Monday, December 31, 2007

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Monday, December 31, 2007 -- ISSN 1529-1057

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
In this final issue of 2007 I want to thank you for being a reader of the TCN. I hope I’ve brought you useful and interesting information each weekday and I appreciate you inviting me into your inbox. This new year will include the tenth anniversary of the newsletter. Thank you for your suggestions and encouragement over the past year and I hope you’ll stay in touch. The TCN has grown to over 6,500 subscribers because of your support. All the best in 2008!


1) New York City Wins Legal Battle Over Controversial GPS System for Cabs
Link to story and video report on NY1 News:
http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=1&aid=76995

2) A Year Later, and Most T Riders Appear to See Charlie's Good Side
Fare card on Boston transit system is finding growing acceptance.
Link to story in The Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/12/30/a_year_later_and_most_t_riders_appear_to_see_charlies_good_side/ (may require free registration)
Link to further information on CharlieCard: http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/charlie/

3) New Oregon License Plate Promotes Traffic Safety
Link to story and video report on KVAL-TV:
http://www.kval.com/news/12904532.html
Link to news release from Oregon DMV:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/news/nr_20071213_2.shtml


Upcoming Events
GIS for Transportation Symposium – March 17-19 - Houston
http://www.gis-t.org/


Today in Transportation History
1968 - The last day of the New York, New Haven, & Hartford Railroad. The following day the railroad was merged into the Penn Central.
http://www.nhrhta.org/htdocs/history.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 at i95berniew@aol.com.
© 2007 Bernie Wagenblast

Friday, December 28, 2007

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Friday, December 28, 2007 -- ISSN 1529-1057

1) ‘I’m on the T’: Boston Subway Tunnels Ready for Cell Phones
Link to story in The Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/12/27/i_m_on_the_t_tunnels_ready_for_cellphones/

2) Fastrak Taking Toll of Jobs at Bay Area Bridge Booths
Link to story in The Reporter:http://www.thereporter.com/news/ci_7821244

3) Governors: Only Half of States Use Department of Homeland Security Info-Sharing Networks
Link to story in Washington Technology:
http://www.washingtontechnology.com/online/1_1/32016-1.html

4) Federal Communications Commission Allows New York City to Operate 700 MHz Public Safety System Before End of DTV Transition
Link to story in Doug Lung’s RF Report:
http://www.tvtechnology.com/pages/s.0115/t.10450.html

5) Motorists Get Access to Latest Traffic Information for Christmas
A boost in digital radio sales over Christmas is likely to mean better access to traffic information for drivers.
Link to story in Easier Motoring:
http://www.easier.com/view/News/Motoring/article-153845.html

6) In-Vehicle Technology in Focus in Las Vegas
Link to story on MarketWatch:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/in-vehicle-technology-focus-las-vegas/story.aspx?guid=%7B7D7E28E7%2D29BB%2D4812%2D8CC0%2DC975D22661E6%7D

7) Houston TV Station Uses Mobile 'Traffic Jams' As Revenue Booster
Link to story in MediaDailyNews:
http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=73082


News Releases
1) ITS World Congress Wants Your Papers
2) Traffic Technologies, Inc. Selected to Implement E-ZPass Plus System at Syracuse Hancock International Airport


Upcoming Events
CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2008 – February 11-15 – Las Vegas
http://www.conexpoconagg.com/


Friday Bonus
With 2008 only a few days away, here’s an interesting look at how Disney saw future transportation from a 1958 perspective.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S18LCISRm4


Today in Transportation History
1912 – The San Francisco Municipal Railway begins service.
http://www.streetcar.org/mim/streetcars/fleet/antique/1/index.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 at i95berniew@aol.com.
© 2007 Bernie Wagenblast

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Thursday, December 27, 2007 -- ISSN 1529-1057

1) Bremerton Ferry Riders Finally Able to Surf (the Web) While Crossing Puget SoundLink to story in the Kitsap Sun:http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2007/dec/26/bremerton-ferry-riders-finally-able-to-surf-the/

2) American Airlines to Test In-Flight Wi-Fi Internet Service
Link to story on TMCnet:
http://visualvoicemail.tmcnet.com/enterprise-mobility/articles/17109-american-airlines-test-in-flight-wifi-internet-service.htm

3) Online New Year Traffic Reports in Thailand
The National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre has developed a system to allow people to check congestion in real-time via the Web or a mobile phone.
Link to story in The Nation:
http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/12/27/national/national_30060412.php
Link to NECTEC traffic: http://traffic.thai.net/

4) A New Look at Big Brother
A former tech exec has produced a new film that examines privacy issues through the impassive eyes of surveillance cameras.
Link to story in BusinessWeek:
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/dec2007/tc20071219_549693.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_technology

5) Ray Holbrook to be Blue Grass Airport’s Sole Voice
Link to story in the Lexington Herald-Leader:
http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/269572.html


News Releases
1) Highway Signs to Get Brighter, Safer Under New Federal Requirements
2) Reminder for 700 MHz Regional Planning Committees of the January 31, 2008 Deadline to Amend 700 MHz Narrowband Plans and Provide Further Guidance


Upcoming Events
Geospatial Infrastructure Solutions Conference 31 and Emergency Response Symposium – March 9-12 – Seattle
http://gita.org/events/annual/31/hotelandreg.asp


Today in Transportation History
1831 – Charles Darwin departs on his voyage aboard HMS Beagle.
http://www.thebeagleproject.com/

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

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.
© 2007 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Wednesday, December 26, 2007 -- ISSN 1529-1057

1) Russia Launches New Generation of GLONASS Satellites into Orbit
Link to Pravda story:
http://english.pravda.ru/russia/kremlin/26-12-2007/103163-glonass-0

2) Seattle Bus Tunnel to Remain Closed for Tests on Computer System
Link to AP story:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420ap_wa_seattle_tunnel.html

3) Arizona Law Removes Copper’s Luster for Criminals
Link to story in the Tucson Citizen:
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/local/72451.php

4) Keeping Track of the Tracks
San Diego Sprinter line's stations, rails, cars equipped with cameras for 'high-tech security.'
Link to story in The San Diego Union-Tribune:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20071226-9999-1mi26dispatc.html

5) Northern Virginia Control Center Manages Traffic
Link to story in the Potomac News:
http://www.potomacnews.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WPN%2FMGArticle%2FWPN_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173353985892&path

6) New Blog Puts Spotlight on California General Aviation Airport
Link to story in The Reporter:
http://www.thereporter.com/news/ci_7810807
Link to Nut Tree Airport Forum: http://nuttreeforum.nuttreeairport.com/

7) Managing Selected Transportation Assets: Signals, Lighting, Signs, Pavement Markings, Culverts, and Sidewalks
Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:
http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=8496


Upcoming Events
American Traffic Safety Services Association Convention & Traffic Expo – February 8-12 – New Orleans
http://www.atssa.com/cs/atssa-2008-traffic-expo


Today in Transportation History
1870 – Tunnelers met in the middle of the Fréjus Rail Tunnel. The tunnel connects Modane, France and Bardonecchia, Italy.
http://www.planete-tp.com/en/travaux_publics.jsp?PEGA_HREF_14625928_0_0_openRoom=openRoom&PEGAHTML_TEXT_NAME_22222222222222222_attribute=hallFolder_TOPIC_nullhallFolder_ARTICLE_nullhall_TOPIC_nullhall_ARTICLE_nullroom_TOPIC_1196room_ARTICLE_nulllevel1_TOPIC_1302level1_ARTICLE_nulllevel2_TOPIC_1193level2_ARTICLE_null

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

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.
© 2007 Bernie Wagenblast

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Tuesday, December 25, 2007 -- ISSN 1529-1057

MERRY CHRISTMAS!


1) A New Look at Sensors
Link to story in Public Roads:
http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/07nov/04.htm

2) New Charlotte Transit Chief’s Mission: Communicate
Link to story in The Charlotte Observer:
http://www.charlotte.com/local/story/419515.html

3) High-Tech Road Show
Wizardry aimed at our cars is expected to take center stage at electronics exhibit.
Link to story in the Las Vegas Sun:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/business/2007/dec/24/566679769.html

4) Location Information of Taxis Will Show Traffic State
Three Japanese companies will establish study group to gather traffic information from taxis.
Link to Nikkei story:
http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20071225/144683/

5) Taken for Ride by ‘New’ VTA Trip Planner
Link to commentary in The San Jose Mercury News:
http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_7792493
Link to Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Trip Planner: http://www.vta.org/

6) Free Electronic Charts Will Boost Jet Boat Safety in Hong Kong, Macao, Mainland Area
Link to Xinhua story:
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90781/6326415.html

7) Researchers Think About Road Conditions Year-Round
Link to story in The Athens Messenger:
http://www.athensmessenger.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=273&ArticleID=7395&TM=43968.3

8) Sticky Notes Promote Safe Celebrating in South Dakota
Link to story and video report on KELO-TV:
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail6371.cfm?Id=0,64575

9) Understanding GPS Navigation Traffic Services
Link to story in Consumer Reports:
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2007/12/gps-traffic.html

10) New Transport Blog: Transport Futures – Current and Emerging Issues of Interest to Transport Professionals
Link to blog from the Transport Futures Institute:
http://transport-futures.blogspot.com/


News Releases

1) Podcasting from the High Seas – Maritime Bloggers Talk Via Satellite


Upcoming Events
MetroRail 2008 – March 31-April 3 – Copenhagen, Denmark
http://www.terrapinn.com/2008/metrorail/


Today in Transportation History
1907 **100th anniversary** - The Yakima Valley Transportation Company operates its first electric trolley.
http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=7071

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

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.
© 2007 Bernie Wagenblast

Monday, December 24, 2007

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Monday, December 24, 2007 -- ISSN 1529-1057

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

1) Airport Fast-Pass Moves SlowlyClear, which lets screened travelers skip long security lines, epitomizes the pitfalls of developing technology for Homeland Security agencies.
Link to story in BusinessWeek:http://newsletters.businessweek.com/c.asp?687428&8b839cd761578127&6

2) Rivals Learn from Boeing’s ‘Connexion’
Link to AP story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gnKXfbJ5NPafAukgJxxXGDpQ-u5wD8TNBDVO0
Link to Aircell: http://www.aircell.com/
Link to further information on BetaBlue: http://help.jetblue.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/webisapi.dll/,/?St=78,E=0000000000021549853,K=7947,Sxi=4,Case=obj(385421)

3) US Airways, Other Carriers Race to Upgrade In-Flight Entertainment
Link to story in The Arizona Republic:
http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/1223biz-inflightentertainment1224.html

4) Newark Airport Screeners Create System to Track Lost Items
Link to AP story:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj--airportlostandfou1221dec21,0,4503764.story

5) Philadelphia Area Commuters Can Tap Into Traffic Cameras
Link to story in the Bucks County Courier Times:
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/25-12232007-1460867.html
Link to PennDOT cameras: http://www.dot.state.pa.us/penndot/districts/district6.nsf/cam_map2?OpenPage
Link to Pennsylvania Turnpike cameras: http://www.paturnpike.com/webmap/PTCIE.htm

6) Indian Air Force Buys Advanced Radars to Improve Coastal Surveillance
Link to NDTV story:
http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070036683&ch=12/23/2007%209:52:00%20AM

7) Chicago Transit Authority to Replace Old Rail Station Signs with Uniform System, Boost Updates
Link to column in the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-gettingaround_24dec24,1,1861794.column

8) Cameras Show Interstate Road Conditions in South Dakota
Link to story in the Argus Leader:
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071222/NEWS/71222007/1001
Link to South Dakota DOT traffic cameras:
http://safetravelusa.com/sd/camera_images.html

9) Fare Game
It's a war of words, as Los Angeles’ DASH buses stop accepting Metro passes on January 1.
Link to story in Los Angeles Downtown News:
http://www.ladowntownnews.com/articles/2007/12/24/news/news02.txt
Link to notice from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation:
http://www.ladottransit.com/whatsnew/121007_MTA.html

10) New Vehicle Technologies May Help Older Drivers
Link to story in Public Roads:
http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/07nov/02.htm

11) A Tiny Brain for Your Tire
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/23/automobiles/23TIRE.html?ex=1356066000&en=106525c3927753f3&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

12) Calgary Area Speed Trap Map Offered Online
Link to story in the Calgary Herald:
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/city/story.html?id=47e07126-8489-432c-8b13-3f1284076590
Link to map: http://www.xyyc.ca/thewyre.php?wc=11 (free registration required)

13) BMW Launches Site that Welcomes Consumer Input
Site will also be linked to BMW Assist, an in-vehicle telematics and assistance program.
Link to story in Marketing Daily:
http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=73274
Link to news release from BMW of North America:
http://www.techweb.com/showPressRelease.jhtml?articleID=X662956


Upcoming Events
Asia Pacific Rail 2008 – March 11-13 – Bangkok, Thailand
http://www.terrapinn.com/2008/asiarail/


Today in Transportation History
2002 **5th anniversary** – The Delhi Metro opened.
http://www.delhimetrorail.com

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

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.
© 2007 Bernie Wagenblast

Friday, December 21, 2007

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Friday, December 21, 2007 -- ISSN 1529-1057

1) Federal Lawsuit Filed Over Chicago’s Cell Phone Ban
Link to story and video in the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-cellsuit_20dec20,1,1375208.story

2) Texas Toll Road Critics Denied Access to All Requested Documents
Link to AP story:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/5396271.html

3) Transportation Security Administration’s Top Secret Security Center
Facility tracks every plane in the sky in an effort to keep travelers safe.
Link to story and video from ABC’s Good Morning America:
http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/LegalCenter/story?id=4035695&page=1

4) Massachusetts Turnpike Ponders How to Increase Life in the FastLane
Agency wants to boost use of electronic tolls.
Link to story in The MetroWest Daily News:
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/homepage/x282557239

5) Check Your Wait Times at Airport Security Lines Online
Link to story in The Journal News:
http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071221/NEWS03/712210437/1019

6) Airlines Race to Provide In-Flight Internet Access
Link to Reuters story:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071221.wgtAirNet1221/BNStory/Technology/home/

7) Etiquette Questions Arise Over In-Flight Web Access
Link to AP story:
http://www.azcentral.com/business/consumer/articles/1220biz-airborneInternet.html

8) United Airlines Takes the iPod Skyward
Link to story in Wired:
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2007/12/united-airlines.html

9) Alaska Airlines Hopes Airport Gate Displays Lessen Delays
Link to story in the Portland Business Journal:
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2007/12/17/daily30.html
Link to news release from Alaska Airlines:
http://www.alaskasworld.com/newsroom/asnews/asfeatures/AS_20071219_135349.asp

10) Commuters Helping Commuters
New service tips rail riders to problems.
Link to story in Boston Now:
http://www.bostonnow.com/news/local/2007/12/19/commuters-helping-commuters
Link to Clever Commute: http://www.clevercommute.com/

11) Radio Traffic Alerts Improving in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, but May Not Catch Up with Technology
Link to column in The Morning Call:
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-warrior-dec2107,0,7867755.column

12) Signs May Lead to HOV Confusion on Texas Expressway
Link to story and video report on WFAA-TV:
http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa071220_mo_hovlanes.3720976c.html

13) National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; Maintaining Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity – Federal Register Notice: December 21, 2007
Link to further information from the Federal Highway Administration:
http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=399

14) December Issue of Florida DOT’s SunGuide Disseminator Online
Link to newsletter:
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/trafficoperations/Newsletters/2007/12_2007/12_2007.htm


News Releases
1) Washington State DOT Report Reveals New Jobs, More People, Slightly Longer Commute in Puget Sound Region – Agency uses technology to reduce delays
2) Travel Web Sites Kayak.com and SideStep to Finalize Merger


Upcoming Events
Infrarail 2008 – March 11-13 – Birmingham, UK
http://www.infrarail.com/


Friday Bonus
An engineer’s perspective on Santa.
http://onthegomom.blogspot.com/2007/12/engineers-perspective-on-santa-funny.html


Today in Transportation History
1987 **20th anniversary** - The ferry Dona Paz sinks in the Tablas Strait after colliding with an oil tanker. It was the worst peacetime maritime disaster in history.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,966394,00.html?iid=chix-sphere

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

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.
© 2007 Bernie Wagenblast

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Thursday, December 20, 2007 -- ISSN 1529-1057

1) Seattle Bus Tunnel Closed While Computer Glitch is Repaired
Link to story in The Seattle Times:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004083773_tunnel20m.html
Link to story in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/transportation/344159_tunnel20.html

2) Air France Tests Cell Services in Europe
Link to AP story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hupqSBBCtzqjCzzqKIMbMSpEXpjgD8TLBV981
Link to news release and video from Air France:
http://corporate.airfrance.com/index.php?id=alaune_detail&L=1&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=1921&no_cache=1&tt_news[BackPid]=2

3) Mobile Phone Driving Jail Threat in England and Wales
Link to BBC News story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7153070.stm
Link to news release from the Crown Prosecution Service:
http://www.cps.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/180_07.html

4) Quebec Bans Cell Phone Use While Driving, Will Pilot Red-Light Cameras and Photo Radar
Link to UPI story:
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2007/12/20/quebec_legislates_snow_tires_no_phones/2844/

5) Inside Look at General Motor’s OnStar System
Link to story in InformationWeek:
http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=205100835

6) Rhode Island Map on a Tight Path
Funding shortfall forces state to sell ads to cover costs.
Link to story in The Providence Journal:
http://www.projo.com/news/content/BZ_STATE_MAP_12-20-07_EK88V2G_v199.194389c.html (may require free registration)

7) Solving the Spectrum Squeeze
Future of IT: We need new approaches and new technology to make the most of a finite resource.
Link to story in Government Computer News:
http://www.gcn.com/print/26_30/45576-1.html

8) Second Life as a Simulation Tool
Professor creates software to control a virtual rapid-transit system called SkyTran
Link to story in The Orange County Register:
http://www.ocregister.com/column/life-second-skytran-1944191-computer-virtual (may require free registration)

9) Mathematicians Develop Model to Solve Traffic Jam Mystery
Link to ANI story:
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/lifestyle/mathematicians-develop-model-to-solve-traffic-jam-mystery_1009552.html

10) Smart Elevators, Dumb People
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/smart-elevators-dumb-people/?hp (may require free registration)


News Releases
1) Houston TranStar Garners Statewide Service Award - Program Tells Travelers of Drive Times
2) Frost & Sullivan Award Underlines Microsoft’s Outstanding Innovations in Customer Service in the Automotive Sector
3) VICS Rejected as National Standard of China Real-Time Traffic Information Service


Job Posting
- Associate Administrator and Director, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center – US Department of Transportation – Cambridge, Massachusetts
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/ftva.asp?seeker=1&JobID=66567890


Upcoming Events
Road Expo Ireland & Civilex – March 5-6 – Dublin
http://www.road-expo.ie/


Today in Transportation History
1918 – The Canadian Cabinet passes an order creating the government-owned Canadian National Railways.
http://www.cn.ca/about/company_information/history/en_AboutHistory.shtml

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

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.
© 2007 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Wednesday, December 19, 2007 -- ISSN 1529-1057

1) Bay Area Transportation Officials Say Metering Lights Make Highways Flow
Link to story in the San Francisco Chronicle:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/12/19/MNHOTSA5L.DTL

2) Tennessee DOT Launches Web Site to Aid Commuters
Link to AP story:
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2007/dec/19/tdot-launches-web-site-aid-commuters/
Link to news release from the Tennessee Department of Transportation:
http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/news/2007/121907.htm
Link to Tennessee Smart Commute: http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/smartcommute/

3) Australian ‘Smart’ Ticketing System a Year Late
Link to story in The Age:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/smart-ticketing-system-a-year-late/2007/12/18/1197740272682.html

4) National Weather Service Makes Experimental Mobile Aviation Weather Site Available
Link to story in The Front:
http://www.weather.gov/os/aviation/pdfs/07dec-front.pdf


News Releases
1) US Department of Transportation Seeks Technology Solutions to Improve Safety and Reduce Congestion on Nation's Roadways
2) AccuWeather.com Launches New netWeather Mobile
3) Cargo Tracking and Security Market: Two Themes in Need of a Major Catalyst
4) ATX Studies Potential Role for Telematics in Natural Emergencies
5) National Governors Association Center Survey Reveals Homeland Security Challenges Facing States
6) Commercial Aviation Safety Team Launches New Air Safety Web Site


Upcoming Events
Webinar: Lessons Learned Implementing Multi-Jurisdictional Transit Signal Priority Systems: King County Metro Transit and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority – January 22
http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s070911_signal.asp


Today in Transportation History
1997 **10th anniversary** - SilkAir Flight 185 crashed near Palembang, Sumatra. All 104 people aboard died.
http://web.archive.org/web/19990202033151/http://www.singaporeair.com/corpinfo/press/MIupdate.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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Questions, comments about the TCN? Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at i95berniew@aol.com.
© 2007 Bernie Wagenblast

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 -- ISSN 1529-1057

1) Toyota and “Brain Game” Professor to Develop Cars for the Elderly
Link to AP story:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/18/business/AS-TEC-Japan-Toyota-Elderly-Cars.php

2) Are Driverless Pods the Future?
Link to BBC News story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7148731.stm

3) Booz Allen Weighs Splitting Operations
Link to story in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/17/AR2007121701831.html (may require free registration)

4) Dash Unveils the First Internet-Connected GPS Device
Link to story on Yahoo Tech:
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/hughes/22053
Link to further information from Dash Navigation: http://www.dash.net/product.php

5) TomTom Says Map Customers’ Trade Secrets are Safe
Link to Reuters story:
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=technologyNews&storyID=2007-12-18T132503Z_01_L18708924_RTRUKOC_0_US-TOMTOM.xml&archived=False

6) Delhiites May Soon Get Traffic Alerts Via SMS
Link to story in The Economic Times:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Telecom/Delhiites_may_soon_get_traffic_alerts_via_SMS/articleshow/2630188.cms

7) Transport Information Group Formed
Blog will address news and information about transportation.
Link to Transport Information Group:
http://www.matthieudesiderio.com/

8) FHWA Publishes Final Rule on Temporary Traffic Control Devices
Link to notice in the Federal Register:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2007_register&docid=fr05de07-6


News Releases

1) Americans Weigh in on How to Make 'Wait at the Gate' Shorter and More Enjoyable
2) Cellint and Georgia DOT Accomplished a Breakthrough Milestone in the US for Cellular-Based Traffic Monitoring Solutions
3) Delcan’s Los Angeles Regional Traffic Management Center Project Receives CELSOC Engineering Excellence Award
4) Leading Automakers Express Support for Sirius-XM Merger
5) ARINC Wins $6 Million Technology & Support Contract to Continue Its Work at Montreal-Trudeau Airport
6) ARINC Managed Services Delivers Strategic Installation and Maintenance at Dubai International
7) ERTICO – ITS Europe on the Move
8) Avis Launches New Online Tool to Help Travelers Maximize Free Time on Business Trips
9) Houston's KHCW-TV Launches Free Mobile Phone Cam Service Enabling Drivers to Avoid Traffic Headaches


Upcoming Events
T3 Webinar: Approaches to Deploying 511 Systems: Implementers in California, Kansas, and Montana Describe Their 511 Systems – January 9
http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s080109_lessons.asp


Today in Transportation History
1620 – Passengers from the Mayflower came ashore at what would become Plymouth, Massachusetts.
http://www.plimoth.org/

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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Questions, comments about the TCN? Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at i95berniew@aol.com.
© 2007 Bernie Wagenblast

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Monday, December 17, 2007 -- ISSN 1529-1057

1) UK Road Pricing Scheme 'on Verge of Collapse'
Link to story in The Daily Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/12/17/nroads117.xml

2) Industry, Public See Digital Billboards Differently
Link to story in the Houston Chronicle:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5383412.html

3) New York MTA Rapid Response Plan for Elevators and Escalators
Agency plans to connect over 300 escalators and elevators to a computerized monitoring system.
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/17/nyregion/17elevators.html?ex=1355547600&en=c70eb52f112267e4&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

4) $2.1 Billion New York Statewide Emergency Radio Plan Flunks First Test
Link to story in The Journal News:
http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071215/NEWS05/712150387/1021

5) Next Texas Evacuees Will Face Criminal Checks
Link to story in the Houston Chronicle:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5380868.html

6) Short-Range Radio Looks Set to Challenge Aviation Regulators
Link to story on Inflight Online:
http://www.shephard.co.uk/Inflight/Default.aspx?Action=-1000945703&ID=08b07ad8-b76a-405a-9b42-b1200624b1aa

7) Satnav to Put Lorry Drivers on Right Road in UK
Link to story in The Daily Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/12/17/nsatnav117.xml
Link to news release from Ordinance Survey:
http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/media/news/2007/dec/haulagerouting.html

8) New Personal Rapid Transit System for Heathrow Airport
Link to BBC News story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7147588.stm

9) Growing Rebellion on the High Seas
Passengers reach out via cell phones and the Internet to protest cruise conditions.
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/16/business/16bug.html?ex=1355461200&en=757ce566ad284dc8&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

10) Smart Radios Step Into the Spotlight
Link to story in Signal Connections:
http://www.imakenews.com/signal/e_article000973574.cfm?x=bbNL9TD,b1PdM2cf

11) Britain's Parking Fines Pressure Shoppers
Surveillance cameras monitor cars as they enter private parking lots and log how long they stay. Fines are imposed for those staying too long.
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-12-16-britishparking_N.htm

12) Heathrow Airport Makes It Easier to Find Your Car
Cameras will monitor cars as they enter garage and then take more photos when they park to help returning travelers locate their vehicles.
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2007-12-16-airport-check-in_N.htm
Link to news release from BAA Heathrow:
http://www.baa.com/portal/page/LHR%5EAbout%20BAA%20Heathrow%5EMedia%20Centre%5ENews%20Releases%5EResults/ab5bbc885b936110VgnVCM10000036821c0a____/a22889d8759a0010VgnVCM200000357e120a____/

13) Firm Uses GPS to Help Truckers Prevent Rollovers
Device measures speed by satellite and automatically applies brakes if it senses danger of a rollover.
Link to story in The Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2007/12/17/firm_uses_gps_to_help_truckers_prevent_rollovers/

14) Jacksonville, Florida Traffic Management System Being Expanded
Traffic alerts, new cameras coming.
Link to story in the Jacksonville Business Journal:
http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2007/12/17/daily2.html

15) Metro-North Railroad Urges Passengers to Watch Where They Step
Link to story in The Advocate:
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-gaps4dec15,0,6545541.story?coll=stam-news-local-headlines

16) Putting Canada on the Map
Father of digitized mapping recounts how a stroke of luck led him to develop the world's first geographic information system.
Link to story in The Globe and Mail:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071217.wgtGIS1214/BNStory/PersonalTech/home
17) Keeping Pace with Rush Hour
A profile of Chicago traffic reporter, Abby Ryan.
Link to story in the Chicago Sun-Times:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/transportation/700511,CST-NWS-shotgun17.article

18) Fusing Data to Manage Traffic
Link to article in Eureka:
http://www.eurekamagazine.co.uk/article/12473/Fusing-data-to-manage-traffic.aspx

19) Remote Sensing Technology for Automotive Safety
Link to article in Microwave Journal:
http://www.mwjournal.com/journal/article.asp?HH_ID=AR_5256 (free registration required)

20) December Issue of IEEE ITS Society Newsletter Online
Link to newsletter:
http://www.its.washington.edu/itsc/v9n4.pdf


News Releases

1) ITS Network Germany is Launched
2) Test Site Sweden Appointed as New Beta Integration Site for CVIS Project


Upcoming Events
APTA Marketing & Communications Workshop – February 24-27 – Orlando, Florida
http://www.apta.com/conferences_calendar/marketing/index.cfm


Today in Transportation History
1834 – The Dublin and Kingstown Railway opened in Ireland.
http://www.dalkeyhomepage.ie/dublinkingstownrailway.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to: TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com
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TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Questions, comments about the TCN? Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at i95berniew@aol.com.
© 2007 Bernie Wagenblast

Friday, December 14, 2007

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Friday, December 14, 2007 -- ISSN 1529-1057

1) Smart Systems Ensure Smooth Traffic During 2008 Olympics
Link to story and video report on China Central Television:
http://www.cctv.com/program/sportsscene/20071214/104121.shtml

2) Nissan to Equip 'Fuga' with 'Intelligent Pedal,' 'Intelligent Cruise Control'
Link to Nikkei story:
http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20071214/144251/
Link to news release from Nissan:
http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2007/_STORY/071213-02-e.html

3) Ford Gets Sirius with Travel Link
New service to provide weather, traffic, more.
Link to story on The Car Connection:
http://www.thecarconnection.com/Auto_News/Daily_Auto_News/Ford_Gets_Sirius_With_Travel_Link.S173.A13751.html?srccd=de20071214

4) Hand-Held Device Translates Airport Commands to Spanish
Link to story in The Des Moines Register:
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071214/BUSINESS/712140366/-1/LIFE04

5) A Wake-Up Call Behind the Wheel
New safety systems aim to save lives by warning sleepy drivers.
Link to story on ForbesAutos:
http://www.forbesautos.com/news/features/2007/sleeping-at-the-wheel.html

6) New Mexico DOT Beefs Up Road Hotline in Time for Winter
Link to story in the New Mexico Business Weekly:
http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/stories/2007/12/10/daily36.html

7) On the Radio: KFI’s Mike Nolan Among a Slew of Los Angeles Area Traffic Reporters Silenced by Layoffs
Link to story in the Ocean County Register:
http://www.ocregister.com/column/traffic-reports-metro-1942036-stations-radio


News Releases

1) Vitronic Celebrates Completion of New Production Facility and Remodelling of HQ
2) ECT Saves Lives with Drowsy Driver Detection Technology
3) ERTICO – ITS Europe Announces Appointment of New CEO
4) Stakeholders Gather to Discuss Future of European Field Operational Tests


Upcoming Events
EuroRail 2008 – February 25-28 – Milan, Italy
http://www.terrapinn.com/2008/eurorail/


Friday Bonus
They don’t teach this in traffic-directing school.
http://www.komotv.com/home/video/12387881.html?video=pop&t=a


Today in Transportation History
1907 **100th anniversary** – The schooner, Thomas W. Lawson, is destroyed in a storm off the Isles of Scilly.
http://www.hylandgranby.com/stkimgs/CL0375b+.jpg

December 16 – 1947 **60th anniversary** - The first transistor is built.
http://www.corp.att.com/attlabs/reputation/timeline/47transistor.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to: TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com
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TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Questions, comments about the TCN? Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at i95berniew@aol.com.
© 2007 Bernie Wagenblast

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Thursday, December 13, 2007 -- ISSN 1529-1057

1) US Senator Eyes Air Traffic ‘Czar’
Link to story in the Daily News:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/12/13/2007-12-13_sen_schumer_eyes_air_traffic_czar.html

2) Taking Rail, Other Options Out on a Very Public Road
Massachusetts governor’s review of rail extension seeks local voices.
Link to story in The Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/12/13/taking_rail_other_options_out_on_a_very_public_road/ (may require free registration)

3) Republicans, ACLU Join to Oppose Plan for High-Tech Driver’s License in Arizona
Link to Capitol Media Services story:
http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/216032

4) Edmonton Axes Bus Rapid Transit
Link to story in The Edmonton Journal:
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/story.html?id=2cb06782-bd89-4758-aada-e0d61e607cc1&k=32946

5) Missouri Command Center Will Hum as Highway 40 Closes
Link to story in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/A9229B5F2CBDE7F0862573B00019FD36?OpenDocument

6) 11 Cell Towers to be Installed Along New York’s Adirondack Northway
Would provide coverage along highway where motorist died unable to call for help.
Link to AP story:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/5372617.html

7) Billboards Create Digital Wanted Posters
Signs are also used to search for missing children and to warn the public during emergencies.
Link to AP story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ii_9FOQqFqb4pYwaSBLjMIq2DjzAD8TGPFOG0

8) The Way You Drive is About to Change Dramatically, IBM Predicts
Link to story on ForbesAutos:
http://www.forbesautos.com/news/features/2007/ibm-five-in-five-future-car-trends.html

9) Utah Firm Wants to Go Where GPS Doesn’t
Link to AP story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jYMuoLpzfwC-qMoRUXnOLUz-zkdwD8TGQCUO0
Link to S5 Wireless: http://www.s5w.com/

10) Driving Test? Not if Car has Sensors
Pennsylvania prohibits use of proximity sensors on vehicles used for driving tests.
Link to story in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_542541.html


News Releases

1) Tentative Program and Call for Papers Announced for 2008 TRB/IBTTA Joint Conference on Freeway and Tollway Operations
2) AirIQ Engages Paradigm Capital Inc. as Advisor
3) I-95 Corridor Coalition's Multi-State Vehicle Probe Data Collection Project is Under Way


Upcoming Events
APTA TransITech Conference – February 20-22- Anaheim, California
http://www.apta.com/conferences_calendar/trantech/index.cfm


Today in Transportation History
1577 **430th anniversary** - Francis Drake departs Plymouth, England to begin a round-the-world voyage.
http://www.mcn.org/2/oseeler/voy.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to: TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com
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TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Questions, comments about the TCN? Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at i95berniew@aol.com.
© 2007 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Wednesday, December 12, 2007 -- ISSN 1529-1057

1) New Texas Program Allows State Signs for Victims of DWI
Link to AP story:
http://www.news8austin.com/content/headlines/?ArID=196496&SecID=2

2) Ireland M50 Electronic Toll Plan a ‘Rip-Off,’ Hearing is Told
Link to story in The Irish Times:
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/1212/breaking40.htm

3) ADS-B’s Impact on Business Aviation
Link to story in Aviation Week:
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/bca1107p1.xml&headline=ADS-B's%20Impact%20on%20Business%20Aviation&channel=busav

4) Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards Given
Link to list of award winners and additional information:
http://www.roadsafetyawards.com/national/list.aspx?year=2007


News Releases

1) Navteq Announces Approval of Merger Agreement with Nokia
2) User-Generated Content Will Bring Greater Depth to Digital Maps and Points of Interest
3) IntelliOne Awarded Scientific American 50 for TrafficAid
4) Microsoft Acquires One of Europe’s Top Online Map Services; Multimap
5) AT&T Offers Network Industry-First RFID and GPS-Based Solutions for K - 12 Education Segment
6) Navteq Map Expands Speed Limits and Launched Road Side Warnings Map Content Enables Improved Routing and New Navigation Features


Upcoming Events
South West Transit Association Annual Conference – February 17-19 – Fort Worth, Texas
http://www.swta.org/pages/seminar.html


Correction
Yesterday’s “Today in Transportation History” feature should have said:
1987 **20th anniversary** – The first line of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority opened.

Today in Transportation History
1925 – The world’s first motel opened. The Motel Inn is still located in San Luis Obispo, California.
http://www.beachcalifornia.com/1stmotel.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 at i95berniew@aol.com.
© 2007 Bernie Wagenblast