Transportation Communications Newsletter: November 2010

In yesterday's edition I posted a story about track sensors on Washington, DC's Metro system. The article came up on my news search as a new story but after posting the article I realized it was actually from July 2009. An updated version of the story is in today's edition (story #8). My apologies for the mistake.

Upcoming Events

Webcast: Directions OnPoint - A Conversation with Steve Coast, Founder, OpenStreetMap – December 3

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/513897442

Today in Transportation History

1960 **50^th anniversary** The last DeSoto automobile was built.

http://www.duricy.com/~desoto/desaga/destop.shtml

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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

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

Monday, November 29, 2010

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Monday, November 29, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

November Fundraiser

Thank you to everyone who has helped support the TCN during my November fundraising drive! As I mentioned at the beginning of the month, this is part of a twice-a-year fundraising effort for the TCN. In case you missed my previous notes, you can contribute to the TCN with a check or via PayPal. For those who prefer, I can even send you an invoice.

Information on how to contribute is included at the bottom of today's edition. In addition to financial support, there are other ways you can help the TCN. You can tell others about the TCN and let them know they can subscribe by sending me a note. You can also buy an ad or use my transportation voice-over services. More information on my voice-over work can be found atwww.bwcommunications.net. Please let me know if you have any questions and again, thank you.

AVIATION

1) Laser-Driven System Replaces Ground Personnel Who Directed Pilots Into Gates

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-1128-docking-guidance-20101128,0,1380803.story

2) World-Class Air Traffic Management System for Oman

Link to article in the Oman Daily Observer:

http://main.omanobserver.om/node/31460

3) How Intelligent Flight Paths Can Reduce Delays, Noise, Carbon Emissions

Link to blog on SmartPlanet:

http://www.smartplanet.com/people/blog/pure-genius/how-intelligent-flight-paths-can-reduce-delays-noise-carbon-emissions/5033/

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Google Maps Faces July 2010 Deadline on China Regulations

Link to IDG News Service article:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9198218/Google_Maps_faces_July_2011_deadline_on_China_regulations

5) Does GPS Spell the End to Maps?

While technology is having an impact on the art of map-reading, it's not charting the end for cartography.

Link to article in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/110497584.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

6) Mandatory Use of In-Car Devices for Tolls is Questioned in Taiwan

Link to article in the Taipei Times:

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2010/11/30/2003489790

MARITIME

7) Florida Goes After Abandoned Boats

Database will track derelict and abandoned vessels.

Link to article in The Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/11/29/1947751/state-goes-after-abandoned-boats.html

Link to news release from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:

http://www.myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/10/statewide/News_10_X_AtRiskVessels.htm

RAILROADS

8) Russian Railways and Italian Firm to Work to Modernize Technology on Rail System

Link to article in The Moscow Times:

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/railways-to-modernize-with-15bln-euros-of-italian-help/425147.html

Link to news release from Russian Railways:

http://eng.rzd.ru/isvp/public/rzdeng?STRUCTURE_ID=15&layer_id=4839&refererLayerId=4530&id=105597

ROADWAYS

9) READ THIS: Local Governments in US Told to Buy New Street Signs

Link to story and video on ABC's Good Morning America:

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/local-governments-told-buy-street-signs/story?id=12256322

Link to news release from US DOT:

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/fhwa6410.html

Additional information from Snopes.com:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/traffic/mixedcase.asp

10) Utah DOT Hits Social Media with Weather Updates

Link to article in the Standard-Examiner:

http://www.standard.net/topics/social-media/2010/11/26/udot-hits-social-media-weather-updates

11) Electronic Sign Fight Pits Safety Against Scenery in South Carolina

Link to McClatchy Newspapers article:

http://www.thesunnews.com/2010/11/29/1839354/electronic-sign-fight-pits-safety.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) Wyoming Makes Changes in Collection of Crash Data Information

Link to article in the Star-Tribune:

http://trib.com/news/local/article_984a96fe-0d1a-5c55-bf02-25f11154928a.html

13) US Navy's Trident Nuclear Warheads Hit the Highway, Bound for Texas

Trucks are tracked 24/7 by satellite but information on shipments not shared with civilian authorities.

Link to article in the Kitsup Sun:

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/nov/27/tridents-warheads-on-the-road-to-refurbishment/

14) A Media False Alarm Over the TSA

Link to column in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/29/business/media/29carr.html

15) Vision Zero International – January 2011 Issue Online

Link to magazine:

http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/vision_zero.php

TRANSIT

16) Persistent Track Sensor Woes Continue to Plague DC Metro

Link to article in The Examiner:

http://washingtonexaminer.com/transportation/2009/07/persistent-sensor-woes-continue-plague-metro

17) Minnesota Transit Union Challenges New Policy on Cell Phones

Link to article in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/local/110897394.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUycaEacyU

18) Denver's Upcoming Cannabis Convention Advertises on RTD Buses

Link to article in The Denver Post:

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_16725508

19) Indian Buses to be Equipped with GPS

Link to article in Daily News & Analysis:

http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_multi-axle-volvo-launched-soon-to-get-gps_1473204

20) Viaduct Sensors Help Chicago Transit Authority Bridge Budget Gap

Link to column in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/traffic/ct-met-getting-around-1115-20101128,0,4637767.column

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

21) Many Traffic Cams Up and Running on I-95 Through Florida's Treasure Coast

Link to article in The Tribune:

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2010/nov/26/many-traffic-cams-up-and-running-on-i-95-through/

22) Travel-Time Information Proposed for M5 Widening in Sydney

Link to article in the Bay Post:

http://www.batemansbaypost.com.au/news/national/national/general/traveltime-information-proposed-for-m5-widening/2010403.aspx

23) California Highway Patrol, California DOT to Share Inland Empire Transportation Management Center

Link to article in The Sun:

http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_16723281

VEHICLES

24) Best Android Apps for Your Car

Link to article on CNET UK:

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/cartech/best-android-apps-for-your-car-50001788/

News Releases

1) Frederick, Maryland Makes Local Traffic Reports Available via Cable Channel, Live Web Streaming

2) Amtrak California Web Site Has New Look

3) Applications Sought for 2011 National Roadway Safety Awards

4) Delta to Add Inflight Wi-Fi to 223 Delta Connection Jets

5) New Cell Phone Texting Feature Means University of Utah Students Won't Miss the Bus

6) New Service Helps University of Iowa Bus Riders Get Real-Time Route Information via Mobile Devices

7) Rumbles on the Reservation DVD Now Available

TCN Donations

Checks or money orders may be mailed to:

Bernie Wagenblast

1 Aberdeen CT

Cranford, NJ USA 07016-2911

You may also donate online via PayPal at:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=10069680

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Inrix XD Traffic – December 15

http://goo.gl/B2VTh

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** The first US patent for a traffic signal system was issued to Ernest E. Sirrine.

http://www.google.com/patents?id=8-VKAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4&source=gbs_overview_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

Friday, November 26, 2010

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Friday, November 26, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

Making Connections 2011 – Workforce Solutions to Keep America Moving

March 17, 2011 – Hilton Washington, DC/Silver Spring

Join other transportation industry leaders, trainers and policymakers at this day-long national conference to share successes and exchange cutting edge best practices in public transportation workforce development. This year's theme is Workforce Solutions to Keep America Moving.

Anticipated workshops: Marketing Transit Careers to the Millennial Generation · Building Training Partnerships from the Ground Up · Paying for Training in Tough Times · Achieving a Culture of Safety · Career Ladders in a Green Economy · Validating Your Local Courseware to National Training Standards · Preparing Industry Leadership for Partnerships · Apprenticeship Programs in Transit · Sustainable Communities, Equity and Transportation · Looking Up the Track: Safety and Regulatory Changeshttp://transportcenter.org/community_transport/events_page/

AVIATION

1) The Virtual Airline is Already Here

Link to article in Airport Business:

http://www.airportbusiness.com/print/Airport-Business-Magazine/The-Virtual-Airline-Is-Already-Here/1$41150

ROADWAYS

2) Traffic Engineer Provides Insight Into Signs and Safety Measures

Link to article in The Oklahoman:

http://newsok.com/signs-aim-to-assist-drivers/article/3518028

SAFETY / SECURITY

3) LNG Company Balks at Describing Hazards of Savannah, Georgia Truck Route

Link to article in the Savannah Morning News:

http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-11-26/lng-balks-describing-hazards-savannah-truck-route

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

4) Saher to Cover Jeddah in One Year

Link to article in The Saudi Gazette:

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2010112688033

WEATHER

5) Old Ship Logs Fill In Weather History of Past 250 Years

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/forecast/2010-11-26-oldweather26_ST_N.htm

News Releases

1) GEWI Powers Reliable Navigation Services in Singapore

Upcoming Events

National Bike Summit – March 8-10 – Washington, DC

http://www.bikeleague.org/conferences/summit11/index.php

Friday Bonus

Following the elections this month, US DOT has had to re-think their support for high-speed rail. A lower cost alternative has been proposed.

http://www.theonion.com/video/obama-replaces-costly-highspeed-rail-plan-with-hig,18473/

Today in Transportation History

1990 **20^th anniversary** The first flight of the Delta II 7000 rocket took place.

http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/delta/delta2/delta2.htm

November 27 **100^th anniversary** Pennsylvania Station in New York City opened with the inauguration of regular through train service.

http://www.wardmaps.com/viewasset.php?aid=11305

http://wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16934&page=1

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Thursday, November 25, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057

**Happy Thanksgiving**

TrafficTalk Launching Revolutionary Traffic Service – Now Recruiting Experienced “Traffic Hosts”

TrafficTalk is changing the traffic information game with a new mobile service, accessible by drivers from any phone, providing live access to CB Radio-like conversations among people sharing the same roads. As a Traffic Host, you will manage these “community conversations” --each focused on discussing traffic conditions in different parts of town in the top 20 “most congested” U.S. cities. Visit traffictalk.info to learn about volunteer host positions. Volunteers who join us during our launch phase will be given preference for paid positions as we gain traction in the market. Make a name for yourself by managing a community of your own, trusted by drivers every day to get them where they’re going. The choice communities and time slots are going quickly. For more information, visit traffictalk.info.

AVIATION

1) Major Airports Reject PETA Ads on Body Scan

Link to AP article:

http://online.wsj.com/article/AP97951e200c8c4b6586fec98c2f655155.html

Link to ad: http://www.adrants.com/images/peta_proud_body_scan.jpg

OTHER

2) TTS Italia News: The European ITS Directive

Link to article from ERTICO:

http://www.ertico.com/tts-italia-news-the-european-its-directive/

3) The Eye in the Sky Forecasts Holiday Sales

Link to Reuters blog:

http://blogs.reuters.com/shop-talk/2010/11/24/the-eye-in-the-sky-forecasts-holiday-sales/

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

4) Union Pushes Public Outreach on TSA Pat Downs

Link to story and audio on WFED Radio's Federal Drive:

http://www.federalnewsradio.com/?nid=15&sid=2130677

RAILROADS

5) Signal, the Newsletter of ERTMS – November 2010

Link to newsletter:

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/rail/interoperability/ertms/doc/021_signal_2010_11_en.pdf

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) TSA Using Pizza Boxes to Recruit New Workers

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2010/07/tsa_using_pizza_boxes_to_recru.html

TOURISM

7) Interactive Tourism Point Installed in Llanrwst, Wales

Link to article in the North Wales Weekly News:

http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2010/11/25/interactive-tourism-point-installed-in-llanrwst-55243-27710142/

TRANSIT

8) When's the Next Bus? Pace Testing Signs to Answer That

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-11-24/news/ct-met-pace-bus-sign-20101124_1_pace-chairman-richard-kwasneski-pace-spokesman-patrick-wilmot-pace-headquarters

9) Mobile Networks Close to Agreement to Build Mobile Network in London Underground

Link to article in Mobile:

http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/Mobile_Exec/Networks_seal_%C2%A3150m_tube_deal.aspx

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) LTA Launches Traffic Message Channel for Singapore

Link to article on AsiaOne:

http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20101125-249203.html

Link to news release from the Land Transport Authority:

http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=n6h2hazy0bj7v7z2k9v6e85bq2lmvex6wn6q8prm12imn8r172

11) Saher Traffic Management System a Blessing, Not Spying: Senior Islamic Scholar

Link to article in The Saudi Gazette:

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2010112587964

12) Intelligent Traffic Controls to Clear Up Moscow Streets

Link to article in The Moscow Times:

http://themoscownews.com/local/20101124/188226714.html

1) Hampton Roads, Virginia Engineers Help Ease Traffic Congestion

Link to story and video on WAVY-TV:

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/engineers-help-ease-traffic-congestion

13) Canadian Town to Lobby for Help on Border Line-Ups

Fort Frances says federal government's ITS strategy has never been deployed at town's border crossing.

Link to article in the Fort Frances Times:

http://fftimes.com/node/238366

News Releases

1) Pan-European eCall Trial of NXP and Partners Concludes in Brussels

2) Cross County Automotive Services Awarded Top Honors for Best Call Center

Upcoming Events

Inrix Traffic Webinar: Europe Scorecard – December 2

http://goo.gl/O400w

Today in Transportation History

1120 **890^th anniversary** The White Ship sank in the English Channel. Among those who drowned was William Adelin, the only legitimate son of King Henry I of England.

http://factoidz.com/the-white-ship-disaster-of-1120-le-blanche-nef/

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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