Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – February 10, 2011

February 10, 2011 at 8:50 pm

Thursday, February 10, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


Build your skills and expand your knowledge thru CITE’s upcoming blended course offerings:

–  Introduction to Telecommunications Technology- February 18 through April 4, 2011- Telecommunications is the backbone of all ITS applications. It provides the means for sending data, voice, and video information between devices. This course is a primer on telecommunications for the ITS professional with little or no formal training in telecommunications. With so many ITS projects now requiring a telecommunications aspect, this course is a must for project managers. More information can be found here:http://goo.gl/ueHHr.

–  Advanced Telecommunications Technology- April 8 thru May 22, 2011 – The overall goal of this course is to provide a system-level understanding of the operation of modern broadband transportation communications networks. This course focuses on how to plan and implement telecommunications networks to support a major Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) infrastructure.  More information can be found here: http://goo.gl/upAQU.

All course materials are on-line but students have access to course instructors through three pre-scheduled conference calls. Cost is $250 each; $400 for two. Questions, please contact Denise Twisdale (301-403-4592) or Kathy Frankle (410-414-2925).

CAMERAS

1) Australia National Road Safety Council Calls for All Police Cars to be Fitted with Speed Cameras

Link to article in The Advertiser:

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/a-camera-in-every-police-car/story-e6frea6u-1226004071394

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

2) California’s South Bay Expressway Adds Credit Card Machines at All Toll Points

Link to article on TOLLROADSnews:

http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/5144

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) Australian Car Rental Company to Track Travelers with GPS Devices

Link to article on News.com.au:

http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/car-hire-company-using-gps-to-track-travellers/story-e6frfq80-1226003726165

4) New York City Ambulances Have GPS, but Only to Track Their Location; Must Use Paper Maps for Directions

Link to article in the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/02/10/2011-02-10_ambulances_have_gps_but_only_to_track_their_location_must_use_paper_maps_for_dir.html

OTHER

5) Judge Orders NJ Transit Not to Touch Billboard with Bare Bottom

Link to story and video on WCAU-TV:

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local-beat/Judge-to-NJ-Transit-Dont-Touch-Tush-Billboard-115746484.html

6) Overland Park, Kansas’ Snow Removal Web Site Too Popular

Link to story and video on WDAF-TV:

http://www.fox4kc.com/news/wdaf-overland-parks-snow-removal-website-too-popular-20110209,0,5593555.story

7) THack, Travel Industry’s First Official Hack Event, Held in London

Link to article on Tnooz:

http://www.tnooz.com/tag/thack/

Link to news release from Expedia.co.uk:

http://press.expedia.co.uk/node/76

8) ITS JPO Announces Bidders Conference for Three Major Projects, Including the Safety Pilot Model Deployment

Link to further information from US DOT:

http://www.its.dot.gov/press/2011/bidders_conf.htm

RAILROADS

9) Virtual Laboratory Predicts Train Vibrations

Link to article on ScienceDaily:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110209082638.htm

ROADWAYS

10) Smart Phone App to Detect Boston Pothole Problems

Link to story and video on WHDH-TV:

http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/12003500731123/smartphone-app-to-detect-boston-pothole-problems/

11) Winter Takes Toll on Massachusetts’ Highway Signs

Link to article in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/02/10/winter_takes_toll_on_states_highway_signs/

12) Kazakhstan Parliament Ratifies European Agreements on Traffic Signs and Road Markings

Link to article on Kazakhstan Today:

http://www.kt.kz/?lang=eng&uin=1133435321&chapter=1153532632

13) We Know Where You’ve Been: Privacy, Congestion Tracking, and the Future

Link to article on Ars Technica:

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2011/02/we-know-where-youve-been-privacy-congestion-tracking-and-the-future.ars

SAFETY / SECURITY

14) Online Program Teaches Hawaiian Elementary Students Traffic Safety

Link to story on KGMB and KHNL-TV:

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=14002253

TELEMATICS

15) Sagemcom: ‘Telematics is a Disruptive Technology’

Link to interview in Telematics Update:

http://social.telematicsupdate.com/executive-viewpoint/sagemcom-%E2%80%9Ctelematics-disruptive-technology%E2%80%9D

TRANSIT

16) Wisconsin’s Valley Transit Launches Mobile Wi-Fi

Link to article in The Post-Crescent:

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20110210/APC0101/102100575/Valley-Transit-launches-mobile-Wi-Fi

Link to news release from Valley Transit:

http://www.appleton.org/i/d/valley_transit/News%20Releases/11-02NR%20Valley%20Transit_Open%20Range%20Partnership.pdf

17) New WMATA Board Members Listening on Communication

Link to blog on Greater Greater Washington:

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/9204/new-wmata-board-members-listening-on-communication/

VEHICLES
18) US Government Touts Crash Recorders, but Privacy Advocates Sound Alarm

Link to story and video on Fox News:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/02/09/government-touts-crash-recorders-privacy-advocates-sound-alarm/

19) BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Highlights New Design Ideas, Technology

Link to article in AutoWeek:

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110210/GENEVA/110219993

20) The Cars of the Future are Almost Here

Link to article in The Atlantic:

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2011/02/the-cars-of-the-future-are-almost-here/70912/

News Releases

1) Falling Costs Push Pedestrian Detection to a $17 Billion Market and Mean Greater Safety

2) Oregon DOT Help Program, Ask ODOT, Passes Milestone

3) BSquare Expands and Extends Ford Telematics Competency Center

4) Wireless Innovation Forum Announces New ‘White Space’ Communications Initiatives

5) MapQuest Licenses Urban Mapping Enhanced Public Transportation Database

6) Toyota’s Free Safe Driving Program Educates Teens and Parents About Dangers of Distracted Driving

Upcoming Events

NICHES+ Final Conference – April 7 – London

http://www.niches-transport.org/

Today in Transportation History

1911 **100th anniversary** Mstislav Vsevolodovich Keldysh was born in Riga, Latvia.  He was a leading scientist for the Soviet space program.

http://www.keldysh.ru/MVKeldysh/en/keldysh_biogr.en.shtml

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – February 8, 2011

February 8, 2011 at 11:38 pm

Tuesday, February 8, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


Discuss Federal Legislative Initiatives at IBTTA Legislative Conference – March 7-8, Washington, DC

The interest in new business approaches from all-electronic tolling to distance-based road charging will require new relationships and collaboration as well as new legislative and regulatory support.  Attend IBTTA’s Legislative Conference to better understand and influence federal and state policymaking.  Delegates will have the opportunity to visit with members of Congress during a reception at the U.S. Capitol.  Visit www.IBTTA.org to view the preliminary agenda, register, and learn about sponsorship opportunities. To view IBTTA’s entire 2011 Education Series, click here.

OTHER

1) ITS Market Snapshot: ITS Spending – A New Model

Link to further information from Katz Strategy:

http://www.katzstrategy.com/report.html

ROADWAYS

2) Bangalore Police Receive Award for Effective Traffic Management

Agency recognized for having the most modern technology-driven traffic enforcement system in India.

Link to article on DNA:

http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_bangalore-police-lauded-for-effective-traffic-management_1504820

SAFETY / SECURITY

3) Bill Proposed in US Senate to Protect Airport Body Scan Images

Link to article in Computerworld:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9208651/Sens._Schumer_Nelson_propose_bill_to_protect_airport_body_scan_images

Link to news release from Senator Ben Nelson:

http://bennelson.senate.gov/press/press_releases/Inappropriate-Release-Of-Body-Scan-Images-Should-Be-A-Felony.cfm

TELEMATICS

4) Every Move You Make

The logistics industry has adopted a passive attitude toward GPS.

Link to article in LogisticsWeek:

http://logisticsweek.com/feature/2011/02/every-move-you-make/

TRANSIT

5) Refusal of Seattle Bus Ads Came on Fear of Attacks

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014158893_busads08m.html

6) Melbourne SmartBus Fails IQ Test

Faulty electronic timetables are confusing passengers.

Link to article in the Banyule & Nillumbik Weekly:

http://www.banyuleandnillumbikweekly.com.au/news/local/news/general/smartbus-fails-iq-test/2069869.aspx

7) Opening the Loop with Transit Programs

Bank-issued cards remove transit agencies from issuance game.

Link to article in ContactlessNews:

http://www.contactlessnews.com/2011/02/08/opening-the-loop-with-transit-programs

8) The Good Wait – What Those Subway Countdown Clocks do to Your Brain

Link to article in New York:

http://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/70983/

9) MBTA General Manager: ‘We Must Do a Better Job’

Following month filled with snow, GM says agency must do a better job of communicating with riders.

Link to blog in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2011/02/mbta_general_ma_1.html

10) Online ‘Map Movies’: Useful?

Link to blog on Human Transit:

http://www.humantransit.org/2011/02/online-map-movies-useful.html

Link to map movie from Rotherham Metro Borough Council:

http://www.rotherham.gov.uk/info/10082/public_transport-information_and_advice/1614/rotherham_map_movie

11) DC Metro Trackwork Announcements Take Tentative Step Forward

Link to blog on Greater Greater Washington:

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/9066/metro-trackwork-announcements-take-tentative-step-forward/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Storm Points to Significance of South Dakota 511 System Changes

Link to editorial in the Argus Leader:

http://www.argusleader.com/article/20110208/VOICES01/102080314/-1/voices01/Editorial-Storm-points-significance-511-system-changes

VEHICLES

13) Electronic Flaws Did Not Cause Toyota Problems, US Says

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/09/business/09auto.html

Link to news release from NHTSA:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2011/U.S.+Department+of+Transportation+Releases+Results+from+NHTSA-NASA+Study+of+Unintended+Acceleration+in+Toyota+Vehicles

14) EPA Digs Up Way to Collect In-Use Emissions Data from Construction Vehicles

Link to article in Off Highway Engineering:

http://www.sae.org/mags/SOHE/9258

News Releases

1) Michigan DOT Posts Winter Safety Message on YouTube

2) Northrop Grumman Delivers Europe’s First Runway Status Light Control System at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris

3) City of Stockholm Calls for Intelligent Transport Solutions

4) GEWI Newsletter – January/February 2011 Edition

5) Waze Launches First Real-Time Community Voice Alerts to Warn Fellow iPhone Drivers of Road Hazards Ahead

6) Transit Buzz TV Reaches 30-Million Monthly Viewers

7) High-Resolution Cameras Now Standard for Transit and Rail Video Surveillance System

8) Global Alert Network and AccuWeather.com Partner to Launch National Location-Based Weather Alert System for Mobile Phones

9) Ford Launches National High School Safe Driving Tour

10) Wi-Fi Usage at Boston Logan Jumps 400% in 2010

Solicitation

–  Request for Procurement – Test Data Sets to Support Dynamic Mobility Applications Development – FHWA

http://www.its.dot.gov/procurements/procurement_announcement.htm

Upcoming Events

10th Annual UK & European Rail Stations Conference – March 1 – London

http://landor.co.uk/railstations

Today in Transportation History

1971 **40th anniversary** South Vietnamese forces enter Laos in an effort to disrupt logistics on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,876899,00.html

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – February 7, 2011

February 7, 2011 at 6:27 pm

Monday, February 7, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Close Calls in the Skies: FAA Reporting Methods Questioned

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/04/AR2011020406956.html

2) British Airlines Warn Tories Not to Sell Stake in Air Traffic Control

Link to article in The Observer:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/feb/06/nats-airlines-government-stake-selloff

3) Air New Zealand to Allow Calls, Texts on New Plane

Link to article in The New Zealand Herald:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10704698

4) How Airports Can Use Technology to Improve the Customer Experience

Link to article on Tnooz:

http://www.tnooz.com/2011/02/04/how-to/how-airports-can-use-technology-to-improve-the-customer-experience

CAMERAS

5) Victorian Government Denies Release of Speed Camera Locations Will Raise Road Toll

Link to article in the Herald Sun:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/speed-camera-blitz-in-the-suburbs/story-e6frf7kx-1226001064979

GPS / NAVIGATION

6) ‘Death by GPS’ in Desert

Navigation devices being depended upon in wilderness areas with deadly results.

Link to article in The Sacramento Bee:

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/01/30/3362727/death-by-gps-in-desert.html

OTHER

7) Chat with Siddhartha Banerjee, Developer of Meter Down, a Rickshaw and Taxi Fare Calculator

Link to article on Tech2:

http://tech2.in.com/india/topstuff/mobiletablet-apps-software/chat-with-siddhartha-bannerjee-developer-of-meter-down/190942/0

8) Cairo Taxi Guide App Released for Free Due to Situation in Egyptian Capital

Link to further information from iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cairo-taxi-guide/id416874893?mt=8

9) Presentations from FOT-Net Webinar, ‘Cooperation Needs on Field Operational Tests’

Link to further information and presentations from FOT-Net:

http://www.fot-net.eu/en/news__events/events/past_fot_events/fot-net_webinar_took__place_on_03_february_1400_cet.htm

PARKING

10) A New App Can Help you Park in Hollywood

Link to story and video on KNBC-TV:

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/station/as-seen-on/A_New_App_Can_Help_You_Park_in_Hollywood_Los_Angeles-112355369.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

11) Sharing the Value of Transit

Link to blog in Mass Transit:

http://news.cygnusb2bmail.com/portal/wts/cgmcFeaAq9qbaC8DefjbsxcBjx37a

ROADWAYS

12) Kansas City, Kansas Police Use Forensic Mapping to Investigate Accidents

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/public-safety/Kansas-City-Police-Use-Forensic-Mapping-to-Investigate-Accidents.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

13) Airport Checkpoints of the Future

Personal data will be used to score passengers.

Link to article in Aviation Week and Space Technology:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news/awst/2011/02/07/AW_02_07_2011_p43-279149.xml

14) February Issue of The Responder

Link to newsletter:

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnx0aW1uZXR3b3Jrc2l0ZXxneDozZDNmNzI5Mjg3YWJkMzEz

TRANSIT

15) Taking Mobile Digital Signage to a New Level

Link to article in Mass Transit:

http://www.masstransitmag.com/interactive/2011/02/03/taking-mobile-digital-signage-to-a-new-level/

16) What’s the Best TriMet App Out There? Easy: PDX Bus (by a Mile)

Link to column in The Oregonian:

http://blog.oregonlive.com/commuting/2011/02/andrew_wallace_inventor_of_pdx.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

17) South Dakota 511 Road Test

Link to story and video on KELO-TV:

http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail6371.cfm?Id=110346

18) Spread of Smart Phones Eases Holiday Traffic Congestion in South Korea

Link to article in The Chosun Ilbo:

http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/02/07/2011020700548.html

19) Rare Look Inside Virginia DOT Control Room

Link to story and video on WAVY-TV:

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/rare-look-inside-vdot-control-room

20) More 411 Would have Helped Drivers Trapped on Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive

Link to column in the Chicago Tribune:

http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2011/02/more-411-would-have-helped-the-lsd-911.html

VEHICLES

21) Europe’s Cars Adopt Daytime Lights to Boost Safety

Link to AFP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hvkCrDH_d0tFk8c6t5DJ6bWfBFJg?docId=CNG.f633c1f93ead7c4ea82895634cdfeeaf.721

Link to further information from the EU:

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/pdf/projects/drl.pdf

22) Give Your Dashboard the Finger

An in-car interface helps drivers keep their hands on the wheel.

Link to article in Technology Review:

http://www.technologyreview.com/communications/32251/

23) For Car Cassette Decks, Play Time is Over

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/automobiles/06AUDIO.html

News Releases

1) Sensis to Design NextGen Airspace Procedures for High-Density Airport Terminal Areas

2) TripAdvisor Acquires EveryTrail, Expands Mobile Travel Offering

3) Digital Signage Federation Releases Digital Signage Privacy Standards

4) New Washington State Good to Go! Statewide Customer Service Center to Feature Enhanced Web Site and Pass Options for Electronic Tolls

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Organizational Change – Supporting Effective ITS Deployment in State and Local Government – February 9

http://webportal.itsa.org/Events/ViewEventDetail.aspx?code=68a25752-cb19-e011-9979-00142210ec9e

Today in Transportation History

1961 **50th anniversary** The Manned Lunar Landing Task Group, chaired by George M. Low, delivered a report to NASA saying a manned landing on the moon was possible before the end of the decade.

http://www.lib.rpi.edu/Archives/history/presidents/low,gm.html

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – February 3, 2011

February 3, 2011 at 11:09 pm

Thursday, February 3, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


MARITIME

1) Integrated Maritime Monitoring System Launched in Bulgaria

Link to article in The Sofia Echo:

http://www.sofiaecho.com/2011/02/03/1036380_integrated-maritime-monitoring-system-launched-in-bulgaria

TELEMATICS

2) Auto Insurers Get New Window on Driving Habits

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704775604576120361954865544.html

TRANSIT

3) Edmonton Transit to Test System to Provide Real-Time Bus Updates

Link to article in the Edmonton Journal:

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/location+system+technology+costs+city+test/4215475/story.html

4) Beefed-Up MBTA Still Falters Under Blizzard of Visitors

Link to article in the Boston Herald:

http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/news/on_the_t/index.php/2011/02/01/beefed-up-mbta-still-falters-under-blizzard-of-visitors/

Link to MBTA site: http://www.mbta.com/

5) Firms Make Deals with New York MTA to Sell Transit-Themed Signs, Apparel

Link to article in Crain’s New York Business:

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20110130/SMALLBIZ/301309982

6) What are Best Practices in Transit Branding, Marketing and Communications?

Link to blog on The City Fix:

http://thecityfix.com/what-are-best-practices-in-transit-branding-marketing-and-communications/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

7) New 24-Hour Traffic Channel on Philadelphia TV Finding Viewers

Link to article in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20110203_New_24-hour_traffic_channel_on_TV_here_finding_viewers.html

Link to further information on Tango Traffic: http://tangotraffic.com/

8) Motorists in Tennessee Hunger for Helpful Traffic Updates

State says it’s unlikely to provide updates on congestion due to limited information.

Link to article in The Tennessean:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110202/WILLIAMSON12/102020330/Motorists-hunger-helpful-traffic-updatesthe

9) American Idle: On the Road

To shorten ever-growing commutes, will drivers pay money to take faster lanes, avoid traffic?

Link to column in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703445904576118082299960882.html

VEHICLES

10) New Nevada Director Says ‘DMV in a Box’ Proposal Will Revolutionize Service

Proposal would provide self-service kiosks around state.

Link to Nevada News Bureau article:

http://www.nevadanewsbureau.com/2011/02/02/new-dmv-director-says-dmv-in-a-box-proposal-will-revolutionize-service/

11) Apple Update Foils Toyotas

Link to article in The Sydney Morning Herald:

http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/cartech/apple-update-foils-toyotas-20110201-1abkq.html

News Releases

1) FAA, JetBlue Agreement to Bring NextGen Precision to East Coast, Caribbean Routes

2) Free Wi-Fi for 200,000 Sydney Ferries Commuters

3) Case Study: Opticom Traffic Signal Priority Control for Emergency Vehicle Preemption in Savannah, Georgia

4) Al McGowan Named CEO of TrafficCast

5) Luxembourg National Railway Offers iPhone App with Timetable Information

Solicitation

–  Call for Proposals – Telematics Applications for Rail Passengers’ Services – European Commission

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/grants/2011_03_21_en.htm

Upcoming Events

Positive Train Control World Congress – February 22-24 – Miami

http://www.ptcworldcongress.com

Today in Transportation History

1961 **50th anniversary** Operation ‘Looking Glass’ began. A US Air Force aircraft was airborne at all times to provide command and control of the US nuclear arsenal in the event of an attack which destroyed the ground-based command center.

http://www.nebraskastudies.org/0900/stories/0901_0124.html

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – February 2, 2011

February 2, 2011 at 6:57 pm

Wednesday, February 2, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


GEWI FREE NEWSLETTER read by thousands worldwide.

GEWI’s newsletter provides useful and practical information about global traffic technologies, customer projects and trends, and is full of ideas about real-world solutions using GEWI’s TIC product. In the next edition: how TIC3 can be used to manage parking data, how TIC3 can be used to create randomized traffic data for system testing, and details on TIC’s flexible and scalable pricing solutions for both public and private sector customers to enable progress to be made on transportation projects (even under today’s era of budgetary constraints). Sign up today to receive GEWI’s next newsletter being distributed this Friday, Feb. 4th, and then continue to receive more news six times a year.  To subscribe, simply visit, www.GEWI.com and select Newsletter Subscription.  For more information contact jim.oneill@gewi.com

AVIATION

1) Airlines Face Obligation in EU Proposal to Give Passenger Data

Link to Bloomberg article:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-02/airlines-face-obligation-in-eu-proposal-to-give-passenger-data.html

Link to news release from the EU:

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/120

2) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Replace Confusing Road Signs this Year

Link to article in The Arizona Republic:

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2011/02/02/20110202phoenix-sky-harbor-international-airport-new-road-signs.html

3) Delta Sends Its 11,000 Agents to Charm School

Link to column in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704775604576120080627254652.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) Social Surveillance Yields Smarter Directions

Link to article in Technology Review:

http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/32250/?a=f

OTHER

5) US DOT E-rulemaking Pilot Project Encounters Minor Glitch

Link to article in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2011/02/02/dot-erulemaking-pilot-project-encounters-minor-glitch.aspx

Link to Regulation Room: http://www.regulationroom.org/

6) Articles from January/February 2011 Edition of Public Roads

–  Managing Traffic Operations During Adverse Weather Events

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/11janfeb/01.cfm

–  Twisting Roads Still Spell Trouble

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/11janfeb/02.cfm

–  Using GPR to Unearth Sensor Malfunctions

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/11janfeb/04.cfm

–  Traffic Simulation Runs: How Many Needed?

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/11janfeb/05.cfm

–  Pooling Talent and Technologies – University Transportation Centers

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/11janfeb/06.cfm

PARKING

7) San Francisco Parking Meters to Alert Drivers When Spot is Open

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/transportation/SF-Parking-Meters-Alert-Drivers.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) TSA Tells Freedom of Information Act Requestor to Define ‘Complaint’

Link to blog in The Examiner:

http://www.sfexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/2011/02/tsa-tells-foia-requestor-define-complaint

TELEMATICS

9) Fleet Management’s Magic Box

Link to article in World Trade:

http://www.worldtrademag.com/Articles/Feature_Article/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000988410

TRANSIT

10) Three Toronto Transit Drivers to Lose Jobs for Texting While Driving

Link to article in the Toronto Sun:

http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2011/01/31/17104666.html
11) Metro-North Drives Commuters to Frustration, and Back Again

Some riders say railroad’s messages are not reflective of reality.

Link to article on New Canaan Patch:

http://newcanaan.patch.com/articles/metro-north-drives-commuters-to-frustration-and-back-again-4

12) Transit Agency Compliance with Title VI: Limited English Proficiency Requirements

Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/Transit_Agency_Compliance_with_Title_VI_Limited_En_164762.aspx

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Delaware DOT’s ‘War Room’ Technology Helps Save Time, Money Throughout the Year

Link to article in The News Journal:

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20110202/NEWS02/102020351/1007/DelDOT-s–war-room–saves-time–money

14) The ‘Mega-Storm’ Bears Down on the Nation – and Radio Gears Up

Link to article on Radio-Info.com:

http://www.radio-info.com/news/the-mega-storm-bears-down-on-the-nation-and-radio-gears-up

15) Webinar Recording: North American Traffic Technology Tour – Highlights from GEWI’s 2010 Tech Demos

Link to recording via ITS America:

http://itsa.na5.acrobat.com/p15318854/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal

16) February Edition of Florida DOT’s SunGuide Disseminator

Link to newsletter:

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/TrafficOperations/Newsletters/2011/2011-002-Feb.pdf

VEHICLES

17) New Car Technology Tells Tailgaters to Back Off

Link to story and audio on NPR’s All Things Considered:

http://www.npr.org/2011/01/31/133374309/new-car-technology-tells-tailgaters-to-back-off

WEATHER

18) Inside Storm Central for the Chicago Area

Link to article and video in the Chicago Sun-Times:

http://www.suntimes.com/3607236-417/birk-weather-storm-romeoville-monitors.html

19) Weather.gov Weak Even Without Blizzard, Study Says

Link to article in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2011/02/02/weather.gov-performance-blizzard.aspx

Link to report from Indeep 76:

http://www.indeep76.com/weather.gov/

News Releases

1) European Council Adopts Regulation on Rights of Bus and Coach Passengers, Including Information Updates

2) Registration Now Open for the 18th World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems

3) FCC Announces Membership of the Emergency Response Interoperability Center Public Safety Advisory Committee

4) Lehigh University Launches Real-Time Bus Tracking Web Site

5) Telmap Introduces Multimodal Routing as Part of the European Commission’s In-Time Project

6) Seattle DOT Launches Online Map to Show Potholes’ Status

7) Healthy Demand Among Chinese Consumers for Integration of Apps in Cars

8) The iPhone Revolution Reaches Rail in an End to Ticket Office Queues in the UK

9) City of Melbourne, Australia to Examine New Parking Technology

Solicitation

–  Call for Abstracts – 2011 Mid-Continent Transportation Research Symposium

http://www.intrans.iastate.edu/events/midcon2011/callforabstracts/

Upcoming Events

ITS Minnesota 17th Annual Meeting & Information Exchange – March 8 – St. Paul, Minnesota

http://www.itsmn.org

Today in Transportation History

1961 **50th anniversary** Passengers aboard the Portuguese cruise ship Santa Maria were released following a hijacking.

http://www.oceancruisenews.com/bm4.htm

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblastat bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – February 1, 2011

February 2, 2011 at 6:52 pm

Tuesday, February 1, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


Discuss Federal Legislative Initiatives at IBTTA Legislative Conference – March 7-8, Washington, DC

The interest in new business approaches from all-electronic tolling to distance-based road charging will require new relationships and collaboration as well as new legislative and regulatory support.  Attend IBTTA’s Legislative Conference to better understand and influence federal and state policymaking.  Delegates will have the opportunity to visit with members of Congress during a reception at the U.S. Capitol.  Visit www.IBTTA.org to view the preliminary agenda, register, and learn about sponsorship opportunities. To view IBTTA’s entire 2011 Education Series, click here.

AVIATION

1) Airlines Offer Free In-Flight Facebook

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-02-01-facebook-inflight-wifi_N.htm

2) Companies Visit FAA Tech Center to Explore Role in NextGen Control System

Link to article in The Press of Atlantic City:

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/article_b7375796-2afd-11e0-b265-001cc4c03286.html

BUSES

3) The High-Tech Bus is the Fastest Growing Form of Intercity Transportation

Link to story on Transportation Nation:

http://transportationnation.org/2011/01/31/34737riding-under-the-radar-the-high-tech-intercity-bus/

Link to report from DePaul University:

http://las.depaul.edu/chaddick/docs/Docs/2010_Intercity_Bus_Study_12-29.pdf

CAMERAS

4) Study Puts Spotlight on Red Light Cameras

Link to article and video in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-02-01-redlight01_ST_N.htm

Link to news release from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr020111.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

5) Data Shows Disastrous GPS Jamming from FCC-Approved Broadcaster

Link to article in GPS World:

http://www.gpsworld.com/gnss-system/news/data-shows-disastrous-gps-jamming-fcc-approved-broadcaster-11029

SAFETY / SECURITY

6) Technology Improving for Wireless Commercial Vehicle Inspections

Link to article in Transport Topics:

http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=26025

TRANSIT

7) Are Super Bowl Planners Getting the Word Out on Transit Service?

Link to blog in The Dallas Morning News:

http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/01/are-super-bowl-planners-gettin.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

8) Voice of Vietnam Plans to Launch Traffic Channel for National Highway

Link to story on the Voice of Vietnam:

http://english.vovnews.vn/Home/VOV-plans-to-launch-traffic-channel-for-national-highway/20112/123593.vov

VEHICLES

9) US Proposes Electronic Onboard Recorders for All Interstate Trucks

Link to article in Transport Topics:

http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=26021

Link to news release from US DOT:

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2011/fmcsa0111.html

10) In-Car Electronics Enter the Space Age, but Most Drivers are Still Cavemen

Link to commentary on BNET:

http://www.bnet.com/blog/auto-business/in-car-electronics-enter-the-space-age-but-most-drivers-are-still-cavemen/2250

11) Blurring the Line Between Luxury and Mainstream

Technology previously seen only on high-end vehicles now being offered in less expensive cars.

Link to blog in Automotive News:

http://www.autonews.com/article/20110201/BLOG06/110139978/1490

News Releases

1) inthinc Awarded Patent on Technology to Reduce Distracted Driving

2) Springfield, Missouri Airing Traffic Cameras on Government Access Channel

3) Wi-Fi Service Available on All Amtrak Cascades Trains

4) New York MTA Debuts BusTime, Providing Real-Time Updates

5) OnStar to Show Smart Energy Management Solutions

6) Toronto Transit Commission Improves E-alert Service to Include Route Filtering

7) First Nationwide GPS Guide to Offbeat US Tourist Attractions from RoadsideAmerica.com

8) Kapsch TrafficCom Names New CEO for Its North American Operations and Renames Mark IV IVHS

Upcoming Events

ITS Minnesota 17th Annual Meeting & Information Exchange – March 8 – St. Paul, Minnesota

http://www.itsmn.org

Today in Transportation History

1911 **100th anniversary** Explosives aboard the Katherine W exploded while cargo from the ship was being transferred to a freight car by the Central Railroad of New Jersey in Communipaw, New Jersey.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F70714FE3F5D16738DDDAA0894DA405B818DF1D3

1911 **100th anniversary** The battleship HMS Thunderer was launched.

http://www.steelnavy.com/CombrigThunderer.htm

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

Questions, comments about the TCN?  Please write the editor, BernieWagenblast at bernie@bwcommunications.net.

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – January 31, 2011

January 31, 2011 at 6:52 pm

Monday, January 31, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


AVIATION

1) Hologram Welcomes Manchester Airport Passengers

Link to BBC News story and video:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-12310095

2) Money at Center of American Airlines’ Battle with Online Ticket Sellers

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-0130-airfare-feud-20110130,0,6952497.story

CAMERAS

3) Victoria Police Minister Vows to Lift Secrecy on Speed Camera Network

Link to article in the Herald Sun:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/culture-of-secrecy-gets-the-boot/story-fn6bfkm6-1225997075184

4) Costa Rica Traffic Cameras May be Used to Control Bus Schedules

Link to article on Insidecostarica:

http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2011/january/29/costarica11012901.htm

5) New Speed Camera System on London Road is ‘UK First’

Link to BBC News story:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12315512

Link to news release from Transport for London:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/metro/18017.aspx

MARITIME

6) Liquid Radio

America’s navy is developing an antenna made of seawater.

Link to article in The Economist:

http://www.economist.com/node/18007506

OTHER

7) TV in Ohio DOT Headquarters Cafeteria Changed from CNN to Fox News Under New Administration

Link to column in the Plain Dealer:

http://www.cleveland.com/tipoff/index.ssf/2011/01/10_drop_out_of_cleveland_polic.html (scroll down for story)

ROADWAYS

8) Click to Share a Ride and Toll on 520 Bridge in Washington State

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014060417_eslugging28m.html

9) Lack of Traffic Signs Causing Accidents in Islamabad

Link to Associated Press of Pakistan article:

http://app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=129207&Itemid=2

10) Firm to Catalog Billboards Throughout Illinois

Link to article in The State Journal-Register:

http://www.sj-r.com/top-stories/x1868082715/Firm-to-catalog-billboards-throughout-Illinois

SAFETY / SECURITY

11) US Eyeing a Global ‘Trusted Shipper’ Program

Link to AP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gE_oN1UwSAYOB-JoKiutUpnGzgpA?docId=387c9870848f4badb76e359cfd0035b6

12) Twitter, Facebook are Part of New US Terror Alert System

Link to article in Federal Computer Week:

http://fcw.com/articles/2011/01/28/dhs-to-use-twitter-facebook-in-new-terror-alert-system.aspx

Link to National Terrorism Advisory System Twitter page:http://twitter.com/NTASAlerts

13) NTSB: Accidents Show Need for New Safety Culture Perspective

Link to article in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2011/01/Hersman-discusses-transportation-industry-s-future-at-TRB-conference.aspx

14) Most North Carolina Texting Tickets Given to Drivers Over 25

Link to AP article:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-28/most-nc-texting-charges-come-from-drivers-over-25.html

TELEMATICS

15) Articles on CNET UK’s Crave

–  GPS Telematics Boxes Provide Cheaper Insurance for Young Drivers

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/cartech/gps-telematics-boxes-provide-cheaper-insurance-for-young-drivers-50002428/

–  DriveCam In-Car Surveillance Cameras Spy on Reckless Teenage Drivers

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/cartech/drivecam-in-car-surveillance-cameras-spy-on-reckless-teenage-drivers-50002439/

–  Mini Coyote V2 Helps You Avoid Speeding Fines

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/cartech/mini-coyote-v2-helps-you-avoid-speeding-fines-50002425/

16) Telematics May Soon be Coming to Your Farm

Link to article in Farm & Ranch Guide:

http://www.farmandranchguide.com/news/agri-tech/agri-tech-news-telematics-may-soon-be-coming-to-your/article_0d9e62b4-2c89-11e0-a096-001cc4c002e0.html

TRANSIT

17) Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Apologizes for Storm Glitches on T

Problems with agency’s Web site caused communication delays.

Link to AP article:

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20110128transport_chief_cites_confluence_causing_delays

18) Toronto Transit Commission to Passengers: Don’t Snap Pictures of Texting Drivers

Link to article in the Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/929736–ttc-to-passengers-don-t-take-pictures-of-drivers

19) Reliability of FTA’s Rail Accident Database

Link to report from the US Government Accountability Office:

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-217R

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

20) NICTA and New South Wales RTA Road Test Innovative Traffic Incident Management System

Link to article on ZDNet Australia

http://www.zdnet.com.au/nicta-rta-continue-traffic-tech-team-up-339308879.htm

Link to news release from NICTA:

http://www.nicta.com.au/news/current/nicta_and_rta_road_test_innovative_traffic_incident_management_system

21) Planners’ Vision for Traffic During Super Bowl Week: Avoid Dreaded Delay Penalty

Link to article in The Dallas Morning News:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/super-bowl/local/20110128-planners-vision-for-traffic-during-super-bowl-week-avoid-dreaded-delay-penalty.ece

22) 1330 Travel Information Call Service Still Soaring in Popularity in South Korea

Link to article in The Korea Herald:

http://www.koreaherald.com/lifestyle/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110130000293

23) Columbia County, Georgia Drivers to Get Up-to-the-Minute Traffic Information

Link to story and video on WJBF-TV:

http://www2.wjbf.com/news/2011/jan/29/columbia-county-working-use-broadband-bring-minute-ar-1398543/

VEHICLES

24) BMW Cars Get Real-Time Traffic Information

Link to article on autoevolution:

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/bmw-cars-get-real-time-traffic-information-30461.html

25) iCar App Turns an iPhone Into a Car Accident Black Box

Link to article on Gizmag:

http://www.gizmag.com/icar-black-box-app-for-iphone/17724

News Releases

1) Passenger Tracking by SITA and Bluelon to Revolutionize Services at Airports

2) OnStar Signs More than 1,600 Retail Locations

3) Follow Overland Park, Kansas Snow Crews Progress Live

4) Metropolitan Transportation Commission Seeks Community-Based Organizations to Assist with Outreach

Upcoming Events

Webinar: ‘We’re Not in Kansas Anymore’ – How Opticom Central Management Software has Revolutionized Traffic Signal Priority Control for Olathe, Kansas – February 1

http://www.gtt.com/ (scroll down)

Today in Transportation History

1961 **50th anniversary** Ham, a chimpanzee, was launched into space on a Project Mercury mission.  During the sub-orbital flight he performed simple, timed tasks.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,872134,00.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – January 21, 2011

January 22, 2011 at 12:08 pm

Friday, January 21, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


Join ITS America Webinar Series on GEWI’s Traffic Technology Tour, Jan. 28 @ 1pm EST

The 2011 ITS America Webinar Series continues Friday, Jan. 28, at 1 p.m. EST with a presentation by GEWI on the highlights of its North America Traffic Technology Tour. The session will address location referencing and harmonization, data exchange between systems and connected vehicles/IntelliDrive, and real time data for traffic navigation systems. To register for the Jan. 28th session, click here.  GEWI is the developer of TIC, used in over 125 projects around the world to process traffic data for both public and private sector clients.  For more information on GEWI or the Traffic Technologies Webinar, contact Jim O’Neill atjim.oneill@gewi.com.

AVIATION

1) O’Hare Airport to Feature Ads in Bathroom Mirrors

Link to article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-01-20/business/ct-biz-0121-bathroom-ads-20110120_1_mirror-bathroom-airports

Link to news release from Clear Channel Airports:

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110120005409/en/Clear-Channel-Airports-Reflects-Marketers%E2%80%99-Messages-Digital

CAMERAS

2) Vehicle Cameras Improve Safety for Teen Drivers

Link to article in The Kansas City Star:

http://www.kansascity.com/2011/01/20/2598705/insurers-video-cameras-in-vehicles.html

MARITIME

3) Pentagon Approves Navy Plan to Develop Shipboard Network

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110119_7046.php

Link to further information from Northrop Grumman:

http://www.is.northropgrumman.com/CANES/index.html

Link to further information from Lockheed Martin:

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ms2/features/CANES.html

OTHER

4) Articles from CTS Research E-News

–  Cell Phones Used to Receive Traffic Safety Messages

http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchENews/2011/01/index.html#cellphones

–  Camera Networks for Security and Traffic Applications

http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchENews/2011/01/index.html#cameranetworks

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

5) New Video Helps Drive Message to Port Truckers

Link to blog and video from the Environmental Defense Fund:

http://blogs.edf.org/texascleanairmatters/2011/01/21/new-video-helps-drives-message-to-port-truckers/

RAILROADS

6) Control System Fails for Japan’s Bullet Trains

Link to article in The Yomiuri Shimbun:

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110118004455.htm

Link to statement from JR East:

http://www.jreast.co.jp/apology/20110117_shinkansen.html (in Japanese)

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Man on Trial for Refusing to Show ID to TSA Agents

Link to story and video on KOMO-TV:

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/114346549.html

8) Technology Will Eliminate Intrusive Airport Security Searches, Says IATA Boss

Link to CP article:

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/breakingnews/governments-need-united-approach-to-improve-security-iata-boss-says-114292739.html

Link to article in Airlines International:

http://www.iata.org/pressroom/airlines-international/december-2010/Pages/security.aspx

9) A Short-Circuit to Distracted Driving

Cell carriers are exploring technology aimed at reducing distractions by temporarily interrupting service.

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/21/technology/21distracted.html

10) Keeping Your Hands on the Wheel, Off the Keyboard

Link to article and video in The Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/01/17/2020240/keeping-your-hands-on-the-wheel.html

TELEMATICS

11) Green Telematics: The Eco-driving Opportunity

Link to article in Telematics Update:

http://social.telematicsupdate.com/industry-insight/green-telematics-eco-driving-opportunity

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

12) Social Networking Sites to Keep Tab on Indian Highways’ Condition

Link to article in The Times of India:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Social-networking-sites-to-keep-tab-on-highways-condition/articleshow/7329249.cms

Link to news release from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways:

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=69202

VEHICLES

13) Car Shoppers Want Wi-Fi Connection

Link to blog on MoneyWatch:

http://moneywatch.bnet.com/saving-money/blog/cars-money/auto-technology-car-shoppers-want-wifi-connection/2178/

14) SARTRE Vehicle Platooning Project Carries Out First Successful Test

Link to article in Traffic Technology International:

http://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news.php?NewsID=27238

News Releases

1) Gatwick Airport’s Innovative Use of Social Media Wins Award

2) TV Program Examine US Military’s Transportation Command’s Mission

3) Nebraska’s DMV Online Service Use Increases in 2010

Upcoming Events

ASME/ASCE/IEEE 2011 Joint Rail Conference – March 16-18 – Pueblo, Colorado

http://www.asmeconferences.org/JRC2011/

Friday Bonus

Anyone can look at a New York City subway map, but how many can play one?

http://blog.chenalexander.com/2011/conductor-in-progress-video/

Today in Transportation History

1911 **100th anniversary** The first Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo was held.

http://www.acm.mc/index2.html

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – January 20, 2011

January 22, 2011 at 12:01 pm

Thursday, January 20, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


ITS America seeking session topics and tech demos for the 18th World Congress on ITS

Have an idea for a session or want to showcase your latest technology solution at the upcoming World Congress on ITS?  Time is running out to help shape this year’s program covering the latest technology innovations, policy issues and transportation research.  More than 10,000 industry leaders, policymakers and practitioners from across the globe will convene in Orlando, Fla., from Oct. 16-20, 2011, for the 18th World Congress and ITS America Annual Meeting.  To submit a session proposal, please e-mail a title and brief paragraph description as well as proposed speakers or moderators to Nicole Oliphant at noliphant@itsa.org.  To participate in our Technology Showcase — the biggest and most innovative test site for advanced transportation technologies – please e-mail Dan Hering for an application form at dhering@itsa.org. Applications can be submitted no later than Feb. 1.  For more information, visit the World Congress website at www.itsworldcongress.org.

AVIATION

1) Technologies Aid Dulles International Airport Air Traffic Controllers

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/Photo-Of-The-Week-Jan-18.html

2) Jet2 Turns Off Twitter Account, Highlights Reality of Social Media

Link to article on Tnooz:

http://www.tnooz.com/2011/01/20/news/jet2-turns-off-twitter-account-highlights-reality-of-social-media

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

3) Utah DOT Aims to Increase Express Lane Revenue

Link to article in the Standard-Examiner:

http://www.standard.net/topics/traffic/2011/01/19/udot-aims-increase-express-lane-revenue

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) European Commission: Complete Galileo

Link to article in Aviation Week:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=space&id=news/asd/2011/01/20/02.xml&headline=European%20Commission:%20Complete%20Galileo

MARITIME

5) Port of Terrebonne, Louisiana to Begin Tracking Vessels

Link to article in the Daily Comet:

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20110119/ARTICLES/110119356/1212?Title=Port-of-Terrebonne-to-begin-tracking-vessels

PEDESTRIANS

6) Portable Devices Linked to US Pedestrian Death Spike

Link to AFP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i9SRBTxOgwjWw-MR7GFnxE5FKmtg?docId=CNG.92aeb8bdb61f21b28082d7f915770a08.d31

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

7) Highway Officials Take Road Needs to Social Media

Link to article in The Journal of Commerce:

http://www.joc.com/government-regulation/highway-officials-take-road-needs-social-media

Link to news release from AASHTO:

http://news.transportation.org/press_release.aspx?Action=ViewNews&NewsID=358

8) Minnesota DOT Holds Public Hearing via the Internet

Link to story and video on KEYC-TV:

http://www.keyc.com/node/46291

9) Government Execs Discuss Strategies for Updating Social Media Accounts

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/e-government/Government-Strategies-Social-Media-Accounts.html

RAILROADS

10) Amtrak E-mail Misuse Alleged in IG Scandal

Link to article in the National Journal:

http://www.nationaljournal.com/amtrak-e-mail-misuse-alleged-in-ig-scandal-20110120

ROADWAYS

11) Georgia DOT Says It is Committed to Learning from Storm Mistakes

Enhancing coordination with local jurisdictions one area being looked at.

Link to article in the Gwinnett Daily Post:

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/localnews/headlines/DOT_says_it_is_committed_to_learning_from_storm_mistakes_114251269.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) FEMA Chief Taps Social Media’s Potential for Aiding Disaster Response

Link to article on Nextgov:

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110119_8035.php

13) T-Mobile Launches Child Tracking and App that Blocks Text-While-Driving

Link to article on GPS Business News:

http://www.gpsbusinessnews.com/T-Mobile-Launches-Child-Tracking-and-App-that-Blocks-Text-while-driving_a2745.html

TRANSIT

14) Seattle Transit Agency in Federal Court, Accused of Censorship

Link to Reuters article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70I7T520110119

15) Sochi, Russia Transport Workers Prepare to Greet Visitors in English in Preparation for Winter Olympics

Link to Itar-Tass article:

http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=15872438&PageNum=0

16) St. Albert Transit Riders Look to the Sky for the Next Bus

Link to article in the Edmonton Journal:

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/technology/Albert+Transit+riders+look+next/4100486/story.html

17) An Animated Map of Auckland’s Public Transport Network

Link to article and video on Sciblogs:

http://sciblogs.co.nz/seeing-data/2011/01/20/an-animated-map-of-aucklands-public-transport-network/

VEHICLES

18) GM Daewoo to Change Name, Sell Under Chevy Brand

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/GM-Daewoo-to-change-name-sell-apf-1876407879.html?x=0&.v=1

News Releases

1) GEWI Powers the TMC Traffic Service for M3Asia’s Latest Papago! Navigation Software – Reality 7

2) TTI Releases Urban Mobility Report – Economic Recovery Bringing Renewed Congestion Growth

3) Federal Railroad Administration Issues Guidance for Improving Safety at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings and Preventing Railroad Trespassing

4) See More Views with the New Google Maps Widget

5) Raytheon to Open GIS Collaboration Center in Southern California

6) US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Reaffirms Commitment to Combat Distracted Driving

Upcoming Events

Mid-America Trucking Show – March 31-April 2 – Louisville, Kentucky

http://truckingshow.com/

Today in Transportation History

1811 **200th anniversary** Samuel Keefer, first chief engineer of the Board of Public Works of the Province of Canada and builder of the country’s first suspension bridge and railway tunnel, was born in Thorold, Ontario.

http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0004249

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Bernie’s Transportation Communications Newsletter (TCN) – January 19, 2011

January 19, 2011 at 10:49 pm

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 – ISSN 1529-1057


Join ITS America Webinar Series on GEWI’s Traffic Technology Tour, Jan. 28 @ 1pm EST

The 2011 ITS America Webinar Series continues Friday, Jan. 28, at 1 p.m. EST with a presentation by GEWI on the highlights of its North America Traffic Technology Tour. The session will address location referencing and harmonization, data exchange between systems and connected vehicles/IntelliDrive, and real time data for traffic navigation systems. To register for the Jan. 28th session, click here.  For more information contact Charlie Tennyson at ctennyson@itsa.org or Jim O’Neill at jim.oneill@gewi.com

GPS / NAVIGATION

1) New York City Lawmakers Make Push for GPS Street Cleaning

Supporters say proposal would allow residents to see when sweepers have passed their streets so they can park.

Link to story and video on NY1 News:

http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/politics/132418/city-lawmakers-make-push-for-gps-street-cleaning/

OTHER

2) Pay as You Drive

Link to commentary in the Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/922348–pay-as-you-drive#article

SAFETY / SECURITY

3) Man Arrested for Taking Suspicious Pictures of Miami International Airport

Link to story on WTVJ-TV:

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local-beat/Man-Arrested-for-Taking-Pics-of-Miami-International-Airport-114173374.html

TELEMATICS

4) OnStar’s New Leaders Should Try a New Approach

Link to column on CNBC:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/41155941

TRANSIT

5) Buses Using Virtual World to Navigate

Link to article in the Star Tribune:

http://www.startribune.com/local/south/114181419.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

6) UK Government Planning £3 Billion Traffic and Parking Management Systems

Link to article in Computerworld UK:

http://www.computerworlduk.com/news/public-sector/3257339/government-planning-3bn-traffic-management-system/

7) Technology to Enhance Taiwan Traffic Control During Lunar New Year Holiday

Link to article on Focus Taiwan:

http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?ID=201101190027&Type=aLIV

VEHICLES

8) Audi Launches Urban Intelligent Assist Project

Link to article on autoevolution:

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/audi-launches-urban-intelligent-assist-project-29849.html

Link to news release from Audi:

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/audi-researchers-at-four-us-universities-begin-work-on-solutions-to-urban-mobility-challenges-114141239.html

9) Volvo ‘Platoon’ Road Trains Let You Nap While Driving at 70 MPH

Link to article and video on CNET UK:
http://crave.cnet.co.uk/cartech/volvo-platoon-road-trains-let-you-nap-while-driving-at-70mph-50002259/

Link to additional information on SARTRE Project:

http://www.sartre-project.eu/en/Sidor/default.aspx

10) Car Theft by Antenna

Researchers beat automatic locking and ignition systems.

Link to article in Technology Review:

http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/27037/page1/?a=f

News Releases

1) Virginia Tech’s U Car Share Introduces Cutting-Edge Car-Sharing Technology

2) GE Transportation and Tessco Form Long-Term Partnership to Co-develop and Produce Positive Train Control Solutions

3) Suppliers Rushing to Launch Smart Phone Telematics Applications for Vehicles

4) GM Establishes Global Chief Technology Officer

5) Magazine for Hyderabad Police, The Hyderabad Protector, Launched

6) TRB’s Annual Meeting to Highlight Transportation, Livability, and Economic Development, January 23-27 in Washington, DC

Solicitation

–  Request for Proposals – Computerized Adaptive Traffic Signal Control System – North Central Texas Council of Governments

http://www.nctcog.org/trans/admin/rfp/

Upcoming Events

Maritime Vietnam – March 9-11 – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

http://maritimeshows.com/vietnam2011/

Today in Transportation History

1961 **50th anniversary** An Aeronaves de México flight, taking off from New York International Airport, crashed after an aborted takeoff.  Four people were killed.

http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19610119-0

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

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

Become a TCN fan on Facebook!

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

© 2011 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net