No technology in the transportation domain gets the general public in a tizzy as much as the red light enforcement. Though the technology has been in use for over a decade and raked up some impressive stats in terms of lives saved, the sight of cameras at the intersection continue to remain a point of contention in many communities across the country. For the naysayers, here comes an infograph highlighting the dangers of red light running and how enforcement technology has helped address this problem. Also check out the one-page Get The Facts (PDF document) that accompanies this infographic.
Hundreds of homeless people travelled on London’s bendy buses at night, finding a safe haven and a place to sleep. But now the buses have been withdrawn, where will they all go? Filmmaker Robert Wilkins spent a week travelling the N29 meeting homeless people who use it as a refuge and a warm place to sleep. As double deckers come back onto London’s streets, it’s expected that fewer people will be able to get on without a ticket.
Blogger Jonathan Corbett is upping the ante in his protracted fight against the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) much criticized Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In the video below, he demonstrates the flaws in the nude body scanners widely deployed at US airports. Amazing to see how simple yet effective his strategy is as he clears the security check points at multiple airports with hidden materials completely undetected. TSA is going to have some serious explaining to do soon as this video is starting to go viral. It is already generating a brick ton of comments on Reddit.
The brilliance of this image lies in exposing the hypocracy surrounding the escalation in gas prices. Too bad such political ploys have become the norm at Capitol Hill. Can we let the President focus on solving the nation’s problems and spare him these silly distractions? Compelling enough for a web post.
And here is the funny road safety campaign video featuring the sign above. How much I wish America adopted this blunt, yet funny style of conveying the message. Our American campaign signs are boring compared to the Aussies’. PERIOD!
After what seemed like an eternity – roughly five years and 23 extensions later – the 112th United States Congress finally got through with the FAA Modernization and Safety Improvement Act of 2012, aka the FAA Re-authorization Bill. Apart from the usual aspects of the $63Billion four-year re-authorization bill, there are a lot of significant inclusions that will affect your travel in the days ahead… in a good way! Thanks to the tireless advocacy by FlyersRights.org, a non-profit that advocates for passenger rights, many of these demands from the passenger community has now found their way into books of law. The table below shows what the organization was fighting to achieve and what they managed to get. Seriously, if you are an airline passenger this law makes sure you have to be treated like a human being who deserves dignity and respect.
FlyersRights Goal
Bill Provision
Three-Hour Tarmac Rule
“Excessive delay” tarmac rule. DOT Secretary to determine definition of “excessive”
Food and Water Available
Food and water ALWAYS available (deletes DOT “after 2 hours” provision)
Medical Treatment Available
Medical treatment ALWAYS available (deletes DOT “after 2 hours” provision)
Airline Contingency Plans
Airline contingency plans for eachairport where carrier has flights (removes DOT’s minimum annual enplanement restriction)
Airport Contingency Plans
For the first time, airport contingency plans required (no such provision in DOT rules)
DOT Consumer Hotline
Implementation of a DOT consumer hotline, number published on internet, prominently displayed by carriers on ticket counter signs and ticket e-confirmations
Smoke-Free Environment
Smoke-free rules consistently enforced on scheduled and now unscheduled flights, domestic and international
No Child Left Unbuckled
Carriers must post on their web sites the maximum child safety seat size for each type aircraft they operate so passengers can determine which seats will work with which aircraft
Carry Musical Instruments On-board Without Additional Charge
Instruments that can be safely stowed will now be treated like any other carry-on item
Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection
Creation of a DOT advisory committee, comprised of members from air carriers, airport operators, state, local governments, and non-profit public interest groups with consumer protection experience
Realistic Scheduling to Minimize Delays
If aircraft operations exceed an airport’s capability, the FAA and airlines will meet to develop an appropriate schedule reduction. If no voluntary agreement is reached, the FAA will take unilateral reduction action
Passenger Awareness of Insecticide Use
Air carriers will now refer passengers to the DOT web page with a list of countries that may require in-cabin spraying for flights to those countries
Good Information on Delays
Added reporting requirement for diversions and cancellations
Consideration for Military Members
“Sense of Congress*” that carriers should be flexible and generous with active duty military members. They seek reduced airfares, elimination of change fees/penalties, ability to purchase, modify or cancel without time restrictions, and the elimination of fees (including baggage fees), ancillary costs, and penalties
Defined Compensation for Lost Luggage
Comptroller General to study the issue, including how added baggage fees should improve service
Click here to read more. Thank you USDOT and Flyersrights.org for all your hard work to get this done.
The USDOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently published these two documents (Dec 2011) and I thought some of you might find it useful.
