Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Tuesday, March 31, 2009 -- ISSN 1529-1057

2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition Preliminary Program Now Available

The preliminary program for ITS America's 2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition is now available. The 2009 Annual Meeting is the highly anticipated three-day learning and networking event which will attract the most diverse transportation audience from across the country in one place. This event will take place at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD - inside the Washington, DC metropolitan area - from June 1-3. This is a critical time for our industry to demonstrate how ITS technologies can improve safety, mobility, and the environment while optimizing transportation dollars and helping to finance the future of our transportation system. Don't want to miss this valuable opportunity to find answers to your toughest transportation challenges, meet your legislators on Capitol Hill, see ITS solutions in action and take home ideas for implementation, and learn from your peers. To view a copy of the program, please click here. For further information, please visit: www.itsa.org/annualmeeting.html.


AVIATION

1) EU Adopts Air Traffic Management ‘Master Plan’
Link to story on EurActiv:
http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/eu-adopts-air-traffic-management-master-plan/article-180816

2) American Airlines to Expand In-flight Web Access
Link to AP story:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/American-Airlines-to-expand-apf-14791346.html

3) On NextGen, Everything Clear Except Who Pays for It
Link to column in The Dallas Morning News:
http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/03/on-nextgen-everything-clear-ex.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) Apple Filing Details Safe Touch-Screen Navigation System
Link to story on AppleInsider:
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/03/26/apple_filing_details_safe_touch_screen_navigation_system.html

5) Smart Sat-Nav and Cruise Control Arrives
Link to story on RoadTransport:
http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2009/03/31/133295/smart-sat-nav-and-cruise-control-arrives.html

OTHER

6) Georgia Could Require Drivers to Take Test in English
Link to AP story:
http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/03/31/met_516494.shtml

7) Interview with Anne Jensen, MEP and Rapporteur on the ITS Action Plan
Link to interview from ERTICO-ITS Europe:
http://www.ertico.com/en/news_and_events/ertico_newsroom/ertico-its_europe_talks_to_anne_jensen

SPACE

8) US Military Vows to Track 800 Satellites by October 1
Link to Reuters story:
http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE52U0MR20090331

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Sydney Terrorism Warning System Reviewed After Power Failure
Link to Bloomberg News story:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=abFrjyqhRykM

10) It’s the Drawing Board for Real ID
Link to story on NextGov:
http://techinsider.nextgov.com/2009/03/its_the_drawing_board_for_real.php

TRANSIT

11) Portland Metro Unveils an Online Planning Tool
Build-a-system tool is designed to involve public in transit corridor development.
Link to story in the Daily Journal of Commerce:
http://www.djcoregon.com/articleDetail.htm/2009/03/30/Metro-unveils-an-online-planning-tool-Buildasystem-tool-is-designed-to-involve-public-in-transit-cor

12) South Florida’s Tri-Rail Starts ‘Fund or Fail’ Campaign
Link to story in Metro Magazine:
http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2009/03/Tri-Rail-starts-fund-or-fail-campaign.aspx
Link to further information from Tri-Rail:
http://www.tri-rail.com/FundOrFail/

13) The Challenge of Using Public Transport: Descriptions by People with Cognitive Functional Limitations
Link to article in the Journal of Transport and Land Use:
https://www.jtlu.org/index.php/jtlu/article/download/97/42

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) New Detroit Traffic Management System All Set to Go
Link to story in The Detroit News:
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090331/METRO05/903310402/1361/New+traffic+management+system+all+set+to+go

15) Traffic Management System to be Constructed in Western Massachusetts
Link to story in The Republican:
http://www.masslive.com/metrowest/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-18/123848380163740.xml&coll=1

16) California DOT’s New Monitoring Systems to Speed Traffic Flow
Link to story in Traffic Technology Today:
http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news.php?NewsID=11441

17) Traffic Safety Through Smart Highways
Link to story in Popular Mechanics:
http://www.origin.popularmechanics.com/science/research/4308670.html?page=1

VEHICLES

18) Honda Connects Brain Thoughts with Electronics
Link to AP story:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Honda-connects-brain-thoughts-apf-14792125.html
Link to news release from Honda Motor Company:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Honda-ATR-and-Shimadzu-bw-14790917.html


News Releases
1) TEN-T 2009 Call for Proposals - Nearly €1 Billion Available in Trans-European Transport Network Funding
2) Tripping with Mr. Solomon – Houston Metro Uses YouTube to Promote Airport Service
3) TransCore Proves Alternative Equipment Choice for IAG-Protocol Reader
4) City of Seattle Launches Construction Coordination Web Site


Upcoming Events
2nd Middle East Parking Symposium – November 9-11 – Abu Dhabi
http://www.parking-me.com/


Today in Transportation History
1774 **235th anniversary** - The Boston Port Act took effect, closing the Boston Port to all ships. The action was a response to the Boston Tea Party.
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/boston_port_act.asp

=============================================================================================
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, March 30, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Monday, March 30, 2009 -- ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) Airline Lobby Impatient with Delays on New US Traffic Control System
Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123818857733360521.html
Link to news release from the Air Transport Association:
http://www.airlines.org/news/releases/2009/News_03-27-09.htm

2) Airlines Look at New Phone Devices for the Long Haul
Link to story in The Star:
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/28/business/3440300&sec=business

3) Florida Breaks Ground for GPS Flight System
Link to story in The Tampa Tribune:
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/mar/29/na-state-breaks-ground-for-gps-flight-system/

CAMERAS

4) Proposal to Track Uninsured with Red-Light Cameras has Cities Seeing Big Money
Link to Fox News story:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,510999,00.html

5) Traffic Cameras in London Ordered Turned Off by Department for Transport in Advance of G20 Summit
DfT says mobile road cameras do not meet resolution standards.
Link to story in The Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/mar/30/cctv-london-government-transport-g20

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

6) Start of Cheap Road Tolls in Japan Sees Jams
Link to story in The Yomiuri Shimbun:
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20090329TDY02306.htm

GPS / NAVIGATION

7) TomTom and Microsoft Settle Patent Fight
Link to Reuters story:
http://www.reuters.com/article/technology-media-telco-SP/idUSN3034876220090330

OTHER

8) A Badge, a Gun and a Facebook Profile
Police learn how to tap social-networking sites.
Link to story in the Edmonton Journal:
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/News/badge+Facebook+profile/1440929/story.html

9) Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Scolded by Governor’s Aide Over Blog Entry
Link to story in The Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/28/patrick_aide_scolded_aloisi_over_blog_entry/
Link to blog entry on Blue Mass Group:
http://www.bluemassgroup.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=15099

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) Efforts to Limit Cell Phone Use While Driving Grow in US
Link to story and video in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2009-03-29-driving-distracted-cellphones_N.htm
Link to further information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:
http://www.iihs.org/laws/CellPhoneLaws.aspx

11) Trying to Limit Disclosure on Explosion
Chemical plant owners say maritime security law should limit what federal agency can disclose.
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/us/29chemical.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all
Link to Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002: http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/MTSA.pdf

12) Transportation’s Role in Emergency Evacuation and Reentry
Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:
http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=10106

TRANSIT

13) Alarm System to Detect Trouble on Denver Light-Rail Tracks
Link to story in The Denver Post:
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_12020680

14) Tech Savvy Teenager Takes Massachusetts Transit Agency in New Directions
Link to story in The Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/29/tech_savvy_teenager_takes_lexington_transit_in_new_directions/

15) Boston T Riders Taking the Facebook Route
Facebook group lobbies for MBTA to provide information to Google Transit.
Link to story in The Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/03/29/t_riders_taking_the_facebook_route/
Link to Facebook group: http://tinyurl.com/cu2xms

16) BART Begins Publishing Rider Tweets
Link to story on TheTransitWire:
http://www.thetransitwire.com/2009/03/30/bart-begins-publishing-rider-tweets/
Link to BART’s Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/sfbart


News Releases
1) Vehicle Manufacturers are Leading Intelligent Transportation Systems Efforts with Obstacle Detection Systems Launching in 2009
2) Missouri DOT Introduces Podcasts by MoDOT Director
3) Saab and LFV Group Present Remotely Operated Airport Tower Concept


Upcoming Events
Canadian Transportation Research Forum 44th Annual Conference – May 24-27 – Victoria, British Columbia
http://www.ctrf.ca/future_conferences.htm


Today in Transportation History
1909 **100th anniversary** - The Queensboro Bridge, also known as the 59th Street Bridge, opened connecting Manhattan and Long Island City, Queens.
http://www.nycbridges100.org/queensboro.php

=============================================================================================
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, March 27, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Friday, March 27, 2009 -- ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) US Transportation Secretary Says New Air-Navigation System is FAA’s Top Priority
Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123810181998751549.html

2) FAA to Seal Bird-Strike Records
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-03-26-faa-birds_N.htm
a
3) American Airlines, Pilots to Resume Safety Program
Link to AP story:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/American-Airlines-pilots-to-apf-14760201.html

CAMERAS

4) Get the Feeling You’re Being Watched? If You’re Driving You Just Might be
Link to story in The Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123811365190053401.html

CARTOGRAPHY

5) Google Makes User-Created Maps Searchable
Link to CNET News story:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10206008-2.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

6) New Zealand Toll Road’s Charging Goes Awry Again
Link to story in The New Zealand Herald:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10563994

RAILROADS

7) Amtrak to Improve CRM, Passenger Information, Employee Information Management with Stimulus Money
Link to story on TMC:
http://callcenterinfo.tmcnet.com/analysis/articles/53139-amtrak-improve-crm-passenger-information-employee-information-management.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) GE Unveils High-Speed Baggage-Screening System for Airports
Link to Dow Jones story:
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200903261638DOWJONESDJONLINE000969_FORTUNE5.htm
Link to news release from General Electric:
http://genewscenter.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=6386&NewsAreaID=2&MenuSearchCategoryID

9) Risk-Based Approach Needed to Secure the Commercial Vehicle Sector
Link to report from the US Government Accountability Office:
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d0985.pdf

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Seattle Launches Own Traffic Web Site
Link to story on KIRO-TV:
http://www.kirotv.com/traffic/19023782/detail.html
Link to City of Seattle Travelers Information Map: http://web5.seattle.gov/travelers/

VEHICLES

11) US Appeals Court Upholds Ruling Allowing ‘Choose Life’ on Missouri License Plates
Link to story in The Kansas City Star:
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/1109030.html


Upcoming Events
Railway Systems Suppliers C&S Exhibition – May 19-20 – Nashville, Tennessee
http://www.rssi.org/2009_exhibit


Friday Bonus
I’ve seen light rail credited with many things, but this is a first.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/401320_toilet25.html


Today in Transportation History
1794 **215th anniversary** - The US Congress passed the Naval Act of 1794 establishing the nation’s first naval force.
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=001/llsl001.db&recNum=473

=============================================================================================
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, March 26, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Thursday, March 26, 2009 -- ISSN 1529-1057

Registration is now open for IBTTA’s Upcoming Summit — The Future of Tolling: ORT and the Path to Interoperability, June 14-16, 2009 in Tampa, FL

Join IBTTA in Tampa, FL and receive cutting-edge information from agencies and toll service providers around the globe on the latest in all-electronic tolling, toll traffic management, and achieving full interoperability. This is the only Summit in the world in 2009 focused on the critical topics of Open Road Tolling, All-Electronic Tolling and Interoperability and will feature more than 100 of our industry’s most experienced and knowledgeable speakers, panelists and exhibitors. What matters most is your customer’s experience driving your roads, the quality of service they receive during the payment process and your success in collecting those payments. Are your customers satisfied? Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda and register today!


AVIATION

1) US Lawmakers Seek Speedier Air-Traffic Modernization
Link to Dow Jones story:
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200903251603DOWJONESDJONLINE000757_FORTUNE5.htm

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) China Asserts Itself in GPS Turf War
Link to story in The Christian Science Monitor:
http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2009/03/25/china-asserts-itself-in-gps-turf-war/

ROADWAYS

3) Citizens Could Get New Voice on Illinois Tollway Moves
Link to story in the Daily Herald:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=281564&src=109

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) 80,000 on Transportation Security Administration’s ‘Cleared Fliers’ List
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-03-25-cleared-list_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

5) National Institute of Standards and Technology Publishes Guide for Emergency Communications Testing
Link to story in Government Computer News:
http://gcn.com/articles/2009/03/26/nist-emergency-communications.aspx

TRANSIT

6) Philadelphia-Area Trains to Offer ‘Quiet Ride’ Cars
Link to story in The Philadelphia Inquirer:
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/41879222.html

7) New York MTA Trains Its Anger at Subway Web Site
Link to story in the Daily News:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/03/26/2009-03-26_mta_trains_its_anger_at_subway_web_site.html
Link to MTA Service Specialists: http://www.mtaservice.org/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) Nova Scotia Considering Steps to Improve Information on Cobequid Pass
Link to story in The Chronicle Herald:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/9011158.html

9) National Summary Report for the Traffic Incident Management Self-Assessment (2008)
Link to report from the Federal Highway Administration:
http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/news/news_detail.asp?ID=513


Upcoming Events
Air Cargo Europe 2009 – May 12-15 – Munich
http://www.aircargoeurope.com/


Today in Transportation History
1839 **170th anniversary** - The first Henley Regatta took place.
http://www.hrr.co.uk/

=============================================================================================
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, March 25, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 -- ISSN 1529-1057

TIC from GEWI means Proven Interoperability

Whether you need to share, view, collect, aggregate, or distribute data between agencies, offices, control centers, districts, counties, states, or even countries, TIC can be configured to your interoperability requirements using this highly-flexible commercial off-the-shelf solution (COTS). TIC has a 12 year track record and is proven worldwide, such as by the European Road Information Center (ERIC) which provides 100% live data interoperability between 22 countries in seven different languages. TIC is already operating in over 100 projects worldwide and can be deployed faster, more affordably, and with less risk than build-your-own solutions. Why reinvent the wheel?To download a brochure and leaflets, please visit www.gewi.com. To discuss your questions and requirements, please contact jim.oneill@gewi.com.


AVIATION

1) US Airways CEO Got Early Flight 1549 Info Via TV
Airline’s operations center used later to coordinate response.
Link to AP story:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/US-Airways-CEO-got-some-apf-14734819.html

2) Onboard Device Could Offer Clue to Montana Crash
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/us/25crash.html

RAILROADS

3) IBM Hops Aboard High-Speed Rail
Link to CNET News story:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10203013-54.html

4) CSX Upgrades Signals – End of Era
Railroad is replacing semaphores with wireless communications in Indiana counties.
Link to story in the Journal & Courier:
http://www.jconline.com/article/20090325/NEWS/903250334

ROADWAYS

5) New Brunswick Tourism Signs Stir Debate
$450,000 redesign of scenic drive markers hailed as improvement, criticized as confusing.
Link to story in the Times & Transcript:
http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/news/article/614131

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) US Homeland Security Chief May Eliminate Color-Coded Alerts System: It’s of ‘Marginal Utility’
Link to story in the Daily News:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2009/03/24/2009-03-24_homeland_security_chief_may_eliminate_co.html

7) States See IT, Other Delays Costing Them on Real ID
Link to story in Federal Computer Week:
http://fcw.com/articles/2009/03/25/states-see-prohibitive-costs-from-real-id-act.aspx

8) Inspector General: Transportation Security Administration Known Shipper Management System Database Behind Schedule
Link to story in Federal Computer Week:
http://fcw.com/articles/2009/03/25/tsa-known-shipper-database-behind-schedule.aspx
Link to report: http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIGr_09-35_Mar09.pdf

TRANSIT

9) MIT Tries to Bring NFC to Everyday Life
Link to story on ContactlessNews:
http://www.contactlessnews.com/2009/03/24/mit-tries-to-bring-nfc-to-every-day-life

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) Urban Partnership Agreements: Congestion Relief Initiative Holds Promise; Some Improvements Needed in Selection Process
Link to report from the US Government Accountability Office:http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-154

VEHICLES

11) Road Sense
Intelligent driving system allows vehicle to drive itself.
Link to story in The Engineer:
http://www.theengineer.co.uk/Articles/310568/Road+sense.htm


News Releases
1) DC Metro ‘Tweets’ Rail Service Delay Information
2) The European Commission Welcomes Today's Decision of the European Parliament to Support the Single European Sky Package
3) American Airlines Offers New AA.com/women Online Content


Job Posting
- Transportation Program Specialist – Federal Transit Administration, US DOT – Washington, DC
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=80051214&AVSDM=2009%2D03%2D23+00%3A03%3A01&Logo=0&jbf574=TD09&FedEmp=N&sort=rv&vw=d&ss=0&brd=3876&FedPub=Y&caller=/agency_search.asp&SUBMIT1.x=107&SUBMIT1.y=13


Upcoming Events
International Satellite Navigation Forum – May 12-15 – Moscow
http://www.glonass-forum.ru/eng/


Today in Transportation History
1634 **375th anniversary** - The first European settlers came ashore in Maryland.
http://www.marylandtheseventhstate.com/article1001.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

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 -- ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) European Air Agency Launches New Control System
Link to AP story:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jwTmBkCDo07pLdqvaYGcTJ5M7cEAD973UG283

2) Texas Wind Farm Makes Deal with FAA
Some of the turbines could interfere with radar at nearby airport.
Link to story in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times:
http://www.caller.com/news/2009/mar/24/wind-farm-makes-deal-with-faa/

3) Salt Lake City Airport Takes on Feds in Motto Lawsuit
Airport’s use of "Simpli-fly" may conflict with TSA’s trademark.
Link to story in The Salt Lake Tribune:
http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_11980779

4) Your Airline Wants to Get to Know You
Airlines are getting closer to rolling out new technology that tells airport agents details about you.
Link to column in The Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123785242956819529.html

5) Web Tech Helps Airlines Reduce Fuel Costs
Link to story on SiliconRepublic:
http://www.siliconrepublic.com/news/article/12569/randd/web-tech-helps-airlines-reduce-fuel-costs

BUSES

6) Talking Buses Roll Out in Washington State
Link to story in The News Tribune:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/topstory/story/686148.html

CAMERAS

7) DC Budget Shortfall = More Speed Cams, Tickets
Link to story and video on WRC-TV:
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/DC-Budget-Shortfall--more-speed-cameras--parking-tickets-for-us.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

8) Latest US Air Force GPS Satellite in Orbit
Link to story in Aviation Week:
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/GPS032409.xml&headline=Latest%20USAF%20GPS%20Satellite%20In%20Orbit%20&channel=space

MARITIME

9) US Coast Guard: Observations on Changes to Management and Oversight of the Deepwater Program
Link to report from the US Government Accountability Office:
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09462t.pdf

ROADWAYS

10) Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to Raise Cash with Billboard Blitz
Nineteen localities receiving ads have little power to say no.
Link to story in The Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/24/t_set_to_raise_cash_with_billboard_blitz/

11) Professor: Road Line Misperception Decreases Road Safety
Link to story in the Mansfield News Journal:
http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20090324/UPDATES01/303240009/1002/NEWS01

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) US National Interoperability Network's Time Has Come, Panelists Say
Link to story in Government Technology:
http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/628717

TRANSIT

13) 13 Light-Rail Crashes, but Phoenix Officials Say Safety System Works
Link to story in The Arizona Republic:
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2009/03/24/20090324metro-safety.html

14) Real-Time Warnings Can Avoid Hassles
Toronto transit riders can alert other riders to delays
Link to story in Metro Toronto:
http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/comment/article/201132
Link to TTCupdates: http://ttcupdates.com/community/

15) Chicago Transit Authority Says It’s on Slow Train for Terrorist Alerts
Key officials with bus and rail system lack clearance, panel told.
Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-rail-security-24-mar24,0,1056800.story

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) Florida 511 Traffic Hotline Costing Taxpayers Millions
Link to story on WFTV-TV:
http://www.wftv.com/news/18996387/detail.html

17) New Monitoring Systems on Inland California Freeways Expected to Speed Traffic
Link to story in The Californian:
http://www.northcountytimes.com/articles/2009/03/23/news/californian/riverside/za48eebfc6fbaded58825757c00708da3.txt

18) Information Sharing for Traffic Incident Management
Link to publication from the Federal Highway Administration:
http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop08059/default.htm

VEHICLES

19) Sprint Provides Wireless Links for Smart Ford F-Series Trucks, E-Series Vans
Link to story in Computerworld:
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9130304


News Releases
1) EUMETSAT Discusses Cooperation with European Commission
2) ATX Introduces In-Vehicle Audio Messaging to Facilitate Ongoing Contact with Vehicle Owners, Dealers, Manufacturers


Job Postings
- Economist – US DOT, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center – Cambridge, Massachusetts
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobId=80078219&AVSDM=3%2F24%2F2009+2%3A51%3A52+PM


Upcoming Events
Velo-city 2009 – May 12-15 – Brussels
http://www.velo-city2009.com/homepage-en.html


Today in Transportation History
1989 **20th anniversary** - The Exxon Valdez ran aground and spilled 10.8 million gallons of oil in Prince William Sound, Alaska.
http://www.adn.com/evos/pgs/intro.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

Monday, March 23, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Monday, March 23, 2009 -- ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) The Benefits of Integration
Strong IT infrastructure enhances services, reduces costs at Raleigh-Durham Airport's new terminal.
http://www.airportbusiness.com/print/Airport-Business-Magazine/The-Benefits-of-Integration/1$26381

CAMERAS

2) Mississippi Bans Red-Light Cameras
Link to story in The Commercial Dispatch:
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=759

3) Traffic Camera Backlash Growing in Ohio Cities
Link to AP story:
http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20090322/UPDATES01/90322017

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Google Maps StreetView 'May be a Security Threat' in Northern Ireland
Link to story in the Belfast Telegraph:
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/technology-gadgets/google-maps-street-view-lsquomay-be-a-security-threatrsquo-14237716.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

5) Slovakia’s Road-Toll System Will be Up and Running by January 1, 2010, says SkyToll
Link to story in Traffic Technology International:
http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news.php?NewsID=11330

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Sat-Nav Going Live in Ireland to Beat Gridlock
Link to story in The Independent:
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/sat-nav-going-live-to-beat-gridlock-1681992.html

7) Top New York Court to Weigh Warrantless GPS Use
Link to AP story:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--gpstracking-warra0323mar23,0,266900.story

MARITIME

8) Do Maritime Security Smart Cards Defy Common Sense?
Link to story in the Los Angeles Times:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-terrorism-id22-2009mar22%2C0%2C3594305.story

OTHER

9) Federal Inspectors Often Difficult to Reach, Group Says
Inspector general hotline for US DOT handled by third-party call center.
Link to story in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/22/AR2009032201665.html

10) Spend Now to Help Society Run ‘Smarter’
Link to commentary in JoongAng Daily:
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2902560

11) New Database Tells Big Brother You’re Uninsured
Link to story in Wired:
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/03/the-uninsured-m.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) In-Flight Entertainment Systems Raise Safety Issues
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2009-03-22-electronics-fires-airlines_N.htm

TRANSIT

13) Why Metra is Riding Slow Train to Future
Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-unfriendly-rails-mar23,0,398128.story

14) Union Sues to Get Ad on Fresno, California Bus
Link to story in The Fresno Bee:
http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1277352.html

15) Virtualization and Transit
IT that improves operations and strengthens customer service.
Link to story in Mass Transit:
http://www.masstransitmag.com/publication/article.jsp?pubId=1&id=8133&pageNum=1

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) Stimulus Bill Funds Intelligent Transportation System Projects
Link to story in Government Technology:
http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/628254

17) Indianapolis Plans for Heavy Super Bowl Traffic
Planning for event begins years before game.
Link to story in The Indianapolis Star:
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903230347

18) Getting Traffic Information to Commuters is an Art and a Science
Link to column in the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/autocorner/chi-getting-around-23-mar23,0,717752.column

19) I-80 Web Site is Launched in California
Link to story in The Union:
http://www.theunion.com/article/20090323/WEBUPDATE/903239989/1002/NONE&parentprofile=1053&title=I-80%20website%20launched
Link to Get Across I-80: http://www.getacross80.com/

VEHICLES

20) New In-Vehicle Platform for Driving Next Generation Car PCs
Link to story on iTWire:
http://www.itwire.com/content/view/23974/598/

21) Smart Truck Deliveries in Berlin
Delivery trucks are equipped with dynamic route planning software.
Link to story on Hellmail:
http://www.hellmail.co.uk/postalnews/templates/postal_global_news.asp?articleid=1385&zoneid=11


News Releases
1) NOAA - Emergency Managers to Test Atlantic/Gulf Tsunami Warning and Response
2) Monash University Study: Roadside Ads Distract Drivers
3) Tees Valley Public Transport Info Service Goes Live


Upcoming Events
Cooperative Systems on the Road – May 12-14 – Helmond, Netherlands
http://www.testsitehelmond.org/


Today in Transportation History
1889 **120th anniversary** - The Woolwich Free Ferry began service. It crosses the River Thames in London.
http://www.greenwich.gov.uk/Greenwich/Travel/LocalTravelServices/WoolwichFerry.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, March 20, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Friday, March 20, 2009 -- ISSN 1529-1057

CARTOGRAPHY

1) Right Up Your Street (and Everyone Else’s) as Millions of Online Pictures Map the UK
Link to story in The Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/mar/20/google-street-view

GPS / NAVIGATION

2) TomTom Countersues Microsoft in Patent Dispute
Link to CNET News story:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-10200526-75.html

MARITIME

3) Malaysian Maritime Agency to Improve Surveillance
Link to Bernama story:
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=397672

OTHER

4) Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Apologies After PR Blunders
Link to story and video on WCVB-TV:
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/18961463/detail.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

5) State Senator Calls Some Virginia DOT Videos a Waste of Money
Link to story in The Daily News Record:
http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=36390&CHID=2

TRANSIT

6) SEPTA Delays ‘Smart Card’ Fare System
Link to story in The Philadelphia Inquirer:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20090320_SEPTA_delays__smart_card__fare_system.html

7) DC Metro to Post Schedules, Routes on Its Web Site
Third parties, such as Google Transit, can use data to aid riders.
Link to story in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/19/AR2009031903620.html
Link to news release from WMATA:
http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=2506

8) Dutch Railways Launches Mobile Context-Aware Travel Application
System determines nearest station and offers customized services.
Link to story on cellular-news:
http://www.cellular-news.com/story/36595.php


News Releases
1) Study Finds Consumers Increasingly Relying on Voice-Enabled Navigation and In-Car Systems
2) Research and Markets: Eco-driving-Harnessing the Potential of ITS - Available Now
3) Teamsters Announce Support of NextGen
4) Diesel Owners, Users, Lovers Called on to Share a Story – Diesel Technology Forum Sponsoring Video Contest


Upcoming Events
International Scientific Conference on Mobility and Transport – May 12-13 – Munich
http://www.vt.bv.tum.de/mobil.TUM2009


Friday Bonus
Introducing the latest secret-identity superhero…Traffic Light Fixer!
http://www.register-herald.com/archivesearch/local_story_070222759.html
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gJQnla16cjBVTWGMKNlsR85ooBdgD96SMLMG3


Today in Transportation History
1964 **45th anniversary** - The European Space Research Organisation officially came into force.
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/About_ESA/SEM7VFEVL2F_0.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, March 19, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Thursday, March 19, 2009 -- ISSN 1529-1057

Registration is now open for IBTTA’s Upcoming Summit — The Future of Tolling: ORT and the Path to Interoperability, June 14-16, 2009 in Tampa, FL

Join IBTTA in Tampa, FL and receive cutting-edge information from agencies and toll service providers around the globe on the latest in all-electronic tolling, toll traffic management, and achieving full interoperability. This is the only Summit in the world in 2009 focused on the critical topics of Open Road Tolling, All-Electronic Tolling and Interoperability and will feature more than 100 of our industry’s most experienced and knowledgeable speakers, panelists and exhibitors. What matters most is your customer’s experience driving your roads, the quality of service they receive during the payment process and your success in collecting those payments. Are your customers satisfied? Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda and register today!


AVIATION

1) FAA to Block Public Access to Raw Bird Strike Data
Link to story in Air Transport Intelligence:
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/03/18/324033/faa-to-block-public-access-to-raw-bird-strike-data.html

2) ‘High Risk’ NextGen’s Planning, Leadership Questioned
Link to story on ATW Daily News:
http://atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=15972

OTHER

3) Mystery Solved: Arizona DOT Returns Lost Slides to California Family
Link to story in The Daily Courier:
http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=65759

RAILROADS

4) New Australian Rail Tunnel Shows Cracks – Electronic Monitoring Being Conducted
Link to story in The Sydney Morning Herald:
http://www.smh.com.au/national/new-23b-rail-line-shows-a-few-cracks-20090318-925t.html

ROADWAYS

5) Seattle DOT Botched Snow Response
Link to story in The Seattle Times:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008885019_sdot19m.html

6) Governor Wants Minnesota to Test Mileage Tax
Link to story on Minnesota Public Radio:http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/03/18/mileage_tax/

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) US Transportation Security Administration Lacks Technology to Meet Air Cargo Screening Goal
Link to story in Government Executive:
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=42298

TRANSIT

8) Hong Kong Underground Railway Gets Mobile Phone Coverage
Link to story on cellular-news:
http://www.cellular-news.com/story/36571.php

9) Leaked Web Test Leaves Toronto Transit Riders Mis-Tweeted
Link to story in the Toronto Star:
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/604008

10) Twitter on Transit: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Link to story on TransitTalent:
http://www.transittalent.com/articles/index.cfm?story=Twitter

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) Tennessee DOT Smart Way System: Phase Two
Link to story on WTVC-TV:
http://www.newschannel9.com/news/project_976653___article.html/tdot_says.html

VEHICLES

12) Cadillac Finds Its Hot Spot
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/cadillac-finds-its-hot-spot/

13) Can Your Car Know Too Much About You?
Link to story in the San Bernardino County Sun:
http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_11948467


News Releases
1) Trip Calculator Helps Broward County, Florida Motorists Find Best Time to Travel
2) Cubic to Expand Bank Card Acceptance in Public Transit Through Exclusive Licensing Agreement with ViVOtech
3) ARTBA Foundation Announces 2009 "Work Zone Safety Awareness Award" Winners
4) Upgrade for Australia’s National Air Traffic Control Towers


Upcoming Events
Webinar: A New Approach to Traffic Signal Timing Education and Training: Mobile Signal Timing Training (MOST) – April 15
http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s090415_most.asp


Today in Transportation History
2004 **5th anniversary** - Twenty-three people, most of them youths, died when a bus and truck collided near Äänekoski, Finland.
http://www.onnettomuustutkinta.fi/uploads/2u600ppcm9j9l0.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

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 -- ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) Europe Official: Air Safety Whistle-Blowers Hushed
Link to AP story:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jXt7A0HiPG1eJBR69eo_5FrHUZcQD96VQVHO2

BICYCLES

2) Internet Map That Pinpoints Danger Spots for Cyclists to Avoid in London
Link to story in the Evening Standard:
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23663615-details/Internet+map+that+pinpoints+danger+spots+for+cyclists+to+avoid/article.do
Link to map: http://labs.timesonline.co.uk/2009/cycling_accidents/

CAMERAS

3) Extra Second for Yellow Traffic Light Costs Big for Traffic Camera Fine Revenue
City of Rome, Georgia considering ending the use of red-light cameras because of a decrease in revenue.
Link to story in the Rome News-Tribune:
http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/680/public/news953816.html

4) GOP Nixes Ohio Construction Zone Cameras
Link to AP story:
http://www.wtte28.com/template/inews_wire/wires.regional.oh/37b4235b-www.wtte28.com.shtml

5) Controversial New Product Identifies Red-Light Camera Locations
Link to video report on KING-TV:
http://www.king5.com/video/index.html?nvid=342931


GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Obama Proposes Terminating System that Backs Up GPS
Link to story on NextGov:
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090317_8821.php

MARITIME

7) Japan, China Conduct Communication Drill for Maritime Salvage
Link to Xinhua story:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/17/content_11027936.htm

8) Robotic Fish to Detect Pollution in Ports
Link to BBC News story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/essex/7949956.stm

9) Washington State Lawmakers Scuttle Ferry Naming Rights Idea
Link to story in The Daily Herald:
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090318/NEWS01/703189831

ROADWAYS

10) Michigan County Calls for Removal of Hitchhiking Warning Signs
Link to story in The Jackson Citizen Patriot:
http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-27/123738511475140.xml&coll=3

VEHICLES

11) Networked Cars Driving Transportation Vision
Link to story in Business Edge:
http://www.businessedge.ca/article.cfm/newsID/19616.cfm

12) New Consortium Focuses on Infotainment Software
Link to story in Automotive Engineering International:
http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6052


News Releases
1) Missouri DOT Asks Drivers to Rate Work Zones – Public Feedback Will Ensure Safety and Efficiency
2) Sensys Networks Wireless Sensors Based on TI Microcontrollers Help Manage Traffic for 10+ Years Without Maintenance
3) Dadnab Extends Transit Texting Service to Southern California
4) National Traffic Camera Network Offers XML Feeds for Public Safety Data Fusion Applications


Upcoming Events
AASHTO GIS for Transportation Symposium – April 5-8 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
http://www.gis-t.org/


Today in Transportation History
1909 **100th anniversary** - Einar Dessau of Denmark made what is now considered the first ‘ham’ radio transmission.
http://spurvely.dk/dessau.html (in Danish)

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