Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – August 27, 2009

August 27, 2009 at 11:37 pm

Thursday, August 27, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Countdown to IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, September 13-16, 2009 in Chicago — Register Today!

IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting & Exhibition is the most significant gathering of toll industry professionals in the world. Attend this meeting and interact with the most influential experts and decision makers from around the globe and discuss ideas and solutions about transportation financing strategies, the future of tolling and paying for mobility, AET and Interoperability, new ideas for the new economy and sustainable transportation. Featured speakers include Stuart Varney, Business and Financial Journalist; Mark Shields, Syndicated Columnist and Political Analyst; Robert Atkinson, President, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation and Chairman, National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission; and General (Ret.) Barry McCaffrey, Retired U.S. Army General, News Commentator, and Business Consultant. Register by August 21 and receive a $100 discount off your registration fee. This meeting is hosted by the Illinois Tollway and will be held at the Hyatt Regency. For information on registration, hotel reservations, exhibiting or sponsorship, visit IBTTA’s website at www.ibtta.org.

AVIATION

1) LAX Simulator Puts Trainees in the Hot Seat

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-controller27-2009aug27,0,239228.story

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) GPS Hackers Blaze Own Trails with Crowdsourced Maps

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/08/gps-hackers/

OTHER

3) Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles Warns of Fake Web Site

Link to Vermont Press Bureau article:

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20090827/NEWS03/908270335/1004/NEWS03

RAILROADS

4) BNSF Wants Automatic Brake Rule Eased

Link to Bloomberg News article:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a2mh9pY6W7KM

TRANSIT

5) Kansas City-Area Transit Becoming More Tech Friendly

Link to article in The Kansas City Star:

http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/story/1407811.html

6) Recession Prompts MARTA to Spend on Image

Link to article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/news/recession-prompts-marta-to-124589.html

VEHICLES

7) Evaluation of the National CVISN Deployment Program

Link to final report from US DOT:

http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/31000/31000/31010/14459.htm

News Releases

1) Connected Vehicle Testing Begins at Michigan International Speedway

2) NOAA, Japan Establish Navigation Satellite Ground Station in Guam

3) Navteq Study Shows Traffic-Enabled Navigation Can Save Drivers 4 Days per Year

4) US Department of Transportation Awards $100,000 Research Contract to Solar Roadways

Upcoming Events

ITS Georgia Annual Meeting – October 4-6 – Young Harris, Georgia

http://www.itsga.org/2009annmtg.htm

Today in Transportation History

1859 **150th anniversary** – In Titusville, Pennsylvania the world’s first successful oil well was drilled.

http://www.drakewell.org

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – August 26, 2009

August 26, 2009 at 11:09 pm

Wednesday, August 26, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Logan Airport to Unveil New Ship Radar System

Link to AP article:

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20090825logan_airport_to_unveil_new_ship_radar_system/srvc=home&position=recent

2) FAA Soliciting Comments on Foreign Object Debris Detection and Alerting Systems

Link to article in Aviation International News:

http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/faa-soliciting-comments-on-fod-detection-system-ac/

3) Adding ‘Boston’ to Name Boosts New Hampshire Airport’s Numbers

Link to article in the New Hampshire Union Leader:

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Adding+%27Boston%27+to+name+boosts+airport%27s+numbers&articleId=1613296e-0a47-45a7-8ef5-462869de36ee

4) Hewlett Packard to Develop New Technology System for American Airlines

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/HP-to-develop-technology-for-apf-2370825721.html?x=0&.v=1

Link to news release from HP:

http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2009/090826b.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) Screening Program Causing Confusion Among Travelers and Travel Companies

Link to article in The Sacramento Bee:

http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2139098.html

6) US Transportation Security Administration May Hand Cash Rewards to Tipsters About Crimes or Security Violations

Link to article in Government Security News:

http://www.gsnmagazine.com/cms/features/news-analysis/2563.html

7) Video Dramatization Shows Deadly Consequences of Texting and Driving

As experts prepare for summit on distracted driving, debate ensues over whether videos, laws and technology can be effective.

Link to article in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9137111/Video_dramatization_shows_deadly_consequences_of_texting_and_driving

Link to video: http://www.gwent.police.uk/leadnews.php?a=2172

8) A Safe Way to Drive and Text? One Man Hopes So

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/commons/2009/08/a_safe_way_to_drive_and_text_o.html?hpid=news-col-blog

TELEMATICS

9) Is Mini’s Roadside Assistance App the Future of Telematics?

Link to column in Edmunds Daily:

http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/2009/08/tech-tuesdays-is-minis-roadside-assistance-app-the-future-of-telematics.html

TRANSIT

10) Seattle Light Rail’s Passenger Counting System Not Working

Link to article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

http://www.seattlepi.com/transportation/409575_ridership26.html

News Releases

1) Intelligent Transportation Society of America Launches New Online Job Service

Upcoming Events

Public Private Ventures in Transportation Conference – September 24-25 – Washington, DC

http://www.artbappvconference.org/

Today in Transportation History

1974 **35th anniversary** – Aviator Charles Lindbergh died in Maui, Hawaii.

http://www.charleslindbergh.com/history/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – August 24, 2009

August 24, 2009 at 5:24 pm

Monday, August 24, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Alaska-Tested Capstone System Improves State’s Air Traffic Safety

Link to article in The Alaska Journal of Commerce:

http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/082109/loc_img8_003.shtml

2) Streaming Offers New Option for Flight Data

Link to CP article:

http://nbbusinessjournal.canadaeast.com/journal/article/769622

3) Southwest Airlines Plans to Expand Inflight Wi-Fi

Link to AP article:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-08-24-southwest-wifi_N.htm

CAMERAS

4) Redflex Considers Solar Speed Cameras

Link to article in The Arizona Republic:

http://www.azcentral.com/community/surprise/articles/2009/08/23/20090823solarcameras0823.html

CARTOGRAPHY

5) Map Reveals Hotspots on the Tube

Link to BBC News article:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8218059.stm

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

6) Malaysian Motorists Urged to Use ETC Cards

Link to Bernama article:

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=434831

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) New York City Taxi GPS is a ‘Lost & Found’ Lifesaver

Link to article in the New York Post:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/08242009/news/regionalnews/taxi_gps_is_a_lost__found_lifesaver_186206.htm

OTHER

8) Dealers Seek More Time as Clunker Web Site Chokes

Link to article in the Detroit Free Press:

http://www.freep.com/article/20090824/BUSINESS01/90824062/1318/Dealers-seek-more-time-as-clunker-Web-site-chokes

9) European Commission Transport Web Site Redesigned

Link to site:

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/index_en.htm

10) Your Client Along America’s Roads

Reaching travelers through adopt-a-highway programs.

Link to article in Media Life:

http://www.medialifemagazine.com/artman2/publish/Out_of_Home_19/Your_client_along_America_s_roads.asp

ROADWAYS

11) SAFESOT Targets Better Road Safety

Link to article from the European Commission:

http://ec.europa.eu/research/headlines/news/article_09_08_24_en.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) Multitasking by Drivers Raises Liability Concerns

Link to article in Business Insurance:

http://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20090823/ISSUE01/308239993

13) US Fire Administration Releases Research on Emergency Vehicle Visibility

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/713597

Link to report: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_323.pdf

TRANSIT

14) Setbacks Bedevil San Diego’s Compass Card

Link to article in The San Diego Union-Tribune:

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/24/setbacks-bedevil-compass-card/

15) Millions of Passengers Manage to Find the AirTrain

Despite complaints of confusing signage, AirTrain JFK manages to draw five million passengers a year.

Link to story and audio report on WNYC Radio:

http://www.wnyc.org/news/articles/137903

16) Who Owns Transit Data?

Link to column on CNET News:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-19882_3-10315749-250.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

17) Mississippi DOT Opens $1.5 Million Traffic Management Center in Hattiesburg

Link to article in The Clarion-Ledger:

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20090822/NEWS01/908220351/1001/news/MDOT-opens–1.5M-traffic-management-center-in-Hattiesburg

18) Stimulus Money to Ease Truckers’ Wait in Colorado

Link to AP article:

http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20090824/NEWS/908249994/1078&ParentProfile=1062

VEHICLES

19) Police Find Data from Black Boxes Helps in Investigations

Link to article in The Detroit News:

http://www.detnews.com/article/20090822/METRO05/908220359/1016/Police-find-data-from-black-boxes-helps-in-investigations

20) Malta Reticent on EU-wide ‘eCall’ Car Safety System

Link to article in The Malta Independent:

