Monday, December 7, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Call for Papers Deadline Fast Approaching for ITS America’s 20^th Annual Meeting & Exposition

ITS America’s 20^th Annual Meeting & Exposition, May 3-5, 2010, Houston, Texas will provide transportation leaders with effective tools and strategies to create smart cities and communities that are safer, cleaner, more livable and less congested.  Don’t miss out on the opportunity to submit a paper to this major ITS event!  Papers must be submitted online by Dec. 15, 2009.  The educational program will bring together a diverse community of transportation professionals, business leaders, elected officials, and federal and state public agency representatives for three days of thought leadership in the debate over the nation’s transportation future.  For a list of topics, key dates, guidelines, and to submit your paper online, visit www.itsa.org/amprogram.html.

AVIATION

1) Airport Kiosks do Nearly Everything but Check Luggage

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-briefcase5-2009dec05,0,3607899.story

CAMERAS

2) Cameras Enter All Corners of Life

Link to article in The Des Moines Register:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091206/NEWS10/912060351/-1/COMM07/Cameras-enter-all-corners-of-life

CARTOGRAPHY

3) Navteq to Supply Microsoft with 3D Map Data

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10410320-2.html

4) Google Maps Inexplicably Mixes Chicago’s Past, Present

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-google-maps-06-dec06,0,4018426.story

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

5) The European Electronic Toll Collection Service: One Vehicle, One Contract, One On-Board Unit

Link to publication from the European Commission:

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/publications/doc/2009_eets.pdf

MARITIME

6) Eyeing Port of Los Angeles Security

Link to article in the Daily Breeze:

http://www.dailybreeze.com/latestnews/ci_13934290

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Promoting the Car Phone, Despite Risks

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/07/technology/07distracted.html

8) Palo Alto, California is Increasing Lighting at Train Crossing to Discourage Suicides

Link to article in the San Jose Mercury News:

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_13933325

SPACE

9) NASA Launches App for iPhone and iPod Touch

Link to article in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9141909/NASA_launches_app_for_iPhone_and_iPod_Touch

TRANSIT

10) Google Transit Your Next Bus Ride

California agencies doing study to improve statewide connectivity between transit operators.

Link to article in the Contra Costa Times:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13944521

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) Feds Creating Real-Time Traffic Information Alerts

Link to article in The Examiner:

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/Feds-creating-real-time-traffic-information-alerts-8618087-78550827.html

12) Beating Bangkok Traffic

Google’s Thailand marketing manager explains how Google Maps will help Bangkokians get quickly and easily from point A to point B.

Link to article in The Nation:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/12/05/opinion/opinion_30118026.php

News Releases

1) US DOT Awards Funds to Dallas, San Diego for New Technology Initiative to Fight Congestion

2) US Coast Guard Begins Automated Application Status Notifications via E-mail

3) New Data Show that ‘Open Road Tolling’ Improves Safety at Toll Plazas

4) New Organization Launched to Help Create Digital Britain

5) FEMA and the FCC Announce Adoption of Standards for Wireless Carriers to Receive and Deliver Emergency Alerts via Mobile Devices

Solicitation

–  Call for Abstracts – ITS Canada Annual Conference and General Meeting

http://www.itscanada.ca/ottawa2010/documents/CallForAbstracts2010_EN.pdf

Upcoming Events

2010 Intertraffic China – May 26-28 – Beijing

http://www.china.intertraffic.com

Today in Transportation History

1994 **15^th anniversary** – Norfolk & Western steam locomotive 611 made its last run as the Norfolk Southern ended it steam excursion program.

http://www.retroweb.com/611lastrun.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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  www.bwcommunications.net

Friday, December 4, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) FAA Administrator Urges Proactive Approach to Safety

Link to article in ATW Daily News:

http://atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=18687

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

2) I-PASS Users Face Extra Charge

Illinois wars with Indiana over 3 cents tacked on.

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-talk-i-pass-indiana-tollsdec04,0,6422852.story

3) New West Virginia Turnpike Toll System Could Cost $7 Million

Link to article in The Register-Herald:

http://www.register-herald.com/local/local_story_337215837.html

OTHER

4) Gauteng Drives Transport IT Solutions

Link to article on ITWeb:

http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28656:gauteng-drives-transport-it-solutions&catid=69:business&Itemid=58

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

5) Communicating Transportation, Energy, and Climate Change Concepts to the Public: TRB Contest Identifies Exemplary Efforts

Link to article in TR News:

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/Communicating_Transportation_Energy_and_Climate_Ch_162612.aspx

RAILROADS

6) Indian Government Plans Anti-collision Devices Throughout Rail Network

Link to article in The Economic Times:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Govt-plans-anti-collision-devices-throughout-rail-network/articleshow/5297964.cms

ROADWAYS

7) Out of Gas? Lost? Flat Tire? Who Ya Gonna Call?

San Diego area drivers can dial 511 for roadside assistance.

Link to article in San Diego Metropolitan Magazine:

http://sandiegometro.com/2009/12/out-of-gas-lost-flat-tire-who-ya-gonna-call/

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Highway Officials Push to Curb Distracted Driving

Link to article in The Birmingham News:

http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-stories/2009/12/highway_officials_push_to_curb.html

TRANSIT

9) New York State Senator Questions Wisdom of Giving MTA Bus Riders Arrival Information

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/12/04/2009-12-04_pol_raps_mta_spending.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Congress: Invest in Intelligent Transportation Systems to Create Jobs

Link to article in The Hill:

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/technology/70623-congress-invest-in-intelligent-transportation-systems-to-create-jobs

News Releases

1) FAA Solicits Bids for NextGen Contracts Worth $7 Billion

2) SAE International Creating New Air Traffic Management Steering Committee

3) Ford Vehicles Equipped with Clarion Navigation Top J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Study

4) Intelligent Transport System Conference and Exhibition Opens in New Delhi

5) Sirius Traffic Available on Model Year 2010 Mercedes-Benz Vehicles

6) Research and Markets: Electronic Toll Collection Systems – A Global Update of Market Trends & Opportunities

Job Postings

–  Supervisory IT Specialist – Research and Innovative Technology Administration (Volpe Center) – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=84936651

Upcoming Events

Sleep Apnea & Trucking Conference 2010 – May 11-12 – Linthicum, Maryland

http://www.satc2010.org/

Friday Bonus

Looking for a way to get folks to take the stairs instead of the escalator?  This could be the answer.

http://thefuntheory.com/?q=expriment/pianotrappan

Today in Transportation History

1984 **25^th anniversary** – Hezbollah terrorists hijacked a Kuwait Airlines flight killing four passengers.

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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  www.bwcommunications.net

Thursday, December 3, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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IBTTA Summit to Explore Transformational Changes in Transportation Funding System — December 13-15, 2009 in Washington, DC

If you are responsible for funding or operating surface transportation infrastructure at the state, regional, county or municipal level, we invite you to attend IBTTA’s Transportation Policy and Finance Summit and explore the transformational changes that must take place to create a sustainable and efficient transportation funding system. CFO Roundtable on December 13, 2009: This Summit will include a special CFO roundtable for chief financial officers from toll agencies, state departments of transportation, and individuals in similar positions to share knowledge and ideas, network, and learn from one another. For registration, hotel and travel information or to view the preliminary agenda, visitwww.IBTTA.org.

AVIATION

1) US Approves ADS-B Equipment Standards

Link to article in Aviation Week:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/ADSB120209.xml&headline=U.S.%20Approves%20ADS-B%20Equipment%20Standards&channel=comm

MARITIME

2) FCC to Continue Gathering Info on Discontinuance of Maritime Distress Call Services

Link to article in Government Security News:

http://www.gsnmagazine.com/cms/features/news-analysis/3033.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

3) High-Resolution Cameras to be Added Along Mississippi in Vicksburg Area

Link to article in The Vicksburg Post:

http://www.vicksburgpost.com/articles/2009/12/01/news/doc4b155e0e93554957699249.txt

4) Entrepreneur Says Camera Security Software Can Learn Normal Behavior to Cut False Alarms

Link to article in the Houston Chronicle:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/tech/news/6750018.html

5) Royal Mail’s Safe-Driving Program Reaps £5.5 Million Reward

Uses telematics to help identify drivers at risk.

Link to article in BusinessCar:

http://www.businesscar.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=5377&c=2&theme=0

TRANSIT

6) DC Metro IT Money Unspent

Link to article on NextGov:

http://techinsider.nextgov.com/2009/12/metro_it_money_unspent.php

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

7) Mississippi DOT Launches $3 Million Traffic Management Project

Link to article in the Hattiesburg American:

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20091203/NEWS01/912030353/1002

8) Land Line Readers Mainly Turn to Radio, CB for Traffic Info

Link to article in Land Line:

http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Dec09/113009/120209-04.htm

News Releases

1) US Transportation Secretary Commends University of Alabama-Birmingham for Convening  First Statewide Summit on Distracted Driving

2) Cars That ‘Think’ May Help Drivers Who Don’t

Upcoming Events

2010 Payments Summit – February 23-25 – Salt Lake City, Utah

http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=784cdb11-133e-4ba0-84f6-0acd5d6d4a05

Today in Transportation History

1979 **30th anniversary** – Shadow Traffic made its New York City debut.  Among the first group of traffic reporters was the future editor of the Transportation Communications Newsletter.

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/12/03/2009-12-03_a_bumper_time_for_traffic_news.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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  www.bwcommunications.net

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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TCN Support

As I mentioned in Monday’s newsletter I want to tell you in coming days about various ways you can support the TCN.  One of the ways is through ads in the newsletter.  As you’ve seen in previous issues, I sometimes have ads from various organizations and companies atop the newsletter.  I never want the TCN to be crammed with commercial messages so I’ve limited my ads to only one per issue.  That also assures that your ad will stand out.  The cost for an ad is only $100 per issue and it can include up to ten lines.  Among those who have used the TCN to communicate with the 7,000+ subscribers are IBTTA, ITS America, GEWI and INRIX.  If you’re interested in advertising, or would like to know more, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

AVIATION

1) NTSB Chairman Admonishes FAA for Moving ‘Too Slow’ on Runway Safety

Link to article in ATW Daily News:

http://atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=18653

Link to remarks by NTSB Chairman:

http://www.ntsb.gov/speeches/hersman/daph091201.html

2) St. Louis’s Lambert Airport to Get $1.4 Million Sign, Entrance Makeover

Link to article in the St. Louis Business Journal:

http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2009/11/30/daily35.html

3) New Lambert Airport Head: Marketing Airport a Must

Link to article in the St. Louis Business Journal:

http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/blog/2009/12/new_lambert_director_marketing_airport_a_must.html

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Microsoft Bing Maps Beta Adds Much Richer Images

Link to column and video on CNET News:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-30684_3-10407829-265.html?tag=newsLeadStoriesArea.1

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) Feds ‘Pinged’ Sprint GPS Data Eight Million Times Over a Year

Link to column in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/12/gps-data

OTHER

6) Trucking Software Pioneers to Merge

Link to article in The Journal of Commerce:

http://www.joc.com/node/415004

Link to news release from TMW Systems:

http://www.tmwsystems.com/TMW-and-Innovative

ROADWAYS

7) Regional Traffic Signal Operations Programs: An Overview

Link to publication from the Federal Highway Administration:

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=594

8) Nova Scotia’s MacKay Bridge Signs Will Help Alleviate Commuter Crunch

Link to article in Metro:

http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/local/article/384858–mackay-bridge-signs-will-help-alleviate-commuter-crunch

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Colorado DOT Launches iPhone App to Help Estimate Blood-Alcohol Content

Link to article in The Denver Post:

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_13904487

TRANSIT

10) Report Faults Plan for Handling New York City Subway Emergencies

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/02/nyregion/02safety.html

11) Orange County Transportation Authority Finds Cost Savings in Mobile Program

Link to article in DMNews:

http://www.dmnews.com/california-transportation-agency-finds-cost-savings-in-mobile-program/article/158750/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) TVs Installed at Virginia Mall to Provide Traffic Updates During Construction

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/02/AR2009120202716.html

13) WABC-TV’s Joe Nolan Celebrates 30-Years in Traffic

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/12/02/2009-12-02_road_scholar_nolan_passes_a_landmark.html

News Releases

1) Congress Urged to Invest in Deployment-Ready Transportation Technologies for Immediate Job Creation

2) ProTECTS (Promotion of Two-Way Emergency Communication and Tracking Systems) Alliance Announces Organizational Meeting

3) Global Automotive Telematics Shipments to Expand by Factor of Four by 2016

4) GPS Users Reveal Which US Cities are Truly the Most Congested

5) New Standard Facilitates Faster Response Time for Road Accidents

6) Beat the Traffic Introduces Improved My Traffic Service

Upcoming Events

Transport & Innovations Forum – May 26-28 – Leipzig, Germany

http://www.internationaltransportforum.org/2010/index.html

Today in Transportation History

1939 **70^th anniversary** – LaGuardia Airport opened to commercial traffic.

http://www.laguardiawagnerarchive.lagcc.cuny.edu/curriculums/Lag_airport/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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  www.bwcommunications.net

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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IBTTA Summit to Explore Transformational Changes in Transportation Funding System — December 13-15, 2009 in Washington, DC

If you are responsible for funding or operating surface transportation infrastructure at the state, regional, county or municipal level, we invite you to attend IBTTA’s Transportation Policy and Finance Summit and explore the transformational changes that must take place to create a sustainable and efficient transportation funding system. CFO Roundtable on December 13, 2009: This Summit will include a special CFO roundtable for chief financial officers from toll agencies, state departments of transportation, and individuals in similar positions to share knowledge and ideas, network, and learn from one another. For registration, hotel and travel information or to view the preliminary agenda, visitwww.IBTTA.org.

AVIATION

1) Comedian Records Airport Welcome

Link to BBC News story and video:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/bristol/somerset/8388702.stm

BICYCLES

2) Better Bikeways: Getting Rolling with Improved Signage

Link to article in Good:

http://www.good.is/post/better-bikeways-getting-rolling-with-improved-signage/

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) What on Earth is Happening with ‘Russia’s GPS’?

Link to article in Fortune:

http://brainstormtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/12/01/what-on-earth-is-happening-with-russias-gps/

OTHER

4) IT to Slash Global Carbon Emissions Almost 6 Billion Tons by 2020

Wider use of information technology in transport, and other fields, could cut carbon footprint by the equivalent of annual US emissions.

Link to article on BusinessGreen:

http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2254214/huge-potential-cut-emissions

5) Latest Edition of Transport Business International Online

Link to magazine:

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=mypagesuite&pnum=&refresh=4k0QT17t0yX5&EID=526db8ee-ff6c-4265-a5a6-b98132e11cb4&skip=

ROADWAYS

6) Ready, Steady, Go! Countdown Stoplight Brings Fun to Traffic Control

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/12/ready-steady-go-countdown-stoplight-brings-fun-to-traffic-control/

Link to further information from Yanko Design:

http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/11/30/a-better-understanding-of-stoplights/

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) 31 MetroAccess Workers Fired for Cell Phone Use Rehired

Zero-tolerance policy on cell phones violated contract, union said.

Link to article in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/30/AR2009113003745.html

TELEMATICS

8) Ford Expands Best Buy Sync Partnership

Link to article in Marketing Daily:

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=118165

TRANSIT

9) Spoof New York MTA Service ‘Announcements’ Get Big Draw on Twitter

Link to article in amNew York:

http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/spoof-mta-service-announcements-get-big-draw-on-twitter-1.1628071

Link to Fake MTA: http://twitter.com/FakeMTA

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Engineer Who Hacked Into Los Angeles Traffic Signal Computer, Jamming Streets, Sentenced

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/12/engineers-who-hacked-in-la-traffic-signal-computers-jamming-traffic-sentenced.html

11) Swiss Autoroute Warning Signs End

Link to article on GenevaLunch:

http://genevalunch.com/blog/2009/12/01/autoroute-warning-signs-end-tuesday/

12) Live Singapore Traffic Info at Your Fingertips

Link to article from The Straits Times:

http://digital.asiaone.com/Digital/Features/Story/A1Story20091130-183120.html

News Releases

1) New Hampshire Governor, DMV Unveil New Online Driver’s License Renewal System

2) AirIQ Announces Closing of Sale of US Subsidiary, Boatracs Issuance of Shares Pursuant to Private Placement

3) Jacobs Receives $99 Million Contract From the FAA for EnRoute Facilities Planning and Modernization Program Design Services

4) Waze Launches International Partner Program Enabling Local Map-Owners Worldwide to Convert Static Maps Into Live, Navigable Maps

CORRECTION: The wrong link was provided to the new Web site for West Virginia DOT in yesterday’s newsletter.  The correct link is http://www.transportation.wv.gov/.

Upcoming Events

2010 AASHTO Spring Meeting – May 19-23 – Natchez, Mississippi

http://www.transportation.org/meetings/260.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1959 **50^th anniversary** – The Norfolk & Western Railway merged with the Virginian Railway.

http://www.american-rails.com/virginian-railway.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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  www.bwcommunications.net

Monday, November 30, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Support for the TCN

It’s been over a year since I last came to the readers of the TCN to ask for your support.  It seems like this is a good time to come back.  At the end of December I’ll have the hours at my day job cut to part-time.  In the long-run I expect this to be good news.  It will allow me to devote more time to the TCN and other newsletters I edit and it will permit me to become move involved in my voice-over work.  It will also mean considerably less income for the short-term.  In the days and weeks ahead I’ll be telling you more about ways you can support the TCN, but here’s a quick overview.  The first is contributions to the TCN.  More information on this is available at the bottom of today’s issue.  Other ways to support the TCN include purchasing ads, using my voice services, having your own customized newsletter or simply telling others about the TCN.  Thank you in advance for your support.

AVIATION

1) Airline Safety: The Next Generation of Smart Planes

Link to article in The Christian Science Monitor:

http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2009/11/23/airline-safety-the-next-generation-of-smart-planes/

2) Delta to Close Call Centers in London and Montreal, Bring Jobs Back to the US

Link to article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle:

http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2009/11/30/daily8.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

3) Cashless E-470 Takes Toll on Rental Car Drivers in the Form of Fines

Link to article in The Denver Post:

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_13886500

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

4) West Virginia DOT Launches Improved Web Site

Link to story on WHSV-TV:

http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/78160032.html

Link to site: http://www.wvdot.com/

ROADWAYS

5) Wildlife Warnings Go Infrared in Idaho

Link to article in The Spokesman-Review:

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/nov/30/wildlife-warnings-go-infrared/

6) New Publications from US DOT

–  Truck Size and Weight Enforcement Technology – State of the Practice of Roadside Technologies

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=592

– Truck Size and Weight Enforcement Technologies – Implementation Plan

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=591

–  Concept of Operations for Virtual Weigh Station

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=593

TRANSIT

7) Caltrain to Offer Real-Time Delay Data

Link to article in the San Mateo County Times:

http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_13881434

8) Pittsburgh-Area Port Authority Set to Get Smarter with New Technology

Link to article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleynewsdispatch/s_655327.html

9) Five Commuter iPhone Apps You’ve Gotta Try

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/11/commuting-iphone-apps/

10) Laughter on the Go

Transit TV Comedy entertains bus riders in the Los Angeles area.

Link to article in the Santa Monica Daily Press:

http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2009-11-29-65677.113116_Laughter_on_the_go.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) Surface Transportation: Efforts to Address Highway Congestion Through Real-Time Traffic Information Systems are Expanding but Face Implementation Challenges

Link to US Government Accountability Office report:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10121r.pdf

VEHICLES

12) Personalized Texas Plates Can Now Carry Firms’ Logos

Link to column in the Houston Chronicle:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6744388.html

News Releases

1) Near Real-Time Traffic and Weather Data from Traffic Info Map USA 1.2

2) SpeedInfo Earns Patent for Breakthrough Solar-Powered Doppler Radar Sensor Technology

Upcoming Events

Border Wait Time Measurement Technology Test, Evaluation and Deployment Project – Vendor Information Session – December 14

http://www.itsa.org/industry_member_news_content/c91_a3179/News_and_Events/Industry_and_Member_News/Industry_Member_News_Archive.html

Today in Transportation History

1934 **75^th anniversary** – The Flying Scotsman became the first steam locomotive to officially travel at 100 miles per hour.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nationonfilm/topics/railways/background_rise.shtml

Contributions for the TCN

Contributions to the TCN are greatly appreciated.  You can mail a contribution to me at:

Bernie Wagenblast

1 Aberdeen Ct.

Cranford, NJ  07016-2911

You may also contribute through PayPal.  Just go to:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=10069680

Thank you!

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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  www.bwcommunications.net

Friday, November 27, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Pilots of Errant Northwest Flight Cite Distraction in Transcript

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125934128806566563.html

Link to transcripts: http://www.faa.gov/data_research/accident_incident/2009-10-23/

2) Chicago Airport Music Helps Frazzled Fliers Connect with City

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-music-tracker-city-zonenov27,0,6104510.story

Link to further information from the Chicago Music Commission:

http://www.flychicago.com/terminaltunes/

MARITIME

3) New Port Community Information System for Australia

Link to article in Seatrade:

http://www.seatradeasia-online.com/News/4908.html

Link to further information from Tradegate Australia:

http://www.tradegate.org.au/news/14/

4) GPS Tagging for Children on Oasis of the Seas

Link to article in the Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/cruise-news/6669230/GPS-tagging-for-children-on-Oasis-of-the-Seas.html

OTHER

5) Traffic-Weary Kids Develop Web Site to Help Neighbors Share Rides

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/25/AR2009112501951.html

RAILROADS

6) Free Wi-Fi Awaited in Moscow Railroad Stations in December

Link to article on Russia-InfoCentre:

http://www.russia-ic.com/news/show/9282/

Link to further information from Russian Railways:
http://www.rian.ru/moscow/20091126/195609387.html (in Russian)

SPACE

7) A Wild Ride on NASA’s Massive Flight Simulator

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-10404808-52.html

Link to further information from NASA:

http://www.aviationsystemsdivision.arc.nasa.gov/facilities/vms/index.shtml

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) Signal Fading on Radio Traffic Reports

Link to AP article:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TRAFFIC_WATCHERS

VEHICLES

9) Toyota Acts to Keep Its Grip on the PR Wheel

Link to column in the Financial Times:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a02a2bc2-da78-11de-9c32-00144feabdc0.html

Upcoming Events

Digital Signage Expo – February 23-25 – Las Vegas

http://www.digitalsignageexpo.net/DigitalSignageExpo/DSE.aspx

Friday Bonus

If you thought your daily commute was only fit for a dog, maybe you’re right.

http://image.examiner.com/x-9231-Denver-Dog-News-Examiner~y2009m8d15-Stray-dogs-learn-how-to-ride-subway

Today in Transportation History

1964 **45^th anniversary** – The Pennsylvania Railroad ended Pittsburgh commuter service.

http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/burnham/burnham5.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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, November 25, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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Happy Thanksgiving!

AVIATION

1) Aviation Groups Tell Congress NextGen Will Spur Jobs

Link to article in The Wichita Eagle:

http://blogs.kansas.com/aviation/2009/11/24/aviation-associations-tell-congress-nextgen-funding-will-spur-jobs/

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

http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2009/091124nextgen.html

ROADWAYS

2) Maryland State Highway Administration Pilots State-of-the Art Variable Speed Advisory Technology

Link to story on WBAL Radio:

http://wbal.com/apps/news/templates/story.aspx?articleid=40528&zoneid=3

Link to news release from Maryland SHA:

http://www.marylandroads.com/Pages/release.aspx?newsId=543

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

3) Traffic-Time Signs Going Statewide in North Carolina

But some commuters don’t find them useful.

Link to article in The Herald:

http://www.theherald-nc.com/front/story/12335.html

4) Intelligent Roads: Several Approaches to Keeping Streets Clearer

Link to article in the Financial Times:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c758d0e2-d7bf-11de-b578-00144feabdc0.html

5) Beware, Big Brother is Watching

A look behind-the-scenes of the Bangalore Traffic Management Centre.

Link to article in the Bangalore Mirror:

http://www.bangaloremirror.com/index.aspx?page=article&sectid=10&contentid=20091124200911241229152504848a683

Link to further information from the Bangalore City Traffic Police:

http://www.bangaloretrafficpolice.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&btp=87

VEHICLES

6) Traffic Accident Avoidance Technology Advances

Link to story on Minnesota Public Radio:

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/11/24/crashreduction/

7) GM to Work with National Federation of the Blind on 2011 Chevy Volt Sounds

Link to article in The Car Connection:

http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1039004_gm-to-work-with-national-federation-of-the-blind-on-2011-chevy-volt-sounds

Link to news release from General Motors:

http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2009/Nov/1125_Chevy_Volt

News Releases

1) Closer Links for ITS United Kingdom and ITS Australia

2) New Real-Time Interactive Traffic Map Aims to Help Connecticut Travelers

3) European Project for Integration of UAS: Unmanned Aircraft to Conquer the Skies

Job Posting

–  Executive Director – E-ZPass Interagency Group – Wilmington, Delaware/Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Area

http://www.e-zpassiag.com/executive_director_ad.pdf

Upcoming Events

Texas Transportation Forum – January 6-8 – Austin, Texas

http://www.dot.state.tx.us/ttf/

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100^th anniversary** – Edvard Rusjan made the first successful flight in an Eastern European airplane.

http://www.earlyaviators.com/erusjan.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.com

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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IBTTA Summit to Explore Transformational Changes in Transportation Funding System — December 13-15, 2009 in Washington, DC

If you are responsible for funding or operating surface transportation infrastructure at the state, regional, county or municipal level, we invite you to attend IBTTA’s Transportation Policy and Finance Summit and explore the transformational changes that must take place to create a sustainable and efficient transportation funding system. CFO Roundtable on December 13, 2009: This Summit will include a special CFO roundtable for chief financial officers from toll agencies, state departments of transportation, and individuals in similar positions to share knowledge and ideas, network, and learn from one another. For registration, hotel and travel information or to view the preliminary agenda, visit www.IBTTA.org.

AVIATION

1) India, EU to Cooperate Closely in Aviation Sector

Link to Press Trust of India article:

http://www.ptinews.com/news/392414_India–EU-to-cooperate-closely-in-aviation-sector

Link to news release from the Government of India:

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=54512

2) How Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Safety is Unique – In the Tower

Link to story and video on KNXV-TV:

http://www.abc15.com/content/news/phoenixmetro/central/story/Exclusive-How-Sky-Harbor-safety-is-unique-in-the/Yp2bx2LN6U2CoFHa0qvpPg.cspx

CARTOGRAPHY

3) Iowa Cities Discover Mapping Devices Lagging Behind Rapid Growth

Link to article in The Des Moines Register:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091124/NEWS/911240306/1125/

OTHER

4) Pressure Grows for IT Inclusion in Copenhagen Agreement

Link to article in Computing:

http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2253895/top-level-pressure-grows-ict

RAILROADS

5) Amtrak Promoting ‘Green’ Tourism in Illinois

Link to article in The State Journal-Register:

http://www.sj-r.com/business/x441552799/Amtrak-promoting-green-tourism-in-Springfield-elsewhere

ROADWAYS

6) Quick Way to Weigh

Trucks monitored in motion on Delaware highway.

Link to article and video in The News Journal:

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20091124/NEWS/911240347/Quick-way-to-weigh

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

7) I-95 Relief for East Coast Holiday Travelers

Link to article in the Washington Business Journal:

http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2009/11/23/daily18.html

Link to I-95 Corridor Travel Time Information: http://www.i95travelinfo.net/

8) A National Action Plan for Safer More Efficient Transport in Australia

Link to article in Transport & Logistics News:

http://tandlnews.com.au/2009/11/24/article/A-national-action-plan-for-safer-more-efficient-transport/XTGZDKIKKJ.html

News Releases

1) Seattle Adding 57 More Traffic Cameras in 2009

Upcoming Events

Transportation Research Board 89^th Annual Meeting – January 10-14 – Washington, DC

http://www.trb.org/AnnualMeeting2010/AnnualMeeting2010.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1969 **40^th anniversary** – Apollo 12 splashes down in the Pacific Ocean.

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/apollo12info.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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, November 23, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

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AVIATION

1) Airline Web Sites Battle for Fewer Customers

Link to article on MarketWatch:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/airline-web-sites-battle-for-fewer-customers-2009-11-20

2) United’s LineBusters Keep Lines Moving

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-11-20-airportcheckin23_ST_N.htm

OTHER

3) Lack of Backup Foils Virginia’s New IT System

State DMV and DOT suffer numerous outages.

Link to article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/DMVV21_20091120-222606/307063/

RAILROADS

4) Marketing Helps Vermont Train Ridership

Link to article in the Burlington Free Press:

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20091121/NEWS02/911210307/Marketing-helps-Vermont-train-ridership

Link to further information from Vermont Rail Action Network: http://www.railvermont.org/

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) High-Tech Babysitters Get Drivers Off Phone

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/22/technology/22distracted.html

6) Intelligent Transportation System Hits Roadblock in Kansas

Link to story and video on KAKE-TV:

http://www.kake.com/news/headlines/70679812.html

7) Shortage Slows a Program to Detect Nuclear Bombs

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/23/us/23helium.html

8) New Web Site Launched for Forth Road Bridge

Link to article in Queensferry Today:

http://www.queensferrygazette.co.uk/news/New-website-launched-for-Forth.5844719.jp

Link to site: http://www.feta.gov.uk/

TRANSIT

9) Overland Trains to Accept Oyster Card

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8373913.stm

Link to news release from the City of London:

http://www.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=24359

10) Zambian Transporters Urged to Display RTSA Number to Facilitate Passenger Communication

Link to article in the Times of Zambia:

http://www.times.co.zm/news/viewnews.cgi?category=6&id=1258954716

11) The Days May be Grim, but Here’s a Good Word to Put In Your Pocket

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/nyregion/20metrocard.html

Link to further information from the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority:

http://www.mta.info/mta/aft/about/optimism.html

12) Eyes on the Street: Is This Our Stop? Signage Shortcomings on Muni Metro

Link to blog on Streetsblog San Francisco:

http://sf.streetsblog.org/2009/11/23/eyes-on-the-street-is-this-our-stop-signage-shortcomings-on-muni-metro/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Dublin Firm Starts Ireland’s First Real-Time Traffic Information System

Link to article in The Sunday Business Post:

http://www.sbpost.ie/news/ireland/get-traffic-info-by-text-45803.html

Link to further information from iTraffic:

http://itraffic.ie/ProductsPageMED.html

14) Australian Government to Begin ‘Smart Infrastructure’ Inquiry

Link to article in the Queensland Business Review:

http://www.qbr.com.au/news/articleid/61171.aspx

VEHICLES

15) How Crash Tests Help Bring Traffic Deaths Down

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

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120628434

16) New Custom Texas Car Plates Offer Range of Colors, Themes

Link to article in the Star-Telegram:

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/story/1773760.html

Link to news release from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles:

http://www.myplates.com/Press20091029.aspx

News Releases

1) Successful eCall Demonstration by Qualcomm and Hughes Telematics

2) NOAA Installs System to Improve Safety and Efficiency of Ships along the Cherry Point Reach in Washington State

3) FAA Takes Aim at Icing with New Ice Protection Proposal

4) Beat the Traffic Announces New BlackBerry Application

5) Web Site Spells Relief for Holiday Travelers on the East Coast

6) United Airlines Introduces Try-Before-You-Buy Wi-Fi Promotion

7) Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Introduces Online Noise and Flight Tracking Tool

8) GE Aviation Acquires Leader in Performance-Based Navigation

Solicitation

–  Request for Proposals – Safety Patrol – E-470 Public Highway Authority

http://www.e-470.com/Default.aspx?pn=Requests%20For%20Proposals

Upcoming Events

Consumer Telematics Seminar 2010 – January 6 – Las Vegas

http://www.telematicsupdate.com/cts/

Today in Transportation History

1809 **200^th anniversary** – Pirate Edward Jordan was hung in Nova Scotia.

http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mma/events/pirates.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to:  i95berniew@aol.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