Transportation Communications Newsletter: August 2010

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

Countdown to IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition — September 12-15th in San Diego, CA – Register Today!

Join your colleagues in San Diego, September 12-15, 2010, for IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, the year’s most highly-anticipated learning and networking event -- attracting more than 700 toll industry experts and decision makers from across the globe. Under the theme, Sustainable Transportation, the technical program offers tracks focused on innovation, policy, the economy, and the California tolling experience. Hosted by the California Toll Operators Committee (CTOC), this event features interactive seminars, influential speakers, technical tours and special events, informative exhibits and more! Register and make your hotel reservations today! Visit IBTTA’s website for details.

AVIATION

1) Tracking Planes that Aren't in the Sky

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704340504575447852785706396.html

2) Simulator Training Flaws Tied to Airline Crashes

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-08-31-1Acockpits31_ST_N.htm

3) Inconvenience Not an Excuse for Ignoring First Amendment

Link to editorial in the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2010/aug/29/ed-wilk29-ar-476766/

Link to decision by US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit:

http://snpainfo.org/eBulletin/print/AppealsCourtRuling-07.13.10.pdf

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) GPS Tracks Students on School Buses

Link to story and video on WGN-TV:

http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-gps-school-bus-aug10,0,1008369.story

5) US Air Force Reorganization May Drastically Affect GPS Program

Link to article in GPS World:

http://www.gpsworld.com/gnss-system/gps-modernization/news/air-force-reorganization-may-drastically-affect-gps-program-10413

6) Do We Need Maps in Our Location-Based Apps?

Question is explored it in the context of navigation apps, weather and traffic apps, social apps and augmented reality.

Link to podcast from Directions Magazine:

http://www.directionsmag.com/podcasts/podcast-do-we-need-maps-in-our-location-based-apps/130733

7) Best iPhone Navigation Apps

Link to reviews from Good Gear Guide:

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/roundup/358425/best_iphone_navigation_apps/

RAILROADS

8) CSX Partners with Alabama, Mississippi for Safety Measures

Link to article in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=24218

ROADWAYS

9) Flashing Stop Signs – Now in Use in Kansas City and Elsewhere – Send a Clear Message

Link to article in The Kansas City Star:

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/29/2186131/flashing-stop-signs-send-clear.html

10) Minnesota Gives Yellow Arrows a Green Light

Link to article in The Daily Reporter:

http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2010/08/31/minnesota-gives-yellow-arrows-a-green-light/

11) Keeping Tabs on Traffic

Data provide great details about traffic but driver unpredictability challenges models.

Link to blog in The Wall Street Journal:

http://blogs.wsj.com/numbersguy/keeping-tabs-on-traffic-986/

12) Can Eye Contact Enhance Road Safety and a Sense of Place?

Link to blog from the Project for Public Spaces:

http://www.pps.org/can-eye-contact-enhance-road-safety-and-a-sense-of-place/

13) Public has Right to Know Status of New Inlet Bridge in Delaware

Newspaper says state and DelDOT need to provide a status report on span's problems.

Link to editorial in The News Journal:

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100831/OPINION11/8310317/1004/OPINION/Public-has-right-to-know-status-of-new-inlet-bridge

SPACE

14) NASA Brings Historical Photos to Flickr Commons

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20015106-17.html

TRANSIT

15) Transit Systems Easier to Predict with Smartphone Apps

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/phones/2010-08-30-transit-apps_N.htm

16) New Interactive Transit Kiosk in Seattle

Link to blog and video on seattlepi.com:
http://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/archives/219785.asp

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

17) Digital Life: Never Get Stuck in Twaffic Again

A report on the first satnav system in Ireland to report live traffic information.

Link to article in the Irish Independent:

http://www.independent.ie/business/technology/digital-life-never-get-stuck-in-twaffic-again-2317917.html

18) Inrix Launches iPhone App in Europe

Link to article on GPS Business News:

http://www.gpsbusinessnews.com/INRIX-Launches-iPhone-App-in-Europe_a2438.html

VEHICLES

19) US Wants Report Cards for Cars

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703369704575461602043868916.html

20) Cars: The Next Hacking Frontier?

Link to column on CNET News:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-20015184-245.html

News Releases

1) Frost & Sullivan: Smart Transit Card Users Promote Smart Card Adoption for Multiple Applications

2) UC Berkeley Researchers Launch High-Tech Transit Study in Bay Area Commute Hot-Spot

3) Lockheed Martin Delivers Prototype Threat Warning Systems to US Navy for Testing

4) NTSB Commends Operation Lifesaver as a Leader In Reducing Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Accidents Since Organization's Founding

5) Glenn, Hakey Named Recipients of Operation Lifesaver 2010 National Safety Award

6) Vail Resorts Announces a New Application for Skiers to Track Activity, Mountain and Traffic Reports

Upcoming Events

InnoTrans 2010 – September 21-24 – Berlin

http://www1.messe-berlin.de/vip8_1/website/Internet/Internet/www.innotrans/englisch/index.html

Today in Transportation History

1940 **70^th anniversary** A Pennsylvania Central Airlines flight en route from Washington, DC to Detroit, crashed near Lovettsville, Virginia. All 25 on board, including US Senator Ernest Lundeen from Minnesota, died.

http://www.baesel.net/capaccidents/1940.08.31_PennsylvaniaCentralAirlinesCorp_DouglasDC-3-A.pdf

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Questions, comments about the TCN? Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Monday, August 30, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

Countdown to IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition — September 12-15th in San Diego, CA – Register Today!

AVIATION

1) British Airways Flight Scares Passengers After Emergency Crash Message Plays By Mistake

Link to story and video on ABC News' World News Tonight:

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/british-airways-flight-bound-hong-kong-scares-passengers/story?id=11496766

2) Transport Canada Bans Coverage of Float Plane Safety Workshop

Link to article in The Vancouver Sun:

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Transport+Canada+bans+coverage+workshop/3459288/story.html

CAMERAS

3) More Traffic Cameras for Pennsylvania's Highways

Link to story on KYW Radio:

http://kyw.cbslocal.com/2010/08/29/more-traffic-cams-for-pa-s-highways/

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Stylish Maps that are Chatty

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/30/stylish-maps-that-are-chatty/

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

5) For New I-85 Toll Lane in Georgia, Signs Might Not Help Much

Link to article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

http://www.ajc.com/news/gwinnett/for-new-i-85-600843.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Newest in Construction Technology: GPS on Earthmovers

Link to article in the Deseret News:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700060879/Newest-in-construction-technology-GPS-on-earth-movers.html

7) GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems Help Drivers Go Green

Link to blog on Eco Institution:

http://www.ecoinstitution.com/green-news/gps-vehicle-tracking-systems-help-drivers-go-green/

OTHER

8) More US Travelers are Using Smartphones

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2010-08-30-smartphone-travel_N.htm

9) New System to Simplify Traffic Fine Collection in Turkey

Link to Anatolia News Agency article:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=new-system-to-ease-the-collection-of-traffic-fines-2010-08-30

10) The Inconvenient Truth About Traffic Math: Progress is Slow

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703959704575453921039632134.html

11) ITS Turbo Architecture Version 5.0 is Now Available

Link to further information from the Research and Innovative Technology Administration:

http://www.its.dot.gov/press/2010/arch_turbo5.htm

PARKING

12) New Electronic Signs Will Help Find Parking in Seattle

Link to article on seattlepi.com:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/transportation/archives/219586.asp

ROADWAYS

13) Highway Poles Listen to Glean Traffic Data from Road Noise

Link to article in The Journal News:

http://www.lohud.com/article/20100829/NEWS01/8290380/-1/newsfront/Highway-poles-listen-to-glean-traffic-data-from-road-noise

SAFETY / SECURITY

14) Metra Conductors Bar Riders Who Ignore Gates, Lights

Hand commuters cards warning of dangers and possibility of fine.

Link to article in the Chicago Sun-Times:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/transportation/2651500,CST-NWS-rideside30.article

TELEMATICS

15) GM: OnStar Upgrade Bypassed Dealers

Link to CNET blog:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20015055-48.html

TRANSIT

16) Virginia Tech Teams with Transit to Launch VT Bus Tracker

Link to article in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2010/08/Virginia-Tech-Blacksburg-Transit-launch-VT-Bus-Tracker.aspx

Link to VT Bus Tracker: http://www.bustracker.org/

17) Do You Have an App for That?

Link to column in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/Blog/Transit-Dispatches/Story/2010/08/Do-you-have-an-app-for-that-.aspx

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

18) Highway Police Web Site Launched in India

Link to Express News Service article:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Highway-police-website-launched/673921

19) 511 Traffic Advisory Service Proposed for Santa Cruz, California Region

Link to article in the Santa Cruz Sentinel:

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_15936847

20) Washington State DOT Launches Traffic App

Link to blog in The Stranger:

http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2010/08/30/early-adopters-scoff-at-new-wsdot-traffic-app

21) Smarter Commuting Starts with Analytics, Visualization

Link to blog on SmartData Collective:

http://smartdatacollective.com/brett-stupakevich/26847/smarter-commuting-starts-analytics-visualization

VEHICLES

22) Dude, Where's My Apple iCar?

While Apple is wasting its time on TV, Microsoft drives away with the automobile market.

Link to commentary in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9182459/Dude_where_s_my_Apple_iCar_

23) Crash-Proof Cars?

Link to article in Fleet Owner:

http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucks_at_work/2010/08/30/crash-proof-cars/

24) Sweet Talking Your Computer

How should computers in vehicles interact with drivers?

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703959704575453411132636080.html

25) Untangling the Wireless Car

Link to article on cellular-news:

http://www.cellular-news.com/story/45083.php

News Releases

1) i95travelinfo.net Spells Relief for Holiday Travelers on the East Coast

2) DC Metro Transit Police Use Tag Readers to Identify Stolen Cars and Car Thieves

3) OnStar Celebrates Patents During National Inventor's Month

4) Shuttle GPS Devices Aid Mississippi State University Student Commuters

5) IEEE Members Globally Work on the Development of Intelligent, Vehicular Transport Systems for Smarter, Safer Travel

6) Winning Transportation Projects Saving Lives, Time, and Money

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Biodiesel Policies and Mandates: What's Really Involved? – September 16

http://www.dieselforum.org/multimedia/webinars

Today in Transportation History

1985 **25^th anniversary** President Reagan signed an executive order to create an emergency board to investigate a dispute between the United Transportation Union and various railroads.

http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1985/83085c.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Questions, comments about the TCN? Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Friday, August 27, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

IBTTA 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition — Register Today! Early Bird Discount Ends August 22, 2010 

Join your colleagues in San Diego, September 12-15, 2010, for IBTTA’s 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, the year’s most highly-anticipated learning and networking event -- attracting more than 700 toll industry experts and decision makers from across the globe. Under the theme, Sustainable Transportation, the technicalprogram offers tracks focused on innovation, policy, the economy, and the California tolling experience. Hosted by the California Toll Operators Committee (CTOC), this event features interactive seminars, influential speakers, technical tours and special events, informative exhibits and more! Breaking News! The Hilton San Diego Bayfront has reduced the contracted room rate from $241/night to $219/night. The new rate applies to all existing confirmed reservations and any new reservations. Customized sponsorship and exhibitor packages are available. Visit IBTTA’s website for details.

AVIATION

1) US DOT Fines Non-profit Mercy Flights $30,000 Over Personal Pronoun

Link to article in the Mail Tribune:

http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100826/BIZ/8260315/-1/NEWS

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) The Government's New Right to Track Your Every Move with GPS

Link to article in Time:

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2013150,00.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

3) Antitexting Campaign is Getting the Star Treatment

Link to article and video in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/08/27/antitexting_campaign_is_getting_the_star_treatment/?p1=News_links

RAILROADS

4) Judge Orders EPA Not to Destroy Records Union Pacific Wants

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5izQLsYoanTsZoZZ6oQUZuzPGn7wAD9HRF6F80

5) Kentucky Puts Locations of Coal Infrastructure, Including Railroads and River Terminals, Online

Link to AP article:

http://www.kentucky.com/2010/08/27/1409200/ky-puts-locations-of-power-plants.html

Link to map:

http://kgs.uky.edu/kgsmap/KYCoal/viewer.asp

ROADWAYS

6) Visit FHWA's Online Work Zone Training Compendium

Link to article in Focus:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/focus/10aug/04.cfm

Link to site:

http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/outreach/wz_training/index.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) US DOT to Unveil Database Standards to Improve Highway Safety

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20100827_3266.php

8) Do Some Traffic Hazards Get Too Much Attention?

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/08/27/do-some-traffic-hazards-get-too-much-attention/

TRANSIT

9) Long Island Rail Road Information Screens Have Been Virtually Useless in Wake of Fire

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704913704575454110763083290.html

10) In Long Island Rail Road Mess, Local TV Had a Chance to be Relevant, but Failed Even to be Useful

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2010/08/27/2010-08-27_tvs_not_1st_stop_for_info_on_lirr.html

11) New Cameras to Catch DC Metrobus Drivers' Mistakes

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/26/AR2010082603710.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) New Traffic Center Opens in Cobb County, Georgia

Link to story and video on WXIA-TV:

http://www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=151672&catid=3

13) Adelaide on a Road to Nowhere

Adelaide Traffic Management Centre helps manage traffic in South Australia.

Link to article in The Advertiser:

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/adelaide-on-a-road-to-nowhere/story-e6frea83-1225911069762

14) Driving IT Right

Traffic is a web of connections and solutions will look at those relationships.

Link to commentary in Express Computer:

http://www.expresscomputeronline.com/20100830/techviews01.shtml

News Releases

1) Global Number of Consumer Telematics Users Will Reach 211 Million by 2015, Says ABI Research

Upcoming Events

Talking Freight Seminar on Freight and Carbon Footprint: Efforts to Enhance Supply Chain Sustainability – September 15

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=667

Friday Bonus

Catch the humorous end to the call of this horse race at Monmouth Park.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpSmprqptSk

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** What is recognized as the first official radio transmission from an airplane took place at Sheepshead Bay in New York City.

http://earlyradiohistory.us/1910enn2.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe (for free) or unsubscribe, please contact me at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Questions, comments about the TCN? Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast atbernie@bwcommunications.net.