Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – September 1, 2010

September 1, 2010 at 5:18 pm

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


GEWI Traffic Technologies Tour Topic – Connected Vehicles /Infrastructure.

The purpose of the tour is to exchange information about advanced traffic technologies being used around the world to solve a variety of transportation-related problems. This includes updates on European vehicle/infrastructure projects, similar to the US IntelliDrive initiative, TPEG, data collection and harmonization, interoperability, variable speed signs, and dealing with emerging data types. GEWI also wants to hear your current transportation data challenges.  This information exchange is just one of the many ways GEWI ensures that TIC software continues to be the global leader for the processing of transportation data.

For more information about hosting or attending this free event, contact jim.oneill@gewi.com

AVIATION

1) FAA Issues Advisory Circular for Bird-Tracking Radar

Link to article in Aviation International News:

http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/faa-issues-advisory-circular-for-bird-tracking-radar-25942/

CAMERAS

2) Police Chief Says Port Richey, Florida’s Budget for Red Light Cameras is Confidential

Link to article in the St. Petersburg Times:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/police-chief-says-port-richeys-budget-for-red-light-cameras-is-confidential/1118774

3) GPS Companies Add Israeli Traffic Camera Locations

Link to article on Globes:

http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000585827&fid=1725

OTHER

4) EU Eyes Single Ticket for Multi-transport Journey

Link to article on EurActiv:

http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/eu-eyes-single-ticket-multi-transport-journey-news-497315

5) Something Funny Happened on the Way to Massachusetts DOT

Columnist comments on branding guidelines issued by the agency.

Link to column in the Boston Herald:

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view/20100901something_funny_happened_on_the_way_to_massdot/

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

6) Victorian Transport Ad Campaign to Cost $6.6 Million

Link to article in The Age:

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/state-ads-campaign-to-cost-66m-20100831-14fkd.html

7) Effective Public Involvement Using Limited Resources

Link to publication from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/Effective_Public_Involvement_Using_Limited_Resourc_163992.aspx

ROADWAYS

8) Introduction to Road Data – Part Two

Link to article in Directions Magazine:

http://www.directionsmag.com/articles/introduction-to-road-data-part-two/130910

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Controversy Over Discussion of Selling Ads on School Crossing Guard Uniforms in Victoria

Link to article in the Herald Sun:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/row-on-lollipop-people-ad-plan/story-e6frf7kx-1225912566461

TRANSIT

10) New York MTA Buying Subway Cars Equipped with Surveillance Cameras

Link to article in the New York Post:

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/smile_subway_to_snap_your_pic_qIxoWcdW9XUni4CFk3NilO
11) Delayed Mapping in the Age of Real-Time Information

Link to blog on Human Transit:

http://www.humantransit.org/2010/09/delayed-mapping-in-the-age-of-realtime-information.html

VEHICLES

12) Should Cars Warn When There’s a Child Inside on Hot Days?

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-09-01-hotcars01_ST_N.htm

News Releases

1) SAIC Awarded $16 Million Contract by US DOT to Help Develop IntelliDrive Program

2) Inrix Traffic Data Critical in Identifying and Ranking of 100 Most Congested Road Corridors in Texas

3) Illinois DOT and Lake Michigan Interstate Gateway Alliance Unveil Enhanced Travel Web Site to Help Steer Midwest Motorists

4) CoPilot Live GPS Navigation Adds ActiveTraffic

5) Navteq Announces Real-Time Traffic in Brazil

6) Qualcomm Launches New Data Transfer Module for Remote Tachograph Download Service

Bernie’s Notes

There seems to be an intermittent problem with Google Groups in which some of you, some of the time, receive multiple copies of the TCN.  This problem appears to be on Google’s end and is not because you are on the list more than once or because I’m sending the newsletter more than once.  My apologies for the problem and I hope it will be corrected soon.

Upcoming Events

BusCon – September 28-30 – Chicago

http://www.busconexpo.com/

Today in Transportation History

1985 **25th anniversary** The wreckage of the HMS Titanic was discovered by a joint French-American expedition.

http://www.whoi.edu/page.do?pid=7539

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Job Alert: Transportation Specialist – ITS Joint Program Office @ USDOT

September 1, 2010 at 3:03 pm

The Research and Innovation Technology Administration (RITA) is looking for a highly talented Transportation Specialist with a passion for transportation data and analysis to join the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) as the IntelliDrive Data and Weather Program Manager. This is an opportunity to work on one of the most exciting multimodal programs at the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT).  Located at the U.S. DOT headquarters in Washington, DC, the ITS-JPO manages, coordinates and supports research programs focused on applying advanced technologies to transform the performance of our Nation’s surface transportation system.

The vacancy announcement closes on Tuesday, September 13, 2010.


The USDOT is seeking a talented transportation leader who can work with all levels of the ITS-JPO staff, high-ranking officials, and others outside the agency to explore the innovative methods of data collection and use of advanced data applications in the transportation environment.  A self-starter with expert knowledge of data capture and proven program management principles is a must.  Strong coordination and leadership capabilities are needed to be successful in this important role. A mix of strong creativity combined with institutional and technical knowledge is a must.  Ability to identify strategic program needs and develop objectives based on Administration and U.S. DOT policy, Congressional direction, and knowledge gained through the national ITS program planning process is required.

The ITS-JPO IntelliDrive Data and Weather Program Manager will manage multimodal programs such as congestion relief, road weather management, and data capture and data management applications to provide technical leadership for state-of-practice and state-of-the-art data collection methods for continuous improvement of our nation’s surface transportation system.

If you know someone interested in this Washington, DC based position that has the experience and proven results in the above requested areas, please encourage them to apply under the attached vacancy announcement.  The USDOT is looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

Please keep in mind that the new hiring reforms recently announced by President Obama will shorten the hiring timeline and will eliminate essay-style questions during the initial application submission. Therefore please spread the word about this exciting opportunity and encourage anyone interested to apply quickly.

To review the job qualifications and salary details and to apply, please click here.

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Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – August 31, 2010

September 1, 2010 at 12:09 am

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


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


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

AVIATION

1) Tracking Planes that Aren’t in the Sky

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

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

2) Simulator Training Flaws Tied to Airline Crashes

Link to article in USA Today:

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

3) Inconvenience Not an Excuse for Ignoring First Amendment

Link to editorial in the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

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

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

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

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) GPS Tracks Students on School Buses

Link to story and video on WGN-TV:

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

5) US Air Force Reorganization May Drastically Affect GPS Program

Link to article in GPS World:

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

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

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

Link to podcast from Directions Magazine:

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

7) Best iPhone Navigation Apps

Link to reviews from Good Gear Guide:

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

RAILROADS

8) CSX Partners with Alabama, Mississippi for Safety Measures

Link to article in Progressive Railroading:

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

ROADWAYS

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

Link to article in The Kansas City Star:

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

10) Minnesota Gives Yellow Arrows a Green Light

Link to article in The Daily Reporter:

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

11) Keeping Tabs on Traffic

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

Link to blog in The Wall Street Journal:

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

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

Link to blog from the Project for Public Spaces:

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

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

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

Link to editorial in The News Journal:

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

SPACE

14) NASA Brings Historical Photos to Flickr Commons

Link to CNET News article:

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

TRANSIT

15) Transit Systems Easier to Predict with Smartphone Apps

Link to article in USA Today:

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

16) New Interactive Transit Kiosk in Seattle

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

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

17) Digital Life: Never Get Stuck in Twaffic Again

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

Link to article in the Irish Independent:

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

18) Inrix Launches iPhone App in Europe

Link to article on GPS Business News:

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

VEHICLES

19) US Wants Report Cards for Cars

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

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

20) Cars: The Next Hacking Frontier?

Link to column on CNET News:

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

News Releases

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Events

InnoTrans 2010 – September 21-24 – Berlin

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

Today in Transportation History

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

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

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net