Monday, March 30, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Airline Lobby Impatient with Delays on New US Traffic Control System

Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123818857733360521.html

Link to news release from the Air Transport Association:

http://www.airlines.org/news/releases/2009/News_03-27-09.htm

2) Airlines Look at New Phone Devices for the Long Haul

Link to story in The Star:

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/28/business/3440300&sec=business 

3) Florida Breaks Ground for GPS Flight System

Link to story in The Tampa Tribune:

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/mar/29/na-state-breaks-ground-for-gps-flight-system/

CAMERAS

4) Proposal to Track Uninsured with Red-Light Cameras has Cities Seeing Big Money

Link to Fox News story:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,510999,00.html

5) Traffic Cameras in London Ordered Turned Off by Department for Transport in Advance of G20 Summit

DfT says mobile road cameras do not meet resolution standards.

Link to story in The Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/mar/30/cctv-london-government-transport-g20

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

6) Start of Cheap Road Tolls in Japan Sees Jams

Link to story in The Yomiuri Shimbun:

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20090329TDY02306.htm 

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) TomTom and Microsoft Settle Patent Fight

Link to Reuters story:

http://www.reuters.com/article/technology-media-telco-SP/idUSN3034876220090330

OTHER

8) A Badge, a Gun and a Facebook Profile

Police learn how to tap social-networking sites.

Link to story in the Edmonton Journal:

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/News/badge+Facebook+profile/1440929/story.html

9) Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Scolded by Governor’s Aide Over Blog Entry

Link to story in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/28/patrick_aide_scolded_aloisi_over_blog_entry/

Link to blog entry on Blue Mass Group: 

http://www.bluemassgroup.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=15099

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Efforts to Limit Cell Phone Use While Driving Grow in US

Link to story and video in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2009-03-29-driving-distracted-cellphones_N.htm

Link to further information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

http://www.iihs.org/laws/CellPhoneLaws.aspx

11) Trying to Limit Disclosure on Explosion

Chemical plant owners say maritime security law should limit what federal agency can disclose.

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/us/29chemical.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

Link to Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002:  http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/MTSA.pdf

12) Transportation’s Role in Emergency Evacuation and Reentry

Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=10106

TRANSIT

13) Alarm System to Detect Trouble on Denver Light-Rail Tracks

Link to story in The Denver Post:

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12020680

14) Tech Savvy Teenager Takes Massachusetts Transit Agency in New Directions

Link to story in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/29/tech_savvy_teenager_takes_lexington_transit_in_new_directions/

15) Boston T Riders Taking the Facebook Route

Facebook group lobbies for MBTA to provide information to Google Transit.

Link to story in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/03/29/t_riders_taking_the_facebook_route/

Link to Facebook group:  http://tinyurl.com/cu2xms

16) BART Begins Publishing Rider Tweets

Link to story on TheTransitWire:

http://www.thetransitwire.com/2009/03/30/bart-begins-publishing-rider-tweets/

Link to BART’s Twitter feed:  http://twitter.com/sfbart

News Releases

1) Vehicle Manufacturers are Leading Intelligent Transportation Systems Efforts with Obstacle Detection Systems Launching in 2009

2) Missouri DOT Introduces Podcasts by MoDOT Director

3) Saab and LFV Group Present Remotely Operated Airport Tower Concept

Upcoming Events

Canadian Transportation Research Forum 44^th Annual Conference – May 24-27 – Victoria, British Columbia

http://www.ctrf.ca/future_conferences.htm

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100^th anniversary** – The Queensboro Bridge, also known as the 59^th Street Bridge, opened connecting Manhattan and Long Island City, Queens.

http://www.nycbridges100.org/queensboro.php

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

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

 Friday, March 27, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) US Transportation Secretary Says New Air-Navigation System is FAA’s Top Priority

Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123810181998751549.html

2) FAA to Seal Bird-Strike Records

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-03-26-faa-birds_N.htm

3) American Airlines, Pilots to Resume Safety Program

Link to AP story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/American-Airlines-pilots-to-apf-14760201.html

CAMERAS

4) Get the Feeling You’re Being Watched? If You’re Driving You Just Might be

Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123811365190053401.html

CARTOGRAPHY

5) Google Makes User-Created Maps Searchable

Link to CNET News story:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10206008-2.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

6) New Zealand Toll Road‘s Charging Goes Awry Again

Link to story in The New Zealand Herald:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10563994

RAILROADS

7) Amtrak to Improve CRM, Passenger Information, Employee Information Management with Stimulus Money

Link to story on TMC:

http://callcenterinfo.tmcnet.com/analysis/articles/53139-amtrak-improve-crm-passenger-information-employee-information-management.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) GE Unveils High-Speed Baggage-Screening System for Airports

Link to Dow Jones story:

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200903261638DOWJONESDJONLINE000969_FORTUNE5.htm

Link to news release from General Electric:

http://genewscenter.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=6386&NewsAreaID=2&MenuSearchCategoryID

9) Risk-Based Approach Needed to Secure the Commercial Vehicle Sector

Link to report from the US Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d0985.pdf

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Seattle Launches Own Traffic Web Site

Link to story on KIRO-TV:

http://www.kirotv.com/traffic/19023782/detail.html

Link to City of Seattle Travelers Information Map:  http://web5.seattle.gov/travelers/

VEHICLES

11) US Appeals Court Upholds Ruling Allowing ‘Choose Life’ on Missouri License Plates

Link to story in The Kansas City Star:

http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/1109030.html

Upcoming Events

Railway Systems Suppliers C&S Exhibition – May 19-20 – Nashville, Tennessee

http://www.rssi.org/2009_exhibit

Friday Bonus

I’ve seen light rail credited with many things, but this is a first.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/401320_toilet25.html

Today in Transportation History

1794 **215^th anniversary** – The US Congress passed the Naval Act of 1794 establishing the nation’s first naval force.

http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=001/llsl001.db&recNum=473

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

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, March 26, 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) US Lawmakers Seek Speedier Air-Traffic Modernization

Link to Dow Jone story: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200903251603DOWJONESDJONLINE000757_FORTUNE5.htm

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) China Asserts Itself in GPS Turf War

Link to story in The Christian Science Monitor:

http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2009/03/25/china-asserts-itself-in-gps-turf-war/

ROADWAYS

3) Citizens Could Get New Voice on Illinois Tollway Moves

Link to story in the Daily Herald:

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=281564&src=109

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) 80,000 on Transportation Security Administration’s ‘Cleared Fliers’ List

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-03-25-cleared-list_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

5) National Institute of Standards and Technology Publishes Guide for Emergency Communications Testing

Link to story in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/03/26/nist-emergency-communications.aspx

TRANSIT

6) Philadelphia-Area Trains to Offer ‘Quiet Ride’ Cars

Link to story in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/41879222.html

 7) New York MTA Trains Its Anger at Subway Web Site

Link to story in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/03/26/2009-03-26_mta_trains_its_anger_at_subway_web_site.html

Link to MTA Service Specialists:  http://www.mtaservice.org/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) Nova Scotia Considering Steps to Improve Information on Cobequid Pass

Link to story in The Chronicle Herald:

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/9011158.html

9) National Summary Report for the Traffic Incident Management Self-Assessment (2008)

Link to report from the Federal Highway Administration:

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=513

Upcoming Events

Air Cargo Europe 2009 – May 12-15 – Munich

http://www.aircargoeurope.com/

Today in Transportation History

1839 **170^th anniversary** – The first Henley Regatta took place.

http://www.hrr.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 ati95berniew@aol.com.   

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) European Air Agency Launches New Control System

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jwTmBkCDo07pLdqvaYGcTJ5M7cEAD973UG283

2) Texas Wind Farm Makes Deal with FAA

Some of the turbines could interfere with radar at nearby airport.

Link to story in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times:

http://www.caller.com/news/2009/mar/24/wind-farm-makes-deal-with-faa/

3) Salt Lake City Airport Takes on Feds in Motto Lawsuit

Airport’s use of “Simpli-fly” may conflict with TSA’s trademark.

Link to story in The Salt Lake Tribune:

http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_11980779

4) Your Airline Wants to Get to Know You

Airlines are getting closer to rolling out new technology that tells airport agents details about you.

Link to column in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123785242956819529.html

5) Web Tech Helps Airlines Reduce Fuel Costs

Link to story on SiliconRepublic:

http://www.siliconrepublic.com/news/article/12569/randd/web-tech-helps-airlines-reduce-fuel-costs

BUSES

6) Talking Buses Roll Out in Washington State

Link to story in The News Tribune:

http://www.thenewstribune.com/topstory/story/686148.html

CAMERAS

7) DC Budget Shortfall = More Speed Cams, Tickets

Link to story and video on WRC-TV:

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/DC-Budget-Shortfall–more-speed-cameras–parking-tickets-for-us.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

8) Latest US Air Force GPS Satellite in Orbit

Link to story in Aviation Week:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/GPS032409.xml&headline=Latest%20USAF%20GPS%20Satellite%20In%20Orbit%20&channel=space

MARITIME

9) US Coast Guard: Observations on Changes to Management and Oversight of the Deepwater Program

Link to report from the US Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09462t.pdf

ROADWAYS

10) Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to Raise Cash with Billboard Blitz

Nineteen localities receiving ads have little power to say no.

Link to story in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/24/t_set_to_raise_cash_with_billboard_blitz/

11) Professor: Road Line Misperception Decreases Road Safety

Link to story in the Mansfield News Journal:

http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20090324/UPDATES01/303240009/1002/NEWS01

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) US National Interoperability Network’s Time Has Come, Panelists Say

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/628717

TRANSIT

13) 13 Light-Rail Crashes, but Phoenix Officials Say Safety System Works

Link to story in The Arizona Republic:

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2009/03/24/20090324metro-safety.html

14) Real-Time Warnings Can Avoid Hassles

Toronto transit riders can alert other riders to delays

Link to story in Metro Toronto:

http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/comment/article/201132

Link to TTCupdates:  http://ttcupdates.com/community/

15) Chicago Transit Authority Says It’s on Slow Train for Terrorist Alerts

Key officials with bus and rail system lack clearance, panel told.

Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-rail-security-24-mar24,0,1056800.story

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) Florida 511 Traffic Hotline Costing Taxpayers Millions

Link to story on WFTV-TV:

http://www.wftv.com/news/18996387/detail.html

17) New Monitoring Systems on Inland California Freeways Expected to Speed Traffic

Link to story in The Californian:

http://www.northcountytimes.com/articles/2009/03/23/news/californian/riverside/za48eebfc6fbaded58825757c00708da3.txt

18) Information Sharing for Traffic Incident Management

Link to publication from the Federal Highway Administration:

http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop08059/default.htm

VEHICLES

19) Sprint Provides Wireless Links for Smart Ford F-Series Trucks, E-Series Vans

Link to story in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9130304

News Releases

1) EUMETSAT Discusses Cooperation with European Commission

2) ATX Introduces In-Vehicle Audio Messaging to Facilitate Ongoing Contact with Vehicle Owners, Dealers, Manufacturers

Job Postings

 –  Economist – US DOT, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobId=80078219&AVSDM=3%2F24%2F2009+2%3A51%3A52+PM

Upcoming Events

Velo-city 2009 – May 12-15 – Brussels

http://www.velo-city2009.com/homepage-en.html

Today in Transportation History

1989 **20^th anniversary** – The Exxon Valdez ran aground and spilled 10.8 million gallons of oil in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

http://www.adn.com/evos/pgs/intro.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 ati95berniew@aol.com.   

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Monday, March 23, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) The Benefits of Integration

Strong IT infrastructure enhances services, reduces costs at Raleigh-Durham Airport’s new terminal.

http://www.airportbusiness.com/print/Airport-Business-Magazine/The-Benefits-of-Integration/1$26381

CAMERAS

2) Mississippi Bans Red-Light Cameras

Link to story in The Commercial Dispatch:

http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=759

3) Traffic Camera Backlash Growing in Ohio Cities

Link to AP story:

http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20090322/UPDATES01/90322017

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Google Maps StreetView ‘May be a Security Threat’ in Northern Ireland

Link to story in the Belfast Telegraph:

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/technology-gadgets/google-maps-street-view-lsquomay-be-a-security-threatrsquo-14237716.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

5) Slovakia‘s Road-Toll System Will be Up and Running by January 1, 2010, says SkyToll

Link to story in Traffic Technology International:

http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news.php?NewsID=11330

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Sat-Nav Going Live in Ireland to Beat Gridlock

Link to story in The Independent:

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/sat-nav-going-live-to-beat-gridlock-1681992.html 

7) Top New York Court to Weigh Warrantless GPS Use

Link to AP story:

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny–gpstracking-warra0323mar23,0,266900.story

MARITIME

8) Do Maritime Security Smart Cards Defy Common Sense?

Link to story in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-terrorism-id22-2009mar22%2C0%2C3594305.story

OTHER

9) Federal Inspectors Often Difficult to Reach, Group Says

Inspector general hotline for US DOT handled by third-party call center.

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/22/AR2009032201665.html

10) Spend Now to Help Society Run ‘Smarter’

Link to commentary in JoongAng Daily:

http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2902560

11) New Database Tells Big Brother You’re Uninsured

Link to story in Wired:

http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/03/the-uninsured-m.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) In-Flight Entertainment Systems Raise Safety Issues

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2009-03-22-electronics-fires-airlines_N.htm

TRANSIT

13) Why Metra is Riding Slow Train to Future

Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-unfriendly-rails-mar23,0,398128.story

14) Union Sues to Get Ad on Fresno, California Bus

Link to story in The Fresno Bee:

http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1277352.html

15) Virtualization and Transit

IT that improves operations and strengthens customer service.

Link to story in Mass Transit:

http://www.masstransitmag.com/publication/article.jsp?pubId=1&id=8133&pageNum=1

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) Stimulus Bill Funds Intelligent Transportation System Projects

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/628254

17) Indianapolis Plans for Heavy Super Bowl Traffic

Planning for event begins years before game.

Link to story in The Indianapolis Star:

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903230347

18) Getting Traffic Information to Commuters is an Art and a Science

Link to column in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/autocorner/chi-getting-around-23-mar23,0,717752.column

19) I-80 Web Site is Launched in California

Link to story in The Union:

http://www.theunion.com/article/20090323/WEBUPDATE/903239989/1002/NONE&parentprofile=1053&title=I-80%20website%20launched

Link to Get Across I-80:  http://www.getacross80.com/

VEHICLES

20) New In-Vehicle Platform for Driving Next Generation Car PCs

Link to story on iTWire:

http://www.itwire.com/content/view/23974/598/

21) Smart Truck Deliveries in Berlin

Delivery trucks are equipped with dynamic route planning software.

Link to story on Hellmail:

http://www.hellmail.co.uk/postalnews/templates/postal_global_news.asp?articleid=1385&zoneid=11

News Releases

1) NOAA – Emergency Managers to Test Atlantic/Gulf Tsunami Warning and Response

2) Monash University Study: Roadside Ads Distract Drivers

3) Tees Valley Public Transport Info Service Goes Live

Upcoming Events

Cooperative Systems on the Road – May 12-14 – Helmond, Netherlands

http://www.testsitehelmond.org/

Today in Transportation History

1889  **120th anniversary** – The Woolwich Free Ferry began service.  It crosses the River Thames in London.

http://www.greenwich.gov.uk/Greenwich/Travel/LocalTravelServices/WoolwichFerry.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

  Wednesday, March 18, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

 AVIATION

 1) Europe Official: Air Safety Whistle-Blowers Hushed

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jXt7A0HiPG1eJBR69eo_5FrHUZcQD96VQVHO2

BICYCLES

 2) Internet Map That Pinpoints Danger Spots for Cyclists to Avoid in London

Link to story in the Evening Standard:

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23663615-details/Internet+map+that+pinpoints+danger+spots+for+cyclists+to+avoid/article.do

Link to map:  http://labs.timesonline.co.uk/2009/cycling_accidents/

CAMERAS

 3) Extra Second for Yellow Traffic Light Costs Big for Traffic Camera Fine Revenue

City of Rome, Georgia considering ending the use of red-light cameras because of a decrease in revenue.

Link to story in the Rome News-Tribune:

http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/680/public/news953816.html

 4) GOP Nixes Ohio Construction Zone Cameras

Link to AP story:

http://www.wtte28.com/template/inews_wire/wires.regional.oh/37b4235b-www.wtte28.com.shtml

 5) Controversial New Product Identifies Red-Light Camera Locations

Link to video report on KING-TV:

http://www.king5.com/video/index.html?nvid=342931

  GPS / NAVIGATION

 6) Obama Proposes Terminating System that Backs Up GPS

Link to story on NextGov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090317_8821.php

 MARITIME

 7) Japan, China Conduct Communication Drill for Maritime Salvage

Link to Xinhua story:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/17/content_11027936.htm

 8) Robotic Fish to Detect Pollution in Ports

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/essex/7949956.stm

 9) Washington State Lawmakers Scuttle Ferry Naming Rights Idea

Link to story in The Daily Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090318/NEWS01/703189831 

 ROADWAYS

 10) Michigan County Calls for Removal of Hitchhiking Warning Signs

Link to story in The Jackson Citizen Patriot:

http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-27/123738511475140.xml&coll=3

 VEHICLES

 11) Networked Cars Driving Transportation Vision

Link to story in Business Edge:

http://www.businessedge.ca/article.cfm/newsID/19616.cfm

 12) New Consortium Focuses on Infotainment Software

Link to story in Automotive Engineering International:

http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6052

News Releases

1) Missouri DOT Asks Drivers to Rate Work Zones – Public Feedback Will Ensure Safety and Efficiency  

2) Sensys Networks Wireless Sensors Based on TI Microcontrollers Help Manage Traffic for 10+ Years Without Maintenance

3) Dadnab Extends Transit Texting Service to Southern California

4) National Traffic Camera Network Offers XML Feeds for Public Safety Data Fusion Applications

Upcoming Events

AASHTO GIS for Transportation Symposium – April 5-8 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

http://www.gis-t.org/

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100^th anniversary** – Einar Dessau of Denmark made what is now considered the first ‘ham’ radio transmission.

http://spurvely.dk/dessau.html  (in Danish)

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Official: FAA Shows Progress on NextGen

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/03/09/faa-nextgen.aspx

MARITIME

2) US Transportation Security Administration Says Most Port Workers Enrolled in ID Program

Link to story from CongressDaily:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090309_1529.php

3) Paid Cheerleaders: Does Royal Caribbean’s Viral Campaign Cross the Line?

Link to story on ExpertCruiser:

http://expertcruiser.com/advice/paid-cheerleaders-does-royal-caribbeans-viral-campaign-cross-the-line/

OTHER

4) Graphic Content | Making Obama’s Marks

A look at the logos designed for two economic recovery initiatives, including US DOT’s TIGER program.

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/graphic-content-making-obamas-marks/

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

5) Ohio DOT Defends Bridge Safety Amid E-Mails

Link to AP story:

http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/article/20090310/UPDATES01/90310003

ROADWAYS

6) Iowa DOT Uses Lasers, Turbine to Count Traffic

Believed to be first permanent installation in the country.

Link to story on Radio Iowa:

http://www.radioiowa.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=EBF71ABE-5056-B82A-377E827A534B933F

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) FEMA Request Comments on Alert Standard

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/03/09/fema-submits-emergency-alert-standard.aspx

Link to more information on IPAWS:  http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/

8) Claire Bailey, Arkansas Chief Technology Officer, Discusses State’s Wireless Information Network

Link to interview in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/625962

TRANSIT

9) American Public Transportation Association Launches Public Transit Advocacy Campaign

Link to story in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=19874

Link to Public Transportation Takes Us There:  http://www.publictransportation.org/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) New University of Massachusetts Amherst Transit Center

Facility will help drivers in Western Massachusetts know what road conditions are like before they head out.

Link to story and video report on WSHM-TV:

http://www.cbs3springfield.com/news/local/40987437.html

VEHICLES

11) Have Smartphone, Can Travel

Our love of cell phones is spawning applications for driving that can be downloaded for little or no money.

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/automobiles/08PHONE.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

News Releases

1) Meet George and Gracie, the (Synthesized) Voices of BART

2) Lockheed Martin GPS III Team Progressing On-Schedule in Preliminary Design Review Stage

Upcoming Events

Arizona Transit Association Annual Spring Conference – April 26 – Tempe, Arizona

http://www.azta.org/about/event-detail/azta-annual-spring-conference/

Today in Transportation History

1989 **20^th anniversary** – An Air Ontario flight crashed in Dryden, Ontario, killing 24 people.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5i2BF1dastqG7DGZ_vA6SCDbaFQ8A

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

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, March 9, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) National Space Biomedical Research Institute, Alion Aim for Software to Help Keep Pilots Oriented

Link to story in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/03/09/update2-spatial-disorientation.aspx

CAMERAS

2) Video Surveillance Turns the Corner

Better cameras, smarter software and faster networks enhance systems.

Link to story in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/03/09/video-surveillance-technology.aspx

RAILROADS

3) Violations Before Los Angeles Crash Stir Rail Safety Debate

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g2lXQ1QkZ2c6oj4FJtK3kYMb_S4gD96QCP7O0

ROADWAYS

4) Road Lines Yielding to Wintry Barrage

Markings fade but technology may help drivers stay in their lane.

Link to story in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/09/road_lines_yielding_to_wintry_barrage/

5) Massachusetts Governor Details Flagger Success

Says $12,500 has been saved by taking police off detail.

Link to story in the Boston Herald:

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/2009_03_07_Gov__Deval_Patrick_details_flagger_success:_Saves__12G_taking_cops_off_jobs/

6) Federal Efforts to Strengthen Security Should Be Better Coordinated and Targeted on the Nation’s Most Critical Highway Infrastructure

Link go report from the US Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-57

7) Highway Trust Fund: Improved Solvency Mechanisms and Communication Needed to Help Avoid Shortfalls in the Highway Account

Link go report from the US Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-316

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Emergency Responders Need Equipment Compatibility, US Department of Homeland Security Official Says

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/625804

SPACE

9) NASA Plans Improved ‘Internet in Space’

Link to story in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/03/09/nasa-software-radios.aspx

TRANSIT

10) Boeing Improves the Landing Technology of Its Planes

Link to story in Quân Ðội Nhân Dân:

http://army.qdnd.vn/vietnam.travel.tnews.23190.qdnd

11) A Bus-Rider’s View of the Pittsburgh-Area Bus System

A few simple things, such as improved information, might go a long way.

Link to story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09065/953550-294.stm 

12) Cold, Silent Treatment for MARC Riders

Maryland rail agency could provide better information to customers.

Link to column in The Baltimore Sun:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/traffic/bal-md.dresser09mar09,0,1989231.column

13) Google Transit at TransITech: A Year Later and 500% Greener

Link to blog from Google:

http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/03/google-transit-at-transitech-09-year.html

14) Houston Metro Should Stay on Track in Getting Public Input on Rail

Link to editorial in the Houston Chronicle:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/6298263.html

News Releases

1) NOAA Report Uncovers Why Some People Don’t Heed Severe Weather Warnings

2) Hong Kong Coordination Center Ensures Smooth Traffic Flow

3) US Digital Signage Market to Grow by One Third in 2009

4) US Airways Launches Flight Trial of the Next Generation of In-Flight Entertainment Systems

5) New South Wales Trip Planner Widget Now Available for All Web Sites

6) BMW-led Research Validates Fast Delivery of Real-Time Traffic Information via HD Radio Technology

Job Posting

 –  Communication & Outreach Specialist – US DOT Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Joint Program Office – Washington, DC

http://tinyurl.com/b95y7h

 –  Knowledge & Technology Transfer Program Manager – US DOT FHWA – Washington, DC

http://tinyurl.com/ch55pz

Upcoming Events

ACI-NA Customer Service & Aviation Education Conference – April 22-24 – Detroit

http://www.aci-na.org/conferences/detail?eventId=138

Today in Transportation History

1989 **20^th anniversary** – Eastern Air Lines filed for bankruptcy protection. 

http://testimony.ost.dot.gov/test/pasttest/89test/Murphy1.pdf

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

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

Friday, March 6, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

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ITS America Announces Student Essay Competition – Sponsored by Southwest Research Institute

One of the highlights of ITS America’s 2009 Annual Meeting is the Student Essay Competition.  We are pleased to announce a call for entries for the 2009 Student Essay Competition, 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 & Conference Center in National Harbor, MD – inside the Washington DC metropolitan area.  The deadline to submit entries is April 3, 2009.  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 or (202) 721-4223.

CAMERAS

1) Panel Votes to End Arizona Photo-Radar System

Link to Capitol Media Services story:

http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/283088

MARITIME

2) EU Launches Maritime Spatial Planning Workshops

Link to story in Maritime Journal:

http://www.maritimejournal.com/archive101/2009/march/online_news/eu_launches_maritime_spatial_planning_workshops

3) Aboard the US Navy’s High-Tech Pioneer, the USS Freedom

Link to story and video in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9128722&intsrc=hm_ts_head

TRANSIT

4) CityRail Puts Brakes on iPhone Timetable App

Link to story in the Brisbane Times:

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/biztech/cityrail-puts-brakes-on-iphone-timetable-app/2009/03/05/1235842538382.html

Link to Transit Sydney app:  http://www.funkworks.com.au/transit-sydney/

VEHICLES

5) TRL Consortium Unveils Sentience Vehicle

Link to story in Traffic Technology International:

http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news.php?NewsID=11117

6) Smart Cars

Link to video on PBS’s Blueprint America:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/blueprintamerica/featured/blueprint-america-video-smart-cars/471/

Upcoming Events

PRT@LHR (Personal Rapid Transit at Heathrow Airport) – April 21-23 – London

http://www.prtatheathrow.com/

Friday Bonus

Try explaining this one to your boss (an incident which occurred Wednesday in Connecticut).

http://www.courant.com/media/photo/2009-03/45387479.jpg

Today in Transportation History

2004 **5^th anniversary** – The Lady D, a water taxi, overturned in Baltimore Harbor killing five people.

http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/2006/MAR0601.pdf

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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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

Transportation Communications Newsletter

 Monday, March 2, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

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Register Today and Prepare for the Approaching Recovery: IBTTA’s Workshop on Managing in an Era of Changing Economic Times, April 19-21, 2009 in San Francisco, CA 

Join IBTTA in San Francisco for power-packed educational sessions and walk away with a world of knowledge on better managing your organization today and preparing for the approaching economic recovery. Learn how global issues are affecting your organization and the toll industry, the goals and efforts of the U.S. stimulus program, how to build a cost-conscious culture and make tough decisions, how to position your agency for unique opportunities during this slowdown, solid financing strategies and more. This is one meeting you don’t want to miss! Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda, make your travel arrangements and register today!

AVIATION

1) Southwest Airlines Criticized for Promotion of Magazine’s Swimsuit Edition

Link to McClatchy Newspapers story:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/02/southwest-airlines-sports-illustrated-swimsuit

BUSES

2) High-End Buses to Make Bid for Lexus Commuters

Link to story in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/01/MNOQ166F3C.DTL&type=business&tsp=1

3) Chicago Transit Authority Bus-Tracking Site to Add Service-Delay Alerts

Link to story on Chicago Breaking News:

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/03/cta-bus-bustracker-delay-alert-service-change.html

CAMERAS

4) Arizona Photo Radar Citations Can be Prosecuted Criminally

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/624281

5) AAA Alerts Drivers to Arizona Speed Cameras

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-03-01-speedcameras_N.htm

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) GPS Gadgets a Big Distraction for Male Drivers, Survey Finds

Link to AAP story:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25131239-12377,00.html

OTHER

7) Articles from Most Recent Issue of Texas Transportation Researcher

 –  Pay Attention! Enhancing Visibility to Improve Safety on Houston’s ‘Red Line’

http://tti.tamu.edu/publications/researcher/newsletter.htm?vol=44&issue=4&article=3&year=2008

 –  School Zones as Safety Zones: Helping Motorists Reduce Speed Near Schools

http://tti.tamu.edu/publications/researcher/newsletter.htm?vol=44&issue=4&article=6&year=2008

 –  Walk, Bike and be Counted: Automated Sensors are Watching Out for You

http://tti.tamu.edu/publications/researcher/newsletter.htm?vol=44&issue=4&article=9&year=2008

PARKING

8) A Los Angeles Parking Ambassador

Curbing motorists’ anger and confusion, traffic cop William Hartsfield has helped ease LA’s switch from meters to pay stations.

Link to story in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-parking-meters2-2009mar02%2C0%2C1423549.story

RAILROADS

9) Los Angeles Metrolink’s Commitment to Safety Reforms Comes Under Scrutiny

Link to story in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-metrolink-crash-redlights-2009mar02,0,2760811.story

10) Keeping the IT Trains Running

An interview with Ed Trainor, CIO of Amtrak.

Link to interview in CIO Insight:

http://www.cioinsight.com/c/a/Expert-Voices/Keeping-the-IT-Trains-Running/

ROADWAYS

11) Take the Virtual Road to the Super-Datacenter

Link to story in Traffic Technology International:

http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/industry-blogs.php?BlogID=163

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) Canadian Trucking Alliance: Border Security Programs Need Coordination

Link to story in Today’s Trucking:

http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=21289&login=i95berniew%40aol%2Ecom&datalogin=%269A6%3BNX%241%0A

13) Technology Promises Speedier US-Mexico Border Crossing

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iAVfE6A6Xae1RECw0u3OAGbMfEywD96K7EHO0

14) Orange County, California, May be Successful Model for Interoperable Communications Systems

Link to article in Emergency Management:

http://www.govtech.com/em/596643

15) Crisis Communication

Texas agencies maximized Web power before and after Hurricane Ike.

Link to story in Texas Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/tt/585985

TRANSIT

16) London Transport Lacked Snow Emergency Plan

Link to story on Sky News:

http://tinyurl.com/dapw5d

Link to report from the London Assembly Transport Committee:

http://www.london.gov.uk/assembly/reports/transport/snow-report-0309.pdf

17) South Koreans May Lose Subway Mobile TV as Broadcasters Face Cash Crisis

Link to mocoNews story:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/27/AR2009022701707.html

Upcoming Events

Fourth Joint Military/Civilian Conference on Intelligent Vehicle Technology Transfer (IVTT) – April 1-2 – Gaithersburg, Maryland

http://www.intelligent-vehicle.com/index.php/conference

Today in Transportation History

1949 **60^th anniversary** – The first non-stop round-the-world flight was completed on a Boeing B-50A, the Lucky Lady II.

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2634

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

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