Mashable shared this nice infograph developed by Gocompare.com that breaks down the details of the much anticipated Hyperloop, a new form of transportation backed by innovative entrepreneur Elon Musk.  It warrants attention, knowing it is backed by Elon Musk, who has already wowed the world with his transportation ventures like SpaceX and Tesla. It is expect that Elon Musk will unveil the Alpha design and discuss the details of the Hyperloop on August 12.. Can’t wait!

Image Courtesy: GoCompare.com via Mashable.com

A Learjet Model 60 was tagged by graffiti artists, in a picture posted to Twitter/KCBS/The Aviation Writer. (via News.com.au)

Wow.. A gang snuck into Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles undetected in the early morning hours and tagged a learjet parked in the tarmac with words “flame” and R.I.P. It is estimated that the cost of fixing the plane is going to be around $110,000.. That’s some good chunk of change for the jet’s owner to undo this creative expression. The biggest question is –  How secure is the airport complex to permit something like this, which should have taken at least a couple of hours to get done? Click here to learn more.

Not your average coffee cup rescue, for sure.. and please do not attempt this on the road. EVER! For the love of god, it is a pretty dangerous move by the motorcyclist and am glad no one got injured in the process of saving that silly cup perched on the rear bumper of an SUV..

The USA Today carried an update on the Connected Vehicle technology test program underway in Michigan.  The federally-funded program carried out by University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute explores safety gains that can be achieved using dedicated short-range communications technology to help cars communicate with one another to prevent accidents.  The video below shows how this technology works.  Also, you can read the accompanying article here.

The idea for MTP is inspired by the annual Jagriti Yatra (www.jagritiyatra.com) on the Indian Railways, a trip that circumnavigates the continent, is sponsored by Dell and Google, and is almost universally recognized by the younger generation of Indians as an enviable opportunity. MTP has already obtained sponsorships from National Geographic Traveler magazine, NPR, the Associated Press, McKinsey & Company, Opportunity Nation, and Start-Up America.

In a country with nearly 300 million vehicles and an equal number (or more?) of mobile devices distracted is fast becoming a big issue.  this infographic by IFA Auto Insurance, designed to raise public awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, shows you how the extent of the problem, the consequences, etc.  Worth sharing with your peers.

Image Courtesy: IFA Auto Insurance via Business2Community.com

Source: business2community 

Image courtesy: USAJobs.gov

Deadline: Wednesday, July 03, 2013

The U.S. Department of Transportation is looking for a Program Management Analyst for the South Carolina Division office.  This position will provide technical assistance and coordination services to the Division office leadership, including the Division Administrator and Assistant Division Administrator, on a broad range of FHWA programs. These include, but are not limited to, data management and reporting, identifying and coordinating process reviews, performing and documenting risk assessments, developing, monitoring and reporting the annual Performance Plan, conducting internal performance improvement audits, assisting with organizational restructuring and advising the Division office leadership on policy/program issues as needed.  Assist Division office leadership to develop solutions to complex problems and assist in implementation.

The ideal candidate will be adaptive, decisive, and resourceful; a pro-active, hands-on leader and motivator who is very timely in the delivery of products; can anticipate customer’s needs; and is willing to volunteer your talents and skills to assist other employees.  You should also be proficient at analyzing requirements; conducting risk assessments, evaluating operations; developing improvements; and implementing effective programs to improve quality, reduce costs, and enhance productivity and competitiveness.  This position is also good for a person with extensive knowledge and skills in maintaining organizational stability and operations; and is a proven leader in quality programs and improving efficiency and effectiveness of business operations.

Job Duties:

 Click here to learn more and to apply 

via NPR

NPR gushes over the time-lapse video goodness of a traffic circle in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), captured by British photog, Rob Whitworth (who describes himself as an architectural photographer by day, time lapse photographer by night).  Though I grew up in India and have seen it all when it comes to traffic congestion, there is no doubt the roundabout showcased in this video is plain crazy. Should be an awe inspiring sight to witness how they manage traffic and control the flow of traffic in real time without incidents.  Maybe during my next visit to SE Asia I’ll take a detour and study it up close?  Oh, while we are at it, don’t forget to check out Rob’s other two videos – one each from Shanghai, China and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

The Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Joint Program Office (JPO) is looking for a Transportation Specialist to serve as program manager and technical expert responsible for the development and direction of the Multimodal ITS Research and Deployment portions of the Department’s ITS program.

Note: Application Deadline  Monday, May 13, 2013

This position is located in the Office of Transportation Management.  You will provide program management and program and technical support to federal field staff on various Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and Transportation Systems Management and Operations initiatives.  You will be responsible for developing program strategies and for providing hands-on technical and program expertise to federal field staff in areas such as ITS architecture, standards, systems engineering.  The objective is for the specialist to ensure that federal field staff is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and information to

English: U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters – new building opened in Spring 2007 in Southeast Washington, near the Navy Yard and the new Nationals Ballpark. Español: La sede del Departamento de Transporte de los Estados Unidos Français : Le siège du Département des Transports des États-Unis – nouveau bâtiment ouvert au printemps 2007 au Sud-Est de Washington, près de Navy Yard et le nouveau Nationals Ballpark. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

effectively support ITS deployment and key ITS initiatives with state and local agencies.

The ideal candidate is a mid-career or seasoned professional with experience developing program strategies and providing technical and program expertise in areas such as ITS architecture, standards, systems engineering.

DUTIES:

As a Transportation Specialist, you will: