%3A04+PM

Upcoming Events

Performance Measures – A Case Study in Progress Webinar – May 6

http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s090506_perfmeas.asp

Friday Bonus

Here’s a way to kill two birds with one stone.  You can save money AND calm traffic!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/essex/8001310.stm

Today in Transportation History

April 17, 1964 **45^th anniversary** – Ford introduced the Mustang at the New York World’s Fair.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFWS2aIAOpQ

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast