(Source: MSNBC)

Image Courtesy: bored383.com via Google Images

An air traffic controller was suspended Wednesday after being asleep while a medical flight was landing in Nevada, marking the fifth lapse so far this year among controllers at the nation’s airports. Four involved sleeping controllers.

In response to the lapses, the Federal Aviation Administration announced it was immediately putting a second controller on the midnight shift at 26 airports and a radar facility around the country that currently have only one overnight person.

(Source: TheCityFix.com)

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a 3 percent decrease in road fatalities between 2009 and 2010, which still adds up to 32,788 deaths. According to LaHood, last year’s traffic fatalities fell to the lowest levels since 1949, despite a 0.7 percent increase in the number of miles Americans drove—about 20.5 billion extra miles—and an 11 percent increase in congestion in the country’s 100 biggest metropolitan areas, making the decrease in traffic fatalities especially noteworthy.

Here is the USDOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Press Release:

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that the number and rate of traffic fatalities in 2010 fell to the lowest levels since 1949, despite a significant increase in the number of miles Americans drove during the year.“Last year’s drop in traffic fatalities is welcome news and it proves that we can make a difference,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Still, too many of our friends and neighbors are killed in preventable roadway tragedies every day. We will continue doing everything possible to make cars safer, increase seat belt use, put a stop to drunk driving and distracted driving and encourage drivers to put safety first.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) early projections, the number of traffic fatalities fell three percent between 2009 and 2010, from 33,808 to 32,788. Since 2005, fatalities have dropped 25 percent, from a total of 43,510 fatalities in 2005. The same estimates also project that the fatality rate will be the lowest recorded since 1949, with 1.09 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, down from the 1.13 fatality rate for 2009. The decrease in fatalities for 2010 occurred despite an estimated increase of nearly 21 billion miles in national vehicle miles traveled.

A regional breakdown showed the greatest drop in fatalities occurred in the Pacific Northwest states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska, where they dropped by 12 percent. Arizona, California and Hawaii had the next steepest decline, nearly 11 percent.

“The decrease in traffic fatalities is a good sign, but we are always working to save lives,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “NHTSA will continue pressing forward on all of our safety initiatives to make sure our roads are as safe as they can possibly be.”

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken a comprehensive approach to reducing roadway fatalities by promoting strong traffic safety laws coupled with high-visibility enforcement and through rigorous vehicle safety programs and public awareness campaigns.

In 2009, Secretary LaHood launched a national anti-distracted driving campaign modeled on other successful NHTSA efforts to reduce fatalities, such as its “Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” and “Click It Or Ticket” campaigns to curb drunk driving and increase seat belt use. The U.S. DOT has launched a dedicated website, Distraction.gov, to provide the public with a comprehensive source of information on distracted driving. DOT has also hosted two national summits devoted to the issue, crafted sample legislation which states can use to adopt distracted driving laws, and initiated pilot law enforcement programs in Hartford, Conn., and Syracuse, N.Y.

NHTSA has also taken action to improve vehicle safety. The agency has urged automakers to swiftly and voluntarily report safety defects to keep the driving public safe. NHTSA has also encouraged the development and use of technologies to prevent crashes, such as electronic stability control, forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems. The agency also unveiled an updated 5-star rating system in 2010, which established more rigorous crash-test standards and began providing consumers with improved information about which cars perform best in collisions.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has also been encouraging the use of Safety Edge technology — which reduces drivers’ risk of running off the road by shaping pavement edge — on new road and highway projects. FHWA has also promoted the use of rumble strips and cable median barriers to separate opposing directions of traffic to reduce the incidence of crossover head-on collisions.

To view NHTSA’s latest statistical projections of traffic fatalities in 2010, including regional estimates, click here.

(Sources: Washington Post, FAA, & WSJ)

The Federal Aviation Administration plans to order immediate inspections of older-model Boeing 737 jetliners that are the workhorse of domestic air travel, a precaution after a hole opened in the hull of a Southwest Airlines plane flying at 34,400.

The FAA on Monday announced (See FAA press release below) a speedy, but limited, response: It said it intends to issue an emergency safety directive calling for stepped-up structural inspections affecting about 170 of aircraft giantBoeing Co.’s workhorse 737s world-wide.

Image Courtesy: WSJ.com

FAA Presser

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The FAA will issue an emergency directive tomorrow that will require operators of specific early Boeing 737 models to conduct initial and repetitive electromagnetic inspections for fatigue damage. This action will initially apply to a total of approximately 175 aircraft worldwide, 80 of which are U.S.-registered aircraft. Most of the aircraft in the U.S. are operated by Southwest Airlines.

“Safety is our number one priority,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Last Friday’s incident was very serious and could result in additional action depending on the outcome of the investigation.”

“The FAA has comprehensive programs in place to protect commercial aircraft from structural damage as they age,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “This action is designed to detect cracking in a specific part of the aircraft that cannot be spotted with visual inspection.”

The FAA airworthiness directive will require initial inspections using electromagnetic, or eddy-current, technology in specific areas of the aircraft fuselage on certain Boeing 737 aircraft in the -300, -400 and -500 series that have accumulated more than 30,000 flight cycles. It will then require repetitive inspections at regular intervals.

Last November, the FAA published a rule designed specifically to address widespread fatigue damage in aging aircraft. The rule requires aircraft manufacturers to establish a number of flight cycles or hours a plane can operate and be free from fatigue damage. The rule requires aircraft manufacturers to incorporate the limits into their maintenance programs.

Click here to read more.

(Source: USA Jobs)

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.

(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

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration is looking for an executive to serve as the Director of the Center of Innovation (COI) Air Traffic Systems and Operations of the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center).  Located in Kendall Square area in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Volpe Center plays a unique role in looking across the transportation enterprise by applying its multi-disciplinary capabilities to anticipate future transportation issues and challenges across all modes of transportation.

Reporting to the Deputy Associate Administrator for Research, Innovation and Technology, the COI Director will lead and oversee the Air Traffic Systems and Operations COI comprised of four technical divisions – Navigation and Surveillance; Operations Risk Assessment and Terminal Systems; Traffic Flow Management; and Communications and Operations.  This COI has a combined technical/scientific federal staff of 85 employees; a 150 project portfolio; and average annual obligations of $80 million, representing one-third of the Center’s portfolio. Through close collaboration with other Volpe Center COI Directors, the COI Director will assist in the development of FAA and other strategic initiatives and new program opportunities, and, as needed, serve as liaison to FAA leaders in working with managers across the Volpe Center.

To succeed in this rewarding and challenging leadership position, the COI Director must have expertise leading applied research and technology projects – ideally as an engineer/scientist- in one or more areas of air traffic operations and systems, including aviation communication, navigation, surveillance (CNS), and air traffic control safety and security.  This individual must also possess exceptional management, planning and communication skills, and be able and willing to contribute as part of a collaborative management team.  While not required, an advanced scientific or technical degree is highly desirable. Travel is required (30-50%).

The vacancy announcement can be found on COI Director, Air Traffic Systems and Operations (attached find a copy of the vacancy announcement).

The Research and Innovation Technology Administration (RITA) is looking for a highly talented Transportation Specialist with a passion for transportation data and analysis to join the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) as the Connected Vehicle Data and Weather Program Manager. This is an opportunity to w

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ork on one of the most exciting multimodal programs at the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT).  Located at the U.S. DOT headquarters in Washington, DC, the ITS-JPO manages, coordinates and supports research programs focused on applying advanced technologies to transform the performance of our Nation’s surface transportation system.

The vacancy announcement closes on Wednesday, March 16, 2011

We are seeking a talented transportation leader who can work with all levels of the ITS-JPO staff, high-ranking officials, and others outside the agency to explore the innovative methods of data collection and use of advanced data applications in the transportation environment.  A self-starter with expert knowledge of data capture and proven program management principles is a must.  Strong coordination and leadership capabilities are needed to be successful in this important role.  A mix of strong creativity combined with institutional and technical knowledge is a must.  Ability to identify strategic program needs and develop objectives based on Administration and U.S. DOT policy, Congressional direction, and knowledge gained through the national ITS program planning process is required.

The ITS-JPO Connected Vehicle Data and Weather Program Manager will manage multimodal programs such as congestion relief, road weather management, and data capture and data management applications to provide technical leadership for state-of-practice and state-of-the-art data collection methods for continuous improvement of our nation’s surface transportation system.

If you know someone interested in this Washington, DC based position that has the experience and proven results in the above requested areas, please encourage them to apply under the attached vacancy announcement.  We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

Please keep in mind that the new hiring reforms recently announced by President Obama will shorten the hiring timeline and will eliminate essay-style questions during the initial application submission. Therefore please spread the word about this exciting opportunity and encourage anyone interested to apply quickly.

To review the job qualifications and to apply, please see the vacancy announcement at USAjobs, direct link:

FHWA.JPO-2011-0001 – Open to Current Federal and Former Federal Status Employees: (Federal employees are encouraged to apply under this announcement number to maximize consideration).

FHWA.JPO-2011-0002 – Open to all U.S. Citizens

Trucking industry stakeholders are invited to participate in a free webinar to discuss key policy and institutional challenges that could impact fleet adoption of new wireless communication technologies.  The particular technologies being discussed include communication technologies that allow trucks to “talk” to other vehicles and roadside infrastructure.  Through this webinar, motor carriers will be able to provide the U.S. DOT with direct feedback on technology implementation issues.

Presentations will include 1) a brief introduction on the U.S. DOT’s Truck Technology Policy program of research; 2) an overview of the potential value of the wireless connectivity technologies to the trucking industry and 3) a summary of related policy issues identified to date.  Feedback gathered from participants will be used to develop the Truck V2V/V2I Policy Roadmap and Research Agenda.

• WHAT:            U.S. DOT’s Truck V2V/V2I Technology Policy Issues Webinar
• WHEN:            Wednesday, February 23, 2011 1:00 to 3:00 EST
• HOW:              Participants will need access to the internet and a telephone.  For your free registration, use the link below.  An automated email with instructions for joining the webinar will be sent to all registrants.

Please visit the TIMTC website at www.freightmobility.org to register for the webinar or click here

Interested in becoming involved with TIMTC?  Participation is free and provides the latest information and updates on trucking industry initiatives that improve the industry’s safety and mobility.  Send your contact information to TIMTC@trucking.org to receive your free membership.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The Trucking Industry Mobility & Technology Coalition (TIMTC) is jointly managed by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the  U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and the American Trucking Associations (ATA).  The TIMTC is sponsored by the U.S. DOT.  Members include motor carriers, commercial drivers, law enforcement, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, transportation planners and policy makers at the local, state and federal levels.

US DOT is conducting a Pre-proposal Conference (“Safety Pilot Joint Bidders Conference”) for interested parties to learn about and ask questions regarding the following three current US DOT procurements/solicitations in support of the Safety Pilot Program. US DOT officials will present and discuss the procurement process and requirements for each of the following three planned procurements, as well as answer relevant questions from interested parties.

• Safety Pilot Test Conductor – Request for Proposals (RFP) DTFH61-11-R-00006 available atwww.FedBizOpps.gov
• Aftermarket Safety Devices – Request for Applications (RFA) DTFH61-11-RA-00003 available at www.Grants.gov
• Roadside Equipment – Request for Quotations (RFQ) DTFH61-11-Q-00012 available at www.FedBizOpps.gov

Safety Pilot is intended to establish a real world model deployment test site for enabling wireless communications among vehicles and with roadside equipment for use in generating data to enable driver safety warning systems.  The deployment site will encompass vehicles of various types that include a mix of integrated, retrofit, and aftermarket vehicle safety systems.  The model deployment data generated will be used for establishing safety benefits in support of future policy decisions by US DOT, as well as for use by the broader industry in developing additional connected vehicle applications.

As such, the goals of the Safety Pilot Program are to:

• Establish benefits data in support of NHTSA 2013 Agency Decision on V2V Communications with Real World Field Data
• Support real world V2V and V2I safety applications with a data rich environment
• Create public awareness & determine user acceptance

Anticipated outcomes include:

• Obtaining empirical data for determining benefits and user acceptance in support of future federal policy actions
• Establishing a public database of archived road network data for supporting development of additional safety, mobility, and environmental applications
• Establishing multiple supplier sources for safety devices and roadside infrastructure
• Develop a better understanding of the operational policy issues associated with the deployment of V2V and V2I applications

Interested parties are invited to attend in person or participate by webinar. Participants are welcome to participate in the full-day conference or any portion of the day.

Date: February 22, 2011
Location: University of California – UC Washington Center
Address: 1608 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 974 – 6200
Time: 8:30 am – 4:30pm Eastern

Registration Form Link: http://www.itsa.org/itsa/files/Safety_Pilot_Bidders_Conference_registration.doc

Questions: Interested parties are encouraged to submit questions to US DOT in advance of the Pre-proposal Conference. Please submit questions by COB Wednesday February 16 regarding solicitations to:

• daniel.confer@dot.gov for Safety Pilot Test Conductor
• sarah.tarpgaard@dot.gov for Aftermarket Safety Devices
• sarah.khan@dot.gov for Roadside Equipment

US DOT will address questions during the Conference to the extent possible.

When: February 9, 2011  @ 1:00–2:30 P.M. Eastern Time

Register for the Webinar

Description

This webinar will summarize findings from two state of the practice assessments conducted for the USDOT‘s AERIS program. The first assessment identified applications that have demonstrated environmental benefits through use of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies. The second assessment focused on techniques that could be used to evaluate the environmental impacts of ITS deployments. The webinar will address the following topics:

• AERIS State of the Practice Assessments: Chris Pangilinan of USDOT will lead the webinar with an overview of AERIS state-of-the-practice assessments.
• Findings from the AERIS Applications State-of-the-Practice Assessment: Katie Miller of Noblis will discuss demand and access management applications, eco-driving applications, logistics and fleet management applications, traffic management applications, as well as freight and transit applications. She will also discuss how ITS can potentially support use of alternative fuel vehicles.
• State of the Practice of Techniques for Evaluating the Environmental Impacts of ITS Deployment: Richard Glassco of Noblis will discuss evaluation techniques in three categories including direct measurements of vehicle emissions and fuel use, infrastructure-based air quality measurements, and modeling.

Background

The transport sector accounts for approximately 28 percent of greenhouse gas in the U.S. Vehicles represent almost 80 percent of transport sector greenhouse gas. ITS can play a vital role in reducing vehicle miles traveled, improving vehicle efficiency, and reducing petroleum consumption—all of which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The AERIS program was launched in 2010 and is currently sponsoring research and working with stakeholders to assess the ways in which real-time transportation system data could improve the operation of the surface transportation network. The AERIS program vision is to generate, capture, and analyze vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure data to create actionable information that allows surface transportation system users and operators to make “green” transportation choices. The program aims to leverage existing and future research, data sets, and technologies to develop, enhance, and model ITS applications that are proven to reduce the negative impacts of transportation on the environment. Another program goal is to explore how AERIS data sets may improve or validate assumptions of environmental and other models.

Learning Objectives

• Understand AERIS program foundational research activities.
• Learn more and stimulate creative thinking about potential applications of real-time data to reduce vehicle emissions.
• Learn about methods to evaluate the environmental benefits of ITS deployment.

Intended Audience:

State and local DOT staff, policy researchers, ITS software and system developers, environmental advocates, consultants, academics, and others with an interest in the potential to use real-time transportation system data to reduce environmental impacts.

Host:

Chris Pangilinan, Special Assistant to the Deputy Administrator, USDOT Research and Innovative Technology Administration
Chris Pangilinan is the Special Assistant to the Deputy Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) at USDOT. Prior to joining the USDOT, Chris was a transportation engineer and planner at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), the city’s DOT and transit agency. Chris’s work in transit operations and planning while at the SFMTA provides the transit experience that he is able to bring to the AERIS team. He earned his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at Portland State University and his Master’s degree in Transportation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Chris is a registered Civil Engineer in the State of California.

Presenters:

Katie Miller, Lead Sustainability Analyst, Noblis Center for Sustainability
Katie is a Lead Sustainability Analyst within the Noblis Center for Sustainability where she manages projects relating to greenhouse gas emissions issues. Prior to joining Noblis, Katie was a Program Manager for the US General Services Administration (GSA). She led sustainable supply chain initiatives for the agency and served as the lead author for the Executive Order 13514 Section 13 Recommendations for Vendor and Contractor Emissions, including designing an interagency implementation strategy for the recommendations. Her prior experience includes serving as a Senior Program Manager at the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s Office of the Federal Environmental Executive and managing the GSA Fleet National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program. Katie holds a Master of Arts in Environmental and Natural Resource Policy from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Millersville University.

Richard Glassco, Principal Systems Modeler, Noblis Transportation Systems Division
Richard Glassco is a Principal Systems Modeler at Noblis, Inc. He has 30 years experience in simulation, modeling, and data analysis, including 17 years in the field of Intelligent Transportation Systems. His other specialties are ITS standards, road weather management, and evaluation of safety systems. Before joining Noblis he consulted with the Federal Systems Integration and Management Center. He has a B.A. in Mathematics from Cornell University and an M.S. in Operations Research from George Washington University.

This webinar is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) ITS Joint Program Office, Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA). Reference in this webinar to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by U.S. Department of Transportation.

Register for the Webinar