Transportation Communications Newsletter: January 2010

Friday, January 29, 2010

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Friday, January 29, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

Bernie’s Notes

Since you receive the TCN each day you’re no doubt familiar with some of my newsletter work. What you might not know is there’s another aspect of transportation communications with which I’m involved. I also do transportation voice-over work. For example, if you’ve ridden on the AirTrain at JFK or Newark airports you’ve probably heard me inside the stations and onboard the trains. Just recently I began providing announcements on the New York City subway system. In addition I’ve been the radio voice for the New Jersey Turnpike and New York State Thruway, the original voice for the E-ZPass customer information phone line in New York and Virginia DOT’s Smart Tag. If your organization needs a voice for anything from a Web or PowerPoint narration to a phone greeting, please contact me. I know transportation and can help make your voice application sound friendly and professional. You can learn about other projects I’ve done and hear samples of my work by visiting my Web site, www.bwcommunications.net. For questions, or more information, please contact me atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

AVIATION

1) Judge Allows Flyer Advocate’s Suit to Go Forward

Lawsuit claims Delta Air Lines illegally obtained e-mails.

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Judge-allows-flyer-advocates-apf-1243647106.html?x=0&.v=1

2) Boeing Launches 787 Flight-Test Web Site

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010921991_boeingwebsite29.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

3) Visualization’s Next Frontier

Link to article in Public Roads:

http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/10janfeb/02.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) Interpol Chief Says Weak Passport Verification World’s Biggest Travel Threat

Link to CP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jamPf2nz2ey4fCJYuMaMBHkxtOOg

5) Driver Phone Bans’ Impact Doubted

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2010-01-29-cell-phone_N.htm

Link to news release from the Highway Loss Data Institute:

http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr012910.html

6) Talking Transport Security Trends

An interview with Andy Nicholson of ARINC.

Link to interview on Airport Technology:

http://www.airport-technology.com/features/feature74908/?WT.mc_id=WN_Feat&mxmroi=6268974/2575438/false

7) Vigilante Journalist Taunts TSA Agents

Link to story and video on WDIV-TV:

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/22368244/detail.html

TELEMATICS

8) UK Fleets Switch on to Benefits of Eye-in-the-Sky Tracking

Link to article in Fleet News:

http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/story/Fleets-switch-on-to-benefits-of-eye-in-the-sky-tracking/51991

TRANSIT

9) Toronto Transit Commission to Enhance Customer Service

Numerous communication improvements announced.

Link to article in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2010/01/TTC-to-enhance-customer-service.aspx

The TTC’s Failure to Communicate

Link to editorial in the Toronto Sun:

http://www.torontosun.com/comment/editorial/2010/01/28/12655531.html

VEHICLES

10) ‘Smart Pedals’ Could Stop Crashes Like Those Behind Recall

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-01-29-toyotabrakes29_ST_N.htm

11) Safety of Cars’ Keyless Entry and Ignition Systems Questioned

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jan/24/business/la-fi-carkeys24-2010jan24

News Releases

1) LogicTree Scheduled Arrival IVR Surpasses 400,000 Calls at RTD Denver - Achieves Automation Rate Approaching 80%

Upcoming Events

Making Connections: New Developments & Emerging Opportunities in Transportation Training Partnerships – March 17 – Silver Spring, Maryland

http://transportcenter.org/images/uploads/mc%20agenda.pdf

Friday Bonus

When they say to keep both hands on the wheel, they mean it.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2010/01/28/motorist-receives-50-on-the-spot-fine-for-blowing-his-nose-in-car-86908-22000682/

Today in Transportation History

1940 **70^th anniversary** - Three gasoline-powered trains crashed and exploded approaching the Ajikawaguchi station in Japan, killing over 180 people.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ajikawaguchi_derail_1940.jpg

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The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Thursday, January 28, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

Discuss Federal Legislative Initiatives at IBTTA Legislative Conference – March 22-23, 2010 in Washington, DC

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association on March 22-23, 2010 in Washington, DC and participate in discussions on federal legislative initiatives with leaders in the transportation policy debate. Topics will include transportation authorization, electronic tolling interoperability, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) charging, the proposed Office of Public Benefit, and other important issues affecting tolling and road pricing. Participants will spend Tuesday afternoon visiting their congressional representatives to advance tolling initiatives on Capitol Hill. This meeting is ideal for toll industry professionals interested in US Federal and transportation legislation and regulations affecting the toll industry. Visit www.IBTTA.org for registration, hotel and travel information and to view the preliminary agenda. [More…]

AVIATION

1) JetBlue Hopes for Few Blips in Reservation Switch

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/JetBlue-hopes-for-few-blips-apf-4274801989.html?x=0&.v=2

2) Lessons are Learned from Aborted US Airways Flight

Link to article in The Charleston Gazette:

http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/201001270602

BICYCLES

3) RFID Enables Biking System

Link to article in RFIDNews:

http://www.rfidnews.org/2010/01/27/rfid-system-rewards-bike-commuters

OTHER

4) Intelligent Transportation Systems: US Not Leading the Pack

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/741034

Link to commentary by ITS America President and CEO, Scott Belcher in The Hill:

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-a-environment/78495-its-report-a-wake-up-call

ROADWAYS

5) Smart Signs Give False Readings

Australian roadway signs may be falsely detecting speeding and following too closely.

Link to article in The Gympie Times:

http://www.gympietimes.com.au/story/2010/01/29/smart-sign-of-the-times/

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) US Homeland Security Nuclear Detection Office Turns to Geospatial Routing

Link to article in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2010/01/27/homeland-security-domestic-nuclear-detection-office.aspx

7) Microsoft CEO Forecasts Cloudy Future for Public Safety

Link to article in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2010/01/28/steve-ballmer-keynote-at-microsoft-public-safety-symposium.aspx

News Releases

1) Before You Go…GeauxWider.com – New Web Site, Twitter, Facebook Provide I-10 and I-12 Construction Impacts in Real-Time

2) NYSERDA-Funded iCone Gaining National Prominence in Efforts to Reduce Traffic Congestion, Energy Consumption, and Pollution

3) New 511 Service to Assist Commuters and Motorists in California’s Inland Empire

4) New Capital District Transportation Authority Web Site to Enhance Service Through Improved Communications

Job Postings

- Transportation Safety Analyst – Volpe National Transportation Systems Center – Cambridge, Massachusetts

http://volpedb.volpe.dot.gov/outside/owa/vntsc_outside.hr_career.display_job?p_job_id=JOB00183&p_type=CareerIntern

Upcoming Events

Oceanology International – March 9-11 – London

http://www.oceanologyinternational.com/

Today in Transportation History

1820 **190^th anniversary** A Russian expedition, led by Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen, reached Antarctica. The expedition is credited by some as being the first to discover the continent.

http://www.south-pole.com/p0000073.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

BICYCLES

1) Designing Bicycle Cities

Planning clearly-marked urban biking systems can help us educate car drivers and decrease cycling accidents.

Link to article in Good:

http://www.good.is/post/designing-bicycle-cities/

OTHER

2) Interview with ITS Network Germany

Link to interview from ERTICO - ITS Europe:

http://www.ertico.com/en/news/ertico_newsroom/its_network_germany_interview.htm

3) ERTICO - ITS Europe Talks to Dr. Young-Jun Moon, IPC Chair of the ITS World Congress Organizing Committee

Link to interview from ERTICO - ITS Europe:

http://www.ertico.com/en/news/ertico_newsroom/ertico_-_its_europe_talks_to_dr_young-jun_moon.htm

4) Report on Intelligent Transportation Systems from The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation

Link to report:

http://gigaom.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/its2010report.pdf

RAILROADS

5) Web Site Offers Info -- and Advocacy -- on Proposed High-Speed Rail Line from Twin Cities to Chicago

Link to article on MinnPost:

http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2010/01/26/15308/website_offers_info_--_and_advocacy_--_on_proposed_high-speed_rail_line_from_twin_cities_to_chicago

Link to site: http://www.mnhighspeedrail.com/

ROADWAYS

6) EU Body Gives Thumbs Up to ‘Green’ Road Charging

Link to article on EurActiv:

http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/eu-body-gives-thumbs-green-road-charging/article-189224

TRANSIT

7) New York MTA’s Electronic Security Plan Late, Lacks Funds

Link to Reuters article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2612302120100126

8) Outgoing Hampton Roads Transit Chief Speaks Out on Facebook

Link to article in The Virginian-Pilot:

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/01/outgoing-hrt-chief-speaks-out-facebook

VEHICLES

9) Four States, DC Not Part of National Vehicle History Database

Link to article in The Clarion-Ledger:

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20100126/NEWS/100126032/1002/newsfrnt/Miss.-not-part-of-national-vehicle-database

News Releases

1) BART Launches API to Spur Innovation in Transit App Development

2) Weather Central Introduces Road Segment-Based Weather Solutions for Location-Based and Mobile Services

3) Galileo – The Next Big Thing – Today and Tomorrow Says Frost & Sullivan

4) Iraqis Controlling Air Traffic Alongside US Counterparts

Upcoming Events

Asia Pacific Rail 2010 – March 8-11 – Bangkok

http://www.terrapinn.com/2010/asiarail/

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** - The Hague Convention of 1907, which focused on naval warfare, went into effect.

http://avalon.law.yale.edu/subject_menus/lawwar.asp

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

Discuss Federal Legislative Initiatives at IBTTA Legislative Conference – March 22-23, 2010 in Washington, DC

AVIATION

1) Deciphering the German Airport Hack

Link to article in ContactlessNews:

http://www.contactlessnews.com/2010/01/25/deciphering-the-german-airport-hack

CARTOGRAPHY

2) Navteq, the Maps the Auto Industry Uses

Link to article on Bright Side of News:

http://www.brightsideofnews.com/news/2010/1/25/navteq2c-the-maps-the-auto-industry-uses.aspx

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

3) Ohio Turnpike Commission Reverses Itself on Higher Tolls for Bicycles or Luggage on Roof

Link to article in The Plain Dealer:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/01/ohio_turnpike_commission_rever.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) Navigation Programming Standard

Link to article in The Engineer:

http://www.theengineer.co.uk/news/navigation-programming-standard/1000716.article

MARITIME

5) Port of Los Angeles Fights Crime with Mobile Video

Link to article in CIO:

http://www.cio.com/article/522914/Port_of_Los_Angeles_Fights_Crime_With_Mobile_Video

ROADWAYS

6) US Government Studies Effect of Digital Billboards on Drivers

Link to story on KUSA-TV:

http://www.9news.com/seenon9news/article.aspx?storyid=131467&catid=509

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) US DOT Bars Commercial Drivers from Texting at Wheel

Link to AP article:

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=9662151

Link to news release from US DOT:

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot1410.htm

8) Airport Security is a Tech-Firm Gold Rush

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-smallbiz-security26-2010jan26,0,636018.story

9) Pennsylvania County Publishes Emergency Call Information Online

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/740523?elq=f5509e76b98f45b9a914f8a0f6d0bbaa

TRANSIT

10) Smart Card Firms Team to Establish Open Standard

Link to article in EE Times:

http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222500054

11) Toronto Transit Commission Riders Ask Where Route Maps Went

Link to article in the Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/fixer/article/755855--fixer-ttc-riders-ask-where-route-maps-went

12) New Bus Times Signs Help UK Shoppers

Link to article in The Evening Telegraph:

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Queensgate-New-bus-times-signs.6014674.jp

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Long Island Rail Road Riders Get Real-Time Train Arrival Information by Text

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/01/26/2010-01-26_its_a_trip_sez_lirr_texting_gets_riders_latest_train_info.html

14) Is the 511 National Traffic Phone Number Worth $1.2 Billion?

Link to podcast from Directions Magazine:

http://www.directionsmag.com/article.php?article_id=3390

WEATHER

15) Google to Bring NOAA Data to New Heights

Link to article in Government Computer News:

http://gcn.com/articles/2010/01/26/noaa-google-coop-012610.aspx

News Releases

1) Streetcar App Now Available from App Store – Allows Users to Locate, Book and Open Cars

Upcoming Events

21^st International Women in Aviation Conference – February 25-27 – Lake Buena Vista, Florida

http://www.wai.org/10conference/index.cfm

Today in Transportation History

1500 **510^th anniversary** - Spanish explorer Vicente Yáñez Pinzón reached Brazil’s northeastern coast.

http://www.emayzine.com/lectures/HISTOR~6.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.