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=93003

21) Ricardo’s Intelligent Car

Link to article in AutoSpeed:

http://autospeed.com/cms/A_111468/article.html

News Releases

1) CITE Announces Fall 2009 Blended Course Offerings

Job Postings

–  Planner 3 (ITS Specialist) – TranSystems – Boston, Massachusetts

https://www3.recruitingcenter.net/Clients/transystems/PublicJobs/controller.cfm?jbaction=JobProfile&Job_Id=11158&esid=az

Upcoming Events

FAA International Runway Safety Summit – December 1-3 – Washington, DC

http://events.aaae.org/sites/091107/

Today in Transportation Hiarticle

1909 **100th anniversary** – The pouring of concrete begins at the Gatun Locks during construction of the Panama Canal.

http://www.canalmuseum.com/photos/panamacanalphoto015.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – August 20, 2009

August 20, 2009 at 8:10 pm

Thursday, August 20, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Countdown to IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, September 13-16, 2009 in Chicago — Register Today!

IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting & Exhibition is the most significant gathering of toll industry professionals in the world. Attend this meeting and interact with the most influential experts and decision makers from around the globe and discuss ideas and solutions about transportation financing strategies, the future of tolling and paying for mobility, AET and Interoperability, new ideas for the new economy and sustainable transportation. Featured speakers include Stuart Varney, Business and Financial Journalist; Mark Shields, Syndicated Columnist and Political Analyst; Robert Atkinson, President, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation and Chairman, National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission; and General (Ret.) Barry McCaffrey, Retired U.S. Army General, News Commentator, and Business Consultant. Register by August 21 and receive a $100 discount off your registration fee. This meeting is hosted by the Illinois Tollway and will be held at the Hyatt Regency. For information on registration, hotel reservations, exhibiting or sponsorship, visit IBTTA’s website at www.ibtta.org.

AVIATION

1) Wi-Fi on Planes is Growing, if You Can Find the Right Flights

Link to story in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9136848/Wi_Fi_on_planes_is_growing_if_you_can_find_the_right_flights_

2) American Airlines Expands In-Flight Internet Access

Link to AP story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/American-expands-inflight-apf-2798260461.html?x=0&.v=2

Link to news release from American Airlines:

http://aa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2704

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) The Big Draw of a GPS Run

GPS drawing allows runners and bikers to create art through their travels.

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/20/fashion/20GPS.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) Judge: Defunct Airport Fast Pass Company Can’t Sell Customer Data

Link to IDG News Service story:

http://news.idg.no/cw/art.cfm?id=37662EF5-1A64-67EA-E4CE3F08FAF4EFCF

5) New Award Will Honor Transportation Safety Contributions

Link to story on AVweb:

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/NewAwardWillHonorTransportationSafetyContributions_201027-1.html

TELEMATICS

6) Taiwan Targets Auto Electronics

Link to story in Automotive DesignLine:

http://www.automotivedesignline.com/news/219400844;jsessionid=QJV050E1K2XJHQE1GHPCKH4ATMY32JVN

TRANSIT

7) UK Government: Smart Ticketing Could Save Cash and Carbon

Link to story in eWeek Europe:

http://www.eweekeurope.co.uk/news/government–smart-ticketing-could-save-cash-and-carbon-1645

8) SEPTA Postpones ‘Smart-Card’ Fares

Link to story in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20090820_SEPTA_postpones__smart-card__fares.html

9) Home, James – Public Transport Gets Personal

CyberCars2 developing technologies to make road-based automated transport a reality.

Link to story on PhysOrg:

http://www.physorg.com/news169913192.html

10) Minnesota Transit Agency Unveils New Marketing Campaign Aimed at Texters

Link to story in Metro Magazine:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2009/08/Minn-transit-agency-unveils-new-marketing-campaign.aspx

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) SUNA Traffic Channel Expands to Canberra

Link to story on iTWire:

http://www.itwire.com/content/view/27098/532/

12) Transit, Call Centers, and 511: A Guide for Decision Makers

Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/Main/Public/Blurbs/Transit_Call_Centers_and_511_A_Guide_for_Decision_162150.aspx

Upcoming Events

Innovations in Pricing of Transportation Systems: Workshop and Conference – May 13-14 – Lake Buena Vista, Florida

http://conferences.dce.ufl.edu/pricing/

Today in Transportation History

1989 **20th anniversary** – The pleasure cruiser Marchioness and the dredger Bowbelle, collided on the River Thames.  Fifty-one people died.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090816/tuk-20-years-since-marchioness-disaster-6323e80.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – August 19, 2009

August 19, 2009 at 8:56 pm

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) FAA Data-Sharing Work Saves Millions

Link to story in Aviation Week:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=comm&id=news/NADIN081809.xml&headline=FAA%20Data-Sharing%20Work%20Saves%20Millions

2) British Airport Gets Writer-in-Residence

Link to BBC News story and video:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8208734.stm

3) Frustrated Tweets New Headache for Airlines

Link to Reuters story:

http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUSTRE57H6E920090819

RAILROADS

4) After Settlement in Amtrak Case, Opinions Erased from Lexis and Westlaw

Link to story from The Legal Intelligencer:

http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202433145853&thepage=1

ROADWAYS

5) Travel-Time Signs Expand to C-470 in Colorado

Link to story in the Denver Business Journal:

http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/08/17/daily46.html

TRANSIT

6) After Fatal Crash, DC Metro Still Wary of Computer-Controlled Trains

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/08/18/ST2009081803029.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

7) When Will My Bus Come In?

Link to Discovery Channel story:

http://blogs.discovery.com/news_tech/2009/08/when-will-my-bus-come-in.html

8) Tyne Tunnel Site Keeps Drivers on the Move

Link to story in The Shields Gazette:

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Tunnel-site-keeps-drivers-on.5566539.jp

Link to site: http://www.tt2.co.uk/

9) Web Site Will Help Drivers Navigate Louisville Work Zones

Link to story on WAVE-TV:

http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=10954176

Link to site: http://louisvilleworkzones.ky.gov/

News Releases

1) Aha Mobile Launches Aha Application for iPhone with Coverage in Cities Including: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC, Dallas, Miami and Seattle

Upcoming Events

Passenger Terminal Expo 2010 – March 23-25 – Brussels

http://www.passengerterminal-expo.com/index.php

Today in Transportation History

1934 **75th anniversary** – The first All-American Soap Box Derby was held.  The race took place in Dayton, Ohio.

http://aasbd.com/SBD_about_1.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – August 18, 2009

August 18, 2009 at 11:22 pm

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Countdown to IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, September 13-16, 2009 in Chicago — Register Today!

IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting & Exhibition is the most significant gathering of toll industry professionals in the world. Attend this meeting and interact with the most influential experts and decision makers from around the globe and discuss ideas and solutions about transportation financing strategies, the future of tolling and paying for mobility, AET and Interoperability, new ideas for the new economy and sustainable transportation. Featured speakers include Stuart Varney, Business and Financial Journalist; Mark Shields, Syndicated Columnist and Political Analyst; Robert Atkinson, President, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation and Chairman, National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission; and General (Ret.) Barry McCaffrey, Retired U.S. Army General, News Commentator, and Business Consultant. Register by August 21 and receive a $100 discount off your registration fee. This meeting is hosted by the Illinois Tollway and will be held at the Hyatt Regency. For information on registration, hotel reservations, exhibiting or sponsorship, visit IBTTA’s website at www.ibtta.org.

AVIATION

1) New Twist in Hudson River Collision Investigation

New account of crash clarifies what controller saw. Controllers union booted from investigation for public comments.

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i7snJnN8kUVlX69sAmaPg4IPi6aQD9A556R02

2) ‘London’ Airport Name Change Row

Oxford Airport, 60 miles from capital, changes name to London Oxford Airport.

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/8205130.stm

OTHER

3) Pittsburgh Develops, iBurgh, First iPhone App that Connects to 311

Link to story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09230/991552-53.stm

4) Latest Edition of Transport Business Online

Link to magazine:

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=mypagesuite&pnum=&refresh=s05XWd16b4N0&EID=95275fd5-4e23-4c2d-86b5-9dbb900dd0f9&skip

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) Cell Phones Problematic for 911

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/phones/2009-08-17-cellphones_N.htm

6) FCC Considers State, Regional Public Safety Broadband Networks

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/08/18/fcc-considering-state-and-regional-public-safety-networks.aspx

7) Former Officer Wants to Stop Driving and Phone Use

Link to story and video on KCNC-TV:

http://cbs4denver.com/local/driving.cell.phone.2.1132669.html

TRANSIT

8) Massachusetts Giving Transit Data to Software Developers

Link to AP story:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iL_WvZWL3aJWlEt-xNXHg7IiYZXgD9A4SON01

9) Work Begins on Expanding Cell Service in DC Metro

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/18/AR2009081801879.html

Link to news release from WMATA:

http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4014

10) Survey: Bangalore Commuters Need More Info About Public Transport

Link to story in The Times of India:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/bangalore/Commuters-Need-More-Info-About-Public-Transport/articleshow/4908215.cms

11) Metrolink Operations Center Controls Massive Network

Link to story in the Los Angeles Daily News:

http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_13147209

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) IBM Turns RFID, Sensor Data Into Actions

Data collected from networked sensors on highways can be used by governments to make decisions.

Link to story in InformationWeek:

http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/info-management/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=219400466

VEHICLES

13) Ford Plans Vehicles to Interact with Power Grids

Link to AP story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Ford-plans-vehicles-to-apf-2317012092.html?x=0&.v=7

Link to news release from Ford:

http://www.ford.com/about-ford/news-announcements/press-releases/press-releases-detail/pr-ford-unveils-intelligent-system-30849

14) Are Blind Spots a Myth?

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/18/are-blind-spots-a-myth/?nl=automobiles&emc=wheelsema2

News Releases

1) Mentor Engineering Introduces ‘The Fleet Beat’ Blog for the Latest in Fleet Management

2) US Transportation Secretary Announces New Details on Distractracted Driving Summit

3) PrePass Isn’t Just Weigh Stations Anymore – Transportation’s Premier Public-Private Partnership Elects New Leaders; Announces New Services

Upcoming Events

Ontario Traffic Engineering Workshop – October 1 – Alliston, Ontario

http://www.otc.org/workshops.cfm?eventid=40

Today in Transportation History

1989 **20th anniversary** – GPS Block 2 was launched.

http://www.astronautix.com/craft/gpsand2a.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast


Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – August 17, 2009

August 17, 2009 at 10:23 pm

Monday, August 17, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


GPS / NAVIGATION

1) NASA Launches New GPS to be Used for US Air Force

Link to AP story:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1189533.html

2) iPhone Gets TomTom GPS App

Link to story in InformationWeek:

http://www.informationweek.com/news/personal_tech/gps/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=219400239

OTHER

3) Bay Area Commuters Turn to the Web To Find Car Pools

Link to story and audio report on KCBS Radio:

http://www.kcbs.com/Commuters-Turn-to-the-Web-To-Find-Car-Pools/5011490

RAILROADS

4) Interoperable Communications-Based Signaling as a Basis for Positive Train Control

Link to report from the Federal Railroad Administration:

http://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/Research/rr0911.pdf

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) Drug-Driving Campaign is Launched in UK

Link to BBC News story and video:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8201407.stm

6) Saudi Religious Leaders Join Road Safety Campaign

Link to story in The National:

http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090818/FOREIGN/708179848/1135/OPINION

7) US Department of Homeland Security Plans Wiki for Agencies, Cybersecurity Center to Coordinate Efforts

Link to story in Government Security News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2009/08/17/web-cyber-ops-wiki.aspx

8) US Product Safety Agency Lacks Customs Data Access, GAO Report Finds

Link to AP story:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/16/AR2009081601508.html

Link to Government Accountability Office report:

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09803.pdf

TRANSIT

9) New York MTA Tells Blogger to Share Profits for iPhone App

Agency says train schedule information is its property.

Link to story and video on WTNH-TV:

http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/new_haven_cty/news_wtnh_mta_blogger_defends_iphone_app_200908131200

10) Riders Leaping Aboard High-Tech ‘Clever Commute’ Service

Link to story in The Star-Ledger:

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-14/1250375707203660.xml&coll=1

11) Bus Times Displays in Singapore Will be Spot On

Land Transport Authority working with IBM to predict traffic flow.

Link to story from The Straits Times:

http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/Motorworld/Story/A1Story20090816-161398.html

Upcoming Events

2009 Texas Ports & Waterways Conference – September 2-4 – Corpus Christi Texas

http://tti.tamu.edu/conferences/pw09/

Today in Transportation History

1969 **40th anniversary** – Huge traffic jams mark the end of the Woodstock music festival in Bethel, New York.

http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0817.html#article

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – August 14, 2009

August 14, 2009 at 5:39 pm

Friday, August 14, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


Register Now for IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, September 13-16, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois!

IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting & Exhibition is the most significant gathering of toll industry professionals in the world. Attend this meeting and interact with the most influential experts and decision makers from around the globe and discuss ideas and solutions about transportation financing strategies, the future of tolling and paying for mobility, AET and Interoperability, new ideas for the new economy and sustainable transportation. Featured speakers include Stuart Varney, Business and Financial Journalist and Mark Shields, Syndicated Columnist and Political Analyst. Register by August 14 and receive a $100 discount off your registration fee. This meeting is hosted by the Illinois Tollway and will be held at the Hyatt Regency. For information on registration, hotel reservations, exhibiting or sponsorship, visit IBTTA’s website at www.ibtta.org Register today and get ready for the Transformation of Transportation!

AVIATION

1) FAA: Controller was on Phone During Hudson Crash

Link to AP story:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-08-13-hudson-crash_N.htm

2) American Airlines Wins Approval to Create Custom Approach Routes to Airports

Link to story in Aviation Week:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/RNP081309.xml&headline=American%20Wins%20Approval%20To%20Create%20RNP%20Routes&channel=comm

CAMERAS

3) Tampa International Airport Wants More Cameras to Watch Your Luggage

Link to story in the St. Petersburg Times:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/airlines/tampa-international-airport-wants-more-cameras-to-watch-your-luggage/1027356

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) US Homeland Security Expands Biometric Security Program

Link to story in InformationWeek:

http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/security/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=219300135

TELEMATICS

5) Untangling the Challenges of the Connected Car

Link to story in Embedded Computing Design:

http://www.embedded-computing.com/articles/id/?4111

TRANSIT

6) Scottish Student Gets Exam Certificate – In Catching Public Transport

Link to story in the Daily Record:

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/2009/08/14/student-gets-exam-certificate-in-catching-public-transport-86908-21595982/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

7) State-of-the-Art Traffic and Communications Network Planned for Delhi for Commonwealth Games

Link to story in The Times of India:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/delhi/Rs-200cr-plan-to-clear-up-NCRs-traffic-mess/articleshow/4892111.cms

8) The Surreal Side of Traffic

The author of Traffic explains how traffic planners use fear to keep traffic congestion down and why real–time traffic information doesn’t always work.

Link to audio interview on KUOW Radio:

http://kuow.org/program.php?id=18183

VEHICLES

9) Safer Trucks – Virtually

Link to story in BusinessDay:

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=78448

News Releases

1) Use of Social Media Tools at FEMA

Job Postings

– Traffic Safety Engineering Research Program Manager – University of Wisconsin-Madison TOPS Laboratory – Madison, Wisconsin

http://www.ohr.wisc.edu/pvl/pv_062474.html

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Emergency Communications: Cutting Through the Static – September 10

http://www.governing.com/event/emergency-communications-cutting-through-static

Friday Bonus

Stephen Colbert’s Twitter Tips for Drivers and Cyclists

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/240853/august-11-2009/stephen-s-driving-tips-via-twitter-service

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100th anniversary** – The first race took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  It was a motorcycle contest.

http://image.automobilemag.com/f/18633039+w750+st0/0906_05_z+indianapolis_motor_speedway+1909_national_motorcycle_racemeet_poster.jpg

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – August 13, 2009

August 13, 2009 at 6:22 pm

Thursday, August 13, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Vancouver, British Columbia First to Link Cameras, FOD Radar

Link to story in Aviation Week:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/QINETIQ08129.xml&headline=Vancouver%20First%20To%20Link%20Camera,%20FOD%20Radar&channel=busav

2) When Will the FAA Give Drone Planes a Piece of the Sky?

Link to story in Popular Mechanics:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/air_space/4327665.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

3) Tighter Cell Phone Laws Might Face Static

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/12/AR2009081203235.html

4) Airlines Set to Ask More of Passengers

Link to story in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/12/AR2009081203000.html

5) Brain-Fitness Companies Applying Neuroscience to Make Safer Drivers

Link to story in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009651875_driving13m.html

TRANSIT

6) New Jersey Rail Commuters to Get Real-Time Train Info

Link to AP story:

http://www.northjersey.com/news/transportation/NJ_rail_commuters_to_get_real-time_train_info_.html

Link to further information from NJ Transit:

http://www.njtransit.com/sa/sa_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=CustomerNoticeTo&NoticeId=2167

7) Better Technology Can Boost Public Transit

Editorial calls for providing real-time information to bus riders.

Link to editorial in The Honolulu Advertiser:

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090813/OPINION01/908130309/Better+technology+can+boost+public+transit

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) The How: Case Studies on How Regions are Advancing Planning for Operations

Link to further information from the Federal Highway Administration:

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=571

9) Intelligent Transport: How Cities Can Improve Mobility

Link to study from IBM:

http://www-935.ibm.com/services/us/gbs/bus/html/gbs-intelligent-transport-mobility.html

VEHICLES

10) Volvo Develops ‘Intelligent’ Prototypes to Cut Queue Accidents

Link to story in Truck & Bus Engineering:

http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/6722

News Releases

1) Public Affairs Consultant Launches Transportation Blog

2) Navteq Reports Gender Differences in the Navigation Market

3) Trafficmaster and IBM Develop Solution for Smarter Driving

Upcoming Events

TRB Webinar: US Transportation System Scenarios to 2050 in a World Addressing Climate Change – August 13

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/977805225

Today in Transportation History

1959 **50th anniversary** – Volvo introduced the three-point safety belt, invented by Nils Bohlin.

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10308226-48.html

1959 **50th anniversary** – Discoverer 5, a photo surveillance satellite, was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base.

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1959-005A

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – August 12, 2009

August 12, 2009 at 5:35 pm

Wednesday, August 12, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

Pilots Debate Midair Warning System

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-08-11-air-collision_N.htm

Hudson Presents Obstacles to New Crash-Avoidance Technology

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/12/nyregion/12screen.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

BICYLCES

Bike of the Future Will Never be Stolen, has Puncture-Proof Tires and Will Play Music as You Ride

Link to story in the Daily Mail:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1205714/Bike-future-stolen-puncture-proof-tyres-play-music-ride.html?ITO=1490

CARTOGRAPHY

Mapping the World, One Street at a Time

Link to story on CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/08/12/digital.mapping/

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

Fast Lane Buck Passed in Massachusetts

Audit finds incorrect electronic toll charges.

Link to story in the Boston Herald:

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20090811fast_lane_buck_passed_audit_company_violated_contract/

GPS / NAVIGATION

A GPS Chip Made to Sip Power, Not Guzzle

Link to column in The New York Times:

http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/11/a-gps-chip-made-to-sip-power-not-guzzle/

OTHER

Presolictation Information: Michigan IntelliDrive Test Bed and IntelliDrive Systems Engineering Update

Link to further information from US DOT:

http://www.its.dot.gov/press/2009/intellidrive_michigan.htm

Beijing’s ‘Most Handsome Traffic Police Officer’ Sees Fame on Internet

Link to story in the People’s Daily:

http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90782/90872/6725822.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

Jammu and Srinagar Police Release Traffic Journal, Launch Web Site

Link to Press Trust of India story:

http://www.ptinews.com/news/226206_J-K-police-release-traffic-journal–launch-website

TRANSIT

Link’s Ticket System Confounds Light-Rail Riders

Link to story in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009642729_stfares12m.html

City of Nice to Pilot NFC Mobile Payments in 2010

Link to story in EE Times Europe:

http://www.eetimes.eu/semi/217701030

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

Minnesota DOT Starts Tweeting

Link to story in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/local/53049377.html

Link to review in City Pages:

http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2009/08/mndot_tweets_we.php

IT Projects Take Back Seat in Gauteng, South Africa

Intelligent transportation projects, however, will proceed.

Link to story on ITWeb:

http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2009/0908121153.asp?A=BUS&S=Business&T=News&O=SL

WVEC Reporter Delivers Traffic News with a Smile

Link to story in The Virginian-Pilot:

http://hamptonroads.com/2009/08/wvec-reporter-delivers-traffic-news-smile

VEHICLES

Driverless Airport Pods Unveiled

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8194698.stm

News Releases

Gresham, Smith and Partners to Develop Guidebook for Developing Traveler Information at Airports

Upcoming Events

Talking Operations Webinar: It Pays to do the Right Thing: Using Incentive Payments to Affect Commuting Behavior – August 13

https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webC onfID=17864

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100th anniversary** – The Italian balloon Albatross ascended to a height of 38,715 feet, a new world record for a manned balloon flight.

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v90/n2260/abs/090673b0.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast