Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

Register Now for IBTTA’s Workshop — Incident Management, Safety and Security, July 19-21, 2009, Denver, CO

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association in Denver, CO to learn about best practices from around the world in Incident Management and Emergency Response. Gain valuable knowledge on the most effective tools and communication methods available to promote toll facility safety and security, maintain operations in the face of disruption, and effectively communicate with customers during all phases of an incident – from prevention to recovery. Meeting highlights include a technical tour of E-470 Public Highway’s Tools and Technology followed by Northwest Parkway’s 5.9GHz DSRC Multi-Application Demonstration, a networking event at INVESCO Field at Mile High, and a fundraising golf tournament to support the IBTTA Foundation. Hotel cut-off extended until July 1st. To register or view the preliminary agenda, visit IBTTA’s website today!


AVIATION

1) Simulator Helps Train Air Traffic Controllers
Link to story and video on WCVB-TV:
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/19894458/detail.html

2) Delta to Install Wi-Fi on First Wide-Body Jet
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=68493042.blog

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

3) ‘Bungled’ E-Toll System Delayed in Queensland
Link to Australian Broadcasting Corp. story:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/30/2612342.htm?section=business

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) GPS Mapping Team Takes a Ride
A ride-along with a crew from Navteq as they map roadways.
Link to video in The Birmingham News:
http://videos.al.com/birmingham-news/2009/06/gps_mapping_team_takes_a_ride.html

OTHER

5) New York Mayor Releasing City Data Online in Hopes Developers Will Create New and Better Mobile Apps
Link to story in the Daily News:
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/06/30/2009-06-30_bloomberg_releasing_city_data_online_in_hopes_developers_will_create_new_and_bet.html
Link to news release from the City of New York:
http://tinyurl.com/lh8xhf

6) Latest Issue of Transport Business Online
Link to magazine:
http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=mypagesuite&refresh=J0r72B1i1qH3&PBID=8a22ef1c-9187-4d60-a8da-96ecddd9260a&skip

ROADWAYS

7) Considerations for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane to High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lane Conversions Guidebook Now Available
Link to guidebook from the Federal Highway Administration:
http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=552

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) New York MTA Employee Sues City for $1 Million After Being Arrested for Taking Pictures
Link to story in the Daily News:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/06/30/2009-06-30_busted_for_taking_pix_of_subways_he_hits_back_with_1_million_suit.html

9) Ex-National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Chief Fears New Safety Technologies Will Take Backseat to New MPG Rule
Link to story in USA Today:
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/openroad/post/2009/06/68493165/1

TELEMATICS

10) Insurance Companies Embrace Technology – Again
Link to story in Telematics Weekly:
http://telematicsweekly.com/archives/insurance-companies-embrace-technology-%E2%80%94-again-1258

TRANSIT

11) SEPTA: Now You Can Use Google to Plan Trips
Link to story in The Philadelphia Inquirer:
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/technology/20090630_SEPTA__You_now_can_use_Google_to_plan_trips.html

12) Automated Bus Route Scheme to Start July 25 in Metro Manila
Link to story in The Philippine Star:
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=482478&publicationSubCategoryId=200

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Caltrans Hotline Fails to Deliver
Link to column in the San Jose Mercury News:
http://www.mercurynews.com/localnewsheadlines/ci_12713933

14) Navteq Offers Free Traffic Updates on Your Phone
Link to CNET News story:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10275395-48.html

VEHICLES

15) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Looking to Mandate Rear Turn-Signal Color
Link to story on Cars .com:
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2009/06/nhtsa-looking-to-mandate-rear-turn-signal-color.html


News Releases
1) DC Metro Taking Additional Actions After Collision


**CORRECTION**: The wrong link was included for story #8 in yesterday’s issue. Here’s the correct link to the story:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Toyota-technology-has-brain-apf-2893135796.html?x=0&.v=5


Upcoming Events
East Coast Maritime Conference – October 5-6 – Jersey City, New Jersey
http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=3799e6dd-3528-4420-a7f1-434d7836d925


Today in Transportation History
2004 **5th anniversary** - The Cassini -Huygens spacecraft arrived at Saturn.
http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov

=============================================================================================
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.
© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Monday, June 29, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Monday, June 29, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) Computer Failures are Probed in Air France Crash
Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124605948270463623.html

2) FAA Chief Backs NextGen Users
Link to story in Aviation Week:
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=busav&id=news/Babbitt062909.xml&headline=FAA%20Chief%20Backs%20NextGen%20Users

3) Soon, Fliers Can ‘Voice’ Their Complaints at Mumbai Airport
Link to story in The Times of India:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/Soon-fliers-can-voice-their-complaints-at-airport/articleshow/4713665.cms

4) Marketers See Fliers Waiting to Claim Bags as Captive Audience
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-06-28-airport-ads_N.htm

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

5) Some Still Slow to Make the Move to Fast Lane
Link to story in The Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/06/29/a_third_of_tollpayers_still_resist_offer_of_a_free_fast_lane_transponder/

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Garmin Issues Fix for Widespread GPS Glitch
Link to story in PC Magazine:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2349317,00.asp

OTHER

7) Iowa DOT Blocks Tweeter, Facebook, Other Online Social Media Over Security Concerns
Link to story in The Des Moines Register:
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090628/NEWS10/906280337/1011

8) Toyota Technology has Brain Waves Move Wheelchair
Link to AP story:
http://www.smartsunguide.com/pdf/SMART%20Moves_JUNE%20Issue_Final.pdf

9) Besides Rail, We Need Smart Transportation Technology
Link to commentary in the San Jose Mercury News:
http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_12701754

RAILROADS

10) Bellingham, Washington Still Fighting to Keep Amtrak Records Private in Death Case
Link to story in The Bellingham Herald:
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/102/story/966547.html

ROADWAYS

11) June Issue of Florida DOT’s Smart Moves Newsletter Online
Link to newsletter:
http://www.smartsunguide.com/pdf/SMART%20Moves_JUNE%20Issue_Final.pdf

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) Metrorail Crash May Exemplify Paradox of Human-Machine Interaction
Link to story in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/28/AR2009062802481.html

13) America's Fortress: Cheyenne Mountain, NORAD Live On
Link to column on CNET News:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-10274268-52.html

TRANSIT

14) UK Commuters Could Use Phone to Pay for Travel
Link to story in the Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/5626613/Commuters-could-use-phone-to-pay-for-travel.html

15) Who Owns San Francisco Muni’s Arrival and Departure Times? That Depends on Who You Ask
Link to story in the SF Weekly:
http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2009/06/who_owns_munis_arrival_and_dep.php

16) Sound Transit Releases Powerful PSA Aimed at Youth and Light Rail Safety
Link to video via the Rainer Valley Post:
http://www.rainiervalleypost.com/?p=11779

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

17) Taiwan Traffic Radio Station Can’t Meet Target
Link to story from the Taipei Times:
http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article-eastasia.asp?parentid=109984

18) Coming Soon: Maps That Give You a More Complete Seattle-Area Traffic Picture
Link to column in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/archives/170396.asp


News Releases
1) Nissan Gets 'Intelligent' Over Saving Fuel - Project will use communications technology to teach drivers how to improve fuel economy
2) Washington, DC Launches New Circulator Bus Mobile Application
3) Inrix Wins Contract with GeoDecisions to Aid Government Logistics Using Real-Time Traffic Data
4) Navteq Traffic.com Upgrades Mobile Web Site for Real-Time Traffic Delays


Upcoming Events
12th IFAC Symposium on Control in Transportation Systems – September 2-4 – Redondo Beach, California
http://ee.usc.edu/CTS09/home/


Today in Transportation History
1909 **100th anniversary** - The first flight of a US military airplane took place took place at Fort Myer, Virginia.
http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Wright_Bros/Military_Flyer/WR11.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.
© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Friday, June 26, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Friday, June 26, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) Israel to Install Air Defense in Passenger Planes
Link to UPI story:
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/06/25/Israel-to-install-air-defense-in-planes/UPI-29191245948681/

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) Boeing: Urgent GPS Satellite Launches on Schedule
Link to story in Computerworld:
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9134866

OTHER

3) Summer Issue of National Center for Freight & Infrastructure Research & Education Newsletter Online
Link to newsletter:
http://www.wistrans.org/cfire/news/newsletter/Summer09.pdf

RAILROADS

4) Historic Steam Locomotive Goes High-Tech on Way to Railroad Days
Union Pacific engine can be followed by GPS and Twitter.
Link to story in the Lincoln Journal Star:
http://journalstar.com/articles/2009/06/18/news/local/doc4a384c642502b044637609.txt
Link to GPS tracking: http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/excurs/trace.cfm
Link to Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/up_steam

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) Unclear what Happens to Personal Info with Clear
Link to AP story:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Unclear-what-happens-to-apf-690267501.html?x=0&.v=4

6) GIS Maps Prevent Vehicle Collisions with Elk and Deer
Link to story in Government Technology:
http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/691425

TRANSIT

7) A Metro Train Control System Fails a Post-Crash Test
Link to story in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/25/AR2009062501073.html

8) Operational Test for the Implementation of Advanced Technologies in Rural Transit Service
Link to report from the Federal Transit Administration:
http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/OperationalTest_Implementation_of_Advanced_Technologies_Rural_Transit_Service_(FinalReport).pdf

VEHICLES

9) Ghosts in the Machine
Robots are taking the place of human drivers in an increasing number of vehicle test scenarios.
Link to story in Vehicle Dynamics International:
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/f0bbbaf8#/f0bbbaf8/30


News Releases
1) BART Unveils News Web Site to Keep Riders, Public Informed on Labor Negotiations


Upcoming Events
Western Snow & Ice Conference – September 22-26 – Estes Park, Colorado
http://www.westernsnowandice.com/


Friday Bonus
I thought Batman Airport was in Gotham City.
http://news.skyscanner.net/articles/2009/06/002552-worlds-funniest-airport-names-rudest-weirdest-and-strangest.html


Today in Transportation History
1959 **50th anniversary** - The St. Lawrence Seaway is officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II and President Dwight Eisenhower.
http://www.greatlakes-seaway.com/en/seaway/history/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.
© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Thursday, June 25, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

Register Now for IBTTA’s Workshop — Incident Management, Safety and Security, July 19-21, 2009, Denver, CO

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association in Denver, CO to learn about best practices from around the world in Incident Management and Emergency Response. Gain valuable knowledge on the most effective tools and communication methods available to promote toll facility safety and security, maintain operations in the face of disruption, and effectively communicate with customers during all phases of an incident – from prevention to recovery. Meeting highlights include a technical tour of E-470 Public Highway’s Tools and Technology followed by Northwest Parkway’s 5.9GHz DSRC Multi-Application Demonstration, a networking event at INVESCO Field at Mile High, and a fundraising golf tournament to support the IBTTA Foundation. Hotel cut-off extended until July 1st. To register or view the preliminary agenda, visit IBTTA’s website today!


AVIATION

1) Truck Driver Who Crossed Active Logan Airport Runway Unaware It was Open
National Transportation Safety Board investigating communications with construction crews.
Link to story in The Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/06/25/driver_in_close_call_was_unaware_logan_runway_was_closed/
Link to preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board:http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/GenPDF.asp?id=OPS09IA008&rpt=p

2) Delta Brings Back Red Coats to Help with Customer Service
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-06-24-delta-red-coats-service_N.htm

3) Better Data Sought on Web Sites for Flights
Senator Charles Schumer wants ID of airline fully clear.
Link to story in The Buffalo News:
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/story/712895.html

CAMERAS

4) Suit Claims Washington State Drivers Charged Excessive Traffic Camera Fines
Link to story on KING-TV:
http://www.nwcn.com/topstories/stories/NW_062409WAB-traffic-camera-fine-lawsuit-TP.1acd870.html

ROADWAYS

5) Dallas North Tollway Wrong-Way Crashes Prompt Look at Deterrents
Link to story in The Dallas Morning News:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/062509dnmetwrongway.403a811.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Boston Mayor to Ban City Workers from Texting
Also planning ad campaign with Safe Roads Alliance to warn of dangers of texting and driving.
Link to story in the Boston Herald:
http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20090625keep_your_eyes_on_the_road_mayor_to_ban_city_workers_from_texting

7) New York MTA: Lockheed Martin Screwed Up on Subway Security
Transit agency says company bungled program to link 2,000 cameras capable of ‘intelligent video’ to huge surveillance command centers.
Link to story in the New York Post:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/06242009/news/regionalnews/mta__lockheed_martin_screwed_up_on_subwa_175907.htm

8) Texting While Driving: How Dangerous is It?
Link to story in Car and Driver:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/texting_while_driving_how_dangerous_is_it_feature

TRANSIT

9) DC Metro Reviewing All Train Signaling Circuits in Wake of Accident
Link to story in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/25/AR2009062501073.html

10) One Emerging Angle: Was the Fire Department Properly Notified of Metro Crash?
Link to story in the Washington City Paper:
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2009/06/23/one-emerging-angle-was-the-fire-department-properly-notified-of-metro-crash/

11) Philadelphia, NJ Transit Officials Try to Reduce Chances of Train Crashes
Link to AP story:
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/06/train_transit_officials_try_to.html

12) Wisdom-Dispensing London Tube Drivers Take Riders on a Journey from A to B, via E Equals MC2
Subway drivers have been given a book of profound sayings, which they are being encouraged to dispense over the intercom.
Link to AP story:
http://www.courant.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-eu-britain-underground-enlightenment,0,4568289.story

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Florida DOT Launches New Bilingual 511 System
Link to story on WALA-TV:
http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/florida/Fla_DOT_Launches_New_511_System

VEHICLES

14) ‘Smart’ Airbags Too Often Fooled
Link to story from MotorMatters:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/19/smart-airbags-too-often-fooled/


News Releases
1) Nationwide Network of Green Flight Paths a World First
2) Travelers Marketing Announces a New Safety/Service Patrol Sponsorship Program
3) Launch of the Trilingual Vocabulary of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)


Upcoming Events
European Parking Association Congress – September 23-25 – Vienna
http://www.epacongress.eu/


Today in Transportation History
1954 **55th anniversary** - The US began Project Orbiter with the goal of placing a satellite in orbit.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Orbiter

=============================================================================================
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.
© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

GPS / NAVIGATION

1) Review: In Depth Look at AT&T Navigator Voice Navigation System on the iPhone 3S
Link to ZDNet review:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/cell-phones/?p=1508

MARITIME

2) Port of Beaumont, Texas Trying Out Mobile Command Center
Link to story on KBMT-TV:
http://www.kbmt12.com/news/local/48902527.html

3) Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Wants More Focus Given to Maritime Technology to Fight Security Threats
Link to Bernama story:
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=420035

OTHER

4) Communicating the Value of Transportation Research
Link to reports from the Transportation Research Board:
http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=10534
http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=10557 (contractors final report)

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) University of Maryland Transportation Technology Helped During Deadly Metro Collision
Link to story on WJLA-TV:
http://www.news8.net/news/stories/0609/634529.html

6) US Senators Push for Rail Safety Tech Grants
Link to story in The Journal of Commerce:
http://www.joc.com/node/412044

7) US Report Criticizes Nuclear Detectors
Link to story in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/22/AR2009062202821.html

8) A Scanner Sharply
License plate readers, shifting through roadways for criminals, will soon be able to track you everywhere you drive.
Link to story in the New Haven Advocate:
http://www.newhavenadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=13506

9) FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Postpones 800 MHz Rebanding Financial Reconciliation ‘True-Up’ Date to December 31
Link to order from the Federal Communications Commission:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-1395A1.pdf

TRANSIT

10) Computer Failure May Have Caused DC Subway Crash
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-06-23-metro-crash-tuesday_N.htm

11) New York MTA Sells Naming Rights to Subway Station
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/nyregion/24naming.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

12) Utah Transit Authority Cancels Closed Meeting After Newspaper Protest
Link to story in The Salt Lake Tribune:
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12674674

13) SEPTA Delays ‘Smart-Card’ System Again
Link to story in The Philadelphia Inquirer:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20090624_SEPTA_delays__smart-card__system_again.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) A Summary of DC Metro Alerts After the Crash
Link to column in The Washington Post:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/06/metro_alerts_a_summary_of_aler.html?hpid=topnews

VEHICLES

15) ‘Black Box’ Technology Comes to Cars
Link to story in Wired:http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/06/black-box-for-the-car/


News Releases
1) Niagara Falls Bridge Commission Launches Twitter Traffic Updates
2) Operation Lifesaver Launches New Public Awareness Campaign to Reduce Train-Related Pedestrian Deaths and Injuries
3) Iteris Receives Contract Award from Abu Dhabi Department of Transport
4) OmniAir, Brisa and Northwest Parkway to Demonstrate Integrated 5.9GHz DSRC Services


Upcoming Events
Advancing Traffic Signal Management Programs through Regional Collaboration – July 23
http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s090701_signal.asp


Today in Transportation History
1969 **40th anniversary** - The Soviet Union launched Cosmos 287, a photo reconnaissance satellite.
http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/masterCatalog.do?sc=1969-054A

=============================================================================================
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.
© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

Register Now for IBTTA’s Workshop — Incident Management, Safety and Security, July 19-21, 2009, Denver, CO

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association in Denver, CO to learn about best practices from around the world in Incident Management and Emergency Response. Gain valuable knowledge on the most effective tools and communication methods available to promote toll facility safety and security, maintain operations in the face of disruption, and effectively communicate with customers during all phases of an incident – from prevention to recovery. Meeting highlights include a technical tour of E-470 Public Highway’s Tools and Technology followed by Northwest Parkway’s 5.9GHz DSRC Multi-Application Demonstration, a networking event at INVESCO Field at Mile High, and a fundraising golf tournament to support the IBTTA Foundation. Hotel cut-off extended until July 1st. To register or view the preliminary agenda, visit IBTTA’s website today!


AVIATION

1) Aviation Monitor Apes Human Nervous System
Link to story in The Australian:
http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,25672786-5013040,00.html

BICYCLES

2) New New York City Bike Safety Ads Take a Confrontational Approach
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/23/new-bike-safety-ads-take-a-confrontational-approach/?apage=1

3) Battle of the Bike Safety PSAs: Los Angeles DOT vs. New York City DOT
Link to story on LA.Streetsblog:
http://la.streetsblog.org/2009/06/22/battle-of-the-bike-safety-psas-ladot-vs-nycdot/

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Fast Lane Slowdown en Route?
Surge in electronic toll use on Massachusetts Turnpike combined with sky-high transponder requests may lead to toll lane backups.
Link to story in the Boston Herald:
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2009_06_23_Fast_lane_slowdown_en_route_:_Backup_predicted_in_lanes/srvc=home&position=6

SAFETY / SECURITY

5) Malaysian Government Plans GPS Devices on Buses to Curb Speeding
Link to story in The Star:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/6/23/nation/4171866&sec=nation

6) US Department of Homeland Security Said to Kill Spy Satellite Plan
Link to story in the Los Angeles Times:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-spy23-2009jun23,0,6115663.story

7) Traffic Safety Education for Nonengineers
Link to story in Public Roads:
http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/09june/05.htm

TRANSIT

8) Experts Suspect Failure of Signal System, Operator Error in DC Metro Crash
Link to story in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/22/AR2009062203261.html

9) Unified E-Card to be Used for Public Transport in Dubai
Link to story in Emirates Business 247:
http://www.business24-7.ae/Articles/2009/6/Pages/22062009/06232009_fb95f4bbb1594ceb95b6a2271c569cc9.aspx

10) Indiana’s Transpo Limits Ads on Buses
Link to story in the South Bend Tribune:
http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090622/News01/906239998/1130

11) Taking the Uncertainty Out of Bus Travel
Link to column in The Washington Post:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2009/06/_some_of_the_longest.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Latest Issues of Thinking Highways Online
Link to magazines:
http://www.thinkinghighways.com/#/147 (North America edition)
http://www.thinkinghighways.com/#/146 (Europe/Rest of World edition)

VEHICLES

13) ‘Cash-for-Clunkers’ Web Sites May Mislead, Agency Warns
Link to Bloomberg News story:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601213&sid=a9vyIGpukBss


News Releases
1) ITS-NY Announces 2009 Project-of-the-Year Winners
2) Telematics a Potential Lifeline for Troubled Transportation Industry
3) California Highway Patrol Speed Enforcement Program Lowers Injuries and Deaths


Upcoming Events
2009 NAB Radio Show – September 23-25 – Philadelphia
http://www.nabradioshow.com/


Today in Transportation History
1909 **100th anniversary** - The first transcontinental auto race across North America ended in Seattle.
http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=pf_output.cfm&file_id=2151

=============================================================================================
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.
© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Monday, June 22, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Monday, June 22, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) Road-Testing the New Mobile Boarding Passes
Link to Tribune Newspapers story:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-tc-trav-boarding-0609-0614jun21,0,5152088.story

CAMERAS

2) Real-Time Cameras to Monitor Bettendorf, Iowa Buses
Link to story in the Quad-City Times:
http://www.qctimes.com/news/local/article_01e2f726-5ec9-11de-b53e-001cc4c002e0.html

3) Seattle Police Cruise for Meter Cheaters Using New Camera Technology
Link to story in The Seattle Times:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009364600_parkingstory21.html

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Google Maps Heading to a College Near You
Link to AP story:
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12652197

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) New Jersey Bill Targets Drivers’ Use of GPS Devices
Link to story in the Daily Record:
http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20090621/COMMUNITIES/906210333/1005

OTHER

6) EU Intelligent Transport Systems Plan Stalls
Link to story in Computing:
http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2244603/eu-intelligent-transport

7) United Nations International Committee on GNSS Request Input on GNSS Interoperability
Link to further information:
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/galileo/programme/doc/icg.pdf

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

8) Minnesota Pushes Work from Home to Cut Traffic
Link to AP story:
http://www.wxow.com/Global/story.asp?S=10569003
Link to further information on eWorkPlace: http://www.eworkplace-mn.com

ROADWAYS

9) Illinois, Iowa Restrict I-80 Inspection Records
Link to story in the Quad-City Times:
http://www.qctimes.com/news/local/article_3fa2fd46-5e0a-11de-952f-001cc4c03286.html

10) In Missouri, a Free Speech Fight Over a Highway Adoption
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/us/21highway.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

SAFETY / SECURITY

11) Driver Distraction has Big Impact on Truck Crashes
Recent study says 100% of commercial vehicle crashes were due to driver distractions.
Link to story in Today’s Trucking:
http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=21982
Link to news release from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute:
http://www.vtti.vt.edu/PDF/DrivingTipsWebsitePressRelease%203_10_09_spb_rh.pdf

12) New Zealand Texters Ignore Safety Message
Link to story in the Herald on Sunday:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10579732

TRANSIT

13) DC Metro Relaunching System to Provide Data on Next Bus's Arrival Time
Link to story in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/20/AR2009062000970.html

14) London's Underground to 'Go Mobile'
Plans are in the works to install cell phone coverage across the British capital's transport system ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Link to story in BusinessWeek:
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/jun2009/gb20090619_269317.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_global+business

15) Dubai Metro Finalizes Passenger Evacuation Plan for Emergencies
Link to story in Gulf News:
http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Traffic_and_Transport/10324675.html

16) Advances in Fare Collection Technology Presented at APTA Rail Conference
Link to story in Passenger Transport:
http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/aptapt/issues/2009-06-22/22.html

17) Balancing New Technologies with Old Infrastructure
Link to story in Passenger Transport:
http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/aptapt/issues/2009-06-22/23.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

18) Pennsylvania Motorists to Get Help Navigating Roads Using '511'
Link to story in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_630434.html

19) FIU Student Researchers Study Rush Hour
Link to AP story:
http://www.wptv.com/news/local/story/rush-hour-road-rage-student-researchers-wptv/9dvnVF3ZN0eCtmsz-eBcoA.cspx

20) Intelligent Traffic Hits Wichita
Link to story and video on KAKE-TV:
http://www.kake.com/news/headlines/48644052.html

21) Help for New Zealand's Worst Traffic Jams
Link to story in the Herald on Sunday:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10579731

22) New City Site Monitors Traffic Through Redmond, Washington
Link to story and video on KING-TV:
http://www.nwcn.com/statenews/washington/stories/NW_062209WAB-redmond-traffic-web-site-LJ.159cc4c8.html

23) Review of Traffic Info, a Real-Time Traffic Monitoring App
Link to review on Know Your Mobile:
http://www.knowyourmobile.com/smartphones/smartphoneapps/iphoneapplications/273381/traffic_info_review.html

VEHICLES

24) Eight Big Ideas that Make Way for Tomorrow’s Smarter Vehicles
Link to story in Popular Mechanics:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/transportation/4322287.html



News Releases
1) Tele Atlas Leverages Community Input to Add New Roads and Location Content
2) Tele Atlas HD Traffic Delivers New Standard in Real-Time Traffic to Navigation and Location-Based Industries
3) Northrop Grumman Delivers First Demonstration Satellite for Space Tracking and Surveillance System


Upcoming Events
4th Annual Canada Maritime Conference – September 23-24 – Vancouver, British Columbia
http://legacy.joc.com/conferences/CMC/


Today in Transportation History
1984 **25th anniversary** - Virgin Atlantic made its first flight.
http://www.airchive.com/html/timetable-and-route-maps/1/uk-ireland/225/virgin-atlantic-1984-first-timetable/7318/preview

=============================================================================================
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.
© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Friday, June 19, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Friday, June 19, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) Aircell Gets FAA Approval for Wi-Fi System
Link to story in The Denver Post:
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_12625367
Link to news release from Aircell:
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/06-18-2009/0005046431&EDATE

CARTOGRAPHY

2) Oops! ‘Ferry Crash’ Unstitches Google Maps
Aerial photo appears to show boats crashing and another one sunk in Sydney.
Link to story in The Sydney Morning Herald:
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/oops-ferry-crash-unstitches-google-maps-20090618-cl13.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

3) Ohio Turnpike Still a Hole in Regional Tolling
Link to AP story:
http://ydr.inyork.com/ci_12647923

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) US Air Force Reviews Reliability of GPS Satellite Models
Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124543128766431947.html

OTHER

5) New Jersey Turnpike Wants to Roadblock ‘Exit’ Brew
Toll road asks brewery to halt marketing of beer.
Link to story in The Philadelphia Inquirer:
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/features/20090619_N_J__wants_to_roadblock__Exit__brew.html
Link to story in TOLLROADSnews:
http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/4204
Link to further information from Flying Fish Brewing Co.: http://www.exitseries.com/

RAILROADS

6) Public Rail Crashes Probe Ruled Out in UK
Link to Press Association story:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jfPPY2c_mkMzD7_ZuqJFy-0OHCow

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) FOI: Fear of Information
Releasing information on airport staff names salaries is a security concern says city of Houston.
Link to commentary in the Houston Chronicle:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/casey/6487473.html
Link to story in Texas Watchdog:
http://www.texaswatchdog.org/2009/06/airportpayroll1/

TRANSIT

8) First Amendment Implications for Transit Facilities: Speech, Advertising, and Loitering
Link to further information from the Transportation Research Board:
http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=10528

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

9) Second i-Travel Workshop Held
Link to further information from ERTICO-ITS Europe:
http://www.ertico.com/en/news/ertico_newsroom/second_i-travel_workshop_held.htm

VEHICLES

10) Feds Roll Out Consumer-Friendly Tire Label Rules
Link to story in the Los Angeles Times:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/2009/06/car-tires.html


News Releases
1) New York State Announces Free Statewide 511 Travel Information Phone Service
2) Number of States Banning Texting While Driving Doubles in ‘09



Upcoming Events
TISP Summer Forum: Enhancing Infrastructure Resiliency Through a Planned Investment Strategy – July 29 – Washington, DC
http://www.tisp.org/index.cfm?cdid=11687&pid=10231


Friday Bonus
If you won’t slow down in a work zone, perhaps this will encourage you to take your foot off the gas.http://www.howwedrive.com/2009/06/09/the-next-great-idea-in-work-zone-safety-engineering/


Today in Transportation History
1934 **75th anniversary** - The Communications Act of 1934 became law. The act created the Federal Communications Commission.
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/OSEC/library/legislative_histories/47.pdf

=============================================================================================
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.
© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Thursday, June 18, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

Registration Now Open for IBTTA's 77th Annual Meeting and Exhibition: The Transformation of Transportation

IBTTA’s 77th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, September 13-16, 2009, in Chicago, Illinois is the most significant gathering of toll industry professionals and business partners in the world. Delegates from 25 countries on six continents will meet in Chicago to examine best practices and critical innovations in toll industry finance, marketing, technology and innovation, customer service, sustainability, operations, and related issues. Register by August 14 and receive a $100 discount off your registration fee. This meeting is hosted by the Illinois Tollway and will be held at the Hyatt Regency. For more information on registration, hotel reservations, exhibiting or sponsorship, visit IBTTA's website at www.ibtta.org. Register online today!


AVIATION

1) Regulators Zero In on Risks of Airbus Sensors
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/18/world/europe/18iht-plane.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

2) Eye-in-Sky Satellite Storm Alert May Avert Future Air Disasters
Link to Bloomberg News story:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=a.s6Gdc8Ww8s

3) Eyes in the Sky Make Aircraft More Visible
New Zealand surveillance sites will improve safety.
Link to story in the Mountain Scene:
http://www.scene.co.nz/24157a1.page

CAMERAS

4) Arizona Senate Panel Vote Would Add Points for Photo Radar Tickets, Notify Insurers
Link to Capitol Media Services story:
http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/297547

OTHER

5) June Issue of the National Weather Service’s The Front Online
Link to newsletter:
http://www.weather.gov/os/aviation/front/09jun-front.pdf

ROADWAYS

6) Georgia Told Better Exit Signs Needed
Link to story in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2008/08/21/ntsb.html

7) ‘Share the Road’ Sign Design Hits Bump on the Regulatory Road
Link to story in The Wenatchee World:
http://wenatcheeworld.com/article/20090618/NEWS04/706189907/-1/NEWS90?Sign-design-hits-bump-on-the-regulatory-road

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Canada Amends ‘Dangerous Goods’ Act to Prevent Haz-Mat Accidents
Amendment requires transporters to develop and maintain pre-approved emergency response assistance plans and that ‘dangerous goods’ be tracked.
Link to story in Progressive Railroading:
http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=20671

9) First Implementations of New Activate It Mobile Alerting System Next Month
Link to story in Traffic Technology International:
http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news.php?NewsID=13166

TRANSIT

10) Miami-Dade Train Tracker Wins Award
Link to story in Metro Magazine:
http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2009/06/Miami-Dade-Transit-s-Train-Tracker-wins-award.aspx

11) In a Month, Chandigarh Buses to be GPS-Ready
Link to story in the Indian Express:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/In-a-month--buses-to-be-GPS-ready/478622

12) National Campaign Urges Drivers to Give Public Transportation a Chance
Link to story in The Indianapolis Star:
http://www.indystar.com/article/20090618/LOCAL18/906180417/National+campaign+urges+drivers+to+give+public+transportation+a+chance

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Europe Split Over Best Way Forward for Traffic Systems
Countries, including the UK, are resisting efforts by the European Commission to impose an EU-wide framework for intelligent traffic systems.
Link to story in Computing:
http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/analysis/2244382/europe-split-best-way-forward-4723503

14) Ontario Ministry of Transportation Mobile Radio Network a Success
Link to story in Road Talk:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/transtek/roadtalk/rt15-2/#a6

VEHICLES

15) UPS to Allow Hard-of-Hearing Drivers
Link to story in the San Francisco Chronicle:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/17/BA5A188DRO.DTL


News Releases
1) DART Features Employees in Online Rail Construction Promotion
2) TomTom Selects Inrix as Strategic Partner for Traffic and Fuel Prices in North America
3) Frost & Sullivan Presents European Automotive Safety Systems Product Innovation of the Year Award to Navteq


Job Postings
- Operations Research Analyst, GS-1515-13 EG – Research and Innovative Technology Administration – Cambridge, Massachusetts
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=81453292&rc=5&TabNum=1
- Operations Research Analyst, GS-1515-12 EG – Research and Innovative Technology Administration – Cambridge, Massachusetts
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?jobid=81453244


Upcoming Events
MetaPlaces ’09 – September 22-23 – San Jose, California
http://www.thewherebusiness.com/metaplaces/index.shtml


Today in Transportation History
1934 **75th anniversary** - Design began of the Boeing Model 299 which eventually became the B-17 Flying Fortress.
http://www.1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/KleinBernhard/7102.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.
© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

On Facebook or LinkedIn?

If you’re on Facebook and/or LinkedIn I invite you to connect with me. My Facebook page is at http://www.facebook.com/brwagenblast and on LinkedIn at
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bernie-wagenblast/0/62/190.


AVIATION

1) FAA InFO Notice Takes on Sailplane Transponders
Link to story on the Aero-News Network:
http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?ContentBlockID=ac106c0d-1ce4-4c4b-922e-ea50bbcd29c4
Link to notice from the Federal Aviation Administration:
http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info/all_infos/media/2009/info09009.pdf

2) Business Jet Group Tries to Block Freedom of Information Request
Link to story on ProPublica:
http://www.propublica.org/article/business-jet-group-tries-to-block-foia-request-616

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) GPS Satellite Glitches Fuel Concern on Next Generation
Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124520702464422059.html

RAILROADS

4) Amtrak Promises Better Communication with Public About Projects Affecting Connecticut
Link to story in The Day:
http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=8ce574a4-2b74-40eb-ae60-5394933b3ae4

5) Amtrak Criticized for Pennsylvania Fires
Fire officials say railroad initially refused to stop defective train or halt rail traffic. Amtrak blames miscommunication.
Link to story in The Philadelphia Inquirer:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/health_science/daily/20090617_Amtrak_criticized_for_Main_Line_fires.html

ROADWAYS

6) Safety Sign or Massachusetts Governor Campaign Ad?
Link to story and video on WBZ-TV:
http://wbztv.com/local/patrick.highway.signs.2.1048088.html

7) ‘Smart’ Bridges Harness Technology to Stay Safe
Link to story in Scientific American:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=smart-bridges-harness-tech

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) US Department of Homeland Security Launches Second Test of Biometric Exit Processes
Link to story on Nextgov:
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090610_9479.php

9) Transportation Security Administration’s Role in General Aviation Security
Link to report from the US Department of Homeland Security Inspector General:
http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_09-69_May09.pdf

TRANSIT

10) Turban-Wearing Transit Workers Demand New York MTA Drop Mandated Logo on Headwear
Link to story in the Daily News:
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/06/16/2009-06-16_turbanwearing_transit_workers_demand_mta_.html

11) Prank SEPTA Signs Offend, Amuse
Link to story in The Philadelphia Inquirer:
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/48196332.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) $22 Million from Feds Will Help Traffic Monitoring on Philadelphia’s I-95 and Vine Street Expressway
Link to story on KYW Radio:
http://www.kyw1060.com/-22-Million-from-Feds-Will-Help-Monitor-I-95-and-V/4620155

13) Dubai Motorists to Get SMS Alert on Heavy Fog Conditions
Link to story in Gulf News:
http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Traffic_and_Transport/10323554.html


News Releases
1) New Pennsylvania DOT Web Site Designed to Enhance Highway Safety


Upcoming Events
Rail Systems Asia 2009 – September 1-3 – New Delhi
http://www.railsystemsasia.com/


Today in Transportation History
1579 **430th anniversary** - Francis Drake landed along the west coast of the present day United States and called it Nova Albion and claimed it for England.
http://bbprivateer.com/novaalbion.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.
© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast