Shcool or School? Y’all need some spelling lessons before you start painting stuff

August 11, 2010 at 3:00 pm

This is what happens when folks don’t take education seriously. At least now we know that the folks who painted this sign in Greensboro, North Carolina didn’t stay in school long enough..

How expensive is your parking karma – San Francisco Rolls Out Supply-and-Demand Pricing for Parking Meters

August 11, 2010 at 2:01 pm

Gone are the ancient days of stodgy parking meters that ate coins and often malfunctioned. These days parking meters are getting some hi-tech love from Transportation Managers around many U.S.cities.

Apart from San Francisco, many U.S. cities are currently testing and trying out new methods to allow people to find and pay for parking. One among them is Washington, DC, which is now testing out a pilot program that allows for paying for parking via cellphones.

If that is not enough, hi-tech companies like Google are helping people land some good parking karma. Google’s Open Spot application for its Android-powered phones (running OS version 2.0 or higher) lets you know where people are leaving their parking spots.

At the end of the day, the general public should be feeling happy to know there have some help on the way to locate and pay for the much-vaunted parking spots in the busy downtown neighborhoods.

Amplify’d from www.good.is

To reduce congestion, San Francisco is aiming to have one spot open at all times on every block. Here’s how the plan works: A network of wireless sensors lets the city keep track of which parking spots are empty. If a particular block never has available spots, the city raises the meter rates until it does. In places where parking is plentiful, rates fall. As an added bonus, this information-age system lets residents check the rates and availability of parking online before deciding to drive.

The system is expected to increase revenue from parking meters, but decrease revenue from traffic tickets. How this will balance out for the city budget is unclear. Also unclear: Just how high the prices will go. Will there be $10 per hour parking?

Read more at www.good.is

 

Job Alert: Transportation Industry Analyst @ U.S. Dept. of Transportation

August 11, 2010 at 11:04 am

The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) seeks a Transportation Industry Analyst to join our team.  RITA coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s (DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing rigorous analysis and the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system.

This position is located within the Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ (BTS), Office of Airline Information which collects on-time performance, financial, and operational data from the airline industry.

BTS is responsible for leading the development of high quality transportation data and information.  As a federal statistical agency, BTS provides an objective source of statistical analysis for decision making at all levels.

RITA is looking for a motivated, self-reliant, dynamic professional who can apply their expertise in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of airline statistics. This includes managing large scale datasets, generating analysis, and applying the latest information technology to meet the Nation’s need for relevant, accurate, and timely airline statistics.

If you know someone interested this Washington, D.C. based position with relevant experience and proven results please encourage them to apply under the attached vacancy announcements.  We are looking for a diverse pool of qualified candidates.

The vacancy announcements can be found on:

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=89882174 – All Sources

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=89882141 – Merit Promotion

Open period:  Monday August 9, 2010 to Tuesday, August 24th, 2010.

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Government subsidies for fossil fuels around the world just plain blow out renewable energy subsidies 10:1

August 10, 2010 at 11:01 pm

Removing these subsidies should make automobile travel fairly expensive (plus adding the carbon taxes would make it even worse) and will enable a proper “apples-to-apples” comparison of all modes of transportation. It will be interesting to see how the arguments of high-speed rail will start to look more appealing.

Amplify’d from green.autoblog.com
The Guardian recently reported that Bloomberg New Energy Finance has issued a report that found government subsidies for fossil fuels around the world just plain blow out renewable energy subsidies ten-to-one. Yes, for every dollar the auto execs don’t want spent on plug-in vehicles, there are more than ten bucks given to keep the gas and oil companies in the crude black. The report found that governments spent somewere between $43 and $46 billion on renewable energy and biofuel industries in 2009. By comparison, governments gave $557 billion to the fossil fuel industry in 2008.Read more at green.autoblog.com
 

In Detroit, it’ll cost you $40/month to power your new plug-in car

August 10, 2010 at 10:42 pm

For Detroit residents who get power from DTE, the Michigan Public Service Commission announced this week that it has approved the state’s first experimental rate for residential customers to recharge their electric vehicles.

Amplify’d from green.autoblog.com
DTE will offer two rates, a low, off-peak rate to charge plug-in vehicles overnight or a monthly flat rate of $40 per vehicle (how will they identify a single vehicle, though?). Also, DTE will pay up to $2,500 for customers to get a “separately metered circuit with a charging station” installed or just pay for a station’s installation. MPSC approved the rate to let DTE see how plug-in vehicles will impact its grid. The experimental rate goes through the end of 2012 and will be available to the first 2,500 customers who sign up.
Read more at green.autoblog.com
 

Maryland Teen Carjackers Back Ford Escape Over Cop Car In Failed Escape

August 10, 2010 at 5:30 pm

Stupid. Plain stupid ..Well, you may ask how did this end: No serious injuries in either vehicle, and two 17-year-olds were charged with several crimes, including marijuana possession. STUPID! PLAIN STUPID!

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – August 10, 2010

August 10, 2010 at 5:14 pm

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 – ISSN 1529-1057


IBTTA 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition — Register Today! Early Bird Discount Ends August 22, 2010

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! Breaking News! The Hilton San Diego Bayfront has reduced the contracted room rate from $241/night to $219/night. The new rate applies to all existing confirmed reservations and any new reservations. Customized sponsorship and exhibitor packages are available. Visit IBTTA’s website for details.

BICYCLES

1) Momentum Grows for Federal Policy Breakthrough that Would Fast-Track Bikeway Innovations

Link to blog on BikePortland.org:

http://bikeportland.org/2010/08/10/momentum-grows-for-federal-policy-breakthrough-that-would-fast-track-bikeway-innovations/

CAMERAS

2) Maryland to Store License Plate Scanner Data at Intel Fusion Center

Link to blog from the Center for Investigative Reporting:

http://www.centerforinvestigativereporting.org/blogpost/20100809marylandtostorelicenseplatescannerdataatintelfusioncenter

CARTOGRAPHY

3) As Google Street View Ramps Up in Germany, Korea Clamps Down

Link to article in The Christian Science Monitor:

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2010/0810/As-Google-Street-View-ramps-up-in-Germany-Korea-clamps-down

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Technology is Making Tolls (Almost) Painless

Link to article in the Reading Eagle:

http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=240518

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) Putin Wants Russian Satnav System in New Cars from 2012

Link to AFP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gXennqUAYggivPoWReBOHGilIFhg

MARITIME

6) Vessel Traffic Management System May Get Some Blame for Indian Ship Collision

Link to article in the Bangalore Mirror:

http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/11/20100810201008102301575055dc25011/Guide-ditched-crashed-ship.html

7) Family of Fishing Guide Presumed Drowned Calls for GPS Locators

Link to article in the Times Colonist:

http://www.timescolonist.com/Family+fishing+guide+presumed+drowned+calls+locators/3380188/story.html

OTHER

8) Orange County Transportation Authority to Post Employee Pay, Benefits

Link to article in The Orange County Register:

http://www.ocregister.com/news/octa-261321-board-grand.html

9) New York Lauds Using Facial-Recognition for Driver’s Licenses

Link to article in The Washington Times:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/aug/10/ny-lauds-facial-recognition-technology-licenses/

10) Commuter ‘Pain’ Fuels Smart Solutions

Link to article in InformationWeek:

http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2010/08/commuter_pain_f.html

11) Can ‘Webinars’ Make Planning Workshops Obsolete?

Link to article on Planetizen:

http://www.planetizen.com/node/45478

PARKING

12) New Technology May Solve Your Parking Problems

Link to column in the Contra Costa Times:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/bay-area-news/ci_15722439

RAILROADS

13) Positive Train Control: Railroads, Suppliers Still Have a Ways to Go to Meet the 2015 Positive Train Control Mandate

Link to article in Progressive Railroading:

http://www.progressiverailroading.com/pr/article.asp?id=24053

ROADWAYS

14) Using Tech to Curb Deaths on Minnesota’s Roadways

Link to story and audio on Minnesota Public Radio:

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/08/10/minnesota-traffic-deaths/

15) Seattle’s ‘Smart Highway Signs’ Go Online Today

Link to story and video on KING-TV:

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Seattle-Smarter-Highways-go-online-Tuesday-100320979.html

16) Vermont Shows Off New Signs Warning Drivers to Give Room to Emergency Vehicles

Link to article in The Burlington Free Press:

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20100810/NEWS02/8100307/State-shows-off-new-signs-warning-drivers-to-give-room-to-emergency-vehicles

SAFETY / SECURITY

17) Driver Ed Battles Texting Obsession

Link to article on BrookfieldNOW:

http://www.brookfieldnow.com/news/100379259.html

TRANSIT

18) New York City Buses to Get Ads Opposing Islam Center

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/10/nyregion/10mta.html

19) NTSB Criticizes DC Metro Board Over Fatal Crash in 2009

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/09/AR2010080905986.html

Link to news releases from WMATA:

http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4601

http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4602

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

20) Drawls Welcome: Texas DOT Tests Phone Info Line

Link to AP article:

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/wireStory?id=11367583

Link to news release from Texas DOT:

http://www.dot.state.tx.us/news/035-2010.htm

21) Twin Cities Ahead of Curve in Managing Congestion

Link to article on Twin Cities Daily Planet:

http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2010/08/09/twin-cities-ahead-curve-managing-congestion

VEHICLES

22) After 12 Years, EU License Plate Gets Traction

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gsMi_PefCSEbXt0sO7Vfm6zzIZmAD9HGNJQ82

News Releases

1) Federal Highway Administrator Mendez Helps Launch Smarter Highways on I-5 in Seattle

2) Telvent to Implement Light Rail Priority System in Algeria

3) Automated Valet Creates Customized iPhone App for DFW Airport Valet

4) Lockheed Martin-Built GPS Satellite Surpasses 10 Years On-Orbit

5) Waze 2.0 Available for Download, Featuring New Driving Groups

6) ReportLinker Adds Collecting and Distributing Traffic Information in China

Upcoming Events

National Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management Summit – September 21-22 – Linthicum Heights, Maryland

http://www.i95coalition.org/i95/Portals/0/Public_Files/Whats-New/NUG%20Summit%20updated.pdf

Today in Transportation History

1990 **20th anniversary** Magellan reached Venus to begin extensive radar mapping of the planet’s surface.

http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/magellan/

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

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 at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Event(s) Alert: IntelliDrive℠ User Needs Workshops and Inventors Meeting

August 10, 2010 at 4:37 pm

Workshop Details

  • August 25-26, 2010 – Detroit, MI, USA (9:00-4:30 local time)

  • September 1-2, 2010 – San Jose, CA, USA (9:00-4:30 local time)

  • September 29-30, 2010 – Washington, DC (9:00-4:30 local time, Location TBD)

Attend one of three FREE IntelliDrive workshops and inventors meetings at the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s (USDOT) Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS-JPO), part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) will be hosting on IntelliDrive(SM) Systems Engineering User Needs to obtain stakeholder input for the definition of the core IntelliDrive System.

User needs identified during these workshops will be critical to the development of the new IntelliDrive Concept of Operations (ConOps).  The ConOps will describe the vision for how the IntelliDrive system will work, from the perspective of the user.

Each workshop, which is open to all interested transportation parties, will engage participants to identify their current vision for the IntelliDrive system.  These workshops will provide an overview of the IntelliDrive concept definition process and include break out groups to explore specific operational needs in detail as well as concluding sessions that summarizes the findings from the workshops.

The agenda features:

  • Wednesday
  • 9:00-4:30 local time
  • Overview of the IntelliDrive concept definition process
  • Thursday
  • 9:00-4:30 local time
  • Breakout Sessions to explore specific operation needs in detail & a summary of workshop findings

The sessions and your participation are essential in assisting the ITS-JPO to advance transportation safety. Persons who cannot attend can pass this along to an interested colleague.

To see the full agenda for the meetings please click here:  <http://www.its.dot.gov/press/2010/intellidrive_engineering.htm>

Registration and Venue:

This workshop is free of charge. Registration and venue information for:

Additional information will be available at: http://www.its.dot.gov/index.htm.

Please contact Brei Whitty at bwhitty@itsa.org or 202-721-4236 for any questions.

FREE Meeting for IntelliDrive Inventors

Inventors who have developed a software component, hardware device or other technology that can be used to help bring about safe, efficient, greener transportation should attend these first-ever IntelliDrive inventors meetings where innovators can meet others who might be looking for new technologies.

The meetings will be held at the end of the first day of the ITS-JPO Systems Engineering User Workshops in Detroit (August 25), San Jose (September 1) and Washington, DC (September 29).

Innovators can make a very brief presentation about their work and meet with potential users of their products.  Interested innovators who want to attend and/or make a presentation at the meeting should register in advance.

Please send an e-mail with the inventor’s name, company, product and contact information to Delores Colbert at Delores.colbert@DOT.gov in order to obtain a five minute presentation slot.  Presentations should be no more than three PowerPoint slides. Please use  “Inventors Meeting” and which location (Detroit, San Jose or Washington, DC) in the subject line.

The IntelliDrive Inventors meetings are being held To learn more about the meeting e-mail Mike Pina at Mike.pina@dot.gov

To learn more about ITS-JPO and the IntelliDrive program log on to www.its.dot.gov.

Make your hotel reservations:

Be sure to reserve your room under the room block “Intellidrive” in order to receive government rate!

Detroit

Doubletree Hotel Detroit/Dearborn

5801 Southfield Expressway

Detroit, MI 48228

313-336-3340

http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/DTTDBDT-Doubletree-Hotel-Dearborn-Michigan/index.do

San Jose

Doubletree Hotel San Jose

2050 Gateway Place

San Jose, CA 95110

408-453-4000

http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/JOSE-DT-Doubletree-Hotel-San-Jose-California/index.do

Washington DC – Hotel TBD

Please contact Brei Whitty at ITS America at bwhitty@itsa.org or 202-721-4236 for any questions related to registration for the user needs workshops or hotel accommodations.

* –  IntelliDrive is a service mark of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

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SOLID PROOF – Driving Makes You FAT!

August 10, 2010 at 3:08 pm

Yet another awesome info.graphic from our friends at GOOD.. This site keeps getting better and better with their info. graphics.. This info.graphic below looks at how people get to work in various states, alongside those states’ obesity rates. It is strikingly obvious, at least from this graphic, that driving plays a big part in the obesity factor. It will be great if someone can do a similar thing with commuting habits and healthcare spending (a larger subset of the Obesity epidemic)

Amplify’d from www.good.is
 

GOOD stuff: High Gas Prices Mean More Bike Sales

August 10, 2010 at 2:57 pm

Nice work, again, by our awesome folks at GOOD magazine.. This is probably the most direct correlation between gas prices & bike sales I’ve seen in a long time.. In a 2008 survey, 95 percent of bike store owners said customers cited high gas prices as a reason for their bike-related purchases

Amplify’d from www.good.is