Job Alert: Director of Electronic Toll Collection – MTA Bridges and Tunnels – New York, NY

July 26, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Control Code: P999U/R920
Resume Due Date: August 12, 2011
Job Title: Director of Electronic Toll Collection
Department/Division: Tolling Initiatives
Work Location: 2 Broadway, New York, NY
Earnings Potential : Commensurate with salary history and experience (Actual salary offers are made subject to the salary administration policy and are made considering a number of factors including, but not limited to, the selected candidate’s salary and work history.)
Hay Points: 800
Overtime Eligibility: Not eligible for paid overtime in accordance with FLSA

Job Description:
Manages the planning, engineering, design, acquisition and installation of state of the art electronic toll collection technologies and systems, including research and testing; manage consultants and contractors as necessary; administer capital projects budgets; work collaboratively with all functional areas to address operational, customer service and other needs; reports to the Senior Director of New Toll Initiatives.

Specialized Knowledge:

At least 10 years experience working in the toll industry at a level that has included detailed technical knowledge of state of the art toll collection technologies and systems obtained through a technical degree and in field experience, experience with systems engineering through classroom work or practical application on multiple projects and extensive project management skills. Excellent communicatons skills and ability to work as part of a team

Education:

Undergraduate technical degree, master’s degree preferred

How to Apply

To be considered for this vacancy, follow these four easy steps:

1 – Place the Control Code found below in the upper right hand corner of your resume.

2 – Ensure that this office receives your resume by the Due Date provided above.

3 – Make sure that your resume includes a chronological work history.

4 – Send your resume to this address:

Job Alert: Senior Manager, Procurement @ New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

June 22, 2011 at 6:21 pm

The MTA (of NY) seeks a highly skilled and motivated procurement and contracts professional to support the delivery of MTA’s real-time bus tracking and customer information systems. This position participates as an integral part of the implementation team of MTA’s Bus Customer Information Systems (CIS) project, contributing to meeting the CIS project procurement and contract administration objectives and ensuring that the procured CIS system components procured meet the CIS project goal of significantly improving the customer experience with the MTA bus services.

Specifically, the incumbent in this role will understand the broad technical standards and specifications relating to real time bus location information systems, wireless networks, public API’s and Smart Card technology, create procurement vehicles from detailed software and hardware specifications and utilize efficient procurement strategies and contract negotiation skills to get possession of various sub systems of the Bus CIS system.

Critical responsibilities include those necessary to drive the procurement and contracting process around Bus CIS. Qualifications include 7 years of experience in contracting and procurement, including 5 years of experience on technical or systems projects. A Bachelor degree in Business Administration or related field is required, an advanced degree procurement-related fields, project management or related discipline preferred.

To apply, email a resume and cover letter to MTABusCIS@gmail.com AND ALSO visithttp://mta.info/mta/employment/employment_out.html and apply for Job Posting #73589.

MTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Alert: Director, Office of Transit Programs — Federal Transit Administration @ Washington, DC

March 25, 2011 at 6:58 pm

(Source: USA Jobs)

Federal Transit Administration

Dedicated to delivering results that matter to the American people, the FTA supports, improves, and promotes effective public transportation, the Nation’s fastest growing mode of travel. Through the administration, management, and oversight of a $10 billion annual grant program, FTA supports the development and construction of subway, light rail, and bus systems to help communities provide travel choices; improve access to jobs and health care; drive economic growth; and protect the environment.

This position is located in the Office of Transit Programs of the Office of Program Management (TPM). The Office is responsible for the development and management of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) formula and discretionary grant programs, oversight of regional office capital and formula grant making processes, and management of FTA’s electronic grant making system as business process owner.

You will serve as the director of the Office of Transit Programs and will be personally responsible for the supervision, management, and execution of all activities of the Office. You also will represent and negotiate for FTA in meetings in Washington and the field with top level representatives of Federal, State, regional and local agencies, organizations, and transit operators.

This position is ideal for a Senior Level, professional transportation program specialist who has excellent communication skills, analytical skills, and leadership skills.

Click here for additional information and to apply.

Job Alert: Director, Office of Transit Safety & Security @ Federal Transit Admn., USDOT

March 25, 2011 at 6:16 pm

(Source: USAJOBS)

Job Description

Dedicated to delivering results that matter to the American people, the FTA supports, improves, and promotes effective public transportation, the Nation’s fastest growing mode of travel. Through the administration, management, and oversight of a $10 billion annual grant program, FTA supports the development and construction of subway, light rail, and bus systems to help communities provide travel choices; improve access to jobs and health care; drive economic growth; and protect the environment.

You will serve as Director, Office of Transit Safety and Security (TPM-30) within the Office of Program Management.

You will carry out the duties and responsibilities outlined in this position description and reports to the FTA Associate Administrator of Program Management and Deputy Associate Administrator of Program Management. The duties and responsibilities include functioning as advisor in safety security matters to the FTA Administrator, and Deputy Administrator. You will serve as Director of the TPM-30 leadership team, which includes team leaders for security and safety. As a senior FTA expert in safety and security, you will represent FTA in promoting transit safety and security and is a focal point for all related programs and issues. You will also serve as a key liaison for FTA with other elements of the Department and other Federal agencies for transit safety and security matters.

You will be responsible for establishing the framework for coordinated and cooperative safety and security activities within FTA, with relevant DOT agencies, with other Federal agencies, and with concerned national organizations and State agencies. Ensures that safety and security is a priority with FTA grantees and contractors, the transit industry, and concerned interest groups. Responsible for directing, coordinating, controlling, and ensuring the adequacy of short- and long-range FT A plans and programs on all transit safety and security matters as they relate to the FTA strategic plan, its missions, programs, and objectives. Keep the FTA Administrator, and Deputy Administrator informed of emerging and controversial issues.

This position is ideal for a Senior Level professional with a broad range of transit safety and security matters and functioning as an advisor in such matters.

Click here for more information and to apply

Event Alert – “Making Connections” — National Transit Conference @ Silver Spring, MD on March 17, 2011

January 22, 2011 at 1:05 pm

This is a must attend event for those interested/involved in public transit policy!  Here’s a great opportunity to expand your professional network and hear from industry experts on a variety of public transportation hot topics.

Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT) members are being offered a 50% discount on conference registration.  To take advantage, when you register, be sure to use the discount code “YPT”.

What: Making Connections is a day-long conference for public transportation professionals to strengthen the national dialogue on public transit advocacy, policy and workforce development.

When and Where: Thursday, March 17, 2011 at the Hilton Hotel Washington DC/Silver Spring (Metro-accessible).

For full details, visit the conference registration website at http://mc2011.eventbrite.com or see the attached informational flyer.  The conference host is also seeking a small number of volunteers (in particular, students, but all inquiries are welcome) to help staff the event in return for free registration.  Contact event organizer and YPT member Aimee Custis at acustis@transportcenter.org for more information.

General flyer – National Transit ConferenceDownload flyer – National Transit Conference

Webinar Alert: Join EMBARQ’s Darío Hidalgo for the presentation of “Modernizing Public Transport”

December 10, 2010 at 12:49 am

Title: EMBARQ Interactive Webinar: Darío Hidalgo presents “Modernizing Public Transport”

Date: Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

Click here to REGISTER

Join Darío Hidalgo, EMBARQ’s Director of Research & Practice, as he presents his new publication “Modernizing Public Transport: Lessons learned from major bus improvements in Latin America and Asia.” Darío will provide an overview of his comprehensive review of major bus improvements in 13 cities. He will summarize common challenges and lessons learned, highlighting key recommendations for successful project planning, decision-making, implementing and operation.

To see Darío’s bio, please visit: http://www.embarq.org/en/about/staff/dario-hidalgo

To download “Modernizing Public Transport,” please visit: http://www.embarq.org/en/modernizing-public-transportation

To learn more about how to join the webinar, please visit: http://support.gotomeeting.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=5641&task=knowledge&questionID=5613

Click here to REGISTER

EMBARQ Interactive Webinar: Darío Hidalgo presents “Modernizing Public Transport”

Join us for an interactive webinar on December 14

Please join Darío Hidalgo, EMBARQ’s Director of Research & Practice, as he presents his new publication “Modernizing Public Transport: Lessons learned from major bus improvements in Latin America and Asia.”  Darío will provide an overview of his comprehensive review of major bus improvements in 13 cities. He will summarize common challenges and lessons learned, highlighting key recommendations for successful project planning, decision-making, implementing and operation.

To see Darío’s bio, please visit:  http://www.embarq.org/en/about/staff/dario-hidalgo

To download “Modernizing Public Transport,” please visit:  http://www.embarq.org/en/modernizing-public-transportation

To learn more about how to join the webinar, please visit:http://support.gotomeeting.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=5641&task=knowledge&questionID=5613

Title:

EMBARQ Interactive Webinar: Darío Hidalgo presents “Modernizing Public Transport”

Date:

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Time:

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Space is limited.
Reserve your webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/650320507

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Bad timing, bro – Fare Jumper Caught Red Handed By Boston MBTA General Manager

December 9, 2010 at 6:14 pm

(Source: Boston Globe)

Boston MBTA’s General Manager Richard Davey was headed to Ashmont on the T’s Red Line for the unveiling of banners created by youth artists from Dorchester when he spotted the scofflaw attempting to climb over the fare gates at the lesser-used Winter Street entrance to Park Street.

