Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Wednesday, April 16, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

Join the OmniAir Consortium in McLean, Virginia for the VII Tactical Deployment Workshop, May 22nd, 2008

Join lead thinkers and technical experts working to advance Vehicle Infrastructure Integration at the VII Tactical Deployment (VTD) Workshop. At this event, panelists and the audience will collaborate in a unique 'option finder' forum to discuss the tactical environment that's shaping VII and together, work to distill a practical strategy that answers the uncertainties of full-scale deployment from the technical and business perspectives. Organized by OmniAir members with support from H3B Media (publishers of 'Thinking Highways' and 'ETC, etc.') this workshop offers a thought-provoking chance to listen, contribute and advance VII. Find out more about VTD, the meeting and its registration details by visiting www.omniair.org/vtd/workshop/ or contact OmniAir at info@omniair.org.


AVIATION

1) More Airports to Use ‘Whole Body Imaging’ Machines
Link to story on CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/04/15/airport.security/
Link to additional information from the Transportation Security Administration:
http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/mwave.shtm

CARTOGRAPHY
2) A New Google Earth has Landed
Link to story on CNET News:
http://www.download.com/8301-2007_4-9919344-12.html
Link to news release from Google:
http://www.google.com/intl/en/press/annc/20080416_earth.html

3) Successful FeedMAP User Forum Workshop
Link to story from ERTICO – ITS Europe:
http://www.ertico.com/en/news_and_events/ertico_newsroom/project_news_successful_feedmap_user_forum_workshop.htm

MARITIME

4) Coast Guard Serves as Traffic Cop on the Mississippi River
Link to story in The Advocate:
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/17784399.html
Link to Waterways Action Plan from US Coast Guard:
http://www.uscg.mil/d8/westernrivers/docs/Waterways%20Action%20Plan%20March%2016%202007.pdf

5) USS Russell Navigates Uncharted Waters with Ship's Blog
Link to story on MarineLink:
http://www.marinelink.com/Story/ShowStory.aspx?StoryID=211491
Link to The Destroyermen: http://destroyermen.blogspot.com/

OTHER

6) New Body Would Coordinate Dublin Area Transport
Link to story in The Irish Times;
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0414/breaking167.htm
Link to further information from Houses of the Oireachtas:
http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=9186

7) Bill Requiring English-Only Driver’s Test in Alabama Creates Sharp Debate
Link to AP story:
http://www.al.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-35/1208292878250670.xml&storylist=alabamanews

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

8) Washington State DOT Doodler Creator of 'Burl the Squirrel'
Cartoon character used for I-90 construction project.
Link to story in the Yakima Herald-Republic:
http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/3224

RAILROADS

9) Washington, DC Upgrades Rail Security
Video and sensor system for CSX and Amtrak to be expanded in downtown area.
Link to UPI story:
http://www.upi.com/International_Security/Industry/Briefing/2008/04/15/washington_upgrades_rail_security/1343/
Link to news release from Duos Technologies:
http://www.duostechnologies.com/AboutUs/PressRoom_pdf/DCRailCorridorExpPR.pdf

ROADWAYS

10) Traffic Light Changes ‘Would Cut Emissions’
Link to story in the Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/04/16/eacarbon116.xml

11) RFID to Ease Philippine Traffic?
Link to story on CNET Asia:
http://asia.cnet.com/blogs/infochat/post.htm?id=63003186&scid=hm_bl

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) TSA May Begin Air Passenger Background Checks in 2009
Link to story from CongressDaily:
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=39787&dcn=todaysnews

TELEMATICS

13) European Parliament Committee Adopts Intelligent Car Report
Link to story from ERTICO – ITS Europe:
http://www.ertico.com/en/news_and_events/ertico_newsroom/general_news_european_parliament_committee_adopts_intelligent_car_report.htm

TRANSIT

14) Chicago Transit Authority Criticized for Poor Communication During Subway Breakdown
Link to story in the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-cta-delays-webapr16,0,1530520.story
Link to news release from the CTA:
http://www.transitchicago.com/news/ctaandpress.wu?action=displayarticledetail&articleid=125893

15) Graz, Austria Bans Mobile Phones on Public Transport
Link to Deutsche Presse-Agentur story:
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/199214,austrian-city-bans-mobile-phones-on-public-transport.html

16) Delhi BRT to Open on May 1
Link to story in The Times of India:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Delhi/BRT_to_open_on_May_1/articleshow/2954801.cms

17) Connecticut Official: Communication About Rail Center Lacking
Link to AP story:
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/connecticut/ny-bc-ct-xgr--railcenter0415apr15,0,631345.story

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

18) E-Mails Help Smyrna, Tennessee Drivers Avoid Road Work
Link to story in The Tennessean:
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080416/COLUMNIST0124/804160412/1008/OPINION01

VEHICLES

19) Car Safety Technologies ‘Promising’
Link to Press Association story:
http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gBxmRU8TLVRPqtGV6-D8m5EwfkdQ
News Releases
1) Provantage Transit TV Goes National in South Africa – Taxi TV channel offers information and ads
2) TrafficLand Releases Live Traffic Camera Application on Facebook Platform


Upcoming Events
Sensors Expo & Conference – June 9-11 – Rosemont, Illinois
http://www.sensorsexpo.com/


Today in Transportation History
1953 **55th anniversary** - Queen Elizabeth II launches Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia in Clydebank, Scotland.
http://www.royalyachtbritannia.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.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Tuesday, April 15, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) New Technology Being Developed for Federal Aviation Administration
"Smart wire" helps detect defects before they could cause catastrophic problems aboard airliners.
Link to story and video on News 10 Now:
http://news10now.com/content/top_stories/114170/new-technology-being-developed-for-faa/Default.aspx

2) Six Indian Airports Get Advance Passenger Info System
Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) allows real-time passenger screening by security agencies.
Link to story in The Times of India:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/6_airports_get_advance_passenger_info_system/articleshow/2951734.cms
Link to additional information from the India Ministry of Home Affairs:
http://www.mha.nic.in/APISGuidelines.pdf

CARTOGRAPHY

3) Google Maps Set to Include YouTube Videos
Link to story in Computerworld:
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9077839&intsrc=hm_list

MARITIME

4) New Hampshire Port Bill Victim of Bad Info?
Pease Development Authority boss says rumors reason for opposition.
Link to story in the Portsmouth Herald:
http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080415/NEWS/804150391&sfad=1
Link to House Bill 65:
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2008/HB0065.html

RAILROADS

5) Rail Safety Man Barred from Phoning Transport Police
Man installed CCTV at rural rail station to spot dangers.
Link to story from the Kentish Gazette:
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kol08/article/default.asp?article_id=40100

ROADWAYS

6) Cameras to Catch Speeders in I-5 Work Zones in Oregon
Link to story in The Olympian:
http://www.theolympian.com/news/story/419464.html

7) Infrared Camera Catches Illegal I-5 Truckers Near Ashland, Oregon
Link to story in The Oregonian:
http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/04/infrared_camera_catches_illega.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Lawmakers: Airwaves Sale Should Aid Public Safety
Link to AP story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5goDKb4SAHGwrNmviny0laDnmnCPwD902FQEO0

9) New Measures Aim to Deter Repeat DUI Offenders in Alaska
Link to story and video report on KTUU-TV:
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=8166334

TRANSIT

10) More Trouble for Public Transport Card in Netherlands
Link to story on DutchNews.nl:
http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2008/04/more_trouble_for_public_transp.php
Link to OV-chipkaart Web site: http://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/ (in Dutch)

11) Cell Phone Service Available Underground on the Philadelphia El
Link to story in the Philadelphia Daily News:
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20080415_Cell-phone_service_available_underground_on_the_El.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) High-Tech Plans to End Bahrain Traffic Woes
Link to story in Gulf Daily News:
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=214612&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=31026

13) New Jersey to Steer Drivers Away from Trouble with New Traffic Center
Link to story in the Asbury Park Press:
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080415/NEWS/804150425


News Releases
1) 34% of All Portable Navigation Devices Will Feature Real-Time Two-Way Connectivity by 2013
2) Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Institute Announces Top 50 Innovations in Government – Several transportation-related projects included


Upcoming Events
2008 IEEE Intelligent Vehicles Symposium – June 4-6 – Eindhoven, the Netherlands
http://www.iv2008.nl/


Today in Transportation History
1924 – The first Rand McNally road atlas was published.
http://www.randmcnally.com/rmc/company/cmpTimeLine.jsp

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

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.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast

Monday, April 14, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Monday, April 14, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) Web Surfers Makin’ Waves
Some fliers irked as Denver airport drops Wi-Fi fee but limits content.
Link to story in the Rocky Mountain News:
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/apr/13/web-surfers-makin-waves/

2) NAV Canada Fined $95,000 for Pilot Misinformation
Safety was not jeopardized, inspectors say, but continued errors included incorrect frequencies for airport towers.
Link to story in The Globe and Mail:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080414.TRANSPORT14/TPStory/National

CARTOGRAPHY

3) Google Mapping Spec Now an Industry Standard
Link to CNET News story:
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9917421-7.html?tag=nefd.top

MARITIME

4) Isle of Wight Ferries to Offer Broadband
Link to story in Computeractive:
http://www.computeractive.co.uk/computeractive/news/2214250/wightlink-isle-wight-ferries

OTHER

5) Survey: Less Than 20% of Japanese Use Cell Phone as Contactless IC Card, GPS
Link to Nikkei story:
http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20080414/150435/

6) Second ITS Middle East Conference and Exhibition Starts in Manama
Link to Bahrain News Agency story:
http://english.bna.bh/?ID=68950

7) Administration Center for Private Cars, Drivers Opens in Beijing
Center will provide automobile owners with education about traffic-related government policies and concerns.
Link to story from China Daily:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/14/content_7972554.htm

8) April Issue of Florida DOT’s SunGuide Disseminator
Link to newsletter:
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/trafficoperations/Newsletters/2008/04_2008/04_2008.htm

9) Young Professionals in Transportation Group Formed
Link to further information:
http://ypt.transportation.org

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

10) Boston T to Educate Riders on Harassment
Link to story in The Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/04/13/t_to_educate_riders_on_harassment/

ROADWAYS

11) Dead Zones Frustrate Big Dig Drivers
Cell phone service lags in tunnels.
Link to story in The Boston Globe:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/04/12/dead_zones_frustrate_drivers/

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) Illinois Rest Stops to Get Security Cameras, PhonesLink to story in the Chicago Sun-Times:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/893289,CST-NWS-phone14.article

TRANSIT

13) Screens Will Show When Chicago Transit Authority Train is Coming
Link to story in the Chicago Sun-Times:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/891228,CST-NWS-cta12.article

14) Slogans Won’t Lure the Transit-Leery in Toronto, but Shining Customer Service Could
Link to story in The Toronto Star:
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/414171

15) Now, Track Your Bus Online
An interview with Srikanth Krishnamoorthy, Executive Vice-President (Technical) of Dhanus Technologies.
Link to interview in Sify:
http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=14647599

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

16) Integrated Corridor Management
US DOT and eight pioneer sites are addressing congestion, empowering travelers, and improving travel time reliability.
Link to story in Public Roads:
http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/08mar/05.htm

17) Alabama DOT Sets a Deadline for Those Expensive Message Boards to Give Motorists Reliable Traffic Information They Can Use
Link to editorial in The Birmingham News:
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1207988157310341.xml&coll=2

VEHICLES

18) Chrysler Hopes to Rebuild with Technology
Link to story on The Car Connection:
http://www.thecarconnection.com/blog/?p=1179

19) Nissan Concept Vehicle ‘Sniffer’ Checks Cabin Air for Alcohol
Link to story from Automotive News:
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080414/FREE/98283684/1530/FREE


News Releases
1) A First in Quebec Public Transit: An Intelligent System2) Inrix and WSI Partner to Make Commutes Easier with Traffic Forecasts for Broadcast and Cable Television Stations
3) Seventy Percent of New Telematics Customers Request Driver ID
4) Navteq Unveils CommuteVantage and Sets New Standard for Television Traffic News


Job Postings
- Chief Operating Officer – Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority – Cincinnati, Ohio
http://www.transittalent.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=2260
- Transportation Engineer – AC Transit – Oakland, California
http://www.transittalent.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=2259


Upcoming Events
Africa Ports & Harbours Conference – June 2-6 – Johannesburg, South Africa
http://www.terrapinn.com/2008/portsza/


Today in Transportation History
1958 **50th anniversary** - Sputnik 2 reenters the Earth’s atmosphere over the Caribbean Sea.
http://www.zarya.info/Diaries/Sputnik/Sputnik2.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.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast

Friday, April 11, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Friday, April 11, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) Stranded Fliers Say Alerts Failed to Notify Them
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2008-04-10-cancel_N.htm

2) Flying Blind: Unions Say FAA Radars Could Fail
Link to story in InformationWeek:
http://www.informationweek.com/news/infrastructure/management/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207100915
Link to news release from the Professional Air Safety Specialists:
http://www.newsmgr.com/publish/article_995.shtml

3) Houston Takes Over Southeast Texas Regional Airport Traffic Control
Link to story in The Enterprise:
http://www.southeasttexaslive.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19473808&BRD=2287&PAG=461&dept_id=512588&rfi=6

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) Anti-Crime Car Sat-Nav Warns Where Not to Park
Sanyo GPS includes data from Osaka police on theft hot-spots.
Link to story on TechRadar:
http://www.techradar.com/news/portable-devices/satnav/anti-crime-car-satnav-warns-where-not-to-park-314822
Link to news release and photos from Sanyo:
http://www.sanyo.co.jp/koho/hypertext4/0804news-j/0408-1.html (in Japanese)

MARITIME

5) High-Tech Sound Detectors to Warn Ships of Right Whales
Link to National Geographic News story:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/04/080409-right-whales.html

OTHER

6) UK Motorist Proves that Traffic Camera Can Also Lie
Link to story in Gulf Times:
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=212312&version=1&template_id=38&parent_id=20
Link to further information from Jonathan Greatorex:
http://www.greatorex.org/lambethparking/original_case.htm

7) New Web Site Factors Transportation Costs Into Housing Affordability
Link to story in the Pittsburgh Business Times:
http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2008/04/07/daily27.html
Link to Housing + Transportation Affordability Index: http://htaindex.cnt.org/

ROADWAYS

8) How Bad is Your Commute? Videotape It
Northern Virginia transportation agency wants residents to record themselves on video, talking about how bad traffic and congestion are, and post it on YouTube.
Link to story on WTOP Radio:
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=600&sid=1384468
Link to Northern Virginia Transportation Authority’s YouTube page:
http://www.youtube.com/NVTAmycommute

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) EU to Release Secret List of Items Banned from Carrying Onboard Airplanes
Link to story in the International Herald Tribune:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/04/10/business/checkin.php

TRANSIT

10) More Cities Offer Wi-Fi on Buses
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2008-04-10-wifi_N.htm

11) Chicago Transit Authority to Give Students Smart Cards
Link to story in the Chicago Sun-Times:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/transportation/889589,CST-NWS-cta11.article

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) A High-Tech Traffic Nightmare Inside a Building
Florida DOT traffic management building suffering structural problems.
Link to story on WFOR-TV:
http://cbs4.com/iteam/Sunguide.Traffic.Control.2.697073.html

13) New Systems from Inrix and Microsoft Help Drivers Avoid Traffic Jams
Link to IDG News Service story:
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/144429/new_systems_help_drivers_avoid_traffic_jams.html

VEHICLES

14) Vehicle Cameras Record Accidents, Mishaps on Four Continents
Link to story and video on Voice of America:
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-04-10-voa29.cfm

Upcoming Events
Traveler and Passenger Information Systems Workshop – May 30 – Tshwane, South Africa
http://www.itssa.org/files/tpi_draft_Programme.pdf


Friday Bonus
7 Crazy Transit Rides You Should Try Before You Die
http://ecoworldly.com/2008/02/07/7-unusual-public-transit-wonders-you-should-try-in-your-lifetime/


Today in Transportation History
2001 – The crew of a US spy plane is released by China after being held for ten days following a collision with a Chinese F-8 fighter jet.
http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/east/04/02/china.aircollision.03/

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

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.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Thursday, April 10, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

GPS / NAVIGATION

1) TomTom and Garmin Lose Their Way
Makers of personal navigation devices are facing tough times from keen competition—namely cell phones—and a weakening economy.
Link to story in BusinessWeek:
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/apr2008/tc2008048_819969.htm?chan=rss_topEmailedStories_ssi_5
Link to financial update from TomTom:
http://investors.tomtom.com/tomtom/press/2008/2008-04-08/

OTHER

2) Arizona Governor’s Office Opposed April Fool’s Prank
Arizona DOT collaborated with radio station story about tolls being collected on freeways.
Link to story in The Arizona Republic:
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/04/09/20080409prank0409-ON.html
Link to story on KTAR Radio:
http://www.ktar.com/?sid=793341&nid=6

3) Draft ITS Program Goals and Focus Areas Posted – Comments Sought
Link to further information from the Research and Innovative Technology Administration:
http://www.its.dot.gov/program_goals/index.htm

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

4) Wisconsin DOT Launches Ad to Encourage Safety in Work Zones
Link to story and video on WISC-TV:
http://www.channel3000.com/news/15840872/detail.html

5) Orange Glow on I-75 May Spark Safe Driving
Ohio DOT lighting buildings in orange for National Work Zone Awareness Week.
Link to story in The Blade:
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080410/NEWS11/804100343
Link to news release from the Ohio Department of Transportation:
http://www.dot.state.oh.us/news/2008/04-07-08.asp

ROADWAYS

6) Washington State Says Yellow Ribbons on Freedom Bridge Near Fort Lewis Can Stay
Link to story in The News Tribune:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/front/topstories/story/331342.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) TSA Unveils Plan to X-Ray Cargo
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-04-09-Aircargo_N.htm

8) Nationwide Text Message Alert System Approved
Link to AP story:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/phones/2008-04-09-nationwide-cellphone-alert_N.htm
Link to news release from the Federal Communications Commission:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-281433A1.pdf

9) DC Will Centralize Security Monitoring
Most city-owned cameras, including DOT video, will be monitored around-the-clock from single location.
Link to story in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/09/AR2008040904048.html (free registration required)

TRANSIT

10) Google Transit Gets Smarter and Smarter
Link to story in Wired:
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/04/google-transi-1.html
Link to Google Transit: http://www.google.com/transit

11) Transport Card Planned for Wellington, New Zealand
Link to story on Radio New Zealand:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200804100822/29bc889b

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Microsoft Introduces Tool for Avoiding Traffic Jams
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/technology/10maps.html?ex=1365566400&en=5581e55cad523f0a&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

13) Inrix Offers Nationwide Traffic Alerts
Data gleaned from mobile handsets and GPS-enabled vehicles will flag congested areas all across the country.
Link to story in InformationWeek:
http://www.informationweek.com/news/personal_tech/gps/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207100916
Link to news release from Inrix:
http://inrix.com/pressrelease.asp?ID=43

14) Microsoft, Traffic Jams and Inrix
Link to column in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/venture/archives/136219.asp
News Releases
1) Kansas City's KSHB-TV Launches Free Mobile Traffic Camera Service to Help Lighten Traffic Load
2) Oregon DOT Seeking Innovative Ways to Improve Traffic Flow
3) US DOT Announces Approval of Phase II of the Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety Systems Program


Upcoming Events
Nineteenth Annual CTS Transportation Research Conference – May 20-21 – St. Paul, Minnesota
http://www.cts.umn.edu/Events/ResearchConf/index.html


Today in Transportation History
1968 **40th anniversary** - The New Zealand interisland ferry Wahine sank in Wellington Harbor killing 51 people.
http://wairarapa.co.nz/times-age/weekly/wahine.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.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Wednesday, April 9, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

AVIATION

1) Logan Airport Chosen to Pilot FAA Runway Safety Lights
Link to story in the Boston Business Journal:
http://boston.bizjournals.com/boston/stories/2008/04/07/daily25.html
Link to news release from the Federal Aviation Administration:
http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=10206

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

2) Life in the FastLane
MIT economist finds E-ZPass program hides tax hikes.
Link to story from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology:
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2008/eureka-ezpass-tt0409.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) New GPS Satellites Have Anti-Jamming Gear
Link to UPI story:
http://www.upi.com/International_Security/Industry/Briefing/2008/04/08/new_gps_sats_have_anti-jamming_gear/8126/

MARITIME

4) Miscommunication Contributed to Spill in San Francisco Bay
Link to story in the Contra Costa Times:http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_8858525

OTHER

5) Bar Code Sales Tool is Failing Campus Test
Pilot at Case Western Reserve University lets students get information such as bus arrival times via bar codes on cell phones.
Link to story on ZD Net:
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1035_22-6236879.html

ROADWAYS

6) Harsh Winter Hard on Wisconsin Road Signs
Link to story in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=737116

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Nationwide Cell Phone Alert System in the Works
Link to story in USA Today:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/telecom/2008-04-08-fcc-emergency_N.htm

8) Although Airport Security Tells Passengers They Must Show ID to Board Planes, They Really Don’t
Link to story in The Kansas City Star:
http://www.kansascity.com/105/story/567590.html

9) New Road-Sign System to be Unveiled in South Carolina
Myrtle Beach area businesses donate electronic signs, marquees, and billboards in order to post public safety notices in the event of approaching storms or flooding.
Link to story in The Sun News:
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/breaking_news/story/410624.html

TELEMATICS

10) Vehicle Communications System in Your Pocket
Link to story on ICT Results:
http://cordis.europa.eu/ictresults/index.cfm/section/news/tpl/article/BrowsingType/Features/ID/89657

TRANSIT

11) Wi-Fi Firm Says It’s Near a Deal with BART
Link to story in The Sacramento Bee:
http://www.sacbee.com/103/story/847254.html

12) Washington, DC Metro Pulls Ad with Pope Bobblehead
Link to story in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/08/AR2008040803092.html?hpid=sec-religion

13) Is In-Vehicle Wi-Fi a Boon for Commuters?
Link to story on Wi-FiPlanet:
http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/columns/article.php/3739746

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

14) Officials Keep Eye on Traffic Cameras at Masters Golf Tournament
Link to story in The Augusta Chronicle:
http://www.augusta.com/stories/040908/mas_194167.shtml

15) Kuala Lumpur Traffic Now a Click Away
Link to story in the New Strait Times:
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/NewsBreak/20080409161015/Article/index_html
Link to Integrate Transport Information System: http://www.itis.com.my

16) Traffic Market Hot Topic at CTIA
Link to story in GPS World:
http://lbs.gpsworld.com/gpslbs/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=508501

17) Kansas DOT Adds Highway Camera Views to Web Site
Link to story in The Capital-Journal:
http://cjonline.com/stories/040908/bre_kdotcameras.shtml

VEHICLES

18) Ford to Offer Blind-Spot Tracking Mirror
Link to AP story:
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080409/blind_spot_mirrors.html?.v=2

19) Bill Aims to Protect Blind People from Dangers Posed by Hybrids
Link to AP story:
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-blind9apr09,1,5178808.story
News Releases
1) CITE and FHWA Introduce New Blended Course: Improving Highway Safety with ITS
2) Groundbreaking Broadcaster Traffic Consortium to Redefine Radio
3) Integrated Automotive Entertainment and Telematics System - Unicoi Systems Provides Media Center Solution
4) Cargo Container Security: It’s Not ‘One Size Fits All’
5) Taking Satellite Control of Welsh Gritters with Masternaut - South Wales Trunk Road Agency (SWTRA) and Traffic Wales implementing web-based satellite telematics
6) Global Traffic Network (UK) Limited Awarded Traffic Radio Contract by United Kingdom Highways Agency


Upcoming Events
7th European Congress and Exhibition on Intelligent Transport Systems and Services – June 4-6 – Geneva
http://www.itsineurope.com/


Today in Transportation History
1937 - The Kamikaze-go, a Japanese airplane, landed in London establishing a world flying record from Tokyo to London.
http://www.shinko-elec.co.jp/eng/techlink/square_kami.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to: TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com
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TCN archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transport-communications

Questions, comments about the TCN? Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at i95berniew@aol.com.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Tuesday, April 8, 2008 -- ISSN 1529-1057

Join IBTTA in Orlando, Florida for the Facilities Management Workshop - April 27-29, 2008

Join the industry’s leading engineers and technical experts at the Facilities Management Workshop and obtain practical solutions to the daily challenges involved with the operation of a toll facility. Program topics ranging from engineering & design, maintenance, security and law enforcement operations, and technology will be covered. Hosted by Florida's Turnpike Enterprise and Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority this workshop will assist you in better managing your facility, while also gaining insight on how agencies are approaching many environmental issues such as alternative fuels, LEED®/Green Facilities and air quality. Registration deadline is April 15, 2008. Download the program, find the details and register online today! www.IBTTA.org.


AVIATION

1) EU to Allow Cell Service on Planes
Link to AP story:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g7PmoG-XjlPm2-y4Qgg632knK1fQD8VT8T7O1
Link to news release from the European Commission:
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/537&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

2) Heathrow T5 Failure: What Really Happened
Link to story on ZDNet:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/projectfailures/?p=681

3) New Towers Keep People Off Runways
Three foot tall towers will be used to coordinate movements during event at Florida airport.
Link to story in The Ledger:
http://www.theledger.com/article/20080408/NEWS/804080420/1004

4) Sensis Wins Contract for Air Traffic Research
Link to story in The Post-Standard:
http://www.syracuse.com/business/index.ssf?/base/business-12/1207645172255470.xml&coll=1
Link to news release from Sensis:
http://sensis.com/docs/591/

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) Cell Phone GPS Faces Challenges
Link to story on CRM Daily:
http://www.crm-daily.com/story.xhtml?story_id=020001YSWL7C

6) GPS Devices to Monitor Manitoba Auto Thieves
Belt, ankle hardware to keep tabs on province's 20 worst offenders.
Link to story in the Winnipeg Free Press:
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/story/4155694p-4744191c.html

RAILROADS

7) Fatal 2005 South Carolina Train Crash Spurs New Safeguards
Increased use of warning systems one change.
Link to story in The State:
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/368834.html
Link to additional information on Carolina ALERT system:
http://www.sc.edu/emergency/

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Maryland Legislature Decides Against Speed Cameras
Link to AP story:
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2008/04_08-01/OUD
Link to Senate bill: http://mlis.state.md.us/2008rs/bills/sb/sb0269t.pdf

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

9) Speed Limit to Vary on Stretch of I-5 in Washington State, in Bid to Ease Jams
Speed will be adjusted via electronic signs in an attempt to make traffic flow more smoothly.
Link to story in The Seattle Times:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004334020_lowspeed08m.html

10) Virginia Traffic Company Looks Beyond the Beltway
TrafficLand sees potential in partnering with mapping Web sites and mobile companies.
Link to story in The Examiner:
http://www.examiner.com/a-1326692~Fairfax_traffic_company_looks_beyond_the_Beltway.html


News Releases
1) Federal Aviation Administration Announces Major Communications System Upgrade
2) SEPTA Announces New Measures to Enhance Security – Smart Stations will include surveillance cameras, expanded alarm systems and emergency telephones
3) Chicago Transit Authority Information Now Available on Google Transit


Bernie’s Notes
The banner atop the TCN this week will be orange to commemorate Work Zone Awareness Week. As you drive through work zones please slow down and use extra care. In the US alone there are nearly three work zone fatalities every day.
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/wz_awareness.htm


Solicitation
- Request for Proposals – HOV/HOT Transition Business Plan – California Department of Transportation
http://caltrans-opac.ca.gov/consult.htm (scroll down)


Upcoming Events
Africa Rail 2008 – June 2-6 – Johannesburg, South Africa
http://www.terrapinn.com/2008/railza/


Today in Transportation History
1610 - Samuel de Champlain set sail from France for Quebec.
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trr009.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.
© 2008 Bernie Wagenblast