Monday, June 1, 2009

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Monday, June 1, 2009 – ISSN 1529-1057

New Flexible TIC Architecture On Display at ITS America

TIC's new architecture is a breakthrough in data processing offering unprecedented flexibility and functionality as required for traffic and travel information and management. As a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution, TIC is a proven, highly scalable solution used in over 100 projects operating worldwide. TIC can be deployed faster, more affordably, and with less risk than build-your-own solutions. TIC is offered with flexible pricing models, worldwide support, in several languages, and will also be made available locally through GEWI Authorized Partners.See TIC at GEWI booth #329 through Wednesday at ITS America or contact jim.oneill@gewi.com to discuss your requirements.


CAMERAS

1) Effort to Overturn Speed Cameras Fails in Maryland
Link to AP story:
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/gov/2009/06/01-04/Effort-to-overturn-speed-cameras-fails.html

2) Big Brother? North Carolina Cameras Would Record All License Plates
Link to story in the Star-News:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20090530/ARTICLES/905309990/1004?Title=Big-Brother-Area-cameras-would-record-all-licence-plates

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) Cell Phone Locator System Needs No Satellite
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/01/technology/start-ups/01locate.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

OTHER

4) Meet the Public’s Voice at Minnesota DOT
Link to story in the Star Tribune:
http://www.startribune.com/local/46586247.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

5) News Updates from ITS America Annual Meeting
Link to news update:
http://www.dailynews-online.com/itsa-am/

ROADWAYS

6) University of South Carolina Focuses on Finding Bridge Damage Through Specialized Sensors
Link to story in The State:
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/805489.html

7) A Traffic Sign for John C. Calhoun
Why so many words on pedestrian yield sign?
Link to blog in The New York Times:
http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/01/a-traffic-sign-for-john-c-calhoon/

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) US Department of Homeland Security Expands RFID Use at Borders Today
Link to story in Federal Computer Week:
http://fcw.com/articles/2009/06/01/dhs-expands-rfid-use-at-borders-today.aspx

9) National Transportation Safety Board: Charter Bus Companies Must Have Contingency Plans for Crashes in Remote Areas
Link to AP story:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jtKEp9EQ8X9AFP94PbtWyAPOAQWgD98GQUT80

TRANSIT

10) Tube Undergoes Language Upgrade
Ticket machines on the London Underground have been upgraded to operate in 17 different languages.
Link to BBC News story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8076510.stm

11) Johannesburg BRT E-Ticketing System Delayed
Link to story on ITWeb:
http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/business/2009/0906011042.asp?O=FPTOP&S=IT%20in%20Government&A=ITG

12) London Olympics Tickets to Double as Transport Tickets, Cash?
Link to story in ContaclessNews:
http://www.contactlessnews.com/2009/06/01/olympics-tickets-to-double-as-transport-tickets-cash#top

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Traffic Solutions Just a Phone Call Away in Jakarta
Link to story in The Jakarta Post:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/05/30/traffic-solutions-just-a-phone-call-away.html

VEHICLES

14) From MPG to Mbps: Broadband Cars to Hit Top Gear in '12
Link to story in telecomasia:
http://www.telecomasia.net/article.php?id_article=13669


News Releases
1) Clear Channel Radio’s Total Traffic Network Partners with EarthCam
2) TrafficCast’s BlueTOAD to Monitor Traffic Using Bluetooth
3) TransCore and Sensys Networks Announce Alliance to Integrate Arterial Travel Time System into TransSuite
4) Louisiana DOT Launches Improved 511 Traveler Information Service
5) ITS America, IBM, Spencer Trask, & Partners Launch Congestion Challenge for Traffic Solutions
6) Ford Sync with Traffic, Directions and Information Now Live with Inrix Traffic and 3rd Generation Routing


Upcoming Events
Webinar: Talking Freight Special Session: TIGER Discretionary Grants Program – June 9
http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=17299


Today in Transportation History
1939 **70th anniversary** - The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 made its first flight.
http://www.warbirdalley.com/fw190.htm

2009 - General Motors declared bankruptcy.
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/06/its-official-gm-seeks-bankruptcy-protection.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