He walked up the evader and confronted him for jumping over the turnstiles.  Caught by surprise and enveloped in shame, the  scofflaw retreats back. This is where it gets better.

“He kind of fumbled around, and he did not have the CharlieCard (aka the fare card) and had just a couple of bucks on him, so I actually offered to pay for him,” Davey said. “He declined and said he would get his own ticket.”

Oh well, at least the young man had the pride to pay for his own ticket after getting caught red handed.  Good job, Richard Davey.  MBTA should be proud to have a vigilant man at the top running the show.

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“Piss Off” – London Tube worker tells 7/7 inquest how he was refused first aid supplies when responding to the transit bombings

December 6, 2010 at 6:56 pm

(Source: The Guardian, UK)

Tube worker says station manager at King’s Cross refused to let him take bandages from control room to treat victims

London Underground worker who was among the first to arrive at one of the bombed tube carriages on July 7 was told to “piss off” by his superior when he rushed back to collect more first aid equipment to treat the injured and dying, he said today.

Imran Chaudhury fought back tears as he said one of the duty station managers at Kings Cross, Ken Leach, tried to obstruct him from collecting bandages from the station’s control room, despite the fact that his clothing was covered in blood and injured passengers could clearly be seen on CCTV emerging from the ruined train.

Leach’s superior, group station manager Peter Sanders, had also been in the room but had said nothing, said Chaudhury, which still “haunts” him, he told the inquest into the deaths of the victims of the bomb attacks. Fifty-two people died in the attacks, 26 were killed in the Kings Cross blast.

Click here to read the entire story

Note: It scares me to think how ill-prepared many of our U.S. transit systems across the country are even after such a coordinated mass-casualty event occurred in one of the busiest and well-policed systems around the world.  In Washington, DC I see so many security lapses day in and day out when I ride the system but given the complexities of the system and its vast network, it is definitely difficult to have a 100% fool-proof security.  While it is not possible to put a policeman in every station every hour of the day, I can see a lot of vigilant riders who help keep a watch on the system.  The system riders are sensitized to such dangers and have been repeatedly requested over the PA system, over the years, to inform station managers or authorities if they spot an unattended bag or any object that looks suspicious. As I write this, I can feel that stern lady voice over the DC Metro’s PA system: “Hi, Is That Your Bag?”, a part of the “See it Say It” public safety campaign, suggesting people to report any suspicious object they spot while riding the trains or on the Metro facilities such as stations and parking lots.   At times, I can’t help but feel over a period of time after listening to the announcements a gazillion times,  I feel like I have a part to play in keeping the system safe and secure.  The sense of alertness goes up when I read about a bomb threat or a situation regarding transportation security (the downside of being in transportation business). At times I feel that any failure on my part,  as a rider and user heavily-dependent on the system, to be vigilant may result in a possible strike keeps me alert (I admit sometimes it’s hard to stay awake after a long day at work).   I assume this social policing (rather social conditioning/sensitizing) initiative involving our public definitely has helped the transit police.  It will be great  to know if the if the Metro has ever compiled an evaluation report of sorts explaining how many calls were received and how many threats (minor and major) were averted/prevented/addressed since this campaign went into effect.

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29G Memoir – An expatriate’s nostalgic recollection of commuting by bus in Chennai, India

September 7, 2010 at 6:24 pm

(Source:  RealTalkies)

I can relate to almost everything in this nice blog post. I enjoyed a fair share of the experiences described by the author, who fondly recollects her memories riding a bus during her college days (in the 1990s) in the Southern India city of Chennai (formerly known as Madras)!  For those not in the know, Chennai is one of the top four cities in India – in terms of population, investment, etc and has a relatively good transportation network that is affordable for the masses.

These days I should not be complaining about my daily commute after living through some of these experiences. As dangerous as it sounds, most of my commutes to work and school back in India involved holding on to a window grill for dear life with just one hand and only one foot on the bus’ steps  as it whizzed by at 60km/hr. For crying out loud, the country has 1.3 billion people and at times it felt like as if the entire citizenry of the nation decided to ride the very bus that I took to school/work!

Those days all the Chennai Metro buses where painted with green and off-white stripes. When a large rectangular mass of green and off-white stripes appears on the horizon, everyone in the bus stop perks up and strains to see the number on the white board over the large windshield. The ones with better vision are lucky, because after seeing the number, they get 30 seconds more to decide where to position themselves to improve their chances of boarding the bus.  My vision was terrible and hence my strategy was as good as a coin toss.

On a few lucky days, I am the first at the entrance. Drones of people embark and disembark the bus through the two entrances in no particular order. The goal is to get in and out of the bus before the conductor blows the godforsaken whistle and the bus begins to move. People still continue to board the moving bus.

Inside the bus,  I manage to pull out my free bus pass and the conductor punches a hole to mark my free government permitted ride to school for the day. It is almost impossible to explain how crowded the bus gets. The closest analogy I can give is, it feels like sardines packed in a can.  I am swept into the bus and get jammed in the middle. I am suspended in that space. My body is in physical contact with several bodies at various points inside that tight packed space. It is like I have been mapped in the cosmos.

The Chennai Metro bus is a social space; one that is  similar to a school, hospital, church, sports club, gym or dance studio. There are certain set of unwritten rules for engagement and obligations to fulfill. By default there are more assigned seats for men than women, generally women sit in the right side of the bus and men on the left. When the bus is crowded a man has to vacate a designated woman’s seat but the converse is not true.

If a woman or a really old man is getting on a moving bus, then more than a few concerned citizens will bang on the steel bus and it will screech to a halt to allow them to get in. If it is just a bunch of guys they would just have to hang for dear life on the windows bars and somehow swing and get their feet on the steps of the bus or just cling to the bus. They still have to pay their fare for the bus ride, as it is gets them to their destination faster than if they run or walk.

If a man is hanging outside, then it is your duty as a passenger who is secure inside the bus to grab their belongings – backpack, lunch bag, etc and keep it secure. If you get off the bus before the guy does, pass it on to someone else for safekeeping. A woman, no matter how agile or skilled is not supposed to hang onto the window or stand on the steps of a moving bus. For some weird reason a disabled or incapacitated woman is more of a societal liability than a handicapped man. Therefore, again the dutiful citizens in the bus tell the woman to get to safety.

Click here to read the entire article.  Here are some fun pictures

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Surfing while riding the rails – #NYC subway gets Wi-Fi

August 26, 2010 at 10:54 am

If the centuries old New York City Subway can do this, why not in DC’s relatively new and modern subway system? That would make many commutes productive and possibly serve as an incentive for region’s drivers to shed the cars and take the trains to work. I can’t imagine a better town than DC for adopting this technology, because on any given day we have more folks commuting with their Laptops, iPods, iPads, e-readers, etc. It is a shame that we still can’t get the cellphones to work inside the tunnels for more than one carrier.

With the days of paid Wi-Fi clearly numbered, what business models are there for transit agencies and wireless service provider partners to consider? In the first part of several installments, this week we’ll look at Transit Wireless LLC, which is rolling out wireless networks in New York’s extensive subway system.

Amplify’d from www.masstransitmag.com

In 2007, the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) awarded a 10-year communication infrastructure contract to Transit Wireless LLC — a conglomerate of construction and wireless companies — that would bring mobile phone and Wi-Fi service to the 277 stations within the city’s subway system. NYCTA’s parent, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, approved the contract in September 2007 but did not give the official notice to proceed until July this year. The project stalled due to lack of sufficient funding, but was restarted after financing was provided by Broadcast Australia, a Sydney-based multinational that also installed wireless in Hong Kong’s subway. Broadcast Australia, in turn, is controlled by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board in a convoluted chain of ownership. Under the terms of the original 2007 deal, the NYCTA would earn in excess of $45 million from an estate lease over the 10-year term; Transit Wireless will cover all network construction costs and generate revenue from mobile carriers such as AT&T, Sprint and Verizon, who would provide cellular service over the Transit Wireless network.

The whole roll-out is expected to cost around $250 million including the payments to the NYCTA; work will commence on the first six stations in Manhattan by September, with live service expected in all six within two years. The remaining 271 stations will be completed within the next six years, although a spokesman for Transit Wireless stated that up to 15 stations a month could be outfitted during the rolling program. Phone and Wi-Fi coverage will be available only in the stations, on platforms and part-way into adjacent tunnels; the contract does not stipulate contiguous coverage throughout the subway system. In addition to consumer services, the Transit Wireless solution will serve public safety organizations by providing the source of a cell phone’s signal within a station, improving incident response times.

Read more at www.masstransitmag.com