Tuesday, April 12, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057

Register Today for IBTTA’s Interoperability and All-Electronic Toll Collection Workshop ― May 15-17, Plano, TX

Register today for IBTTA’s Interoperability and All-Electronic Toll Collection Workshop, the fifth in a series of workshops focused on violations enforcement, open road tolling, all-electronic toll collection (AETC), and interoperability. Through both general sessions and simultaneous breakout sessions, this conference will focus on lessons learned, case studies, business rules, and future decision making about AETC, interoperability, and the implications of universal vehicle miles traveled (VMT) charging. Visitwww.IBTTA.org/PLANO to view the brochure, register, and learn about sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities. To view IBTTA’s entire 2011 Education Series, click here.

AVIATION

1) US Navy Wants Its Drone to Land on a Carrier with a Mouse Click

Link to article and video in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/04/navy-wants-mouse-click-flying-for-its-carrier-based-drone/

2) Weathering Heights: FAA Cockpit Simulator to Help Airline Safety

Link to article in Flight International:

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/04/12/355344/weathering-heights-faa-cockpit-simulator-to-help-airline.html

CAMERAS

3) Camera Scans of Car Plates are Reshaping Police Inquiries

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/12/nyregion/12plates.html?_r=1&src=twr&pagewanted=all

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

4) California High-Speed Rail’s PR Mess

Link to article on Neon Tommy:

http://www.neontommy.com/news/2011/04/california-high-speed-rails-pr-mess

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

5) TomTom Makes Connected Traffic Updates a Paid Service

Link to article in PC Magazine:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2383479,00.asp

VEHICLES

6) Electric Vehicles Get an IT Assist

Link to article in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9215661/Car_tech_Electric_vehicles_get_an_IT_assist_

News Releases

1) Cybit and Masternaut Combine Forces, Creating Europe’s Leading Telematics Provider

2) ERTICO and National ITS Associations Sponsor Video Competition

3) New Seattle Metro Policy to Allow Resumption of Bus Ads from Non-Profit Organizations

4) Mineta Transportation Institute Wins Department of Homeland Security Award for Terrorism Attack Database

5) Automotive Night Vision Market to Reach $5 Billion by 2016

6) Bilbao Receives Award in Field of Freight Transport for FREILOT Project

Solicitation

–  Public Arts Call – RapidRide B Line: Mobile Game Project – 4Culture and King County Metro Transit

http://www.4culture.org/publicart/calls/index.aspx

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Posting Travel Times on Dynamic Message Signs and Third Party Data Best Practices and Lessons Learned – April 27

https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webconfid=22921

Today in Transportation History

1861 **150^th anniversary** Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor to begin the US Civil War.

http://www.nps.gov/fosu

1911 **100^th anniversary** Theodore G. Ellyson became the first US Navy officer designated an aviator.

http://www.militarymuseum.org/Ellyson.html

1911 **100^th anniversary** Pierre Prier made the first non-stop flight from London to Paris.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F20E12FD3F5517738DDDAA0994DC405B818DF1D3

1961 **50^th anniversary** Yuri Gagarin became the first person in space on Vostok 1.

http://yurigagarin50.org/

1981 **30^th anniversary** The Space Shuttle Columbia blasted off on the first mission of the Space Shuttle.

http://www.floridatoday.com/section/news0208

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, April 11, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057

GEWI News:  AGORA-C, Build vs. Buy, and more – Are you subscribed?

Six times annually, GEWI issues a FREE newsletter for North America, Europe, Asia, and Worldwide.  These newsletters provide updates on market and product technologies, customer projects and ideas being used by traffic professionals worldwide.  In the edition being released next week you can read about AGORA-C, an exciting location referencing method being used in next generation of navigation devices.  “Build vs. Buy” is a decision that is faced by companies all over the world.  This edition of GEWI’s newsletter will take a look at key components in this decision.   It will also profile a new traffic service in Indonesia, and more.

To subscribe, just visit www.GEWI.com and click on “Newsletter Subscription” in the menu bar.  For more information how TIC is used for DOT Traveler Information Services, Work Zones and Road Conditions, Navigation and Connected Services, Radio and TV…and more, click on “Products” or contact jim.oneill@GEWI.com

AVIATION

1) FAA Opens New Air Traffic Control System Command Center

Link to article in Airport Magazine:

http://www.aviationnews.net/?do=headline&news_ID=190558

Link to news release from the FAA:

http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=12661

CAMERAS

2) Video Surveillance by Karachi Police Likely to Begin Soon

Link to article in Dawn:

http://www.dawn.com/2011/04/11/citys-video-surveillance-by-police-likely-to-begin-soon.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) Swedish Firm First Known Foreign Company to Use GLONASS

Link to Reuters article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/11/us-russia-sweden-glonass-idUSTRE73A1S320110411

4) Reporters’ Roundtable: Where is Navigation Going?

Link to story and video on CNET:

http://www.cnet.com/8301-30976_1-20052271-10348864.html

MARITIME

5) Singapore to Launch New Port Operations Control Center at Changi

Link to Bernama article:

http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsworld.php?id=578166

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

6) Minnesota’s Metropolitan Council’s $1 Million PR Budget Called Bloated

Link to article in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/local/119576299.html

ROADWAYS

7) Multiple Events Cause Gridlock in Sydney

Minister says more should have been done to warn motorists.

Link to AAP article:

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/minister-takes-blame-for-sydney-gridlock-20110411-1dat9.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) EU’s Plan to Force Airlines to Release Passenger Data Criticized

Link to Bloomberg article:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-11/eu-s-plan-to-force-airlines-to-release-passenger-data-criticized.html

9) Proof of Identity Will be Required to Enter Patna Airport

Link to article in The Times of India:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Now-I-card-a-must-for-entry-into-Patna-airport/articleshow/7934288.cms

TRANSIT

10) Wellington, New Zealand Area Bus Tracking Service ‘Disappointing’

Link to article in The Dominion Post:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/4870783/Bus-tracking-service-disappointing

11) How Smartphones Can Improve Public Transit

Link to column in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/04/how-smartphones-can-improve-public-transit/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Traffic Cameras, Message Boards Coming to Pittsburgh Area Interstates

Link to article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/westmoreland/s_731658.html

13) Monitoring Canada’s Most Traveled Roads

Link to article in Government Video:

http://www.governmentvideo.com/article/104794

VEHICLES

14) Connected Cars Fill Frequency Bands and Swamp Address Schemes

Link to article in EE Times Europe:

http://eetimes.eu/en/magazine/eete-2010.html (page 22) (free registration required)

News Releases

1) Study Shows Reduced Levels of Driver Distraction Through ATX Group’s In-Vehicle Voice-Based Texting

2) Why the Personal Navigation Device Market Faces a 50% Decline, and What Needs to Change

3) Rensselaer Professor Receives Award for Work on Making Driving Smoother, Safer Using Cellphone and GPS Data

4) TomTom Makes Driving Safer with Active Driver Feedback

5) ITS United Kingdom Looks Back at a Successful Traffex

Upcoming Events

World ITS Summit-China 2011 – May 26-27 – Shanghai

http://www.its-world.org/en/

Today in Transportation History

2001 **10^th anniversary** The 24 crew members of a US Navy EP-3E ARIES II aircraft were repatriated to the United States after being held by Chinese authorities on Hainan Island.

http://articles.cnn.com/2001-04-01/us/us.china.plane.03_1_chinese-planes-chinese-aircraft-routine-surveillance-mission

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Friday, April 8, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057

GEWI News:  AGORA-C, Build vs. Buy, and more – Are you subscribed?

Six times annually, GEWI issues a FREE newsletter for North America, Europe, Asia, and Worldwide.  These newsletters provide updates on market and product technologies, customer projects and ideas being used by traffic professionals worldwide.  In the edition being released next week you can read about AGORA-C, an exciting location referencing method being used in next generation of navigation devices. “Build vs. Buy” is a decision that is faced by companies all over the world.  This edition of GEWI’s newsletter will take a look at key components in this decision.   It will also profile a new traffic service in Indonesia, and more.

To subscribe, just visit www.GEWI.com and click on “Newsletter Subscription” in the menu bar.  For more information how TIC is used for DOT Traveler Information Services, Work Zones and Road Conditions, Navigation and Connected Services, Radio and TV…and more, click on “Products” or contactjim.oneill@GEWI.com

AVIATION

1) AirTran Fined for Failing to Display Flight Delay Data

Link to article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/business/airtran-fined-for-failing-902314.html

2) How Southwest Airlines Makes Sure Every Employee Hears Its Message

Link to SmartBlog on Leadership:
http://smartblogs.com/leadership/2011/04/06/how-southwest-airlines-engages-its-large-and-diverse-group-of-workers/

CAMERAS

3) Eyes in the Sky

Newspaper says privacy concerns over roadway cameras are an overreaction by ACLU.

Link to editorial in the Burlington County Times:

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/burlington_county_times_news/opinion/editorials/eyes-in-the-sky/article_36d7b779-5655-52eb-8969-1eacdbba64f7.html

OTHER

4) US Government Shutdown

At press-time, the federal government was facing the possibility of a shutdown.  Here’s information on how several government agencies involved with transportation and communications are planning to handle a shutdown.

–  AASHTO Journal Summary

http://www.aashtojournal.org/Pages/040811appropriations.aspx

–  US Department of Transportation

http://www.dot.gov/docs/DOTOpsDuringFundingLapse.pdf

–  Federal Communications Commission

http://www.fcc.gov/FCC-Shutdown-Plan.pdf

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

5) California DMV’s Failure to Communicate is Appalling

Newspaper criticizes information provided about closing of office in Napa.

Link to editorial in the Napa Valley Register:

http://napavalleyregister.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_2fa41852-60d4-11e0-96a2-001cc4c002e0.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) US to Use Facebook, Twitter to Issue Terror Alerts

Link to AP article:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-04-07-terror-alerts_N.htm

TRANSIT

7) Budapest Public Transit Agency to Implement Passenger Information System

Link to article on Spanish Railway News:

http://www.spanishrailwaysnews.com/noticias.asp?not=59

8) £590,000 Plan for Real-time Bus Information Approved for Cambridge, England

Link to article in Cambridge News:

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Home/590k-plan-for-real-time-bus-information-approved.htm

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

9) Pennsylvania DOT Expands Traffic Camera Network

Link to story and video on WPMT-TV:

http://www.fox43.com/news/dauphin/wpmt-penndot-expands-traffic-camera-network,0,2146016.story

10) Canadian Study Shows Importance of Traffic Reports

Link to article on All Access:

http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/89846/canadian-study-shows-importance-of-traffic-reports

11) Gainesville, Florida Introduces Website with Real-Time Traffic Updates

Link to article in the Alligator:

http://www.alligator.org/news/local/article_78cabf72-6188-11e0-a108-001cc4c03286.html

Link to site: http://gac-smartraffic.com/

VEHICLES

12) Ford, GM, Tech Firms Driving to ‘Smart’ Car Era

Link to article in Investor’s Business Daily:

http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article/568445/201104071711/Techs-Govt-Get-Behind-The-Drive-For-Smarter-Cars.htm

News Releases

1) Honeywell Teams with Boeing to Develop New System to Secure Airports, Other Facilities

2) Yokohama Tire Corporation Wins Silver ADDY Award fro iPad App

3) Real-Time Train Info Integrated with Display Monitors at Massachusetts Stations

Upcoming Events

Webinar: International Cooperation on ITS: The Viajeo Project and Beyond – April 19

http://www.ertico.com/fifth-i-mobility-network-webinar-international-cooperation-on-its-the-viajeo-project-and-beyond-2/

Friday Bonus

One reason carpooling may not be popular with some people.

http://goo.gl/cbo2v

Today in Transportation History

1911 **100^th anniversary** Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, a Dutch physicist, discovered superconductivity.

http://ilorentz.org/history/cold/DelftKes_HKO_PT.pdf

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Thursday, April 7, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057

Free INRIX Webinar: Complying with FHWA’s new Real-Time System Management Information Program (RTSMIP) Mandate

Known by many simply as “the 1201 requirements”, which referred to the original section in SAFETEA-LU, the new RTSMIP program requires that within the next four years all states develop a real-time system management information program to provide monitoring of traffic and travel conditions of the major highways and share information to address congestion problems and facilitate traveler information. Hosted by Ted Trepanier, INRIX Executive Director of Public Sector and former Director of Traffic Operations for Washington State DOT, this webinar provides a brief overview of the requirements of the new rules and showcases a suite of cost-effective and easy to implement solutions for meeting compliance with the new rule.

Date: Thursday, April 13, 2011 Time: 10:00AM (PDT); 1:00PM (EDT)

Register now: http://www.inrix.com/webinars.asp

AVIATION

1) Indian Pilots’ Exams May Go Online in July

Link to article in the Indian Express:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Pilots–exams-may-go-online-in-July/772825/

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) New Google Maps Feature Nudges Drivers to Consider Alternatives

Link to blog on CaliforniaStreets.org:

http://www.californiastreets.org/2011/04/new-google-maps-feature-nudges-drivers-to-consider-alternatives/

RAILROADS

3) Federal Railroad Administration Bans Electronic Devices on Trains

Link to article in The Journal of Commerce:

http://www.joc.com/rail-intermodal/fra-bans-electronic-devices-trains

4) Bulgarian State Railways to Use GPS to Reduce Fuel Thefts

Link to article in The Sofia Echo:

http://www.sofiaecho.com/2011/04/07/1071660_bulgarian-state-railways-to-use-gps-to-reduce-fuel-thefts

ROADWAYS

5) Website Maps California Highway Crashes, May Lead to Safer Roads

Link to article from the Contra Costa Times:

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_17786691?nclick_check=1

Link to news release from the University of California, Berkeley:

http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2011/04/06/tims-california-traffic-collisions/

TELEMATICS

6) The Toyota-Microsoft Cloud Partnership is a Big Deal

Link to column in InformationWeek:

http://www.informationweek.com/news/global-cio/interviews/229401129

TRANSIT

7) Bus Shelters in Mysore to Go Intelligent Soon

Link to article in the Business Standard:

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/bus-shelters-in-mysore-to-go-intelligent-soon/431368/

8) Woman Kicked Off Vancouver SkyTrain for Profane Lapel Pin

Link to CBC News story:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/04/06/bc-lapel-pin-f-k-yoga-translink.html

9) New York MTA’s Signs Off the Rails

Communications, especially for subway construction projects, can be a challenge.

Link to article from The Wall Street Journal:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/mtas-signs-off-the-rails-2011-04-05

10) Victoria Transport Building Android, WP7 Apps

Link to article on ZDNet Australia:

http://www.zdnet.com.au/vic-transport-building-android-wp7-apps-339312814.htm

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) ‘Drivers Should Have Been Alerted’

Witnesses blame reckless driving and poor information for pile-up on Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway.

Link to article in Gulf News:

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/drivers-should-have-been-alerted-1.788847

News Releases

1) Operation Lifesaver Testifies on Its Role in Rail Safety at House Railroad Subcommittee Hearing

2) Sound Transit Launches New Website Featuring Improved Trip Planner, Rider-Focused Design

3) US DOT Releases ‘Faces of Distracted Driving’ Public Service Announcement

4) Global Commercial Telematics Shipments to Exceed 6.4 Million by 2016

5) Research and Markets: Global Automatic Number Plate Recognition Market 2010-2014 – Need for Security Boosts Adoption of Automatic Number Plate Recognition

Upcoming Events

MOSARIM Workshop: Automotive Radar Interference Mitigation and Countermeasures – May 26 – Ispra, Italy

http://www.ertico.com/mosarim-workshop-26-may-2011-ispra-italy-2/

Today in Transportation History

1521 **490^th anniversary** Ferdinand Magellan arrived at Cebu.

http://www.ancientsites.com/aw/Article/965899

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, April 4, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057

On April 1, The PBSJ Corporation and its PBS&J subsidiary company will be renamed Atkins. PBSJ operates as a national business of Atkins in North America following its acquisition in October. Atkins is the world’s 11th largest design firm.

“The Atkins name is well known and highly respected through the United Kingdom and Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific and in key sectors such as energy,” states Robert J. Paulsen, former chairman and president of PBSJ Corp. and now president and regional managing director of Atkins North America. “We have maintained our focus on client service and our commitment to delivering technical excellence. Our teams are highly skilled and we are confident in our ability to augment our services by delivering Atkins’ international expertise locally through teams that understand the local requirements, practices, and culture.  We continue to believe a local presence is essential to best serve many of our clients.”

AVIATION

1) Heathrow Report Highlights Crisis Management Systems Failings

Airport operator BAA is investing £50 million in improving incident management and communications systems.

Link to article in Computerworld UK:

http://www.computerworlduk.com/news/it-business/3268169/heathrow-report-highlights-crisis-management-systems-failings/

2) Air Traffic System Update Encountered Turbulence

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/02/business/02air.html

3) ITT Joins Nexa Capital in $1.5 Billion Air Control Upgrade Fund

Link to Bloomberg article:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-04/itt-joins-nexa-capital-in-1-5-billion-air-control-upgrade-fund.html

Link to news release:

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nextgen-equipage-fund-announces-public-private-partnership-119175089.html

4) Research Group Defines 2050 Vision for Aviation in EU

Link to article on EurActiv:

http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/research-group-defines-2050-vision-aviation-news-503707

CAMERAS

5) Florida DOT: I-75 Cameras Won’t be Recording

Link to article in the Bradenton Herald:

http://www.bradenton.com/2011/04/03/3083222/fdot-i-75-cameras-wont-record.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) LightSquared: GPS Issues Won’t Stall Launch

Link to article on Light Reading Mobile:

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=206302

7) MTS Rolls Out First Cellphone Using GLONASS

Link to article in The Economic Times:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/hardware/mts-rolls-out-first-phone-using-russian-technology/articleshow/7865527.cms

MARITIME

8) Fishing Vessel Monitoring System Under Test in Sri Lanka

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/04/05/news25.asp

9) British Company Makes Device that Track Ships

Link to article from the Mail on Sunday:

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-signal-uk-success-story-maritime-technology-mail-sunday-/2011/04/03/5420071.htm

10) Smaller is Better

New technologies provide a lightweight solution for the US Navy’s communications.

Link to article in the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Review:

http://www.ornl.gov/info/ornlreview/v44_1_11/article09.shtml

OTHER

11) Leaders Say Virtual Port Will Grow Economy in Northern West Virginia

Weirton Port Authority wants high-speed wireless network to connect first responders in catastrophe and to facilitate transfer of information about shipments.

Link to story on WBOY-TV:

http://www.wboy.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=97062

12) Interview with the Director of the IBM Global Rail Innovation Center

Information technology could be used to better integrate travel modes.

Link to interview and video on The Infrastructurist:

http://www.infrastructurist.com/2011/04/04/talking-trains-again-with-ibm%E2%80%99s-head-of-rail-innovation/

SAFETY / SECURITY

13) Unique Montana Fatality Marker Safety Program

Link to article in the Great Falls Tribune:

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20110403/NEWS01/104030301/0/BUSINESS/Group-quietly-bears-cross-marking-state-s-highway-fatalities

14) Battling Driver Distraction

Technology from iQ-Telematics could allow drivers to focus on driving when most needed.

Link to article in the Detroit Free Press:

http://www.freep.com/article/20110403/BUSINESS06/104030451/Battling-driver-distraction

15) Avoiding the Great Compromise

Protecting public safety without compromising freedom or commerce.

Link to article in the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Review:

http://www.ornl.gov/info/ornlreview/v44_1_11/article12.shtml

TRANSIT

 

16) Auckland Integrated Ticket Card Launched

Link to article in Computerworld:

http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/auckland-integrated-ticket-card-launched

Link to news release from the NZ Transport Agency:

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/about/media/releases/1151/news.html

17) Will Mozart Help Prevent Crime?

More Portland light rail stations will get classical music under bill in Oregon legislature.

Link to AP article:

http://www.katu.com/news/local/119123129.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

18) South Dakota DOT Secretary Says Changes Made for Faster Road Updates on Web, 511

Link to AP article:

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_cfab4420-5e62-11e0-8dba-001cc4c002e0.html

19) Pennsylvania DOT Expands Camera Coverage to Bucks County

Link to article and video in the Bucks County Courier Times:

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/crime/cameras-now-focused-on-bucks-roadways/article_b389b31a-5ea5-11e0-bf1f-001a4bcf6878.html

20) Transportation and Transit Apps Slay in New York City App Contest

Link to story on Transportation Nation:

http://transportationnation.org/2011/04/04/transportation-and-transit-apps-slay-in-nyc-app-contest/

Link to additional information from the City of New York:

http://nycbigapps.com/submissions

21) Students Display Innovative Traffic Management Models

Link to article in The Times of India:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/Students-display-innovative-traffic-mgmt-models/articleshow/7859953.cms

22) Twaffic

Will Twitter – and tweets about traffic – change the way we drive?

Link to column in Slate:

http://www.slate.com/id/2290169/

23) Supporters Ought to Make Business Case for ITS Legislation

Link to editorial in the Livingston Daily:

http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20110403/OPINION01/104030319/1014/opinion/Supporters-ought-make-business-case-road-plan

News Releases

1) Monroe County, New York Traffic Cameras Now Streaming Live Online

2) Crewmember Identity Verification Program to Begin Testing

3) Tennessee DOT Introduces SmartWay Mobile

4) Ascendent ID Announces Smallest Tag for Automatic Vehicle Identification

5) China TransInfo Announces Development Agreement with Nissan Motor Co. for New Traffic Information System

Solicitation

–  Request for Proposals – Deployment of a Transit Vehicle Arrival Information System – City of Pasadena, California

http://vendors.planetbids.com/Pasadena/biddtl.cfm?BidNo=1303&Status=Bidding

Upcoming Events

Transit ITS Regional Workshop – May 17-18 – Columbia, South Carolina

http://www.ntionline.com/sectioninfo.asp?section_number=TRI-26-051711SC1

Today in Transportation History

1581 **430^th anniversary** Francis Drake is knighted for his circumnavigation of the world.

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2007/04/dayintech_0404

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Thursday, March 31, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057

GPS / NAVIGATION

1) Pentagon, US DOT Slam LightSquared Network Plan

Link to IDG News article

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/223772/us_govt_agencies_slam_lightsquared_network_plan.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

2) Distracted Driving: ‘Deadly Epidemic’ or Storm in a Teacup?

Link to story on MSNBC:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/42338592/ns/business-autos/

TELEMATICS

3) Why Telematics is the Answer to Distracted Driving

Link to commentary in Telematics Update:

http://social.telematicsupdate.com/content/why-telematics-answer-distracted-driving

TRANSIT

4) New South Wales E-ticketing to Start with Ferries, Trains

Link to ZDNet Australia article:

http://www.zdnet.com.au/nsw-e-ticketing-to-start-with-ferries-trains-339312307.htm

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

5) Transport Scotland to Build Traffic Control Center

Link to article in the Edinburgh Evening News:

http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/Traffic-control-site-en-route.6743512.jp

6) Carnegie Mellon University, Cranberry, Pennsylvania to Team on Traffic Data, Technology

Link to article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11090/1135859-54.stm

VEHICLES

7) NTSB Chief: Technology Could Prevent Bus Accidents

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ie-p9OsxHWO9zGckC7oTis_VW8bw?docId=77a025df0a4b46b8b94cb0e74f3391f5

8) Airbiquity: ‘Connectivity is Quickly Becoming Standard’

An interview about the connected vehicle experience.

Link to interview in Telematics Update:

http://social.telematicsupdate.com/executive-viewpoint/airbiquity-%E2%80%9Cconnectivity-quickly-becoming-standard%E2%80%9D

9) Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Communication System Helps Drivers Navigate Work Zones

Link to article in Research E-News:

http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchENews/2011/03/index.html#workzones

News Releases

1) Inrix Partners with Viasuisse for Next Generation Traffic Information Services

2) Tennessee DOT Unveils New Railroad Crossing Safety Campaign

3) New York MTA Says Novel Forms of Advertising Continue to be Introduced on Transit Systems

4) Comments on Crash Data Guidelines Sought by Governors Highway Safety Association

5) New BNSF Mobile Applications Extend Customer Shipment Management to Smartphones

6) Ford Begins Building One of the World’s First Digital Child Crash Dummies

Upcoming Events

International Transport Forum – May 25-27 – Leipzig, Germany

http://www.internationaltransportforum.org/2011/

Today in Transportation History

1921 **90^th anniversary** The Australian Air Force was formed.

http://www.airforce.gov.au/

1961 **50^th anniversary** The West Cork Railway in Ireland officially closed.

http://www.coppeenheritage.com/local-heritage/west-cork-railway

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Tuesday, March 29, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057

Countdown to IBTTA’s Organization Management Workshop ― April 10-12, Jersey City, NJ

Register today for IBTTA’s Organization Management Workshop and keep current on the latest industry trends in building a better organization. If you are responsible for the communications, marketing, HR, finance, and administration in your organization, this meeting is for you! This popular workshop will focus on emerging issues and practical solutions related to advancing your organization and keeping stakeholders satisfied. Meeting highlights include Gerard Braud, Keynote Speaker and Crisis Communications Expert; general session on regional mobility challenges featuring a power panel of transportation executives and commissioners; communications open house, and more. Visit www.IBTTA.org/JERSEYCITY to view the brochure, register, and learn about sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities. To view IBTTA’s entire 2011 Education Series, click here.

AVIATION

1) Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air Presidents Post Video Apology for Computer Problems

Link to blog and video on seattlepi.com:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/aerospace/2011/03/28/alaska-horizon-presidents-post-video-apology-for-delays/

CAMERAS

2) Florida MPO: Hit ‘Record’ Button on I-75 Cameras

Link to article in the Bradenton Herald:

http://www.bradenton.com/2011/03/29/3068917/mpo-hit-record-button-on-i-75.html

CARTOGRAPHY

3) Can and Should Online Mapping Services Match the Paper Map?

Link to podcast in Directions Magazine:

http://www.directionsmag.com/podcasts/podcast-can-and-should-online-mapping-services-match-the-paper-map/171624

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) More Than 200 Trucking Companies Sued for GPS Patent Infringement

Link to article in Commercial Carrier Journal:

http://www.ccjdigital.com/more-than-200-carriers-sued-for-patent-infringement/

5) Men Don’t Trust GPS, Study Finds

Link to article in the Calgary Herald:

http://www.calgaryherald.com/technology/trust+study+finds/4521592/story.html

Link to news release from Swinton:

http://www.swinton.co.uk/press/article/default.aspx?articleid=573

OTHER

6) Florida DOT, Transportation Consultants Get an Earful Over Fiber Optics Access at MPO Meeting

Link to article in The Bradenton Times:

http://www.thebradentontimes.com/news/2011/03/29/local_government/state_transportation_consultants_get_an_earful_over_fiber_optics_access_at_mpo_meeting/

7) Maryland Rail Deal Would Put Holocaust Records Online, MARC Contractor Would Have to Disclose Ties

Link to AP article:

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/69781bcfcd434cb984ccf4d6ce76452e/MD-XGR–Holocaust-Train-Records/

8) Family of Ambassador Bridge Owner Leads Image Redo

Link to article and video in The Detroit News:

http://detnews.com/article/20110329/METRO/103290369/Bridge-ambassadors–Moroun%E2%80%99s-family-leads-image-redo

RAILROADS

9) Indian Railways to Use Satellite-Based System for Tracking Trains

Information will be provided to customers through a variety of means.

Link to article in The Economic Times:

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-03-27/news/29194787_1_freight-trains-stations-satellite

10) Intercity Passenger and Freight Rail: Better Data and Communication of Uncertainties Can Help Decision Makers Understand Benefits and Trade-offs of Programs and Policies

Link to report from the US Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-290

ROADWAYS

11) Know Your Traffic Signs with iOS Apps

Programs provide directory of road signs in US and UK.

Link to review on Product Reviews:

http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/03/29/know-your-traffic-signs-with-ios-apps/

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) A New Twist on Disaster Response

An earthquake simulation demonstrated how government could harness social media in an emergency.

Link to article in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2011/03/28/feature-bressler-george-customs-and-border-protection.aspx

TRANSIT

13) New Colorectal Cancer Awareness Transit Ads Hit Roadblocks in Canada

Link to article in Marketing Magazine:

http://www.marketingmag.ca/news/marketer-news/new-colorectal-cancer-awareness-transit-ads-hit-roadblocks-25099

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) New Hampshire Hangs Up on Its 511 System

Link to article in The Telegraph:

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/913898-196/state-hangs-up-on-its-511-system.html

15) Keeping an Eye on the Traffic in York County, Pennsylvania

Link to article in the York Daily Record:

http://www.ydr.com/ci_17721124

16) First Look at Columbia County, Georgia’s New Traffic Control Center

Link to story and video on WJBF-TV:

http://www2.wjbf.com/news/2011/mar/29/first-look-columbia-countys-new-traffic-control-ce-ar-1644590/

17) Delivering Critical Information to Drivers

Utilized correctly, new technology can provide timely info, reduce driver distraction.

Link to white paper from HNTB:

http://www.hntb.com/sites/default/files/issues/MobileTrafficTechnology_2011.pdf

VEHICLES

18) Ford’s Focus on Technology

Link to commentary on just-auto:

http://www.just-auto.com/comment/fords-focus-on-technology_id109965.aspx

News Releases

1) Amtrak to Notify Northeast Corridor Passengers of Major Service Disruptions via Twitter

2) American Express Announces Serve, the Next Generation Digital Payment Platform

3) DART RideShare Delaware Launches Interactive Ridesharing and Commute-Tracking System

4) Roadify Adds a Social Side to Transit and Traffic Reports to Create New York City’s First Dynamic Commuting Platform

5) TrafficLand Launches First Unified Traffic Camera Coverage of St. Louis Market

6) Texas DOT Warns Texans: Talk. Text. Crash.

Upcoming Events

Center for Transportation Studies Transportation Research Conference – May 24-25 – St. Paul, Minnesota

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

Today in Transportation History

1941 **70^th anniversary** The Royal British and Royal Australian navies sank or severely damaged several ship of the Italian Regina Marina in a World War II battle off Greece’s Peloponnesian peninsula.

http://www.historynet.com/battle-of-cape-matapan-world-war-ii-italian-naval-massacre.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, March 28, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057

Experience the Ultimate in Technology at the 18^th World Congress on ITS this October

Cutting-edge ITS technology solutions will come to life in real time at the 18^th World Congress on ITS and ITS America’s Annual Meeting on October 16-20, 2011 in Orlando.  Set up in the large parking lot adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center, the Technology Showcase consists of live demonstrations by leading transportation agencies, including the U.S. Department of Transportation, and private sector companies like Toyota and Econolite.  This year, the Technology Showcase is organized by themes or “villages” that highlight a specific use or application: Safety, Mobility, Environment/Sustainability, and Pricing.  It will position central Florida as a “National Test Bed” for connected vehicles, people and infrastructure, with a large-scale demonstration using roadside devices along Orlando’s major corridors and a fleet of test vehicles.  The Technology Showcase is the most dynamic way to experience the World Congress—make plans now to attend! For more information and to register visitwww.itsworldcongress.org.

AVIATION

1) Airport Apps Guide Travelers from Security to Takeoff

Link to article in USA Today:

http://travel.usatoday.com/digitaltraveler/story/2011/03/Airport-apps-guide-travelers-from-security-to-takeoff/45417268/1

MARITIME

2) Port and Terminal Operating Systems Coordinate Services

Link to article in Port Strategy:

http://www.portstrategy.com/features101/port-operations/planning-and-design/tos-vs-pos/all-systems-go

OTHER

3) Automobile Magazine Founder David E. Davis, Jr. Dies

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Auto-magazine-founder-David-E-apf-559078173.html?x=0&.v=6

ROADWAYS

4) I-75 in Florida in Line for ‘Smart’ Upgrade

Link to article in the Bradenton Herald:

http://www.bradenton.com/2011/03/27/3064935/i-75-in-line-for-smart-upgrade.html

5) FHWA MUTCD Manual Needs to Modernize ‘Freeway’ and ‘Expressway’ Definitions

Link to commentary on TOLLROADSnews:

http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/5225

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Public Safety Experts Gather in Phoenix for Lifesavers Conference

Link to story and video on KTVK-TV:

http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/Public-safety-experts-gather-in-Phoenix-for-Lifesavers-conference-118788364.html

7) Technology Key to Road Safety

Link to editorial in The Arizona Republic:

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2011/03/28/20110328mon1-28-road-safety.html

TRANSIT

8) UK Readies Underground Wi-Fi for 2012 Olympics

Link to article in PCWorld:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/223428/uk_readies_underground_wifi_for_2012_olympics.html

9) Google Sets Role in Mobile Payment

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703576204576226722412152678.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) A COMPASS to Divert Drivers Through Traffic

High-tech traffic management system helps guide drivers in Toronto area.

Link to article in The Globe and Mail:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/car-tips/safety/a-compass-to-direct-drivers-through-traffic/article1955312/

11) High-Tech Solutions Sought for Auckland Traffic

ITS summit takes place in New Zealand.

Link to article in The National Business Review:

http://www.techday.co.nz/netguide/news/high-tech-solution-sought-for-auckland-traffi/19725/1/

VEHICLES

12) Wi-Fi Cars are Hitting the Information Superhighway

Link to AFP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iLhMIDcyzJ-mZI28N4j5AR6oIwLA?docId=CNG.82fce0d1e069b2865b114176f57c0264.d41

13) Ten Golden Rules for Happier Drivers

Netherland’s agency comes up with rules to help drivers use the road network.

Link to commentary in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/10-golden-rules-for-happier-drivers/2011/03/23/AF1ZbKfB_story.html

14) Tax per Gallon, or per Mile?

Link to blog on CNET:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20047354-48.html

News Releases

1) SITA and Copenhagen Airport Launch World’s First Indoor Augmented Reality Application

2) Torrance Transit Joins Google Transit to Offer Patrons Better Trip Planning Tool

3) University of New Hampshire Gets OK for Real-Time Transit Information Project

4) AAA’s Free App Helps Motorists Compare Gas Prices Close to Home and on the Road

5) TRANSCAER Rolling Out Nationwide Safety Training Tour

6) TagMaster Announces Collaboration with Siemens Mobility on Selective Vehicle Detection in Traffic Management Systems

Job Postings

–  Post-Graduate Internship: EcoMobility – ICLEI – Bonn, Germany

http://www.iclei.org/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/Global/About_ICLEI/vacancies/Call_for_internship_ecomobility_2011.pdf

–  Operations Director – State Road & Tollway Authority – Atlanta, Georgia

https://www.careers.ga.gov/jobsearch/jobdetail.asp?ReqNum=927-A0117ag

Upcoming Events

2011 International Transportation Economic Development Conference – May 1-3 – Charleston, West Virginia

http://www.ited2011.org

Today in Transportation History

1961 **50^th anniversary** Air Afrique was founded.

http://www.timetableimages.com/ttimages/rk.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Friday, March 25, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057

The 2011 International Transportation Economic Development Conference will be the fourth international conference to concentrate on the link between transportation and economic development. Held May 1-3, 2011 in Charleston, West Virginia, this conference will focus on issues and challenges related to the economy, global concerns and financial constraints.  It will feature national transportation and economic leaders including US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.  In addition, over 50 national and international speakers will present in 16 separate technical sessions throughout the 2½ day conference.  Registration is only$250.00 (special discounts are available for students) through Monday, April 4th.  Go to http://www.ited2011.org/registration.html or contact our conference planning staff at Meetings Northwest (866-633-8110) to learn more.

AVIATION

1) FAA Orders Nationwide Review of Air Traffic Control System

Link to Bloomberg article:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-25/faa-orders-nationwide-review-of-air-traffic-control-system.html

Link to FAA statement:

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2011/dot3711.html

2) Controller’s Mistake at Reagan Airport Shows Safety Plans Worked

Link to article in The Christian Science Monitor:

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2011/0324/Controller-s-mistake-at-Reagan-airport-shows-safety-plans-worked

3) The In-Flight Phone is Making a Comeback

Link to article in Time:

http://techland.time.com/2011/03/24/the-in-flight-phone-comeback/

Link to news release from Aircell:

http://aircell.com/press-room/aircell-introduces-world%E2%80%99s-first-airborne-smartphone

4) Community College of Baltimore County Uses Simulators to Teach Future Air Traffic Controllers

Link to story and video on WMAR-TV:

http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/region/baltimore_county/ccbc-uses-simulators-to-teach-future-air-traffic-controllers

5) Airport Magazine – February/March 2011

Technology – How new technologies are making airports more productive.

Link to magazine:

http://issuu.com/aaae/docs/airmag_febmarch_2011?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&autoFlip=true&autoFlipTime=6000

OTHER

6) ERTICO Interviews Gzim Ocakoglu, EC DG Transport and Mobility (DG MOVE)

Link to interview:

http://www.ertico.com/the-ertico-march-2011-interview/

7) On a Tech Drive

India needs to focus on more innovative ways to implement IT for applications other than electronic toll collection in order to fully exploit the benefits of ITS.

Link to commentary in Express Computer:

http://www.expresscomputeronline.com/20110328/event01.shtml

RAILROADS

8) Creative Marketing Gives Taiwan Railway New Life: Official

Link to Central News Agency article:

http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?ID=201103230048&Type=aLIV

ROADWAYS

9) Virginia Seeks Sponsorships for Highway Rest Stops

Link to article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/news/2011/mar/25/2/tdmet01-state-seeks-sponsorships-for-highway-rest–ar-926713/

Link to news release:

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=653

10) Illinois Tollway Trucks Will Bring Assistance, Advertising

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-tollway-ads-20110324,0,267897.story

SAFETY / SECURITY

11) Young Entrepreneur Creates Speedbump Safe Driving App

Link to article in USA Today:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/technologylive/post/2011/03/young-entrepreneur-creates-speedbump-safe-driving-app/1

Link to further information:

http://www.wirelessesp.com/web/guest/splash

TELEMATICS

12) Tracking Fleet Proves Problematic

Fleet managers require better decision-support software if they are to realize the full potential of ITS.

Link to article in Government News:

http://www.governmentnews.com.au/2011/03/25/article/Tracking-fleet-proves-problematic/IRKHQQFZGP.html

TRANSIT

13) DC Metro to Add More Cameras to Station Entrances

Link to article in The Examiner

http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/dc/2011/03/metro-add-more-cameras-station-entrances

14) Deprivation Study Finds Access to Real-Time Mobile Information Could Raise the Status of Public Transit

Link to further information from Latitude Research:

http://www.latd.com/2011/03/16/deprivation-study-finds-access-to-real-time-mobile-information-could-raise-the-status-of-public-transit/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) Virginia Nerve Center Always Ready for Emergencies

Joint operations center allows Virginia DOT, State Police and 911 call center to coordinate under one roof.

Link to article on Reston Patch:

http://reston.patch.com/articles/nerve-center-always-ready-for-emergency

VEHICLES

16) Putting the Company in the Cab

Modern truck technology has evolved from a century-long quest for greater control and visibility of drivers.

Link to article in Commercial Carrier Journal:

http://www.ccjdigital.com/putting-the-company-in-the-cab/

17) Check My Ride is a Social Network for Cars

Link to column in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/03/check-my-ride-is-a-social-network-for-cars/

News Releases

1) Northern European Air Navigation Service Providers Take a Historic Step Towards Formal Alliance

2) Garmin Announces the Future of Avionics

3) The 8^th European Exhibition on Intelligent Transport Systems and Services in Lyon has Sold Out

4) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Launches Online Database of Hazardous Materials Incident Reports

5) FAA Installs 150^th Alaska Weather Camera to Promote Safer Skies

6) New York MTA Bridges and Tunnels Gives Motorists Real Travel Time Information via New Electronic Roadway Signs, Web and Smartphone Tools

Job Postings

–  Director, Office of Transit Safety and Security – Federal Transit Administration – Washington, DC

http://goo.gl/HfFWV

–  Director, Office of Transit Programs – Federal Transit Administration – Washington, DC

http://goo.gl/fauct

Upcoming Events

18^th Annual Airfield Safety, Sign Systems & Maintenance Management Workshop – May 22-24 – Seattle

http://events.aaae.org/sites/110503/

Friday Bonus

Usually I don’t recommend specific products in the TCN, but for this car I’m going to make an exception.

http://goo.gl/hUPZW

Today in Transportation History

1961 **50^th anniversary** The USSR launched Korabl-Sputnik 5 with Zvyozdochka, a dog, onboard.  This was the last test flight before the first manned flight.

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1961-009A

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Thursday, March 24, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) Tower at Reagan National Goes Silent as Planes Attempt to Land

Link to article and video in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/tower-at-reagan-national-goes-silent-as-planes-attempt-to-land/2011/03/23/AB9aslKB_story.html

Link to statement from the FAA administrator:

http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=12577

Link to news release from the NTSB:

http://www3.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2011/110324.html

OTHER

2) BlackBerry Backpedals on DUI Checkpoint Apps

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-03-24-scofflaws24_ST_N.htm

3) Florida Lawmakers on Board with Ads on School Buses

Link to article from The News Service of Florida:

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/lawmakers-on-board-with-ads-on-school-buses-1343208.html

RAILROADS

4) Positive Train Control on Track for 2015

Link to commentary in Mass Transit:

http://www.masstransitmag.com/interactive/2011/03/16/positive-train-control-on-track-for-2015/

ROADWAYS

5) Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Told Late of Tunnel Light Collapse

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/03/24/official_told_late_of_light_collapse/

6) Delaware Bill Would Post Missing Person Alerts on Highway Signs

Link to article in the Dover Post:

http://www.doverpost.com/communities/camden-wyoming/x1777830296/Bill-would-post-missing-person-alerts-on-highway-signs

7) Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Plazas Will Soon Offer Tickets with Fares Printed on Them Again

Link to article in The Patriot-News:

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/03/pennsylvania_turnpike_toll_pla.html

TELEMATICS

8) Taiwan Eyes Telematics Business Derived from EU Navigation Satellite Galileo

Link to article on DigiTimes:

http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20110324PD201.html

TRANSIT

9) Grand Jury Critical of San Diego Coaster Emergency System

Link to article in The San Diego Union-Tribune:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/mar/23/county-grand-jury-critical-coaster-emergency-syste/

10) Simple Signs Make Riding BART Easier

Link to article in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/22/MN081IENHF.DTL (Thursday)

11) Singapore Integrates Analytics in Land Transport

Link to article in FutureGov:

http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2011/mar/24/singapore-integrates-analytics-land-transport/

12) Busting Fare Jumpers with Cellphones

Link to article in Mass Transit:

http://www.masstransitmag.com/publication/article.jsp?pubId=1&id=13934

13) Maryland Launches Interactive Voice Response Option for Paratransit Service

Link to article in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2011/03/Maryland-s-Mobility-Services-launch-IVR-telephone-option.aspx

14) Text Alerts Now Coming Quicker for Boston Commuter Rail Riders

Link to blog in the Boston Herald:

http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/news/on_the_t/index.php/2011/03/23/text-alerts-now-coming-quicker-for-commuter-rail-riders/

15) Tech Solutions for Transit Emerge at TransportationCamp West

Link to Streetsblog San Francisco:

http://sf.streetsblog.org/2011/03/23/tech-solutions-for-transit-emerge-at-transportationcamp-west/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) New Ohio DOT System Puts More Eyes on Roads

Link to story and video on WKYC-TV:

http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/182181/3/Northeast-Ohio-New-ODOT-system-puts-more-eyes-on-roads

17) Ho Chi Minh City to Build Vietnam’s Biggest Traffic Control Center

Link to article in Thinking Highways:

http://thinkinghighways.com/Pages/News.aspx?.region=&id=e73b58c1-426a-4e67-9fe6-2106a2ef8173&Month=&source=Latest&Year=&campaign=wizemail&dm_i=IDJ,E8A5,2JG1LC,14U1Q,1

VEHICLES

18) Solution to California DMV Wait Times?

New phone app provides wait times and directions to DMV offices.

Link to story on WTKR-TV:

http://www.wtkr.com/news/wtvr-solution-to-dmv-wait-times-20110324,0,4135791.story

News Releases

1) Milan, Italy Transport Agency Employs Scala-Powered Digital Signage to Jump-Start Its Renewal Project

2) The #1 Fun Way to Pay for Parking – Introducing the CallToPark App for iPhone

3) Connecticut TV Station WTNH Launches ‘W82TXT’

4) Wisconsin DOT Now Offering Twitter Updates on Traffic Incidents Statewide

Job Postings

–  Bilingual (Mandarin) Software Engineer – Sensys Networks – Berkeley, California

http://www.sensysnetworks.com/software_engineer

–  Systems Engineer – Sensys Networks – Berkeley, California

http://www.sensysnetworks.com/systemsengineer

Solicitation

– Call for Nominations – National Roadway Safety Awards – US DOT & Roadway Safety Foundation

http://www.roadwaysafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2011nomination-package.pdf

Upcoming Events

IEEE 73^rd Vehicular Technology Conference – May 15-18 – Budapest

http://www.ieeevtc.org/vtc2011spring/

Today in Transportation History

1911 **100^th anniversary** Roger Sommer carried 13 passengers, a new record, in a plane during a flight in Mouzon, France.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F40F13F7385517738DDDAC0A94DB405B818DF1D3

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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 at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net