Thursday, July 31, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

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

Registration for IBTTA’s 76th Annual Meeting and Exhibition Now Open – Baltimore, MD USA, September 21-24, 2008

Join IBTTA for the most significant gathering of toll industry professionals and business partners in the world. More than 1,000 delegates from 25 countries on six continents will converge on Baltimore’s Waterfront to examine best practices and critical innovations in toll industry finance, marketing, technology, customer service, environmental stewardship, operations, maintenance, and related issues. This meeting is hosted by the Maryland Transportation Authority. Registration cut-off for this meeting is September 5, 2008. For more information, visit IBTTA’s website and register online today! www.IBTTA.org.

AVIATION

1) Congress: No Annoying Airplane Cell Phone Calls
Link to AP story:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/31/AR2008073101850.html

2) Airlines Pull Out All Stops to Bring Passengers Wi-Fi in the Sky
Link to Newhouse News Service story:
http://www.nj.com/business/times/index.ssf?/base/business-4/1217477197305500.xml&coll=5

3) Australian Government Proposes Checking MP3 Players at Airports
Link to story on News.com.au:
http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/0,26058,24089084-5014090,00.html

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Google Street View is Approved for the UK
Link to CNET News story:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10003556-93.html?tag=nefd.top

5) Google: No Such Thing as Complete Privacy
Files response to lawsuit over Street View service.
Link to CNET News story:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10003036-93.html?tag=nefd.top

OTHER

6) ‘Green Transport’ Web Site Launched in Taiwan
Link to story in The China Post:
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national%20news/2008/07/31/168004/Green-transport.htm
Link to site: http://greentransport.iot.gov.tw/

ROADWAYS

7) Kentucky Governor Orders Bill on Electronic Billboards Withdrawn
Link to story in The Courier-Journal:
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080731/NEWS0101/807310416/1008/NEWS01

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Airlines May Face Fines Over Mistaken Terrorist IDs
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2008-07-30-tsa_N.htm

9) US DOT’s ITS Joint Program Office Announces Its Draft Vision for Safety
Link to story from ITS America:
http://www.itsa.org/industry_member_news_content/c219_d2403/News/Industry_amp_Member_News.html

TELEMATICS

10) Audi Takes on Stop Lights
Pilot uses sensors to tell drivers the speed they should travel to avoid red signals.
Link to story on Kicking Tires:
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/07/audi-takes-on-s.html#more

11) Microsoft Announces In-Car Hosted Internet Search for Automakers
Link to story on TMCnet:
http://internetcommunications.tmcnet.com/topics/enterprise/articles/35705-microsoft-announces-in-car-hosted-internet-search-automakers.htm

12) Microsoft to Build on Auto Unit
Sync technology creator hires Detroit native to boost connectivity in cars.
Link to story in The Detroit News:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080729/AUTO01/807290374/1148

TRANSIT

13) Google Maps Adds Mass Transit Support for S60 And Windows Mobile Phones
Link to story in InformationWeek:
http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2008/07/google_maps_add.html

14) MasterCard: Contactless Fares Well in Transit
Link to story in American Banker:
http://www.americanbanker.com/article.html?id=20080731FSB954XJ

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

15) Radio Groups Build a Shared Data Channel
Broadcaster Traffic Consortium plans to create a national network to transmit traffic information via HD Radio technology for client Navteq.
Link to story in Radio World:
http://radioworld.com/pages/s.0049/t.14740.html

VEHICLES

16) Acura Teams with XM for Driving Weather Forecasts
Link to story in The Washington Times:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/aug/01/acura-teams-with-xm-for-driving-weather-forecasts/


News Releases
1) Carmanah Partners with ENCOM to Offer Wireless Control of Solar-Powered Traffic Beacons
2) Text Messaging: Emergency Physicians Express Safety Concerns as Kids Go Back to School
3) Westwood One and AirSage Partner to Launch Next Generation Platform for Traffic Reporting
4) Detroit Drivers Welcome Free Mobile Traffic Service
5) Northwest Airlines Launches Fully Redesigned nwa.com


Upcoming Events
Roundtable Discussion: Open Platform Concepts and Vehicle Infrastructure Integration – August 5 – Cambridge, Massachusetts
http://www.its.dot.gov/vii/vii_roundtable.htm


Today in Transportation History
1948 **60th anniversary** – New York International Airport, also known as Idlewild Airport, was dedicated. http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/07/30/nyregion/20080729JFK_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.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

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

AVIATION

1) Airlines, Tech Firms OK Probe Into Kiosks at Toronto Airport
Link to story in The Globe and Mail:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080730.CREDITCARD30/TPStory/National

2) Australian Air Traffic Control Body ‘Inefficient’
Link to story in The Age:
http://news.theage.com.au/national/air-traffic-control-body-inefficient-20080730-3n6w.html

CAMERAS

3) Tennessee Appeals Court Upholds Knoxville Red-Light Cameras
Link to story in the Knoxville News Sentinel:
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/jul/30/appeals-court-upholds-red-light-cameras/

OTHER

4) National Transportation Operations Coalition Launches New Format for Forums
Link to NTOC Talks Forum:
http://www.ntoctalks.com/phpBB3/index.php

TELEMATICS

5) Remote Control Service: Will Telematics and Remote Diagnostics Give Dealerships a Direct Line to the Customer?
Link to story in Aftermarket Business:
http://aftermarketbusiness.search-autoparts.com/aftermarketbusiness/Features/Remote-control-service-Will-telematics-and-remote-/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/532525?contextCategoryId=42276

TRANSIT

6) About 400 Chicago Transit Authority Customers Overcharged on Fare Cards
Glitch may have affected thousands in other ways, CTA says.
Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-cta-overcharge-both-30-jul30,0,6828658.story

7) Revenge of the MetroCard Machines, Part II
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/30/nyregion/30metro.html?em&ex=1217563200&en=9d0914046e3e2ada&ei=5087%0A


News Releases
1) US Transportation Secretary Peters Unveils Bush Administration’s New Approach for America’s Transportation Future
2) Garmin’s G600 Receives FAA Certification, Deliveries Begin
3) ASUS Enters Navigation Market Armed with Clear Channel Total Traffic Network Data
4) Jason-2 Begins Mapping Oceans
5) An Analysis of 4.9 GHz Public Safety Radio: Providing an Overview of Technology and Market Developments in the US
6) Image Sensing Systems Purchases Assets of EIS and Announces Expanded Strategy


Upcoming Events
Telematics Munich 2008 Conference & Exhibition – November 6-7 – Munich
http://www.telematicsmunich.com/


Today in Transportation History
1863 **145th anniversary** - Henry Ford was born near Dearborn, Michigan.
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/0730.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

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

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

Registration for IBTTA’s 76th Annual Meeting and Exhibition Now Open – Baltimore, MD USA, September 21-24, 2008

Join IBTTA for the most significant gathering of toll industry professionals and business partners in the world. More than 1,000 delegates from 25 countries on six continents will converge on Baltimore’s Waterfront to examine best practices and critical innovations in toll industry finance, marketing, technology, customer service, environmental stewardship, operations, maintenance, and related issues. This meeting is hosted by the Maryland Transportation Authority. Registration cut-off for this meeting is September 5, 2008. For more information, visit IBTTA’s website and register online today! www.IBTTA.org.


AVIATION

1) The ‘Plane’ Truth About Airline Close Calls
Link to story and video report on WFOR-TV:
http://cbs4.com/iteam/runway.incursion.planes.2.781942.html

OTHER

2) July Issue of IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Society Newsletter Online
Link to newsletter:
http://www.ewh.ieee.org/tc/its/v10n3.pdf

3) Summer Issue of the National Center for Freight & Infrastructure Research & Education’s CFIRE Newsletter
- Community Maps Pilot Site (page 3)
- CFIRE, MVFC Truck Parking & Bottlenecks Surveying Moving Ahead at Trucker Shows (page 4)
http://www.wistrans.org/cfire/newsletter/Summer08.pdf

4) Articles from Latest Issue of Florida’s Turnpike Pike’s Peek
- Explosive Growth in Intelligent Transportation System (page 2)
- Sawgrass Expressway’s ‘Smart Highways’ Project (page 2)
- In Search of a Better Way – Turnpike looks for ways to better monitor visibility and share information with customers (page1)
http://www.floridasturnpike.com/TurnpikeNewsletters/06134-PikesPeekSpringSumme08FINAL.pdf

ROADWAYS

5) ‘Traffic’ Writer Reads the Road Signals to Explain Drivers’ Behavior
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2008-07-28-traffic-vanderbilt_N.htm
Link to interview on WNYC Radio’s Leonard Lopate Show:
http://www.wnyc.org/shows/lopate/episodes/2008/07/29

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Accident Modification Factors for Traffic Engineering and ITS Improvements
Link to publication from the Transportation Research Board:
http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=8965

VEHICLES

7) Car Stereo Sales Hit a Distressing Low Note
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2008-07-28-car-stereos_N.htm


News Releases
1) New Book: Thinking Continentally: Terrorism and Transportation
2) Traffic Technologies, Inc. Continues Staff Expansion
3) MSN Direct Enables Web Sites to Deliver Location Information to GPS Navigation Devices


Upcoming Events
Teens in the Driver Seat Summit – October 24-25 – San Antonio, Texas
http://tti.tamu.edu/conferences/tds08/


Today in Transportation History
1958 **50th anniversary** - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was created.
http://www.nasa.gov/50th

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

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, July 28, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

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

Registration Open for "Use of ITS in Airport Environments Workshop"

Registration is available for the upcoming "Use of ITS in Airport Environments Workshop," August 25-26, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by ITS America and the American Association of Airport Executives, this two-day event will feature ITS industry leaders who are currently providing solutions for airport land side management and airport managers sharing real-world results, lessons learned, success stories and reasons why they have chosen ITS products and services as their airport land side management solution. Airport managers are turning to ITS to provide solutions to the challenges they face, such as managing parking, commercial vehicle movement, incident management, security and much more. The preliminary agenda, list of speakers, and registration information is available at http://www.itsa.org/itsconference.html.


AVIATION

1) Ottawa Asks Pearson Airport to Examine Kiosk Security
Link to story in the National Post:
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2008/07/27/ottawa-asks-pearson-airport-to-examine-kiosk-security.aspx

2) Demand Increases for Phone Translation Service at Seattle-Tacoma Airport
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2008-07-27-airport-checkin_N.htm

3) ‘Fuel Pain to Boost In-Flight Live TV,’ Says Report
Link to story on Inflight Online:
http://www.shephard.co.uk/Inflight/Default.aspx?Action=-1000945703&ID=c774a5c4-b2ee-451d-9d77-6cfb24609d83

4) Are You Against In-Flight Mobile Phone Calls?
Link to story in the Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=A1YourView&xml=/money/2008/07/28/bcnphone128.xml

BUSES

5) Buses in Delhi to Have GPS Facility
Link to Press Trust of India story:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=&id=e19db6a4-d94e-481e-b2e1-f3805b695268&&Headline=Buses+in+capital+to+have+GPS+facility&strParent=strParentID

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

6) Toll Roads Take Cashless Route
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-07-27-cashless-toll-roads_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) Bikers, Pedestrians Seeking Better Web Maps
Link to AP story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jhKddOHBUGOHJ2HbzHiwXyjEDR8AD924UPVO0

8) Transit New Zealand Takes Virtual Road Trip
Link to story in The Dominion Post:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4633783a28.html
9) Quebec Company Builds GPS Device for the Visually Impaired
Link to CTV story and video report:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080727/gps_visual_080727/20080727?hub=SciTech

OTHER

10) Rebuilding Trust at Minnesota DOT, One Year After the Bridge Collapse
Link to story in the Pioneer Press:
http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_10005181

11) Web Site for Minnesota Bridge Victims Goes Online
Link to AP story:
http://ap.brainerddispatch.com/pstories/state/mn/20080727/310306570.shtml
Link to site: http://www.bridgecollapseclaims.com/

12) Tracking Devices Cut New Jersey Car Insurance Costs
Link to story in The Star-Ledger:
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/topstories/index.ssf/2008/07/tracking_devices_to_cut_car_in.html

13) Beijing Taxis to Become IC Card Friendly Before Olympics
Link to Xinhua story:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/28/content_8828061.htm

ROADWAYS

14) Arizona DOT to Offer More Precise Drive-Time Estimates
Link to story in The Arizona Republic:
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2008/07/28/20080728adot0728.html

15) Maryland State Highway Administration Workers Push to Limit
Makers of Maryland’s road markers show no signs of slowing down.
Link to story in The Baltimore Sun:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.signs28jul28,0,7979306.story

16) Web Site Shows the Deadliest US Roads
Link to UPI story:
http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2008/07/28/researchers-map-americas-deadliest-roads.html
Link to Safe Road Maps: http://www.saferoadmaps.org/

17) Mobile Voice Messages May Keep Drivers Safe
Verizon Wireless product allows users to respond to e-mails through voice recordings.
Link to story in The Denver Post:
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_10015769

SAFETY / SECURITY

18) Passengers at British Airports to be Fingerprinted
Link to story in the Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/2463357/Passengers-at-British-airports-to-be-fingerprinted.html

19) Maine’s ‘Distracted Driver’ Law May Get an Update
Link to Capitol News Service story:
http://bangornews.com/news/t/news.aspx?articleid=167687&zoneid=500

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

20) Virginia DOT to Manage Traffic with Variable Speed Limit
Link to AP story:
http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-dc--high-techspeedlim0726jul26,0,2235388.story

21) UK Highways Agency Drives on with Traffic Tech
Link to story on Silicon:
http://www.silicon.com/publicsector/0,3800010403,39264810,00.htm

22) Israel National Roads Company Seeks Traffic Control System
Link to story on Globes:
http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/DocView.asp?did=1000366015&fid=1725

23) Signs Designed to Improve Travel on Michigan Roads
Link to story in the Times Herald:
http://www.thetimesherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080728/NEWS01/807280306/1002

24) Traffic Control in Early Form
Link to story in The Ledger:
http://www.theledger.com/article/20080727/NEWS/807270344&title=Traffic_Control_In_Early_Form


News Releases
1) Quixote Corporation Announces the Sale of Its Intersection Control Segment to Signal Group, Inc.
2) FCC Announces Panelist for Public En Banc Hearing on Public Safety Interoperable Communications – The 700 MHz Band Proceeding
3) The Association of Toll and Traffic Systems Integrators of India (ATTSII) Recommends Guidelines for a Suitable Electronic Toll Collection Standardization for India


Upcoming Events
Vehicle Dynamics North America Expo 2008 – October 22-24 – Novi, Michigan
http://www.vehicledynamics-expousa.com/


Today in Transportation History
1972 – A weeklong national dock strike began in Britain.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/july/28/newsid_2496000/2496609.stm

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

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, July 25, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

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

Request for Proposals – Various Services for SANDAG 511 Traveler Information System

ICx Transportation Group, Inc., on behalf of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and Telvent Farradyne Inc., is soliciting proposals from firms to (a) develop sponsorship and other marketing opportunities to generate revenue for the SANDAG 511 system; (b) enhance the 511 traveler information system by providing additional services via the 511 telephone number; and (c) enable mechanisms for the provision of the region’s substantial number of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) streams to the public over various media.
SANDAG operates a 511 traveler information telephone number and co-branded web page for travelers in the San Diego region. Information is available covering traffic, transit, roadside assistance, ridesharing, airports, FasTrak, bicycling, and other programs.
Proposers can obtain RFP documents at http://www.icxt.com/SANDAG_RFPs/. Proposers are requested to submit their proposals electronically to Michael.Berman@icxt.com. Proposals must be received by 4:00 p.m. on July 31, 2008.


AVIATION

1) Logan Airport to Pilot FAA Air-Traffic Monitors
Plasma screens will allow travelers to track real-time weather and jet traffic.
Link to story in the Boston Herald:
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/2008_07_25_Logan_to_pilot_FAA_air-traffic_monitors/

2) FAA Finds Serious Flaws in Flight Safety at Israeli Airports
Link to story in Haaretz:
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1005546.html

3) US Lawmaker: Bring Back Air-Safety Survey
Link to AP story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5j1BGTmqW9V-o1DIlbWpbrChClNxAD924D1IO0

CAMERAS

4) Speed Cameras: A Flash of Irritation
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/speed-cameras-a-flash-of-irritation/

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) 1394 Trade Association Introduces Copper Automotive Standard for Vehicle Navigation
Link to story on Macsiumum News:
http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/1394_trade_association_introduces_copper_automotive_standard_for_vehicle_na/
Link to news release from the 1394 Trade Association:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/1394-trade-association-introduces-new/story.aspx?guid=%7BBB8A6738-3D24-4BEA-B9BD-59E6011A0404%7D&dist=hppr

MARITIME

6) Port of Melbourne Maritime Traffic Services ‘Not Up to Standard’
Link to story in the Herald Sun:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24066916-2862,00.html

OTHER

7) ITS Asia Pacific Conference ‘Connecting U & I’ Held in Singapore
Link to story from ERTICO – ITS Europe:
http://www.ertico.com/en/news_and_events/ertico_newsroom/general_news_its_asia_pacific_conference_connecting_u__i_in_singapore.htm

8) South African Vehicle Trackers for Collusion Hearing in November
Link to story on motoring.co.za:
http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4525301&fSectionId=753&fSetId=381

9) TVs Atop Gas Pumps Provide Distraction to Captive Audience
Link to AP story:
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080725/BUSINESS07/807250335

10) Alberta Appealing English-Only Traffic Ticket Ruling
Link to CBC News story:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2008/07/24/ticket-language.html

ROADWAYS

11) Some States Close Bridge Inspection Data to Public
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-07-24-bridgereports_N.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) EU Aims to Have Deal on US-Style Passenger Data Plan for Flights by Next Year
Link to AP story:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/24/europe/EU-European-Airline-Security.php

TRANSIT

13) London Transit Oyster Card System Breaks Again
Link to Bloomberg story:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=a_rkR0bdSiUw&refer=uk

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) New Project Test Success of Providing Weather Information at Travel Plazas
Link to story in the National Weather Service’s Aware:
http://www.weather.gov/os/Aware/pdfs/08summer-aware.pdf (page 11)

15) Washington State Patrol Expands Instant-Tow
Tow trucks immediately dispatched when disabled vehicles spotted on a camera from the DOT traffic management center.
Link to story in Nisqually Valley News:
http://www.yelmonline.com/storyliving.php?subaction=showfull&id=1217018106&archive=&start_from=&ucat=5


News Releases
1) Alternet Systems, Inc. Announces Mass Transit Wireless E-Ticket System
2) Security Biometrics Spending Will Reach $7.3 Billion in 2013
3) Washington State DOT Begins Blog for Widening Project
4) Sensys Networks Secures $5M Round of Funding to Support Rapid Growth
5) Northwest Airlines Warns Passengers of Phony E-Mail


Upcoming Events
European Transport Conference 2008 – October 6-8 – Noordwijkerhout, Netherlands
http://www.etcproceedings.org/etc2008/


Friday Bonus
It may not have the same cachet as some sports mascots, but this transportation “mascot” should be recognized around the world.
http://ny.metro.us/metro/local/article/Pedestrian_artist_walks_to_Wburg/13004.html


Today in Transportation History
1973 **35th anniversary** - The Soviet Union’s Mars 5 is launched.
http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/masterCatalog.do?sc=1973-049A

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

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, July 24, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

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

Registration for IBTTA’s 76th Annual Meeting and Exhibition Now Open – Baltimore, MD USA, September 21-24, 2008

Join IBTTA for the most significant gathering of toll industry professionals and business partners in the world. More than 1,000 delegates from 25 countries on six continents will converge on Baltimore’s Waterfront to examine best practices and critical innovations in toll industry finance, marketing, technology, customer service, environmental stewardship, operations, maintenance, and related issues. This meeting is hosted by the Maryland Transportation Authority. Registration cut-off for this meeting is September 5, 2008. For more information, visit IBTTA’s website and register online today! www.IBTTA.org.


AVIATION

1) FAA Seeks Industry Partners to Test Incursion Preventatives in the Cockpit
Agency hopes to have electronic flight bags with moving map airport displays or aural ground alerting systems.
Link to story in Flight International:
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/07/23/226001/faa-seeks-industry-partners-to-test-incursion-preventatives-in-the.html

2) Fraud Fears Lead WestJet to Suspend Credit Card Check-Ins at Kiosks
Link to Canadian Press story:
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jbH_1BF3X1ummpo1weDrJSo4WAkw

3) Air Traffic Controller Advert for Candidate with 20/20 Vision Written in Braille
An airport has been accused of taking political correctness too far, after advertising for a new air traffic controller in Braille.
Link to story in the Daily Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2280630/Air-traffic-controller-advert-for-candidate-with-2020-vision-written-in-Braille.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) AT&T Introduces Global GPS Service for Phones
Link to AP story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hwjbnAyEaVhHq0Ys1EZANcsL_quQD923OC0O1

PEDESTRIANS

5) Google Maps Adds Walking Directions
Link to story in Grist:
http://grist.org/news/2008/07/22/maps/
Link to Lat Long Blog from Google:
http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2008/07/pound-pavement.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

6) Texas DOT Resisting Requests for Wreck Data
Agency sues over TV station's pursuit of crash information that's available online.
Link to story in the Austin American-Statesman:
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/07/24/0724open.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Registered Traveler Set to Go Nationwide
Transportation Security Administration will expand Registered Traveler to all US airports beginning next week.
Link to story in Washington Technology:
http://www.washingtontechnology.com/online/1_1/33208-1.html

TELEMATICS

8) Telematics Speaks the Insurers’ Language
Link to article in Transport Business:
http://www.transportbusiness.net

TRANSIT

9) New York MTA Plans to Broadcast CNN at Long Island Rail Road, Subway Stations
Link to story in Newsday:
http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/longisland/ny-licnn245775284jul24,0,6476739.story

10) Agency Chief E-mails MARC Customers About Delays, Promises ‘Corrective Steps’
Link to story in The Baltimore Sun:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_county/bal-md.marc25jul24,0,7500197.story

VEHICLES

11) Audi Travolution Intelligent Traffic System Reduces Congestion
Link to story on Car Central:
http://www.carcentral.com.au/200807242393/technical/audi-travolution-traffic-system-enhances-flow-minimises-waste.html

12) Cars of the Future: Safer, Cleaner, More Comfortable
Link to story in The Economic Times:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News_by_Industry/Cars_of_the_future_safer_cleaner/articleshow/3272879.cms


News Releases
1) Vertical Mapping Resources Maps I-710/Long Beach Freeway for Transportation Study
2) Are We There Yet? comScore M:Metrics Reports Mobile Map Use Grows 82 Percent in United States, 49 Percent in Europe
3) OnStar Opens 'Crisis Assist' Emergency Services to Those Affected by Dolly
4) New Industry Magazine Launched – Transport Business International


Upcoming Events
25th Annual Virginia Hazardous Materials Conference – October 13-17 – Hampton, Virginia
http://www.virginiahazmat.org


Today in Transportation History
1969 – The astronauts of Apollo 11 safely splashed down in the Pacific.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9NgY6IcNhVw

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

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, July 23, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

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

FREIGHT ACADEMY - An Immersion Program for Public Sector Transportation Professionals Application Deadline is THIS Friday, July 25 - Scholarships Available! The I-95 Corridor Coalition is excited to announce the first offering of the Freight Academy - a unique, week-long immersion program designed to efficiently train public sector agency staff involved in planning, operational, and/or management work that impact goods movement decisions, investments and interactions. Participants will have opportunities to see and learn about the inner workings of the goods movements system, including marine terminals, the distribution centers of major corporations, air cargo operations, trucking operations, and rail operations. The inaugural Academy program will be conducted at the Center for Advanced Infrastructure Training at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ from October 26 – 31, 2008. The program is open to applicants from throughout North America. Scholarships are available for applicants from I-95 Corridor Coalition member agencies. The application deadline is July 25, 2008. Non-scholarship program fees due September 26, 2008. For more information and the application form please see: www.freightacademy.org.


AVIATION

1) Credit Card Fraud Investigation Targets Self-Service Kiosks at Toronto Airport
Link to story in The Globe and Mail:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080723.RCREDIT23N/TPStory/National

2) Radar Expert Laments Media Apathy
Freedom of Information request showed Air Force tracking UFO in Texas but newspapers show little interest.
Link to story in the Herald Tribune:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080722/BLOG32/690113654/0/BLOG12&title=Radar_expert_laments_media_apathy_

CAMERAS

3) Jakarta Traffic Management Center Accesses 150 City CCTV Cameras
Link to story in The Jakarta Post:
http://old.thejakartapost.com/detailcity.asp?fileid=20080723.C05&irec=4

MARITIME

4) Asia’s Seaport Tech
IT is streamlining port operations in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Link to story in CIO Asia:
http://www.cio-asia.com/ShowPage.aspx?pagetype=2&articleid=8663&pubid=5&issueid=140

ROADWAYS

5) Web Site Claims to Help Drivers Avoid Speed Traps
Link to Reuters story:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/23/AR2008072302411.html
Link to Njection: http://njection.com

6) UAE Lifts Carpooling Ban – Creates Web Site to Register Riders
Link to story in Arab News:
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=24&section=0&article=112053&d=23&m=7&y=2008
Link to Sharekni: http://www.sharekni.ae

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Photographers Detail Difficulties Shooting Washington Union Station
Link to story in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/22/AR2008072202671.html
Link to news release from Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:
http://www.norton.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=829

TELEMATICS

8) Telematics Connects with Consumers
Link to story from Automotive News:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-9995668-48.html

TRANSIT

9) Massachusetts Commuters Left in Dark Over Train Delays
Communications failure led to snafu.
Link to story in the Telegram & Gazette:
http://www.telegram.com/article/20080723/NEWS/807230354/1003/NEWS03

10) Real-Time Text Alerts Highlight of New York MTA Plan
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/23/nyregion/23text.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

11) Clever Help for Maryland Transit Riders
Link to story in The Baltimore Sun:
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bay_environment/blog/2008/07/clever_help_for_transit_commut.html

12) Victorian Government Ad Blitz for the People, Says Transport Minister
Link to story in The Age:
http://www.theage.com.au/national/transport-ad-blitz-for-the-people-says-kosky-20080722-3jcn.html

13) Single Ticket Pilot Imminent in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Link to story on ITWeb:
http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2008/0807231038.asp?O=FPTOP&S=RFID%20and%20Barcodes&A=RFI

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) Beijing’s Plan to Fight Olympic Traffic
The Games will be a test for Beijing's fudong che, or "floating car" program, which uses taxi GPS data to give drivers the fastest routes.
Link to story in BusinessWeek:
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/jul2008/gb20080723_493294.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_global+business

15) There is No Silver Bullet - Accurate Traffic Information Requires Multiple Data Sources
Link to article in Directions Magazine:
http://www.directionsmag.com/article.php?article_id=2823&trv=1


News Releases
1) National Air Transportation Association Launches Hotline to Report Illegal Charters


Solicitation
- Request for Proposals - Various Services for SANDAG 511 Traveler Information System
Michael.Berman@icxt.com


Upcoming Events
North American Freight Flows Conference: Understanding Changes and Improving Data Sources – September 22-23 – Irvine, California
http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=9d1f9b78-b729-4c8d-988b-eef1f34f730c


Today in Transportation History
1968 **40th anniversary** - An El Al jet, on a flight from Rome to Lod, was hijacked to Algiers.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/hijacked/peopleevents/p_crews.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

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

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

Registration for IBTTA’s 76th Annual Meeting and Exhibition Now Open – Baltimore, MD USA, September 21-24, 2008

Join IBTTA for the most significant gathering of toll industry professionals and business partners in the world. More than 1,000 delegates from 25 countries on six continents will converge on Baltimore’s Waterfront to examine best practices and critical innovations in toll industry finance, marketing, technology, customer service, environmental stewardship, operations, maintenance, and related issues. This meeting is hosted by the Maryland Transportation Authority. Registration cut-off for this meeting is September 5, 2008. For more information, visit IBTTA’s website and register online today! www.IBTTA.org.


CARTOGRAPHY

1) Tapping Mapping for an Extra Eye on the Road
Link to story from Automotive News:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-9995667-48.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) Study: Sat-Nav Systems Responsible for 300,000 Crashes
Link to story in The Tech Herald:
http://www.thetechherald.com/article.php/200830/1545/Study-Satnav-systems-responsible-for-300-000-crashes

3) GPS-Integrated Rear-View Mirror Comes to the US
Link to story in U.S. News & World Report:
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/080722-GPS-Integrated-Rear-View-Mirror-Comes-to-the-U-S-/

MARITIME

4) US House Leaders Say Transportation Worker Identification Credential Testing Should be Free
Link to story in Federal Computer Week:
http://www.fcw.com/online/news/153196-1.html

ROADWAYS

5) Motorway Warning Signs: How They Work
Link to story in the Leigh Journal:
http://www.leighjournal.co.uk/cars/otorsews/3224275.Motorway_warning_signs__How_they_work/

6) Look Out for that Bump! Screech!
Communities use lots of approaches to calming traffic, including traditional speed signs and some extra reminders.
Link to story and audio report on the Voice of America:
http://www.voanews.com/english/AmericanLife/2008-07-21-voa18.cfm

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Biometrics Stems Driver’s License Fraud
Link to story in Public CIO
http://www.govtech.com/pcio/374147

SPACE

8) NASA Plans GPS-Like System for Return to the Moon
Link to story in Scientific America:
http://www.sciam.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=nasa-plans-gps-like-system-for-retu-2008-07-22

TELEMATICS

9) Automotive Infotainment: The Forefront of Technology
Link to story in Automotive DesignLine Europe:
http://www.automotivedesign-europe.com/howto/209100444;jsessionid=2JZMHFYWE1EOMQSNDLOSKHSCJUNN2JVN

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Canada, US Economic Leaders Call for Border Traffic Action Ahead of 2010 Games
Link to Canadian Press story:
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jk5IApERQd0Aa3_OyKLP4HZPFYtw


News Releases
1) Merger to Create World Leader in Internet Access for Public Transport
2) Minnesota’s Metro Transit Launches NexTrip GPS Bus Tracker
3) Transit Systems Not Well Integrated Into Local Emergency Plans
4) Nissan Launches Traffic Info-Based Car Navigation System in Beijing
5) New York State Police Creates Statewide Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Detail Statewide


Upcoming Events
Talking Freight Seminar: Rising Fuel Prices/The Effects of Energy Prices on Global Trade Patterns – August 20
https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=14802


Today in Transportation History
1933 **75th anniversary** - Wiley Post became the first person to fly solo around the world.
http://www.acepilots.com/post.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

Monday, July 21, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

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

15th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems Preliminary Program Available

The preliminary program and conference registration for the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems is now available. Scheduled for November 16-20, 2008 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, this is the only global Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) event in 2008 that provides a superior technical program, peer-to-peer networking with worldwide counterparts, and hands-on demonstrations of innovative new products and vehicle communications technologies operating on the streets of New York. Registration is open at www.itsworldcongress.org. Accredited members of the press can receive complimentary registration. To view a copy of the preliminary program, go to http://itsworldcongress.org/images//15th_world_congress_on_its_preliminary_brochure_iwc08.pdf.


AVIATION

1) Emirates Flies the Paperless Plane
Removing airline magazines and other seat-pocket paper that adds up to an extra ton of weight will save on fuel.
Link to story in The Sunday Times:
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article4364034.ece

2) Orlando International Airport on Cutting Edge of High-Tech for Travelers
Link to story in the Orlando Sentinel:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-cover2108jul21,0,2282244.story

3) American Airlines to Run More In-Flight Wi-Fi Tests
Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:
http://blogs.wsj.com/middleseat/2008/07/18/american-to-run-more-in-flight-wi-fi-tests/

CAMERAS

4) CCTV Traffic Plan Sparks Spy Fury at Dublin City Council
Plan would install 25 foot-high traffic cameras in residential areas -- and broadcast the images on the Internet.
Link to story in the Evening Herald:
http://www.herald.ie/national-news/city-news/cctv-traffic-plan-sparks-spy-fury-at-council-1436756.html

5) Jenoptik to Boost North American Traffic-Camera Sales
Link to Bloomberg News story:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601100&sid=aQ4fw.byWfAM&refer=germany

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) GPS-Equipped Car Camera Voyager Pro Logs Fender Benders
Link to story on Engadget:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/19/gps-equipped-car-camera-voyager-pro-logs-fender-benders/

MARITIME

7) Port of Tacoma Improves Access to Public Information
Link to story in The Cunningham Report:
http://www.cunninghamreport.com/news_item.php?id=384

OTHER

8) Los Angeles’ Traffic Miracle During 1984 Olympics
Link to Xinhua story:
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/los-angeles-traffic-miracle-during-1984-olympics_10073289.html

9) Hispanic Commercial Drivers Caught in Language Crackdown
Link to story in the Montgomery Advertiser:
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/NEWS02/807180326/1009/news02

PEDESTRIANS

10) Site Makes Strides to Score Walkable Cities
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-07-20-walk-score_N.htm
Link to Walk Store: http://walkscore.com/

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

11) Texas DOT Defends Marketing Strategy to House Committee
Link to story on KLBJ Radio:
http://www.590klbj.com/News/Story.aspx?ID=95771

ROADWAYS

12) Bricks Tell Story of Delaware Highway Deaths
Link to story in The News Journal:
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080721/NEWS02/807210347/1006/NEWS

SAFETY / SECURITY

13) UAE Roads and Transport Authority Conducts Workshops on Speed Management
Link to story on AME Info:
http://www.ameinfo.com/164000.html

14) US Travelers Start Applying for Pocket-Sized Passport Card
Link to story from The Arizona Republic:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-07-20-passport_N.htm

15) US VISIT Update
An interview with Bob Mocny, director of the US VISIT program.
Link to podcast on SecureID News:
http://www.secureidnews.com/news/2008/07/22/episode-18-us-visit-update/

TRANSIT

16) Dutch Court Allows Publication of Mifare Security Hole Research
Link to CNET News story:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-9994120-83.html

17) Verizon, Chicago Transit Ink Subway Deal
Link to UPI story:
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2008/07/19/Verizon_Chicago_Transit_ink_subway_deal/UPI-35651216471927/

18) Chicago Transit Authority Bus Tracker Online Program Adding More Routes
Link to column in the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-getting-around-21jul21,0,2541174.column
Link to news release from the CTA:
http://www.transitchicago.com/news/ctaandpress.wu?action=displayarticledetail&articleid=120946
Link to CTA Bus Tracker: http://www.ctabustracker.com

19) Should We Pipe Music Into the London Tube?
A playlist of classical tunes now greets many commuters on the London Underground. Have we forgotten how to listen?
Link to column in the Guardian:
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/07/wrong_tracks_should_we_pipe_mu.html#comments

VEHICLES

20) Zero Crashes: A Preview of the Car of the Future
Link to story in The Times:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article4357361.ece

21) Mercedes Updates A-Class with Technology Emphasis
New technology such as crash responsive cabin lighting, adaptive brake lights and optional self-parking offered.
Link to story on just-auto:
http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?ID=95478&lk=dm

22) Startup Brings Virtualization to Automotive Software
Link to story from Automotive Design Europe:
http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=209102251


News Releases
1) New Regulations to Improve Travel by Air for Blind and Partially Sighted in Europe
2) Driving Convergence of Mass Transit and Banking Markets Using Contactless Smart Cards
3) Vodafone UK Find & Go: Web Maps, Local Search, Mobile Satnav
4) FCC Announces Public En Banc Hearing in Brooklyn, New York on Public Safety Interoperable Communications and the 700 MHz D Block Proceeding
5) US Deputy Secretary of Transportation Announces $1 Million Grant to Help Reduce the Leading Causes of Rail-Related Deaths
6) The Holy Grail of Traffic Management - La Trobe University graduate invents a battery-powered device for detecting traffic gridlock


Upcoming Events
ITS Midwest Annual Meeting – October 30-31 – Columbus, Ohio
http://www.itsmidwest.org/news/2008/042008002.html


Today in Transportation History
1873 **135th anniversary** - Jesse James and the James-Younger Gang complete their first train robbery near Adair, Iowa.
http://www.rits.org/www/histories/jjstory/JJ.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