Thursday, April 16, 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) Tucson Airport Ambassadors Help Guide the Way

Link to story in Inside Tucson Business:

http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2009/04/15/news/doc49df899562c2f786093595.txt

BUSES

2) Bus Priority, Real-Time Arrival System Timetabled for 2010 in Dublin

Link to story in the Irish Times:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2009/0416/1224244812782.html

CAMERAS

3) Traffic Cameras Help Emergency Crews in Charlotte, North Carolina

Link story and video report on News 14:

http://www.news14.com/content/local_news/charlotte/607842/traffic-cameras-help-emergency-crews/Default.aspx

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Fast Lane Users Rise after Massachusetts Turnpike Jams

Link to story in the Boston Herald:

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2009_04_16_Fast_Lane_users_rise_after_jams:_Pike:_Requests_spike/srvc=home&position=also

OTHER

5) Earmark Requests by Californians in Congress Get Increased Public Scrutiny

The House now requires members to post their requests online. The special spending used to be quietly slipped into legislation.

Link to story in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-earmarks16-2009apr16%2C0%2C1913191.story

6) High-Tech Paint to Combat Air Pollution

Ecopaint absorbs gases from vehicle exhausts.

Link to story in the Bury Times:

http://www.burytimes.co.uk/news/burynews/4294349.Hi_tech_paint_to_combat_air_pollution/

ROADWAYS

7) Hawaii Looks at Taxing Miles Traveled

Link to AP story:

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/environment/2009-04-16-hawaii-driving-tax_N.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Cloud Computing Moves Into Public Safety

Companies introduce software as a service for communications between fire, police and other emergency agencies.

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/04/16/cloud-computing-moving-into-public-safety-realm.aspx

TRANSIT

9) All MBTA Buses Equipped with GPS

Link to AP story:

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2009_04_16_MBTA_buses_equipped_with_GPS

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Taking Control – Intelligent Design

Editorial questions if computerized traffic signal management in Delhi is better than traffic policemen.

Link to editorial in The Times of India:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Editorial/TAKING-CONTROL—Intelligent-design/articleshow/4410875.cms  

VEHICLES

11) New Mexico Looks to Upgrade Online Motor Vehicle Services

Link to AP story:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/16/AR2009041602991.html

News Releases

1) Idaho Transportation Department Honors Vaisala RWIS Partnership

Upcoming Events

IX Spanish Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems – June 2-4 – Andorra La Vella, Andorra

http://www.itsspain.com/itsspain/index.php/evento/35  (in Spanish)

Today in Transportation History

1964 **45^th anniversary** – Thirteen people involved in the 1963 Great Train Robbery in the UK were sentenced.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1310271.stm

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

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

Wednesday, April 15, 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 ITS America in GEWI booth #329 or contact jim.oneill@gewi.com to discuss your requirements.

AVIATION

1) Business Aviation Taps Twitter

Link to story in Aviation Week:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=busav&id=news/TWITTER041409.xml&headline=Business%20Aviation%20Taps%20Twitter

2) In-flight Wi-Fi Prices Still Up in the Air for Alaska Airlines

Link to story in eWeek:

http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/Inflight-WiFi-Prices-Still-Up-in-the-Air-for-Alaska-Airlines-287834/

BUSES

3) Cameras to Keep Watch on Muni Bus Fleet in San Francisco

Link to story in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/14/BALQ172H2I.DTL

CARTOGRAPHY

4) GIS Helps State Understand ‘Unintended Things,’ Says California’s Geographic Information Officer

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/639802

Link to video from the California Office of the Chief Information Officer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-2WIR8ORtc&feature=channel_page

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

5) Taiwan Freeway ETC Contract Under Review

Link to story in the Taipei Times:

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/04/16/2003441213

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) China Launches Satellite for Positioning System

Link to IDG News Service story:

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/041509-china-launches-satellite-for-positioning.html

OTHER

7) Albuquerque Newspaper Sues New Mexico DOT Over Public Records

Link to AP story:

http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_12146386

8) Traffic Knowledge Shared Across Canada Through University of Regina Project

Link to story in the Leader-Post:

http://www.leaderpost.com/Technology/Traffic+knowledge+shared+across+Canada+through+project/1499247/story.html

Link to news release from the University of Regina:
http://www.uregina.ca/news/newsreleases.php?release=568

9) Flying High

Profile of traffic reporter, Amelia Earhart.

Link to story in Denver Woman:

http://www.denverwoman.com/1007/rolemodel.html

ROADWAYS

10) Results of Deer Reflectors Inconclusive so Far

Link to story in The Daily Republic:

http://www.mitchellrepublic.com/articles/index.cfm?id=32801

11) Caltrans Criticized for Bypassing County Input on I-80 Detour

Link to story in the Sierra Sun:

http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20090415/NEWS/904159989/1066

12) Yale Launches Animated ‘Smart Streets’ Traffic Safety Education Web Site

Link to story on Design New Haven:

http://www.designnewhaven.com/2009/04/yale-launches-smart-streets-traffic.html  

Link to Smart Streets:  http://www.yale.edu/smartstreets/

13) The War on Short Yellows

Link to commentary in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123975737976619187.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

14) Airport Credentials: What’s Going to Happen?

Many organizations are working on bringing biometrics to airports but obstacles remain.

Link to story in ContactlessNews:

http://www.contactlessnews.com/2009/04/14/airport-credentials-whats-going-to-happen

15) The Carlet Letter? New Jersey Tags New Drivers with Decal

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jZ9H_nxvePTsGxo-LEtkmgOHLAHwD97J3P500

TRANSIT

16) Now Boarding the Bus: TV

City of Raleigh first to deploy mobile DTV.

Link to story in The News & Observer:

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1486064.html

Link to story and video report on WRAL-TV:

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/4948031/

17) SEPTA Charts New Route on Google

Link to story in Metro:

http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/04/15/04/2415-85/index.xml

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

18) Global Traffic Network Provides In-Air Eye for Radio

Link to story in Radio World:

http://www.radioworld.com/article/78504

19) Trafficmaster Preps Mobile Phone Drive

Link to story on Register Hardware:

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/04/15/trafficmaster/

VEHICLES

20) Abortion Debate Moves to Special License Plates

Link to AP story:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-04-14-license-plates-abortion_N.htm

News Releases

1) Toronto Transit Commission Extends Next Train Arrival Information

2) ITS Georgia Starts Twitter Page

3) US Transportation Security Administration Announces Appointment of New Head of Strategic Communications

Upcoming Events

International Conference on Models and Technologies for Intelligent Transportation Systems – June 22-23 – Rome

http://w3.uniroma1.it/its2009/

Today in Transportation History

1924 **85^th anniversary** – Rand McNally published its first road atlas, the Auto Chum.

http://www.randmcnally.com/rmc/company/cmpTimeLine.jsp?cmty=0

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

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 14, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Join U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary LaHood at ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition – June 1

 

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will be the featured speaker at the opening plenary of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America’s (ITS America) 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition, which will take place June 1-3 at the Gaylord Convention Center on the Potomac in National Harbor, Maryland.  The Secretary’s remarks are scheduled for 10 a.m. in the convention center’s Potomac A-B rooms on the Ballroom level.  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. Registration information is available at www.itsa.org/amregistration.html.

AVIATION

1) Funding Debate Stalls Air Traffic Control Upgrade

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

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102914658

2) Social Media Sites Take Off at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

Link to story in Hartsfield-Jackson News:

http://www.atlanta-airport.com/HJN/2009/04/tech.htm

Link to Hartsfield-Jackson Facebook fan page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hartsfield-Jackson-Atlanta-International-Airport/62909106078#/pages/Hartsfield-Jackson-Atlanta-International-Airport/62909106078?v=wall&viewas=604656850

BUSES

3) Bus Tickets in Bangladesh Getting Digitalized

Link to story in The Daily Star:

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=83831

CAMERAS

4) Louisiana Looking to Get Hands on New Orleans’ Traffic Camera Cash

Link to story and video on WWL-TV:

http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/wwl041309cbtraffic.d1a51afd.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

5) Plans for Electronic Toll System Welcomed in South Africa

Link to story from The Mercury:

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=594&art_id=vn20090414052311427C492452

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Egypt Lifts Ban on GPS

Link to story in GPS Business News:

http://www.gpsbusinessnews.com/Egypt-lifts-ban-on-GPS_a1463.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

7) Alabama Launches Public Safety Campaign to Raise Awareness of Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem

Link to story in the Montgomery Advertiser:

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090414/OPINION0101/904130319

Link to news release from the Alabama Farmers Federation:

http://www.alfafarmers.org/programs/safety.phtml

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Canadian Airport Workers to Face Beefed-Up Security Checks

Link to story in The Globe and Mail:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090414.BAIRD14ART21393/TPStory/National

9) US Government Accountability Office: Dead People Can Still Get Passports

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/04/14/state-still-issuing-passports-to-deceased-people.aspx

Link to GAO report:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09583r.pdf

TELEMATICS

10) Taiwan, China Looking to Cooperate in Global Telematics Industry

Link to Central News Agency story:

http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=920220&lang=eng_news

TRANSIT

11) Toronto Transit CIO Takes IT to the Streets

Link to IDG News story:

http://www.thestandard.com/news/2009/04/13/toronto-transit-cio-takes-it-streets

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Inland Counties Consider Breaking with Los Angeles-Based Commuter Information Network

Link to story in The Press-Enterprise:

http://www.pe.com/localnews/rivcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_S_511ie14.3cfece7.html

13) Italian Motorway Traffic on Your iPhone

Link to blog in L’espresso:

http://nelki.blogautore.espresso.repubblica.it/2009/04/14/motorway-traffic-on-your-iphone/

News Releases

1) Expansion of Chicago Transit Authority Bus Tracker Nears Completion with the Activation of 19 Routes

2) TransCore Delivers Integration and RFID Technology for Florida Department of Transportation’s Miami I-95 High Occupancy Tolling (HOT) Lanes

Upcoming Events

National Rural Summit on Traffic Safety Culture 2009 – June 22 – Big Sky, Montana

http://www.meetingsnorthwest.com/TSCsummit.html

Today in Transportation History

1944 **65^th anniversary** – An explosion takes place in Bombay Harbor when the SS Fort Stikine caught fire.  About 800 people died.

http://www.merchantnavyofficers.com/bomEx.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Monday, April 13, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) FAA Needs Transparency

Newspaper calls on agency to release bird-strike information.

Link to editorial in the Chattanooga Times Free Press:

http://timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/13/faa-needs-transparency/?opiniontimes

2) Crash Survivor: Release Data

Link to story in the Argus Leader:

http://www.argusleader.com/article/20090413/NEWS/904130302/1001/news

3) Western Pennsylvania Airport‘s Radar System Idle After Years

Link to AP story:

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/20090411_ap_wpaairportsradarsystemidleafteryears.html

4) Long Beach, California Officials Slam Blogger for Exposing JetBlue Rift

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=65310409.blog

Link to The Cranky Flier blog:  http://crankyflier.com/2009/03/30/across-the-aisle-from-jetblue-ceo-dave-barger-part-1-keeping-the-product-fresh-and-long-beach-troubles/

CAMERAS

5) Red Light Warnings Far from Cameras in Ohio

Link to story in The Columbus Dispatch:

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/04/13/signlaw.ART_ART_04-13-09_B1_SGDHNTO.html

6) More Inspectors, Not Cameras, Needed at Louisiana Railroad Crossings

Link to editorial in The Times:

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20090413/OPINION03/904110303/1058

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) GPS Can Lead a Criminal to Your Home

Link to story on ABC’s Good Morning America:

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=7293049&page=1

RAILROADS

8) NTSB Officials Suggest Using Amtrak Collision for Training

Link to STNG Wire story:

http://www.wbbm780.com/NTSB-Officials-Suggest-Using-Amtrak-Collision-For-/4181456

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Signs Around Los Angeles Beaches Warn of Looming Tsunami Threat

Link to AP story:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,514706,00.html

TRANSIT

10) Kansas Transit Systems Aim to Enhance Bus Service, Rider Amenities

Link to story and video in the Lawrence Journal-World & News:

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/apr/13/transit-systems-aim-enhance-bus-service-rider-amen/?city_local

11) Washington State’s Jefferson Transit to Consider Policy on Signs Advising Bus Riders About Border Issues

Link to story in the Peninsula Daily News:

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20090412/news/304129984

12) Paris Does Public Transit Right

Parisian buses provide real-time information to passengers.

Link to editorial in The Gazette:

http://www2.canada.com/montrealgazette/features/viewpoints/story.html?id=3d43f9a3-b3c4-4824-adce-2d9520ea23e1

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) New York 511 Service Helps People Move Smoothly

Link to story in The Journal News:

http://www.lohud.com/article/2009904130338

Link to 511NY:  http://www.511ny.org/

14) Big Brother’s Watching You Drive in Lower Manhattan

ITS will be used to calculate drive times.

Link to story in the New York Post:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/04112009/news/regionalnews/big_bros_watching_you_drivedowntown_163949.htm

VEHICLES

15) Mercedes-Benz Flagships Take Aboard High-Tech ‘Trailblazers’

Link to story in Motoring:

http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4930632&fSectionId=751&fSetId=381

News Releases

1) Hertz Acquires Eileo, Car Sharing Technology Leader

2) Research and Markets: Electronic Toll Collection Systems – Global Strategic Business Report – Available Now

Upcoming Events

2009 TRB Joint Summer Conference – July 19-22 – Seattle, Washington

http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=9900

Today in Transportation History

1969 **40^th anniversary** – The trams in Brisbane made their final runs.

http://www.brisbanetramwaymuseum.org/

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

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

 

 

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AVIATION

1) Flying the Wi-Fi Skies

Airlines are testing the service, but what will travelers pay?

Link to column on MSNBC:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30113929/

CARTOGRAPHY

2) Ghana Tourist Board Warns Publishers of Unauthorized Maps

Link to story from JoyFM:

http://www.modernghana.com/news/210583/1/tourist-board-warns-publishers-of-unauthorised-map.html

RAILROADS

3) Does Railroad Crossing Enforcement Work?

Link to story and video on KMTV-TV:

http://www.action3news.com/Global/story.asp?S=10161456

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) Giving Lessons in Traffic Safety at Middle Schools

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/10/us/10crossing.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

TELEMATICS

5) Ford Sync 3.0, Now with Internet

Link to column in The New York Times:

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/10/ford-sync-30-now-with-internet/

6) Telematics Security Can Protect High-Value Loads

Link to story on RoadTransport:

http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/04/10/133501/telematics-security-can-protect-high-value-loads.html

TRANSIT

7) Gates and Smart Cards to Hike Security on Metro Vancouver Transit System

Link to CP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jKrUQkQznef6xcnu0bkbJRo8xS0Q

8) NYC Transit Sued Over ‘Secret Court’

Link to AP story:

http://www.wten.com/Global/story.asp?S=10160365

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

9) Traffy for the Better Move

Soon commuters in Bangkok will be able to report traffic conditions real-time via Web site.

Link to story in The Nation:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/04/09/technology/technology_30100158.php

News Releases

1) NJ Transit Provides Safety Lessons for High School Driver Education Classes

2) People Drive the Speed They’re Comfortable with on Gravel Roads Regardless of Speed Limit, Kansas State Researchers Say

3) KHTS Radio Launches Text Message Traffic Alerts

Job Postings

 –  Director of Customer Service – Pierce Transit – Tacoma, Washington

http://www.transittalent.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=7481

 –  Ridership Data Analyst – Metro – Cincinnati, Ohio

http://www.transittalent.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=7469

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

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/ftva.asp?seeker=1&JobID=80391197  

Upcoming Events

Mobile Location Services ’09 – May 12-13 – London

http://tinyurl.com/ddkcn8

Friday Bonus

Here’s something that would brighten your rail commute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq6b9bMBXpg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efacebook%2Ecom%2Fhome%2Ephp&feature=player_embedded

Today in Transportation History

1969 **40^th anniversary** – Automobile designer Harley Earl died.

http://hnn.us/articles/1145.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Thursday, April 9, 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) NASA Safety Survey a Mystery

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jKO38hKOG37Omy4Iv7Bi9q_L98bQD97EPSDG0

Link to report from the US Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09112.pdf

2) Fort Wayne Airport Gets $1.27 Million from Stimulus to Install Signs

They’ll help pilots, crews find their way among runways.

Link to story in The News-Sentinel:

http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090409/BUSINESS/904090316

3) Atlanta Airport Grooving to Clean Music

Link to story on CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/04/09/atlanta.hartsfield.music/index.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Slovenian Motorway Users Happy with Tolling System

Link to Slovenian Press Agency story:

http://www.sta.si/en/vest.php?s=a&id=1381072  

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) TomTom Brings New Technology Into GPS Market

Link to video interview with TomTom President Jocelyn Vigreux on NECN:

http://www.necn.com/Boston/SciTech/2009/04/08/TomTom-brings-new-technology/1239232308.html

OTHER

6) Surveillance of Public Spaces: A Privacy Issue?

Link to story in 1to1 Magazine:

http://www.1to1media.com/View.aspx?DocId=31533

ROADWAYS

7) Wind’s Impact on Highway Signs Studied

Link to story in The Huntsville Times:

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/1239268542102760.xml&coll=1

8) Denver’s Northwest Parkway Leaves Mainline Plaza Unstaffed Overnight to Experiment with Cashless Toll Collection

Link to story in TOLLROADSnews:

http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/4097

9) Automating HOT Lane Enforcement

Link to story in Surface Transportation Innovations:

http://old.reason.org/surtrans66print.html#4

SPACE

10) NASA Astronaut Tweets About Mission

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/04/08/web-nasa-twitter.aspx

Link to Mike Massimino’s Twitter feed:  http://twitter.com/Astro_Mike

SAFETY / SECURITY

11) Mississippi DOT to Use Twitter for Hurricane Evacuations

Link to story in the Hattiesburg American:

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20090409/NEWS01/90409019

TRANSIT

12) Calls to 311 Prove a Drag on San Francisco Muni’s Budget

Agency charged $1.96 each time a caller requests bus arrival times.

Link to story in The Examiner:

http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Calls-to-311-prove-a-drag-on-Munis-budget-42722122.html

13) New York City Fare-Hike Revolt Rising Up on Facebook

Link to story in amNew York:

http://weblogs.amny.com/entertainment/urbanite/blog/2009/04/mta_angst_floods_facebook.html

VEHICLES

14) Cars Gone Wireless

Automakers and tech companies are adding a growing array of information and entertainment extras such as Web access in vehicles

Link to story in BusinessWeek:

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/apr2009/tc2009049_588284.htm

News Releases

1) Social Networking Shifts Car-Sharing Into High Gear at Stanford University

2) US Department of Transportation Secretary LaHood to Speak at ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition on June 1

3) FCC Adopts Rules to Expand, Enhance First Responders’ Use of Broadband Communications

4) National Center for Atmospheric Research Tests System to Steer Drivers Away from Dangerous Weather

5) Trafficmaster Supports AA’s New 84322 Traffic Information Service

6) Luxury Automaker Takes the HD Radio Fast Lane

Upcoming Events

mobil.TUM 2009 – ITS for Larger Cities – May 12-13 – Munich

http://www.vt.bv.tum.de/mobil.TUM2009

Today in Transportation History

1959 **50^th anniversary** – NASA introduces the Mercury Seven, the first group of American astronauts.

http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~5~5~22981~127221:Original-7-Astronauts-in-Spacesuits

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

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 ati95berniew@aol.com.   

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, April 8, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Off-the-shelf TIC from GEWI Provides Highly Configurable 511 Solutions

With worldwide experience in over 100 projects, GEWI’s off-the-shelf TIC provides proven and highly configurable solutions which can be deployed faster, more affordably, and with less risk than build-your-own solutions.  Data can be created by users or collected from service providers.  Data can be automatically selected and personalized before being sent as information and alerts. Data can be distributed to web sites, IVR, mobile phone text, navigation devices, and even radio stations for time-scrolled announcements.  Data can include speed & flow, traffic events, roadside camera images, weather, travel & tourism information, sponsorships, parking availability, fuel prices, and more.  With the new TIC3 architecture, the only limitation… is your imagination!  Visit www.gewi.com to download a brochure and specific use-case leaflets, or contact jim.oneill@gewi.com to discuss your requirements.

AVIATION

1) Miami Phasing in Air-Traffic Innovation

Link to story in The Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation/story/989545.html

2) FAA Requests Comments on Standards for Airport Sign Systems

Link to story on AviationNews:

http://www.aviationnews.net/?do=headline&news_ID=166023

3) US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Praises TSA Test Facility

Link to story on AviationNews:

http://www.aviationnews.net/?do=headline&news_ID=166078

CAMERAS

4) Enforcement Camera Expansion on Hold in Arizona

Link to story in The Arizona Republic:

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2009/04/08/20090408photosuspend0409.html

5) Snap Decisions at Red Lights

Meet the companies behind the cameras waiting to catch you.

Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/transportation/chi-red-speed-08-apr08,0,6871221.story

CARTOGRAPHY

6) Street View UK is Here to Stay, Says Boss of Google Maps

Link to story and video in The Times:

http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article6058197.ece

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

7) Tweet Along with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety

Link to story in the Sussex Countian:

http://www.sussexcountian.com/homepage/x1098992497

Link to Twitter page:  http://twitter.com/DEHighwaySafe

ROADWAYS

8) Archives of Webcast on I-95 Express Lanes in Florida

Link to archives from the National Transportation Operations Coalition:

http://www.ntoctalks.com/web_casts_archive.php

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Air Chase Tests US Security Network

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-04-07-stolen-plane_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

10) The Security Swamp

Secure Flight, the government’s new airline passenger-screening program, wants to identify troublemakers. But making it work might be a nightmare for travelers.

Link to column in Portfolio:

http://www.portfolio.com/business-travel/seat-2B/2009/04/07/TSA-Launches-Secure-Flight

11) A Guide for Reducing Speed-Related Crashes

Link to document from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=10229

12) Side Object Detection Systems Evaluation

Link to report from the Federal Highway Administration:

http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/JPODOCS//REPTS_TE/14461.htm

VEHICLES

13) Social Networking Leads Ford to Fiesta Fans

Link to AP story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Social-networking-leads-Ford-apf-14885800.html

News Releases

1) VIA Rail’s Departure and Arrival Times Now Online

2) Web Improvements to Ease UK Holiday Traffic

Upcoming Events

Vehicle Dynamics Expo 2009 – June 16-18 – Messe Stuttgart, Germany

http://www.vehicledynamics-expo.com/

Today in Transportation History

1904 **105^th anniversary** – Manhattan’s Longacre Square was formally renamed Times Square.

http://tinyurl.com/cw9e6w

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

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

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Deadline Extended to April 17 for ITS America’s Student Essay Competition

The deadline to submit entries for the Student Essay Competition has been extended to April 17.  This year’s competition, one of the highlights of ITS America’s Annual Meeting, is sponsored by Southwest Research Institute.  The Student Essay Competition is designed to encourage student interest and future participation in the development of Intelligent Transportation Systems and solutions.  Three winners will be honored in conjunction with the Best of ITS Awards during an awards ceremony on Monday, June 1, 2009, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD – inside the Washington DC metropolitan area.  For full entry guidelines and essay topics for this competition, please click here.  If you have further questions, please contact Edgar Martinez at emartinez@itsa.org 202-21-4223.

AVIATION

1) FAA Gets High Marks for Deployment of Satellite-Based Surveillance System

Link to story in Aircraft Maintenance Technology:

http://www.amtonline.com/article/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=7859

CAMERAS

2) Pilot Project in UK Uses Cameras in Helmets of Traffic Wardens to Record Video and Sound

Cameras to be used to resolve disputes over fines but concerns about recording private conversations.

Link to story in the Enfield Independent:

http://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/news/4273430.Traffic_wardens_given_surveillance_powers_under_new_videocamera_scheme/

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

3) National Work Zone Awareness Week

Link to story and video on WTTG-TV:

http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/dc/040709_work_zone_awareness_week

Link to news release from US DOT:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pressroom/fhwa0911.htm

4) Rhode Island DOT Enters the World of Social Networking

Link to story in The Interchange:

http://www.dot.ri.gov/documents/news/interchg/Winter2009.pdf  (page 8)

RAILROADS

5) United Transportation Union Launches Close-Call Pilot Program with NJ Transit

Link to story in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=20109

Link to UTU news release: 

http://www.utu.org/worksite/detail_news.cfm?ArticleID=46622

ROADWAYS

6) West Virginia House Approves Emergency Response Bill

State department of transportation must be notified during certain emergencies.

Link to story in The Charleston Gazette:

http://www.wvgazettemail.com/News/200904063534068

7) Signs at I-75 Ramp in Atlanta Incomplete, Two Years After Fatal Bus Crash

Link to story in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/04/06/hovramp0406.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Whole-Body Scans Pass First Airport Tests

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/business/07road.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

TRANSIT

9) New York City Transit Begins to Blog the L Train

Link to story in Metro:

http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/04/07/05/4355-82/index.xml

10) Dude, Where’s My Bus? Ask DIYcity!

Link to story in The New York Observer:

http://www.observer.com/2009/media/dude-wheres-my-bus-ask-diycity

Link to DIYcity:  http://www.diycity.org/

11) Wireless Passenger Communications System

Link to document from the Federal Railroad Administration:

http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/Research/rr0834.pdf

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Road Weather Information System Environmental Sensor Station Siting Guide Version 2.0

Link to draft report from the Research and Innovative Technology Administration:

http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/JPODOCS//REPTS_TE/14447.htm

VEHICLES

13) Utah Rolls Out New ‘Share the Road’ License Plate

Link to story in The Salt Lake Tribune:

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12091043

News Releases

1) New Greyhound Buses Redefine Leisure Travel – Upgraded Fleet Features Wi-Fi

2) Houston TranStar Goes Twitter

Upcoming Events

APTA Rail Conference – June 14-18 – Chicago

http://www.apta.com/conferences_calendar/rail/

Today in Transportation History

1989 **20^th anniversary** – A bus, en route from Montreal to New York, was hijacked to Ottawa.

http://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/08/world/a-bus-headed-for-new-york-is-briefly-hijacked-in-canada.html?n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Subjects/H/Hijacking

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

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

Monday, April 6, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) A Scramble to Add Air Traffic Controllers

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/05/business/05airtraffic.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

2) Orlando International Airport Tower‘s Air Controllers’ Inexperience is a Cause for Concern

Link to story in the Orlando Sentinel:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-asecoia05040509apr05,0,3446929.story

BUSES

3) Challenging Times for Bus Rapid Transit System in Johannesburg

Link to story in Engineering News:

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/bus-transport-2009-04-03 

CAMERAS

4) Cameras Sought for Louisiana Railroad Crossings

Link to AP story:

http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20090405/UPDATES01/90405007

MARITIME

5) London Boats to Take Oyster Card as Mayor Promotes Thames

Link to Bloomberg News story:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=ah2LCGnMT9Ac

OTHER

6) North Korean Missile Launch Sends Officials Rushing Into Action

Air traffic, maritime vessels quickly advised.

Link to story in The Yomiuri Shimbun:

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20090406TDY02305.htm

7) Information and Communications Technologies and Climate Change: Problem or Solution?

Link to story on EurActiv:

http://www.euractiv.com/en/climate-change/ict-climate-change-problem-solution/article-180760

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Airport Face Scanners ‘Cannot Tell the Difference Between Osama bin Laden and Winona Ryder’

Link to story in the Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/5110402/Airport-face-scanners-cannot-tell-the-difference-between-Osama-bin-Laden-and-Winona-Ryder.html

9) US DOT Aggregates Hazmat Reporting

Link to story in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/04/06/dot-hazmat.aspx

TRANSIT

10) MTA Online – How the New York City Subway Transit System Uses the Internet and Social Media

Link to interview with Diane Chehab on Maketing.FM:

http://www.marketing.fm/2009/04/03/mta-online-how-the-nyc-subway-transit-system-uses-the-internet-and-social-media/

11) NBC in Transit Launches in New York, New Jersey

News and entertainment will air on PATH trains and stations.

Link to story in The Hollywood Reporter:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3iff50ba6951560a30f6b7af52e5d298b6

News Releases

1) Inrix Delivers Real-Time Access to 10,000 Traffic Cameras

2) Research and Markets: Navigation to Boost European Passenger Vehicle Telematics and Infotainment Market Growth in the Short to Medium-Term

Upcoming Events

2009 The Future of Tolling: ORT and the Path to Interoperability – June 14-16 – Tampa, Florida

http://www.ibtta.org/Events/eventdetail.cfm?ItemNumber=3616

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100^th anniversary** – Robert Perry and Matthew Henson claimed to have been the first to reach the North Pole.

http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0406.html#article

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

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

Thursday, April 2, 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) American Airlines Union Goes Viral Against Execs

Link to AP story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/American-Airlines-union-goes-apf-14824283.html

2) Aircraft Could be Brought Down by DIY ‘E-Bombs’

Link to story in New Scientist:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20227026.200-aircraft-could-be-brought-down-by-diy-ebombs.html

3) EU Says Phone-Ready Planes to Double by Next Year

Link to column in The Wall Street Journal:

http://blogs.wsj.com/middleseat/2009/04/02/eu-says-phone-ready-planes-to-double-by-next-year

BICYCLES

4) Promoting the Use of Bicycles on Federal Lands

Link to report from the Western Transportation Institute:

http://www.wti.montana.edu/documents/reports/pdf/4W1303_Final_Report.pdf

CAMERAS

5) In Surprising Reversal, Maryland Senate Rejects Speed Cameras

Link to story in The Baltimore Sun:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.cameras02apr02,0,1079669.story

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

6) Toll Discounts for In-State Residents Draw Constitutional Challenge

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/02/us/02ezpass.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) TomTom Signs Deal with TrafficCast for Data for Wireless Navigation Device

Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123862738872480271.html

Link to news release from TrafficCast:

http://trafficcast.com/news/article/120/

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

8) New Jersey Warns Against Walking on Highways

Link to AP story:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20090402_N_J__warns_against_walking_on_highways.html

RAILROADS

9) Microsoft’s Telephony Software Gains Railroad Ties

BNSF hopes software can replacing aging phone system and attract younger workers.

Link to CNET News column:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10209569-56.html

10) Latest Issue of Signal the Newsletter of ERTMS, the European Rail Traffic Management System

Link to newsletter:

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/rail/interoperability/ertms/doc/011_signal_2009_04_en.pdf

ROADWAYS

11) Rural Issues with Optimal Sensor Placement for Transportation Applications

Link to report from the Western Transportation Institute:

http://www.wti.montana.edu/documents/reports/pdf/4W1531_Final_Report.pdf

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) US to Boost Ports of Entry Along US-Mexico Border

Plan calls for high-tech inspection equipment and surveillance systems.

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h7YK6qe9Xpfr4heKG3_hRDGJP6jwD97A1AF80

Link to news release from the US Department of Homeland Security:

http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1238626069590.shtm

13) Free Videos Aim to Reduce Teen Driving Fatalities

Link to story in The Wichita Eagle:

http://www.kansas.com/news/breaking/story/757969.html

14) Ad Hoc Routing for Rural Public Safety

Link to report from the Western Transportation Institute:

http://www.wti.montana.edu/documents/reports/pdf/4W1566_Final_Report.pdf

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) FM Stations Help Punjab Police Control Traffic

Link to story in The Indian Express:

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/road-waves-fm-stations-help-police-control-traffic/441995/

16) Alcoa, Tennessee Named ‘Smart City’ for Transportation

Link to story in Blount Today:

http://www.blounttoday.com/news/2009/apr/02/alcoa-named-smart-city-transportation/

VEHICLES

17) Can a Speed Demon Tame Teen Drivers?

A young inventor’s gadget lets parents track kids behind the wheel.

Link to story and video in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2009/04/02/can_a_speed_demon_tame_teen_drivers

News Releases

1) AASHTO Launches Are We There Yet? We Can Be. America, Let’s Get Moving!

2) Dashboard Navigation System Doubles as Covert GPS Tracker: Lets Boss Sit in Passenger Seat

3) Apisphere to Provide Mobile Traffic Network with Location-Smart Messaging

Upcoming Events

National Transit Institute Transit ITS Regional Workshops – April 29-30 – Chicago & June 9-10 – Dallas

http://www.ntionline.com/CourseInfo.asp?CourseNumber=TRI-26

Today in Transportation History

1804 **205^th anniversary** – The HMS Apollo ran aground off the Portuguese coast. About 40 ships following in the convoy also were wrecked.

http://ageofsail.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/shipwreck-of-hms-apollo/  

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

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