ITS South Africa Newsletter – March 2, 2009

March 2, 2009 at 2:48 pm

 

2 March 2009
TENDERS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBER

There are several new tenders available. For information about tenders and business opportunities for ITS South Africa members, please clickhere to access the ITSSA Knowledge Management section.
TAXI TERROR ON OUR ROADS
Of the 36 daily deaths on South Africa’s roads, an average of three are killed in taxi-related incidents – translating into 1 095 deaths every year. And according to a study by the Automobile Association of South Africa, around 70 000 minibus taxi crashes happen each year – double the number of accidents involving other motor vehicles. 

Pretoria News, Candice Bailey, 28th February 2009 – Read more

TAXI COUNCIL CRIES FOUL OVER BUS-RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) wants to “reopen” the taxi industry in place of the bus-rapid transit (BRT) system, SABC radio news reported on Thursday. This formed part of a counter-proposal to the establishment of the BRT system. 

Mail & Guardian, Sapa, 27th February 2009 – Read more

STATE MUST SHOULDER BLAME – TAXI BODY
Taxi bosses say the government must shoulder the blame for the recent violent taxi strikes which led to the death of Katrina Samuels and her prematurely born baby, and the emotional and physical scarring of at least one other woman. Three weeks ago, the National Taxi Alliance (NTA) called for its members to stage a three-day strike in opposition to the Bus Rapid Transit System. 

Cape Argus, Andisiwe Makinana and Esther Lewis, 27th February 2009 – Read more

TRANSPORT-RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE SPEND TO RISE TO R51BN
Investment in transport-related infrastructure projects will total R50,9-billion over the next three years, reports the Treasury in its 2009 Budget Review. The South African Rail Commuter Corporation will receive an additional R600-million over the medium term in order to overhaul and upgrade 1 900 coaches and improve the signalling system. 

Engineering News, Irma Venter, 26th February 2009 – Read more

TRANSPORT-RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE SPEND TO RISE TO R51BN
Investment in transport-related infrastructure projects will total R50,9-billion over the next three years, reports the Treasury in its 2009 Budget Review. The South African Rail Commuter Corporation will receive an additional R600-million over the medium term in order to overhaul and upgrade 1 900 coaches and improve the signalling system. 

Engineering News, Irma Venter, 26th February 2009 – Read more

GAUTENG TO SPEND R40BN ON INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
The Gauteng provincial government (GPG) would spend about R40-billion in infrastructural projects over the next three years, in a move that could help to mitigate the impact of the global economic slowdown on the province, Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Mandla Nkomfe said on Tuesday. 

Engineering News, Chanel Pringle, 24th February 2009 – Read more

INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEM TO MAKE DRIVING ON HASSLE-FREE
Intelligent Transport System (ITS) will be introduced on the entire Outer Ring Road (ORR) with Japanese assistance to facilitate smooth flow of traffic. Work on laying an eight-lane, accesscontrolled expressway (ORR), running to a total length of 158 km, around the Hyderabad city is in progress. 

Express Buzz, S Bachan; Jeet Singh, 23rd February 2009 – Read more

For more information visit the 
ITS South Africa website at www.itssa.org

Click here to unsubscribe from this newsletter.

 

ITS South Africa Newsletter – Feb 27, 2009

February 27, 2009 at 11:57 am

 

27 February 2009

Registration for e-Transport Conference now open

The theme for this year’s e-Transport Conference is “Moving People Smartly: Transport Solutions for FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010 and Beyond.” The biennial e-Transport Confex is the premier ITS event to network with key decision-makers and ITS professionals and exploit business opportunities in South Africa’s booming ITS market. With a current infrastructure spend of R600 bilion, there are numerous ITS projects in the pipeline.

Most of the exhibition stands have been booked with only a few stands still available. Book now to prevent competing companies from leaving you behind!

These mega infrastructure and transport projects are transforming South Africa transport environment and are attracting huge local and international interest. If you want to be part of this rapidly growing market, explore the sponsorship and exhibition opportunities to raise your profile in the South African ITS Market, this is an opportunity not to miss!

To view the programme, click here.

You are cordially invited to register now. Click here.

For sponsorship and exhibition packages, click here.

For the exhibition floor plan, click here.

For the stand reservation form, click here.

For general information about South Africa, accommodation and airport transfers, click here.

 

ABOUT ITS SOUTH AFRICA
The ITS South Africa ensures that ITS and related organisations are kept up to date with the technology revolution, and allows one to harness the technology and gain the benefit it offers. ITS South Africa is a membership-based organisation. It consists of government bodies and its implementation agencies, manufacturers, suppliers, users and potential users of ITS technology.
Find out more about ITS South Africa by visiting our website at www.itssa.org,
or email us at paul@itssa.org.
Click here to unsubscribe from this newsletter.

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – Feb 26, 2009

February 26, 2009 at 6:18 pm

Thursday, February 26, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057


Register Today for IBTTA’s Toll Road Summit of Australia, New Zealand & the Asia Pacific Rim, March 15-18, 2009 in Sydney, Australia 

If you are interested in public-private partnerships, innovations in customer service and next generation technologies, you need to attend this meeting! Join IBTTA and ITS Australia in Sydney, Australia and learn about the explosive growth of tolling in Australia, New Zealand and the countries in the Asia Pacific Rim. Learn about toll concessions and operations, including the political, regulatory, public affairs and customer service aspects of startup and mature facilities, and lessons learned from successive implementation of all electronic toll collection. Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda, make your travel arrangements and register today

AVIATION

1) Transportation Budget Proposes NextGen Air Traffic Control Funding

Link to story in Business First of Louisville:

http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/2009/02/23/daily40.html

2) Technology in the Sky

A photo essay in Time:

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1666378_1454387,00.html

CAMERAS

3) Mississippi May Blind ‘Eyes’ on Traffic

Bill to ban devices that photograph traffic scofflaws advances.

Link to story in The Clarion-Ledger:

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20090226/NEWS010504/902260345/1001/news

 ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) FastLane Slips in Stealth Fees

Up to one million customers hit with faulty charges.

Link to story in the Boston Herald:

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2009_02_26_Fastlane_slips_in_stealth_fees:_Up_to_1_million_customers_hit_with_faulty_charges/srvc=home&position=0

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) Federal Commission Backs Mileage Fees Over Gas Taxes, Champions GPS Technology

Link to story in Inside GNSS:

http://www.insidegnss.com/node/1366

OTHER

6) New Weather Monitoring System Reaches to the Heavens

Microwave technology used for the first time in US.

Link to story and video report on KING-TV:

http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_022509WAB-weather-testing-KS.2f300ba.html

PARKING

7) Parking Meters Out to Destroy the Human Race

Washington, DC meters pretend to be broken then ‘self-correct’ to give you tickets.

Link to story on WRC-TV:

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Local-Parking-Meters-Develop-Artificial-Intelligence-Will-Destroy-Humans.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) US Department of Homeland Security Secretary: Agency Likely to Miss Cargo Scanning Deadline

Link to story from CongressDaily:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090225_7302.php

Link to further information from the House Committee on Homeland Security:

http://homeland.house.gov/Hearings/index.asp?ID=171

9) TSA: Mule Skinners Need Background Checks, Too

Employees who accompany historic canal boats required to get security credentials.

Link to CNN story:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/02/25/mule.skinner.blues/

TELEMATICS

10) Leverage Telematics and On-Board Diagnostics for Warranty Management

Link to story in Automotive DesignLine:

http://www.automotivedesignline.com/howto/214600030;jsessionid=3QLTBFFM2ABFAQSNDLPCKH0CJUNN2JVN

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) Traffic Nerd Looks Through Numbers with CEO

Seattle traffic reporter meets with the president of Inrix to discuss new traffic data.

Link to story on KIRO-TV:

http://www.kirotv.com/traffic/18792881/detail.html

VEHICLES

12) ‘Talking’ Cars Could Hit the Road by 2012

Link to story in Wired:

http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/02/talking-cars-co.html  

News Releases

1) SITA and WestJet Go Live with New Standard for Checking In and Boarding Passengers

2) US Department of Transportation Unveils 2010 Budget Framework

3) Toyota Adds to Pre-Crash Safety Technologies

4) Gresham, Smith and Partners Wins City of Memphis, City Engineer’s Award of Excellence for SmartWay Project

5) Raleigh-Wake Emergency Communications Center Offering Online Traffic Information

6) GeoSpot Deep Local Search Launches Nationwide on Web and Mobile

Upcoming Events

Carbon-Free Mobility Conference – March 6 – Oakland, California

http://www.advancedtransit.org/doc.aspx?id=2109

Today in Transportation History

1914 **95th anniversary** – The HMS Britannic was launched in Belfast.

http://www.atlanticliners.com/britannic_home.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

Bernie’s TCN Newsletter – February 25, 2009

February 25, 2009 at 6:32 pm

Transportation Communications Newsletter

 Wednesday, February 25, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057


Register Today and Prepare for the Approaching Recovery: IBTTA’s Workshop on Managing in an Era of Changing Economic Times, April 19-21, 2009 in San Francisco, CA 

Join IBTTA in San Francisco for power-packed educational sessions and walk away with a world of knowledge on better managing your organization today and preparing for the approaching economic recovery. Learn how global issues are affecting your organization and the toll industry, the goals and efforts of the U.S. stimulus program, how to build a cost-conscious culture and make tough decisions, how to position your agency for unique opportunities during this slowdown, solid financing strategies and more. This is one meeting you don’t want to miss! Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda, make your travel arrangements and register today!

 AVIATION

 1) Key to Eliminating US Flight Delays? Redesign the Sky Over New York City

Link to story in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/cars/futuretransport/magazine/17-03/ff_airspace

 2) Could Radar Keep Birds from Colliding with Aircraft?

Link to story in Scientific American:

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=avian-aircraft-radar

 3) Airline Industry Seems to be Serious About Going Forward with Wi-Fi in Sky

Link to Scripps-Howard News Service story:

http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/41183

 4) American Airlines Aims to be On Time

Technology being used to improve performance.

Link story on The Street:

http://www.thestreet.com/story/10465948/1/american-airlines-aims-to-be-on-time.html

 CAMERAS

 5) Who’s Paying for New Missouri Red-Light Camera Advocacy Group?

Link to story in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/political-fix/political-fix/2009/02/whos-paying-for-new-red-light-camera-advocacy-group/

 CARTOGRAPHY

 6) Officials Eye a Geospatial ‘Virtual USA’

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/02/24/virtual-usa.aspx

 GPS / NAVIGATION

 7) Microsoft Sues TomTom for Patent Infringement

Link to CNET News story:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-10172068-75.html

 OTHER 

8) New Transportation Blog from ‘Gridlock Sam’ Schwartz: The Number Thirteen Line

Link to blog on PBS Blueprint America:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/blueprintamerica/category/blogs/13line

 9) 3D Simulation Solves Crime and Accidents

Link to story in Eureka:

http://www.eurekamagazine.co.uk/article/17221/3D-simulation-solves-crimes-and-accidents.aspx

 ROADWAYS

 10) WiMax System Warns Drivers on Dangerous Highway Prone to Dense Fog

Link to story in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9128619&intsrc=hm_list

Link to news release from Proxim Wireless:

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0477064.htm

 SAFETY / SECURITY

11) US Department of Homeland Security to Use More Simulations in Infrastructure Protection

Link to story on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090223_9398.php 

Link to National Infrastructure Protection Plan:

http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/NIPP_Plan.pdf

 12) FAA Will Use Software to Identify Sensitive Data

Link to story in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/02/25/faa-software.aspx

 TRANSIT

 13) Automated Subway Train Rolls Out in New York City

Link to story in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/02/24/2009-02-24_automated_l_train_rolls_out.html

 14) Wired BART Should Please Passengers

Link to story in the Contra Costa Times:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/traffic/ci_11776662

 TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

 15) Get Connected to Go

Link to profile on New York State’s 511 system.

Link to story in New York State DOT E-Zine:

https://www.nysdot.gov/e-zine/winter2008/initiative

 VEHICLES

 16) Intelligent Transportation System Demoed in Japan

Link to story on Tech-On:

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20090225/166272/  

News Releases

1) Recent Studies Highlight Effectiveness of Radar Speedcheck Signs for Use in Traffic Calming

2) Westwood One’s Metro Traffic Goes Live with the Most Comprehensive Video Traffic Information Network in the Country

3) Port Authority of NY & NJ Leads Alliance Urging Full Federal Funding to Unclog Air Traffic Control System and Ease Delays for Passengers

4) INX Awarded State of New Mexico DOT Contract for Rail Runner Train’s High-Speed Wireless System

5) Inrix National Traffic Scorecard Reveals Startling 30 Percent Decrease in Traffic Congestion in 2008

 

Upcoming Events

Talking Freight Seminar: Freight Corridor Programs – March 18

https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webConfID=16392

 Today in Transportation History

1919 **90th anniversary** – Oregon became the first state to impose a gasoline tax.

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/CS/FTG/

 

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

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

NTOC Talks Newsletter: February 25, 2009

February 25, 2009 at 12:27 pm

[ipaper id=12814845]

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter – Feb 24, 2009

February 24, 2009 at 8:25 pm

Transportation Communications Newsletter

 Tuesday, February 24, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

 


 Register Today for IBTTA’s Toll Road Summit of Australia, New Zealand & the Asia Pacific Rim, March 15-18, 2009 in Sydney, Australia 

  If you are interested in public-private partnerships, innovations in customer service and next generation technologies, you need to attend this meeting! Join IBTTA and ITS Australia in Sydney, Australia and learn about the explosive growth of tolling in Australia, New Zealand and the countries in the Asia Pacific Rim. Learn about toll concessions and operations, including the political, regulatory, public affairs and customer service aspects of startup and mature facilities, and lessons learned from successive implementation of all electronic toll collection. Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda, make your travel arrangements and register today

 AVIATION

 1) Final FAA-Weather Service Decision Delayed Again

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2009/02/post_4.html

 2) New Technology May Prevent Bird Strikes

Link to ABC News story:

http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/Travel/story?id=6940435&page=1

 PARKING

 3) ‘Smart’ Parking Meters Catching on Across US

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/2009-02-23-smartmeters_N.htm

 ROADWAYS

 4) The Bridge to Smart Technology

Smart technology that makes infrastructure safer and more efficient is ready just in time for a flood of government spending.

Link to story and video in BusinessWeek:

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_09/b4121042656141.htm?chan=rss_topEmailedStories_ssi_5

 5) Let’s Stimulate Smart Highways

Link to commentary in Forbes:

http://www.forbes.com/2009/02/23/stimulus-transportation-hov-opinions-contributors_hot_highways.html

 SAFETY / SECURITY

 6) Privacy, Identity, and the Use of RFID and RF-Enabled Smart Card Technology

Link to story in Smart Card Talk:

http://www.smartcardalliance.org/pages/newsletter-200902-feature?issue=200902

 TRANSIT

 7) Utah Transit Authority Showcases Open Payment System

Link to story in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/621904

Link to further information from the UTA:

http://www.rideuta.com/ridingUTA/amenities/electronicFare.aspx

 8) Updates from APTA’s Marketing & Communications Workshop

Link to blogs:

http://blog.apta.com/?cat=1

 9) Light Rail Vehicle Collisions with Vehicles at Signalized Intersections

Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=10004

 News Releases

1) Economic Downturn Favors Cheaper Navigation Form Factors

2) US Departments of Defense, Transportation, and Homeland Security Release 2008 Federal Radionavigation Plan

3) QNX Changes the Rules for In-Vehicle Software Development

4) ATX to Seek Local Partners to Expand European Telematics

 Upcoming Events

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Bus Safety Summit – March 5-6 – Arlington, Virginia

http://www.cvsa.org/events/Bus%20Summit%20Online_revised%20021009.pdf

 Today in Transportation History

1909 **100th anniversary** – The Hudson Motor Car Company was founded.

http://www.hemmings.com/hcc/stories/2005/11/01/hmn_feature11.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 ati95berniew@aol.com.   

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast

TRB Newsletter – Feb 24, 2009

February 24, 2009 at 11:35 am

[ipaper id=12787170]

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter – Feb 23, 2009

February 23, 2009 at 6:28 pm

Transportation Communications Newsletter

 Monday, February 23, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057

Register Today and Prepare for the Approaching Recovery: IBTTA’s Workshop on Managing in an Era of Changing Economic Times, April 19-21, 2009 in San Francisco, CA .

Join IBTTA in San Francisco for power-packed educational sessions and walk away with a world of knowledge on better managing your organization today and preparing for the approaching economic recovery. Learn how global issues are affecting your organization and the toll industry, the goals and efforts of the U.S. stimulus program, how to build a cost-conscious culture and make tough decisions, how to position your agency for unique opportunities during this slowdown, solid financing strategies and more. This is one meeting you don’t want to miss! Visit IBTTA’s website to view the preliminary agenda, make your travel arrangements and register today!

AVIATION

1) Ryanair to Offer Mobile Phone Calls on Board

Link to Reuters story:

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2009/02/19/afx6069941.html

Link to news release from Ryanair:

http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/news.php?yr=09&month=feb&story=gen-en-190209-2

2) FAA Often Takes Years to Carry Out Lessons from Air Crashes

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/23/nyregion/23safety.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

3) FAA Faces Rising Trainee Numbers in Controller Ranks

Link to story in Aviation Week:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/aw022309p3.xml&headline=FAA%20Faces%20Rising%20Trainee%20Numbers%20in%20Controller%20Ranks&channel=awst

4) Air Traffic Control Center in Riyadh is Operational

Link to story in the Saudi Gazette:

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2009022330161

5) Calculating the Most Efficient Air Traffic Routes

Link to story in Flight International:

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/02/23/322771/calculating-the-most-efficient-air-traffic-routes.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) Vermont State Police Warn GPS Directions Sometimes Deceptive for Winter Travel

Link to AP story:

http://www.wptz.com/news/18775619/detail.html

PARKING

7) Turning to Parking Meters to Reduce Traffic

Link to story in the San Francisco Chronicle:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/22/MN6H15VC8L.DTL

RAILROADS

8) Michigan Officials Say Amtrak Needs to Improve Communications

Link to story in The Grand Rapids Press:

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/02/michigan_officials_say_amtrak.html

ROADWAYS

9) All Signs Point to Drivers’ Confusion

New parking signs in Spokane, Washington lead to some head-scratching.

Link to story in The Spokesman-Review:

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/feb/23/all-signs-point-to-drivers-confusion/

10) As Suspension Bridges Age, a Search for Failures

Sensor systems being developed to spot problems.

Link to story and audio report on NPR’s Morning Edition:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100947959

SAFETY / SECURITY

11) Transportation Security Administration Checks Out Systems for Airport Waiting Time Data

Link to story in Washington Technology:

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/02/23/tsa-wait-time-data.aspx

TRANSIT

12) Shanghai Transit Stations Offer Transport Info Downloads

Link to story in Traffic Technology International:

http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news.php?NewsID=10848 

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) ‘City Drive Live’ a Needed Brake from the Bad News

City of New York broadcasts rotating traffic camera images on HD television channel.

Link to story in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/02/23/2009-02-23_city_drive_live_provides_a_needed_brake_.html

 

News Releases

1) New Web Site Offers Information about Emerging Transit Technology

2) US DOT Seeks Innovative Research Proposals from Small Businesses to Address Transportation Challenges

3) SITA Predicts Brave New World of Hassle-Free Travel as It Marks Its 60th Anniversary

4) Road Dog Trucking Radio Channel Expands on Sirius XM

5) AT&T Expands Wireless Coverage on SEPTA

 

Upcoming Events

ITS Michigan Annual Conference – May 12-13 – Novi, Michigan

http://www.itsmichigan.org/AnnualConf2009/ITS_I_Attendee.pdf

 

Today in Transportation History

1909 **100th anniversary** – The AEA Silver Dart made its first flight in Nova Scotia.  This was the first flight in Canada and the British Empire.

http://www.flightofthesilverdart.ca/ 

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

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

 

 

ITS South Africa Newsletter – February 23, 2009

February 23, 2009 at 11:22 am
23 February 2009
TENDERS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBER

There are several new tenders available. For information about tenders and business opportunities for ITS South Africa members, please click here to access the ITSSA Knowledge Management section.
ABSA PUTS THE BRAKES ON FINANCE FOR TAXIS
Absa has suspended all taxi vehicle finance approvals because of its inability to verify the authenticity of taxi operating licences after the alleged theft of 800 000 operating permits at the end of 2008. Marcel de Klerk, the managing executive of Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance, said yesterday the division had stopped approving taxi vehicle finance applications about two weeks ago after it had noticed that some operating licences were fraudulent or stolen. 

Business Report, Roy Cokayne, 20th February 2009Read more

TAXI STRIKE SENT A CLEAR MESSAGE – BOSSES
The impact of the three-day taxi strike on the provincial economy was an indication that a “clear message” had been sent to the government, said leaders of the National Taxi Alliance (NTA). Last week the taxi operators went on a three-day strike against the new Bus Rapid Transit system that plunged the city into chaos. 

Cape Argus, Staff Reporter, 20th February 2009Read more

WORRYING R186BN FUNDING GAP
Since late last year, this publication has been championing the public infrastructure programme as South Africa’s main economic stimulus opportunity. We have written over and over again that government departments and State-owned enterprises must be given the strongest possible signal that they need to continue with their previously-announced implementation schedules, and even seek to enlarge there programmes. 

Engineering News, Terence Creamer, 20th February 2009Read more

BRT ON THE HIGHWAY
The Lagos State Government should urgently address the reckless way and manner the drivers of Bus Rapid Transit behave on the highways. Most of them drive with reckless abandon, thereby giving other road users a tough time. They don’t slow down for other road users who may accidentally cross their way – where there are no BRT lane markings, that is. 

Punch, Felix Gabriel, 16th February 2009Read more

COPS OUT IN FORCE IN CAPE TOWN
As the taxi strike entered its second day on Thursday, police were out in force to prevent further violence, as commuters switched to trains and buses. Since the start of the unprotected, three-day strike against the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system, scores of residents and bus drivers have been injured and more than 50 people arrested for malicious damage to property, attempted murder and public violence. 

Cape Times, Babalo Ndenze and Michelle Jones, 13th February 2009Read more

For more information visit the
ITS South Africa website at www.itssa.org

Click here to unsubscribe from this newsletter.

 

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter – Feb 20, 2009

February 20, 2009 at 8:10 pm

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Friday, February 20, 2009 — ISSN 1529-1057


Register Now for ITS America‘s Cap and Trade Webinar – Feb. 25

 ITS America is offering a series of webinars on transportation technologies and the environment. The first webinar, which will be held February 25, 2009 from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm EST, is intended to provide a basic understanding of cap and trade systems and how transportation technology projects may profit from participation in a cap and trade plan. Leslie Bellas, Director of Environmental Affairs at ITS America, will be the first presenter.  Leslie will be discussing: how the mandatory federal cap and trade system is working; how regional cap and trade markets for carbon emissions are functioning; and how transportation technology projects could fit into a cap and trade program of action. The webinar is free to ITS Americamembers and non-members are welcome to join for $99. Click here to register or contact Lori Vintilescu at loriv@itsa.org for more information.

 

AVIATION

 1) Pilots’ Union Calls Buffalo Airport Landing System Flawed

Link to story in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/20/nyregion/20beacon.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

 

2) RTCA Task Force Assisting FAA on NextGen Rollout

Link to story in Aviation International News:

http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/rtca-task-force-assisting-faa-on-nextgen-rollout/

Link to additional information from RTCA:

http://www.rtca.org/comm/Committee.cfm?id=130

 

BUSES

 3) San Francisco Muni Buses Will Take a Noisy Turn

Audible warning system will sound whenever a bus makes a right turn.

Link to story in the San Francisco Chronicle:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/18/BAMR15TDN6.DTL&hw=beep+muni&sn=002&sc=543

 

4) Bus Tracking System at Slippery Rock University to Decrease Carbon Footprint

Link to story in The Rocket:

http://media.www.theonlinerocket.com/media/storage/paper601/news/2009/02/20/News/Bus-Tracking.System.To.Decrease.Carbon.Footprint-3639798.shtml

 

CAMERAS

 5) Loophole for Leased Vehicles Found in Cleveland’s Red-Light Camera Law

Link to story and video report on WEWS-TV:

http://www.newsnet5.com/news/18761568/detail.html

 

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

  6) Study Looks at High-Tech Tolls in Connecticut

Link to AP story:

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/connecticut/ny-bc-ct-xgr–highwaytolls0219feb19,0,1146435.story

 

GPS / NAVIGATION

 7) Company Demos Development Turn-by-Turn iPhone App

Link to story in Macworld:

http://www.macworld.com/article/138927/iphone_gps.html

 

8) The Face Behind the GPS Voice Finds Fame

Link to story in the Houston Chronicle:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/features/6271616.html

 

MARITIME

 9) RFID Tag Problems Cause Jams at Los Angeles, Long Beach Ports

Link to story in Land Line Magazine:

http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Feb09/021609/021909-01.htm

 

OTHER

 10) US DOT: Obama Will Not Pursue Mileage Tax

Link to story on CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/20/driving.tax/

 

11) Web Site Will Let Public Track Rhode Island DOT Road and Bridge Projects that Use Federal Stimulus Money

Link to story in The Providence Journal:

http://www.projo.com/news/content/bz_stimulus_website_02-20-09_D4DCURT_v7.3321d99.html

Link to site:  http://www.gov.ri.gov/recovery/

 

12) Police in Australia Go Online to Track Down Hoons

Link to story in The Advertiser:

http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/police-go-online-to-track-down-hoons/1439942.aspx

 

ROADWAYS

 13) Chicago Alderman Proposes Countdown at Traffic Lights

Link to story and video on WLS-TV:

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6668175 

 

TRANSIT

 14) Integrated Cash-on-Card Solution Gets Green Light in Taiwan

Link to story in the Taiwan Journal:

http://taiwanjournal.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?CtNode=122&xItem=48451

 

VEHICLES

 15) Japanese Automakers Get Ready to Strut Advanced Safety Technology

Link to story in Edmunds Inside Line:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=142412

  

Upcoming Events

Transportation Safety Advisory Group Case Studies Workshop & Webinar – March 4

http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s090304_tsag.asp

  

Friday Bonus

That’s one step forward and two steps back.

http://www.cartoonistgroup.com/store/add.php?iid=16193

  

Today in Transportation History

1959 **50th anniversary** – The Avro Canada CF-105 aircraft program is cancelled by the Canadian government.

http://www.avroarrow.org/AvroArrow/index.html

 

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday. 

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

© 2009 Bernie Wagenblast