Thursday, January 31, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Thursday, January 31, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

15th World Congress on ITS Call for Papers Deadline Extended to February 15
ITS America received several requests from around the world to extend the deadline for the Call for Papers for the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems. If you haven’t yet submitted a paper for the World Congress, you now have some extra time. The new deadline is Friday, February 15, 2008. Take advantage of the potential to present at this must-attend event which is expected to attract 10,000 delegates from more than 40 countries from November 16-20, 2008 in New York City. Draft technical papers and complete scientific papers can be submitted through the official World Congress Web site at
http://itswc2008.ntpshowsites.com/submit-a-paper.html.


AVIATION

1) Airline’s Labor Fight Threatens Safety Program
Link to story in the Star-Telegram:
http://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/438434.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) Everything You Need to Know about Traffic Data for In-Car SatNav in Australia
Link to story on Gizmodo:
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2007/08/everything_you_need_to_know_ab.html

MARITIME

3) E-Permit Will Speed Seafreight Through Dubai Ports
Link to story on ArabianBusiness:
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/509778-e-permit-will-speed-seafreight-through-dubai-ports

ROADWAYS

4) Maintenance Operations: Work Zones, Pavement Markings, and Weather
Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:
http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=8632

5) Urban Road Pricing: US DOT Congestion Initiative and Urban Partnerships
Presentation to ITS World Congress.
Link to presentation:
http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/speeches/14th_worldcongress/index.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Mississippi DOT Chief Says Traffic Camera Plan on Hold
Link to story in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal:
http://www.djournal.com/pages/story.asp?ID=264896&pub=1&div=News

7) Tighter US Border ID Rules Begin
Link to AP story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h7YK6qe9Xpfr4heKG3_hRDGJP6jwD8UGQAC80

8) Trains, Bloggers are Threats in Cyber Drill
Link to AP story:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-cyber-storm,0,5324892.story

9) Air Your Security Gripes on US Transportation Security Administration Blog
Link to AP story:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AIRPORT_SECURITY_TSA_BLOG?SITE=VTBUR&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Link to Evolution of Security blog: http://www.tsa.gov/blog/
Link to news release from the TSA:
http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2008/01302008c.shtm

10) Ohio Supreme Court OKs Traffic-Light Cameras
Link to story in Columbus Business First:
http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/01/28/daily28.html

11) Drivers Slow Down Where Speed Cameras are in Place, Study Says
Link to story in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/30/AR2008013003718.html (may require free registration)
Link to reports from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:
http://www.iihs.org/research/topics/pdf/speed_cameras_montco.pdf (Montgomery County, Maryland)
http://www.iihs.org/research/topics/pdf/speed_cameras_scottsdale.pdf (Scottsdale, Arizona)

TRANSIT

12) Real-Time Alerts Ease Sting for Massachusetts Commuters Facing Delays
Link to story in The Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/01/31/real_time_alerts_ease_sting_for_commuters_facing_delays/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Freeway Dramas: Experts to Take ‘Fresh Look’
New South Wales asks for advice on how accidents on F3 freeway can be better managed.
Link to Australian Broadcasting Corporation News story:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/01/31/2150598.htm

14) Managing Traffic in the Urban Age
Link to column in The New York Times:
http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/31/managing-traffic-in-the-urban-age/ (may require free registration)

News Releases
1) Passenger Train Safety to be Improved with New Requirements for Emergency Communication, Evacuation, and Rescue Features
2) TrafficLand Appoints New President and COO to Executive Team
3) Strategy Analytics: Car Infotainment Shake-Up - Continental, Blaupunkt, Visteon & Delphi Supply 57% of Infotainment Systems


Job Posting
- Economists – Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (US DOT) – Cambridge, Massachusetts
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/ftva.asp?seeker=1&JobID=67915953


Upcoming Events
New Jersey Transportation Conference and Expo (TransAction 2008) – April 2-4 – Atlantic City, New Jersey
http://www.njcost.com/transaction.htm


Today in Transportation History
1958 **50th anniversary** - US launches its first satellite, Explorer 1.
http://www.nasm.si.edu/exhibitions/GAL100/exp1.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.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) Iridium Sets Sights on Broadband
Link to story in Inflight:
http://www.shephard.co.uk/Inflight/Default.aspx?Action=-1000945703&ID=71d5c176-5577-4bfa-91e2-cf8e1101aad6

OTHER

2) Audit Initiated of US DOT’s Transportation Technology Innovation and Demonstration Program (TTID)
Link to memorandum from US Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General:
http://www.oig.dot.gov/StreamFile?file=/data/pdfdocs/TTID.pdf

ROADWAYS

3) MSNBC Creates Bridge Tracker Web Site as Part of Series on Inspection of Spans
Site provides inspection dates and conditions of bridges between user-defined start and end points.
Link to site:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21840954

4) Portion of US 183A in Texas Could be Video-Tolled
Link to story in the Austin Business Journal:
http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2008/01/28/daily25.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) Logan Airport Looks for New Ways to Catch Terrorists
Massachusetts Port Authority uses Center of Excellence to evaluate various technologies.
Link to story in the Boston Herald:
http://news.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1069914&srvc=home&position=also

6) Federal Communications Commission has Only One Bid on Spectrum Block Reserved for First Responders
Link to story in Washington Technology:
http://www.washingtontechnology.com/online/1_1/32167-1.html

TRANSIT

7) Tcard Woes Worsen for New South Wales Government
Link to story in The Age:
http://news.theage.com.au/tcard-woes-worsen-for-nsw-government/20080130-1oyf.html
Link to news release from ERG:
http://www.erggroup.com/news/details.asp?newsid=35

8) Could Washington State ‘Smart Card’ Plan be in Jeopardy?
Link to story and video report on KIRO-TV:
http://www.kirotv.com/news/15166700/detail.html
Link to further information from King County: http://transit.metrokc.gov/prog/smartcard/smartcard.html

9) South Africa Electronic Fare Collection System to be Formalized Before End-March
Link to story in Engineering News:
http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=125711

10) Film Encourages Better Behavior on Transport for London Network
Link to BBC News story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7214816.stm
Link to film:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/corporate/projectsandschemes/communityandeducation/asb/default.aspx

11) Marin Transit Weighs Transit Swipe System Not Linked to Region’s Plan
Link to story in the Marin Independent Journal:
http://www.marinij.com/marin/ci_8114844

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Suna Traffic Channel Spreading to Sydney, Brisbane
Link to story on iTWire:
http://www.itwire.com/content/view/16369/532/
Link to more information from Intelematics: http://www.intelematics.com.au/traffic.jsp

13) Traffic Channel Coming Soon to the Tube in Manila?
Link to story from BusinessWorld:
http://www.hoovers.com/free/co/news/detail.xhtml?ID=54128&ArticleID=20080130670.2_db95000855d85b1f&source_type%5B%5D=n

14) At Massachusetts Transportation Summit, Leaders Urge Innovation
Link to State House News Service story:
http://www.wickedlocal.com/cambridge/news/x1059369379

15) Traffic Cameras in City of Danbury, Connecticut Now Available Online
Link to story in The News-Times:
http://www.newstimes.com/ci_8118132?source=most_viewed

16) Can Technology Decongest Nigerian Traffic?
Link to commentary in The Tide:
http://www.thetidenews.com/article.aspx?qrDate=01/30/2008&qrTitle=Can%20technology%20decongest%20traffic?&qrColumn=ISSUES

VEHICLES

17) Radio has a Special Place in the Car
Link to story in Radio World:
http://www.rwonline.com/pages/s.0053/t.10995.html


News Releases
1) Veteran Research Pilot to Head NOAA’s Aviation Weather Center
2) Laser Atlanta Rolls Out the Latest Weapon in the War on Speeders
3) Getting the Green Light: Global Traffic Technologies is Moving Forward New Corporate Headquarters, Web Site and Identity Announced
4) Global Traffic Technologies Awarded Default Judgment in US Patent Suit


Upcoming Events
Intermodal South America 2008 – April 15-17 - São Paulo, Brazil
http://www.intermodal.com.br/eng/


Today in Transportation History
1920 – The Toyo Kogyo Company is founded. The company would go on to make Mazda automobiles.
http://www.mazda.co.jp

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

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.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

MARITIME

1) Canadian Appeal Court Rules BC Ferries Must Keep Sinking Documents Secret
Link to Canadian Press story:
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iu35stKPS_G-c1gIrSruVQddjZDg
Link to decision from the Court of Appeal for British Columbia:
http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/Jdb-txt/CA/08/00/2008BCCA0040.htm

2) EU, China to Share Port Info
Link to story in The Hollywood Reporter:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/international/news/e3i889a93594bdea6ab602daa53736ba011

OTHER

3) Automakers Turn to Social Networking Sites
Link to story on Seeking Alpha:
http://seekingalpha.com/article/61971-automakers-turn-to-social-networking-sites

4) Caltrans Will Remove Controversial Sign
Link to story and video report on XETV-TV:
http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=fd6c69a7-573f-4e4e-9850-7059b261bec2&rss=tick

RAILROADS

5) Cameras on Trains Will Record Accidents, Deaths
Link to story in the San Jose Mercury News:
http://www.mercurynews.com/crime/ci_8108012
Link to news release from Union Pacific:
http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/releases/safety/2008/0128_tir.shtml

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) South African Hijackers Get Smart with GPS
While someone is kidnapped they go to the victim’s home, directed by their GPS.
Link to story from The Star:
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=181&art_id=vn20080129030806572C996526

TRANSIT

7) BART Riders Participate in Tech Test
Volunteers will use specially equipped cell phones to pay fares and download information from ads in stations.
Link to story in the East Bay Business Times:
http://www.bizjournals.com/eastbay/stories/2008/01/28/daily21.html

8) Metro-North to Introduce Hand-Held Electronic Ticket Machines Onboard Trains
Devices will also receive text messages from the Operations Control Center about service updates, disruptions and other train operation information.
Link to story in the Poughkeepsie Journal:
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080128/NEWS01/80128022/1006
Link to news release from Metro-North Railroad:
http://www.mta.info/mta/news/releases/?en=080128-MNR5

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

9) I-95 Panel Plans Satellite Traffic-Report Network
Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120156134514523581.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Link to news release from Inrix:
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-29-2008/0004745342&EDATE

10) Los Angeles Mayor Unveils Plan to Fight Traffic Congestion
Plans include synchronizing traffic signals and license plate recognition technology.
Link to story and video report on KCBS-TV:
http://cbs2.com/local/Tiger.Team.Traffic.2.640715.html

VEHICLES

11) Infrared Cameras to Detect Stolen Vehicles
Link to story on the Transport Information Group:
http://www.matthieudesiderio.com/?p=65


News Releases
1) IVOX Introduces First Predictive Driver Risk Management System for Fleets
2) Continental Airlines to Offer Live Television and E-Mail on Domestic Flights


Upcoming Events
Auckland International Boat Show – March 6-9 – Auckland, New Zealand
http://www.aucklandinternationalboatshow.com/


Today in Transportation History
1944 – The battleship USS Missouri was launched at the New York Navy Yard.
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-m/bb63-v3.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.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast

Monday, January 28, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Monday, January 28, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) Airport Safety: Magnetic Fingerprinting in the Fog?
Researchers develop system to pinpoint the location of aircraft at airports even in places where other traffic monitoring systems face difficulties.
Link to story on ICT Results:
http://cordis.europa.eu/ictresults/index.cfm/section/news/tpl/article/BrowsingType/Features/ID/89466

2) Federal Aviation Administration Lets Long Island’s MacArthur Airport Keep Air Traffic Equipment
Link to story in Newsday:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/ny-liair0127,0,3056946.story

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) UK Will Not Abandon Galileo Yet, Says Government
Link to story in Computing:
http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2208227/uk-abandon-galileo-yet
Link to report from the Select Committee on Transport:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmselect/cmtran/283/28304.htm

MARITIME

4) ‘Hotline Between Coast Guards of India and Pakistan Working Well’
Link to story in The Hindu:
http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/28/stories/2008012854971200.htm

5) Scrapped by Canada, High-Tech Radar Sold to Sri Lanka
Link to Canwest News Service story:
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=3a853b61-62cd-449a-9537-3bae9565a2a2&k=73075

6) Key Decisions on Long-Range Ship Tracking Made at International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee
Link to story in IMO News:
http://www.imo.org/includes/blastDataOnly.asp/data_id%3D20746/IMONewsNo407LR.pdf (page 19)

OTHER

7) A Less Distant DOT
Connecticut's insular transportation agency could learn a few things from other states about service and accessibility.
Link to commentary in the Hartford Courant:
http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/commentary/hc-commentarydot127.artjan27,0,6640248.story

8) Free Radio Service Provides Decent Fare on School Buses
Link to AP story:
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/14453127.html

9) Alabama Trucking Services Now Online
Link to story on eTrucker:
http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=66280
Link to Alabama Online Trucking Resources: http://trucking.alabama.gov

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

10) Kiosks to Serve Up Info on Minnesota’s New I-35W Bridge
Link to story in the Star Tribune:
http://www.startribune.com/local/14481822.html

ROADWAYS

11) Watch Out, Another Traffic Spy is Heading Your Way
Car-sharing lanes are coming to Britain in a bid to tackle rising congestion and a new smart camera will help to police them.
Link to story in The Sunday Times:
http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/news/article3250609.ece

12) ‘Smart’ Traffic Light Plan
Test will use traffic signals to keep traffic out of built-up areas during high pollution periods.
Link to story in the Leicester Mercury:
http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=132935&command=displayContent&sourceNode=132702&contentPK=19690195&folderPk=77465&pNodeId=132393

13) Articles from Current Issue of Public Roads
- Mobility Services for All – ITS technologies are improving the quality of transportation for individuals in human services programs.
http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/08jan/04.htm
- QuickZone: Modeling in the Zone – With the revised Federal Work Zone Safety and Mobility Rule now in effect, this modeling tool can help DOTs comply.
http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/08jan/05.htm
- The Corporate Master Plan Shapes R&T Practice
http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/08jan/06.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

14) Unease Persists on Real ID
Final rules for Real ID cards don’t put privacy, security concerns to rest.
Link to commentary in Government Computer News:
http://www.gcn.com/online/vol1_no1/45737-1.html

15) IT Snags Slow Secure Flight
TSA’s passenger screening system criticized as duplicative of Customs and Border Protection’s border program.
Link to story in Government Computer News:
http://www.gcn.com/print/27_2/45697-1.html

16) School Bus Cameras Help Discipline
North Carolina school district says behavior is improved and more cameras are added.
Link to story in The Charlotte Observer:
http://www.charlotte.com/breaking_news/story/466251.html

TELEMATICS

17) OnStar to Offer Remote Cell Phone Commands
Link to story in This Week in Consumer Electronics:
http://www.twice.com/article/CA6526411.html?nid=3189

TRANSIT

18) Wi-Fi Gets Trial Run on Massachusetts Commuter Trains
Link to story in The Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/01/28/wi_fi_gets_trial_run_on_commuter_trains/ (may require free registration)
Link to further information from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority:
http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/wifi/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

19) Keeping More Electronic Eyes on the Road
Florida plans to add more tools to monitor conditions and information motorists.
Link to story in the Herald-Tribune:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080128/NEWS/801280581


News Releases
1) Alaska Governor Announces Plan to Improve Aviation Safety – New Bill Helps Pilots Obtain State of the Art Avionics
2) Mazda to Test Intelligent Transport System in Hiroshima
3) Personal Navigation Devices Will Be Complemented, Not Replaced, by Handset-Based Navigation Solutions
4) AirIQ Launches Enhanced Offering for Consumers
5) King County, Washington 911 Chosen for National Pilot Program
6) Public Safety Spectrum Trust on Recent Statements in the Media on Upcoming 700 MHz Auction
7) Leading Active Vehicle Safety Experts Explain Why IVS is Such a Big Deal to Future of European Automotive Industry
8) Requirement for Analog Cellular Service Expires in February in US
9) Freeway and Tollway Operations Conference Abstract Submission Deadline is February 1, 2008
10) Iteris Announces New Georgia DOT Fast Forward Contract


Upcoming Events
American Society for Photogrammetry & Remote Sensing 2008 Annual Conference – April 28-May 2 – Portland, Oregon
http://www.asprs.org/portland08/index.html


Today in Transportation History
1938 **70th anniversary** - Rudolf Caracciola sets a world land speed record of 268.9 mph (432.7 km/h).
http://thespeedblog.com/racers-past-rudolf-caracciola-1901-1959/

1958 **50th anniversary** - The plastic Lego bricks that countless future engineers used to build their first bridges and other creations, was first patented.
http://www.lego.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.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast

Friday, January 25, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Friday, January 25, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) O’Hare Radar System is Criticized
Link to AP story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iyOotXVTe_r7c9lTvfBudhRoAKeAD8UCH9601

2) Couple Protests FAA with Rooftop Sign
Link to AP story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hP2ufd2fxSeX-HPVjDDuf-rDISPwD8UCE71O0

3) In-Flight Internet: Grounded for Life?
Link to CNET News story:
http://www.news.com/In-flight-Internet-Grounded-for-life/2100-7351_3-6227736.html?tag=nefd.lede

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) Truckers’ Anti-Terror Program ‘Wasteful’
Highway Watch program criticized as doing little to fight terrorism.
Link to story on Politico:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0108/8073.html
Link to report from the US Department of Homeland Security Inspector General:
http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_08-08_Oct07.pdf
Link to Highway Watch: http://www.highwaywatch.com

5) Electronic Tire Registration Called a ‘Win-Win’
Link to story in Modern Tire Dealer:
http://www.moderntiredealer.com/t_inside.cfm?action=news_det&storyID=8372

6) The Fisher-Price Quality of Transit Surveillance in Calgary Blindfolds Cops When They Focus on Cameras to Help Solve Crimes
Link to column in the Calgary Sun:
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Columnists/Platt_Michael/2008/01/25/4793241.php
Link to photo: http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/2008/01/24/pf-4790692.html

TELEMATICS

7) Toll Hikes Driving More Massachusetts Motorists to Get E-ZPass
Link to story in The Eagle-Tribune:
http://www.eagletribune.com/punewsnh/local_story_025093832?keyword=secondarystory

8) Hughes Telematics Plans to Outdo OnStar and Sync
Link to story on Autoblog:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/in-depth-hughes-telematics-planning-to-outdo-onstar-and-sync/

TRANSIT

9) San Diego Transit Information Available on Mobile Phones Thanks to Commuter’s Idea
Link to column in The San Diego Union-Tribune:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/justfixit/20080125-9999-lz1m25fixit.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Saudi Arabia Plans to Spend SR2 Billion on New Traffic Monitoring System
Link to story in the Khaleej Times:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2008/January/middleeast_January369.xml&section=middleeast&col

11) Get Live UK Traffic Updates Online
New service from ITV Local offers live traffic maps, traffic alerts and camera images.
Link to story in Webuser:
http://www.webuser.co.uk/news/176027.html
Link to ITV Local – Central travel updates: http://www.itvlocal.com/central/travel/

VEHICLES

12) Car Shoppers Must Think Tech
Link to column in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/24/AR2008012403290.html (may require free registration)


News Releases
1) Washington State DOT Receives International Attention for Communication Efforts
2) New, Safer Brake Technology for Freight Trains Gains Traction as Second Railroad Launches ECP Train3) Corporate Traveler Poll Finds Most Business Travelers Don't Want Cell Phones or Need Wi-Fi While Flying


Upcoming Events
Web Conference: Talking Freight - Quick Response Freight Manual – February 20
https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=13524


Friday Bonus
I’ll bet there was no sign warning of this.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8SOB4UG0&show_article=1


Today in Transportation History
1953 **55th anniversary** - The Empress of Canada caught fire and capsized while at dock in Liverpool.
http://www.merchantnavyofficers.com/empcanada.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.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Thursday, January 24, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

Do you find the TCN useful? If so, you might also enjoy receiving the free AASHTO Daily Transportation Update in your e-mail inbox. The Daily is produced every weekday by TCN's editor, Bernie Wagenblast, and is a great resource for keeping up on the transportation news important to you, conveniently sorted by topic. It links to selected news stories from around the country and also includes a daily roundup of Federal Regulations that touch on transportation. If you'd like to receive this free, vital publication in your inbox today, send an e-mail to David Dubov, ddubov@aashto.org, with the words "Subscribe to the Daily" in your subject line. To see all past issues of the Daily, point your browser to http://news.transportation.org and click on the Daily Transportation Update link at the bottom of the page.


AVIATION

1) Nashville and Austin Offer Live Music in Their Airports
Link to AP story:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/features/5472210.html
Link to further information from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport:
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/austinairport/musicartstours.htm
Link to further information from Nashville International Airport:
http://www.flynashville.com/music/music_sched.aspx

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) Russia Agency Told Fix Satnav, Forget Space Travel
Link to Reuters story:
http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-31557320080123

3) US Needs to Move on Next Generation GPS Satellite: Official
Link to Reuters story:
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN2424630220080124

MARITIME

4) US Transportation Security Administration Reports Progress in Port Identification Card Program
Link to story in Government Executive:
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0108/012308j3.htm
Link to further information from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee:
http://transportation.house.gov/hearings/hearingdetail.aspx?NewsID=407

OTHER

5) Judge Says Missouri Must Issue License Plate with ‘Choose Life’
Link to story in The Kansas City Star:
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/458123.html

RAILROADS

6) Proposal Axes Pay for CSX Flagmen
Florida legislation would stop state from paying for railroad personnel on public roads projects.
Link to story in The Tampa Tribune:
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jan/24/na-proposal-axes-pay-for-csx-flagmen/

7) January Issue of European Rail Traffic Management System’s Signal
Link to newsletter:
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/rail/ertms/newsletter/doc/2008/004_signal_2008_01_en.pdf

ROADWAYS

8) Johannesburg Plans Solar Traffic Lights to Cope with Cuts
Link to story in The Star:
http://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4219182

9) New Dallas Hub Houses Transportation Agencies, Will Monitor Roads with Cameras
Link to story in The Dallas Morning News:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/012408dnmettransport.50056229.html (may require free registration)
Link to Dallas/Fort Worth traffic conditions from Texas DOT: http://dfwtraffic.dot.state.tx.us/

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Texas DOT Traffic Cameras Could Help Austin Police with Crime
Link to story in The Daily Texan:
http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2008/01/24/StateLocal/Traffic.Cameras.Could.Help.Police.With.Crime-3166071.shtml

TRANSIT

11) Public Transport ‘Smart Card’ to Start Next Week in Queensland
Link to Australian Broadcasting Corporation News story:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/01/24/2146005.htm
Link to news release from the Queensland Government:
http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=56211

12) Chicago Transit Authority Says Cameras in New Trains Will Help with Response to Emergencies
Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-ctasecurity_24jan24,1,5531708.story (may require free registration)
Link to news release from the CTA:
http://www.transitchicago.com/news/ctaandpress.wu?action=displayarticledetail&articleid=131401

13) Lazy Option is Best When Waiting for the Bus
People frustrated by the delayed arrival of a bus should wait for it to show up rather than walk to their destination, mathematicians say.
Link to story in New Scientist:
http://www.newscientist.com/channel/being-human/mg19726404.600-lazy-option-is-best-when-waiting-for-the-bus.html
Link to paper: http://arxiv.org/abs/0801.0297

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) Montgomery County, Maryland Storm Center Debuts in Time for Snowfall
County is the first in the nation to use WeatherBug to aid snow removal efforts.
Link to story in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/23/AR2008012301775.html (may require free registration)
Link to news release from Montgomery County:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=4211

VEHICLES

15) High-Tech Trucking
High-tech dispatch center gives edge to trucking firm.
Link to story in The Flint Journal:
http://www.mlive.com/business/flintjournal/index.ssf?/base/business-5/1201186221261560.xml&coll=5


News Releases
1) Trimble Acquires Géo-3D Inc. to Provide Transportation Infrastructure Inventory Solutions
2) Telvent Will Implement and Manage the 511 Traveler Information System in the State of New York
3) It’s the Telematics Industry’s Time to Shine on Telematics Update Magazine’s Globally Recognized Stage
4) Guidebook to Contain New Info for Hazmat Emergencies
5) South Africa Adopts Framework Standards for Deployment of RFID Systems in Transportation
6) American Airlines Introduces Mobile AA.com Service to Further Enhance the Customer Experience
7) Unitronics Unveils Largest Automated Parking Garage in the US


Upcoming Events
Webinar: Approaches for Integrating Configuration Management Into Your ITS Project Development Processes – February 21
http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s080221_se.asp


Today in Transportation History
1978 **30th anniversary** - Soviet satellite Cosmos 954 reenters the atmosphere with its nuclear reactor intact. Debris crashes in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
http://www.pwnhc.ca/timeline/index_winIFix.asp?forward=http%3A//www.pwnhc.ca/timeline/1975/1978_Cosmos.htm#Scene_1

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

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.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

15th World Congress Call for Papers: Deadline Extended to January 31
The deadline for submitting technical and scientific papers to the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems has been extended to January 31, 2008. Do not miss the opportunity to present at this event which is expected to attract 10,000 delegates from more than 40 countries from November 16-20, 2008 in New York City. Technical paper drafts and full scientific papers must be submitted at http://www.itsworldcongress.org/submit-a-paper.html no later than January 31. If you have questions about paper content or format, contact Nicole Oliphant at noliphant@itsa.org.

AVIATION

1) Onboard Cell Phone: New Report Will Rattle US Bars
Link to story in Inflight:
http://www.shephard.co.uk/Inflight/Default.aspx?Action=-1000945703&ID=93904be9-7149-4258-b343-00e60ab0e62b

MARITIME

2) Indonesia Agrees to Install 7 Radar Units from US in Makassar Strait
Link to Xinhua story:
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6343316.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

3) Brigham Young University Play on Transit Aims to Move Utahns
Link to story in The Salt Lake Tribune:
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_8051836

ROADWAYS

4) Is Spending $5 Million on ‘Smart Traffic’ in Huntsville, Alabama Wise?
Link to commentary in The Huntsville Times:
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/lroop.ssf?/base/news/1201083416214230.xml&coll=1

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) Federal Judge Dismisses Case Challenging Chicago’s Use of Cameras for Traffic Violations
Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-redlight_bothjan23,1,5486910.story

6) US Airports Fingerprint Foreign Travelers
Link to AP story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iZPfffbz9AGuYIIOXvEp5HdDC2mwD8UB7TEO0

TRANSIT

7) Public Transport Card Plan Dropped in New South Wales
Link to story in the Herald Sun:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23096414-5005961,00.html

8) Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Displays Glowing New PATH Cars
New cars will feature television monitors and automated announcements.
Link to story in The Star-Ledger:
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-9/120106654850020.xml&coll=1
Link to news release from the Port Authority:
http://www.panynj.gov/AboutthePortAuthority/PressCenter/PressReleases/PressRelease/index.php?id=1027

9) Toronto Transit Commission’s Computerized Bus Simulator No Easy Ride
Link to story in the Toronto Star:
http://www.thestar.com/article/296138


News Releases
1) Cell Phone Sensors Detect Radiation to Thwart Nuclear Terrorism
2) Downs Appointed to Lead HNTB's Program Management Practice
3) Southwest Airlines Bringing the Internet to the Sky Via Satellite
4) Federal Communications Commission Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau to Host Summit on 911 Call Center Operations and Next Generation Technologies
5) Demonstrating 'The Value Of Voice': ATX Records Banner Year for Speech-Enabled Telematics Applications
6) The Transportation Research Board: A National Academies Podcast
7) Lockheed Martin-Built GPS Satellites Pass 75 Year Mark of Combined On-Orbit Operations
8) INRIX and TomTom Expand North American Partnership to Include Comprehensive Traffic-Enabled Content and Services


Upcoming Events
IBTTA 2008 Facilities Management Workshop – April 27-29 – Orlando, Florida
http://www.ibtta.org/Events/eventdetail.cfm?ItemNumber=2882


Today in Transportation History
1968 **40th anniversary** - North Korea seizes the USS Pueblo.
http://www.usspueblo.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 at i95berniew@aol.com.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Tuesday, January 22, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

ITS Project Manager - GeoDecisions (a division of Gannett Fleming) - Location: Philadelphia, PA/NJ/DEGeoDecisions is a division of Gannett Fleming Inc., an award-winning planning, design, and construction management firm with more than 1,800 employees in over 45 offices around the country. GeoDecisions is currently seeking an ITS Project Manager in the mid-Atlantic region. Responsibilities will include: working with project engineers and planners to deliver ITS planning and design projects; preparing plans, specifications and costs estimates (PS&Es); writing ITS strategic plans, concepts of operations and similar ITS planning/programming documents; completing proposals, presentations and other business development activities; maintaining positive client relationships; and managing and mentoring ITS staff. The ideal candidate will have a BS in Engineering and 8 or more years of experience in ITS planning, design and construction services support, preferably in a consulting environment. Experience with the planning and design of transportation management systems (DMS, CCTV, HAR, Incident Detection, Ramp Metering, etc.) is required. Strong analytical and oral and written communications skills are imperative. Familiarity with ITS communications systems and a PE is a plus. Please follow this link to apply: http://www.gfnet.com/careers-joblist.asp?ReqID=10199 EOE

AVIATION

1) American Airlines Will be First to Offer In-Flight Internet Access
Link to story in The Dallas Morning News:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/industries/techtelecom/stories/012208dnbusaainternet.2927f43.html (may require free registration)

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) GPS Tools Let Public Clock Cruisers in Florida County
High-tech dispatching system can tell public how fast police vehicles were traveling.
Link to story in The Tampa Tribune:
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jan/22/me-gps-tools-let-public-clock-cruisers-in-pinellas/

3) Navigation Systems Merge Information
Weather, sports scores, stock prices available.
Link to column in The Detroit News:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080122/OPINION03/801220327/1386/AUTO03

OTHER

4) US DOT’s ITS Presentations at 2008 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting
Link to presentations:
http://www.its.dot.gov/press_room.htm

5) US DOT Releases Vision to Guide Research and Investment Decisions Toward Safe, Reliable and Efficient National Transportation System
Link to Transportation Vision 2030:
http://www.rita.dot.gov/publications/transportation_vision_2030/

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) TSA Aims to Tighten General Aviation Security at FBOs
Link to story on CharterX:
http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=3137

7) British Columbia Rolls Out Hybrid License
Driver’s license doubles as border crossing card.
Link to story in Washington Technology:
http://www.washingtontechnology.com/online/1_1/32139-1.html
Link to news release from the British Columbia Premier’s Office:
http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008OTP0008-000056.htm

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) Wireless Net from Traffic Lights?
Plans to synchronize traffic signals could result in wireless Internet access.
Link to story in The Gainesville Sun:
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080122/NEWS/801220311/1002/NEWS

VEHICLES

9) Reception Fading for Stalwart Stick Car Antenna
Link to AP story:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/01/22/business/NA-FIN-US-Antennas-Demise.php

10) Detroit Auto Show Cars Trashed for Little in Personal Tech
Link to column in the Detroit Free Press:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080122/BLOG01/80122019/0/BLOG01


News Releases
1) Missouri DOT Web Site Offers News Minute
2) Citilog Intros Intelligent Real-Time Video-Base Incident Detection Solution
3) Toyota Enhances Pre-Crash Safety System with Eye Monitor
4) National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Describes Future of Automotive Safety Technology
5) Airbiquity Announces $25 Million Funding
6) TrafficCast International Completes Series A Round Funding, Raises $3.5 Million in Equity


Upcoming Events
Passenger Terminal Expo – April 15-17 – Amsterdam
http://www.passengerterminal-expo.com/


Today in Transportation History
1912 – A railroad bridge connecting Key West and the Florida mainland opened.
http://www.floridakeys.com/overseashighway.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.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast

Monday, January 21, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Monday, January 21, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) US Airports to Inspect ID Cards with Black Lights
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-01-20-blacklights_N.htm

2) Standards Babel Clouds Mobile TV Picture
Link to story in Inflight:
http://www.shephard.co.uk/Inflight/Default.aspx?Action=-1000945703&ID=1a95249b-44fc-417d-82ff-c8da341dac0d

3) An Airport Hopes to Tap Into the Disney Magic
Miami International and other firms with tough customer relations take lessons from the 'happiest place on Earth.'
Link to story in the Los Angeles Times:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-na-disney20jan20,0,7995337.story?coll=la-home-center

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Technology May Wipe Business Company Off the Map
Michigan company which sells printed maps is closing its doors.
Link to Gannett News Service story:
http://www.mlive.com/business/index.ssf/2008/01/technology_may_wipe_business_o.html
Link to Metro Graphic Arts: http://www.metrographicarts.com/

5) 21st-Century Cartographers in High Demand
Link to story from The Wall Street Journal:
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Business/214430/

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Scientists Learn How We Find Our Way
Link to story in The Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/01/20/scinav120.xml
Link to news release from University College London:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/0801/08011601

OTHER

7) January Issue of IEEE ITS Society Newsletter Online
Link to newsletter:
http://www.its.washington.edu/itsc/v10n1.pdf

8) January Issue of Oregon DOT’s ITS News:
Link to newsletter:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/ITS/news_2008_01_17.shtml

9) Latest Issue of Nordic Roads Online
- Evaluating the Economic Impacts of Intelligent Transportation Systems
- Virtual Impact of Safety Barrier
Link to magazine:
http://www.nordicroads.com/website/index.asp?pageID=162

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Emergency Call Boxes Effective, Say Tennessee Officials
Link to story in the Chattanooga Times Free Press:
http://timesfreepress.com/news/2008/jan/21/emergency-call-boxes-effective/?local

11) Dubai Transportation Authority to Launch 30 Safety Campaigns
Link to story in Gulf News:
http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Government/10183695.html

12) TSA: Lessons Ignored
US Transportation Security Administration needs a new path to its passenger-screening system.
Link to commentary in Government Computer News:
http://www.gcn.com/print/27_2/45713-1.html

TRANSIT

13) Dubai Buses to Add Automated Announcements, Passenger Counting and Tracking System to New Buses
Link to story in the Khaleej Times:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2008/January/theuae_January601.xml&section=theuae&col
Link to news release from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority:
http://www.rta.ae/wpsv5/wps/portal/!ut/p/kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Y_QjzKLN4g3NjEGSUGYRvqRaGKOCJEgfW99X4_83FT9AP2C3NCIckdHRQA1RSz5/delta/base64xml/L3dJdyEvd0ZNQUFzQUMvNElVRS82XzBfMzY0?contenttype=latest&contname=RTA%20invites%20companies%20to%20participate%20in%20a%20tender%20to%20purchase%201616%20new%20and%20sophisticated%20buses

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) How to Manage 225,000 Vehicles a Day?
In 2008 Virginia DOT undertakes the most complex improvements in Beltway history. Communication will play an important role.
Link to story in The Connection:
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=92650&paper=0&cat=109

15) Kansas City Scout Traffic Messages in a Tech Jam
E-mail and text alerts delayed by technical glitch.
Link to column in The Kansas City Star:
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/453570.html

16) $12.4 Million Traffic Center Going Up in New Orleans
Link to story in New Orleans CityBusiness:
http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/viewStory.cfm?recID=25654

17) Road Pricing in Wales ‘Only on New Roads’
Link to BBC News story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7198652.stm

18) ‘Smart-Traffic’ Help on Tap in Huntsville, Alabama
Link to story in The Huntsville Times:
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/120091053076220.xml&coll=1


News Releases
1) Texas Department of Transportation Begins Podcast Program Featuring Transportation Issues
2) DalTrans – Online and Ready to Serve – Texas DOT to Open Transportation Management Center


Upcoming Events
I-95 Corridor Coalition Travel Information Services Program Track Meeting – March 12 – Philadelphia
http://www.i95coalition.org/PDF/Meetings/TIS/TIS-March12-2008.doc


Today in Transportation History
1958 **50th anniversary** - The last Fokker C.X airplane used in military service crashed during a flight for the Finnish Air Force.
http://www.willemsessink.nl/algemeen_03.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.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast