The early registration deadline for ITS America’s 20^th Annual Meeting & Exposition has been extended to February 12, 2010.

ITS America’s 20th Annual Meeting & Exposition from May 3-5, 2010, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX, will provide transportation professionals and policymakers the necessary tools and strategies they need to create communities that are safer, cleaner, more livable and less congested.

We will host several ancillary meetings held by such organizations as the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and the Regional Safety Council.  Sam Palmisano, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of IBM, will close out the conference by sharing his vision for creating a smarter transportation network through technology innovations. Take advantage of the lowest registration rates by registering online by February 12. For the latest conference information and to view the preliminary program, click here or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itsam2010.

AVIATION

1) Delta Makes Software and Avionics Changes Prompted by Overflight Incident

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704533204575047981145838798.html

2) Traveling with Laptops Could Get Tougher

Link to article in PCWorld:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/188762/traveling_with_laptops_could_get_tougher.html

3) How Technology is Improving Air Traffic Control

Link to article in ComputerWeekly:

http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2010/02/08/240223/how-technology-is-improving-air-traffic-control.htm

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

4) Xerox, ACS Shareholders Say ‘Yes’ to $6.4 Billion Takeover

Link to article in the Democrat and Chronicle:

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20100206/BUSINESS/2060333/1001/business

5) Massachusetts Governor Puts Toll Takers on Notice

Eyes electronic toll booths on Pike.

Link to article in the Boston Herald:

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20100208deval_patrick_puts_toll_takers_on_notice_governor_eyes_electronic_booths_on_pike/

MARITIME

6) Keeping an Eye on the Ocean

Radar: A major component in the counter-piracy mission is being able to see other vessels.

Link to article in The Daily Gleaner:

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/cityregion/article/947223

OTHER

7) Florida Transportation Chief Cleared in E-mail Inquiry

Link to article in The Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/legislature/story/1465919.html

8) Washington State Senator Backs Putting Ads on School Buses to Raise Money for Districts

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011004083_schoolbus07m.html

PARKING

9) Finding a Parking Space Could Soon Get Easier

Networking sensors attached to taxis could ease the hunt for street parking.

Link to article in Technology Review:

http://www.technologyreview.com/communications/24497/?a=f

RAILROADS

10) University of Nebraska-Lincoln Team Aims to Digitize Railroad History

Link to article in the Lincoln Journal Star:

http://journalstar.com/business/local/article_fa78ee8e-12a8-11df-b7e6-001cc4c002e0.html

ROADWAYS

11) Google Tapped for New 3D View of the Bay Bridge

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-27076_3-20000048-248.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

12) Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission Electronic Surveillance System Wins Award

Link to article in The Warren Reporter:

http://www.nj.com/warrenreporter/index.ssf/2010/02/delaware_river_joint_toll_brid_5.html

13) What’s the Best Way to Curb Distracted Driving?

Link to commentaries in the National Journal Transportation Experts Blog:

http://transportation.nationaljournal.com/2010/02/whats-the-best-way-to-curb-dis.php

SPACE

14) UN to Discuss Air Traffic Control for Outer Space

Link to article in the Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/7176943/UN-to-discuss-Air-Traffic-Control-for-outer-space.html

TELEMATICS

15) Progressive Rolls Out ‘Telematics’: Is Big Brother on Board?

Link to commentary on BNET:

http://industry.bnet.com/financial-services/10006718/progressive-rolls-out-telematics-is-big-brother-on-board/

TRANSIT

16) Disney, Google Eye Stake in China Bus Media Firm

Link to Reuters article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/08/AR2010020801383.html

17) San Francisco Muni Joins Twitter for Real this Time, but Won’t Offer Service Alerts

Link to commentary in the San Francisco Appeal:

http://sfappeal.com/news/2010/02/muni-joins-twitter-for-real-this-time.php

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

18) Intelligent Traffic Lights Point Way to Safer Future in Edinburgh

Link to article in the Edinburgh Evening News:

http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/edinburgh/Intelligent-traffic-lights-point-way.6051705.jp

19) Traffax Finds Success Overseas

Link to article in the Gazette:

http://www.gazette.net/stories/01292010/businew180402_32559.php

News Releases

1) Avego Powers VPSI Vanpooling

2) WebTech Wireless’ NextBus Real-Time Passenger Information Service Officially Launched in Laval, Quebec

3) See it First Hand—in Your Hand: Metro-North Train Time Gives Real-Time Train Status On Smart Phones and Computers

4) FEMA Releases Draft National Disaster Recovery Framework

5) Christie, Parker & Hale Obtains an Important Patent for Smart Cars

6) Ladbrook and Westcotec Collaborate on a New Generation of Electronic Traffic Signs

Upcoming Events

National Hurricane Conference – March 29-April 2 – Orlando, Florida

http://www.hurricanemeeting.com/

Today in Transportation History

1960 **50^th anniversary** – Construction began on what may be the most famous sidewalk in the world, the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

http://www.hollywoodchamber.net/walk-of-fame-welcome

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

There may be plenty of voice-over artists but how many have worked in the transportation field for over 30-years?  With my experience you not only get a professional, personable voice but someone who knows the terminology and the demands of the transportation business. I’ve provided the voice for numerous transportation applications including Virginia DOT’s Smart Tag customer service phone system, highway advisory radio on the New York State Thruway, platform announcements throughout the PATH system, and NYC Transit’s new Public Address/Customer Information System.  If you’re a regular reader of the TCN you know I’m reliable coming through with an editionevery weekday.  I bring that same professionalism to my voice projects.  To learn more and to hear samples of my work, please visitwww.bwcommunications.net.  Let me know how I can help on your next project.

AVIATION

1) FAA Administrator Says Flight 253 Pilots Were Left in Dark

A communications gap kept the pilots unaware of the serious situation on Christmas Day.

Link to article in The Detroit News:

http://detnews.com/article/20100205/METRO/2050388/FAA-official-says-Flight-253-pilots-were-left-in-dark

2) What Noise Annoys a Passenger in an Airport?

Link to commentary in Passenger Terminal Today:

http://www.passengerterminaltoday.com/opinion.php?BlogID=324

CAMERAS

3) Stop-Light Cameras Cut Violations a Lot, Wrecks a Little, New Louisiana Study Says

Link to article in The Times Picayune:

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/02/new_study_says_stop-light_came.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

4) Is Navigation Nokia’s Road to Riches?

Link to article in Mobile News:

http://www.mobilenewscwp.co.uk/Opinion/410978/cutting_room_is_navigation_nokias_road_to_riches.html

OTHER

5) New York City Names Winners of Apps Contest

One app allows users to find the closest subway entrance, another permits comments on cabs.

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/04/nyc-announces-winners-of-local-apps-contest/

6) Viral Element Spins Toyota Events Out of Control

Link to article in the Financial Times:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ee2126fa-1281-11df-a611-00144feab49a.html

7) Toyota Builds DC Crisis Team

Link to article in The Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703894304575047283289835448.html

ROADWAYS

8) California Governor Gearing Up to Sell Ads on Freeway Electronic Signs

Link to article in The Sacramento Bee:

http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2514901.html

9) Storm to Test Improved West Virginia ‘Pike Emergency Plan

Link to article in The Register-Herald:

http://www.register-herald.com/local/local_story_035230226.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

10) US DOT Secretary Fears Spread of In-Car Technology

Link to article in The Detroit News:

http://detnews.com/article/20100204/AUTO01/2040353/1148/auto01/LaHood-fears-spread-of-in-car-technology

11) Virtual USA Enters Second Phase of Regional Operating Pilot

Program seeks to give first responders a real-time view of what’s happening.

Link to story on WFED Radio:

http://federalnewsradio.com/?nid=19&sid=1880255

VEHICLES

12) The Dozens of Computers that Make Modern Cars Go (and Stop)

Link to article in The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/05/technology/05electronics.html

News Releases

1) IRD Announces Hawaii Traffic Data Collection Award

2) Wisconsin DOT Ensures the Web Meets the Road – US 41 Project

3) Penn State Teams with Volvo as Academic Partner in Areas Including ITS and Safety Systems

Job Postings

-  Project Controls and Quality Assurance Coordinator – ITS/All Electronic Tolling (AET) – MTA Bridges & Tunnels – New York, NY

http://www.mta.info/bandt/employ/jobp999_r879.html

Upcoming Events

ITS Heartland Annual Meeting – March 29-31 – Omaha, Nebraska

http://matc.unl.edu/itsheartland/annualmeeting.php

Friday Bonus

Here are a few reasons states should think twice about closing their highway tourist information centers.

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/stupidest-travel-questions-shocking-mistakes-travelers-make-road/story?id=9516535

Today in Transportation History

1900 **110^th anniversary** The first Hays-Pauncefote Treaty was signed by the US and the UK.  The treaty gave the US the exclusive right to build and maintain a canal in Central America.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9C06E5DF1339E733A25755C1A9649C946197D6CF

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Discuss Federal Legislative Initiatives at IBTTA Legislative Conference – March 22-23, 2010 in Washington, DC

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association on March 22-23, 2010 in Washington, DC and participate in discussions on federal legislative initiatives with leaders in the transportation policy debate. Topics will include transportation authorization, electronic tolling interoperability, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) charging, the proposed Office of Public Benefit, and other important issues affecting tolling and road pricing. Participants will spend Tuesday afternoon visiting their congressional representatives to advance tolling initiatives on Capitol Hill. This meeting is ideal for toll industry professionals interested in US Federal and transportation legislation and regulations affecting the toll industry. Visit www.IBTTA.org for registration, hotel and travel information and to view the preliminary agenda. [More…]

AVIATION

1) The Technology Driving Air Traffic Control

Link to pictures in Computer Weekly:

http://www.computerweekly.com/galleries/240179-1/Equipment-used-in-the-old-control-room.htm

CAMERAS

2) Investigators: Seattle Red-Light Cameras May Issue Illegal Tickets

Link to story and video on KING-TV:

http://www.king5.com/news/Red-Light-Cameras-May-Issue-Thousands-of-Illegal-Tickets-83501377.html

3) Camera Plan to Catch Speeders Stalls in California

Link to article in The Sacramento Bee:

http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/2511841.html

CARTOGRAPHY

4) Meet the Wikipedia of the Mapping World

Link to article in The Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/feb/04/mapping-open-source-victor-keegan

5) There Will be Maps for People, and Maps for Cars

Link to article on GPS Business News:

http://www.gpsbusinessnews.com/There-Will-Be-Maps-for-People,-and-Maps-for-Cars_a2011.html

OTHER

6) First Issue of CONDUITS Newsletter Online

EU project evaluates the impact of ITS in urban areas.

Link to newsletter:

http://www.conduits.eu/Documents/CONDUITS%20Newsletter%201.pdf

7) Seattle Using Special Radar to Save Trees

Link to story and video on KOMO-TV:

http://www.komonews.com/news/tech/83504982.html

ROADWAYS

8) ‘Smart Bridges’ Can Send Alerts on Salt Corrosion

Link to article in The Irish Times:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sciencetoday/2010/0204/1224263727650.html

SAFETY / SECURITY

9) Washington, DC Partners with Feds to Test 4G Technology for National Public Safety Network

Link to article in Government Technology:

http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/743809

TRANSIT

10) ‘JakCard’ System Set to Make Travel Easier in Jakarta

Link to article in The Jakarta Post:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/02/04/‘jakcard’-system-set-make-travel-easier.html

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

11) French Motorway and Orange to Develop Real-Time Traffic Info

Link to article in GPS Business News:

http://www.gpsbusinessnews.com/French-Motorway-and-Orange-to-Develop-Real-Time-Traffic-Info_a2019.html

12) Nevada DOT Wants the Public to Evaluate Its Wind Warning System for Washoe Valley

Link to article in The Reno Gazette-Journal:

http://www.rgj.com/article/20100204/NEWS/100204023/1321/news

VEHICLES

13) Ford to Fix Brake Problem on Milan, Fusion Hybrids

Software problem can give drivers impression brakes have failed.

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Ford-to-fix-brake-problem-on-apf-2395284869.html?x=0&.v=4

14) Toyota Admits Software Problem with Braking System, Denies Withholding Information from Public

Link to ABC News story and video:

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/toyota-recall-toyota-admits-2010-hybrid-prius-problems/story?id=9744744

News Releases

1) The Telecom Industry in Frenzy Over New ACTIVATE IT Application

2) ProTECTS Alliance Concludes First Organizational Meeting

3) US DOT Secretary Names ITS Advisory Committee Members

4) 15 Billion Tickets to be Delivered via Mobile Phone by 2014, According to Juniper Research

5) New Tallahassee Driver Information System Debuts

Upcoming Events

TRB Webinar: Helping Airport and Air Carrier Employees Cope with Traumatic Events – March 25

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/TRB_Webinar_Helping_Airport_and_Air_Carrier_Employ_162929.aspx

Today in Transportation History

1810 **200^th anniversary** – The Royal Navy seized Guadeloupe.

http://mappery.com/map-of/Guadeloupe-British-Military-Operations-1810-Map

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

You probably heard many stories about crazy people behind the wheel and tough looking  police officers who handle these people effectively (in many cases with guns drawn, or on hot pursuits with sirens blazing, which makes for good TV) ensuring the safety of the traveling public on our roads..  But here comes a completely different, stereotype shattering officer who epitomizes patience while dealing with his irate customer who gets pulled over for speeding..

Shot from his police vehicle’s dash cam, in this video State Trooper. Stephen Murray looks like the most patient man on earth, and probably the best in the history of law enforcement (as ridelust puts it).  Trooper Murray kept his cool and poise while that nut case driver went nuclear and unleashes a verbal tirade, loaded with a barrage of F bombs..And the funny thing is that he stands there politely without showing any reaction, and that gets the driver at fault even more mad..Boy, this is some fun to watch!

I wonder how the situation would have turned if the officer put his hand on the weapon holster?  Amazing, the driver didn’t get into much trouble and went away with a speeding ticket after unloading so many F-bombs and behaving badly with the officer!  Easily Qualifies for MUST SEE title. Great job, Trooper Murray.

1) Florida Airport Changes Name, Increases Business

Link to story on WFTV-TV:

http://www.wftv.com/countybycounty/22412815/detail.html

CAMERAS

2) We Don’t Need Secret Surveillance Cameras

Unlike ordinary CCTV cameras, Britain’s 10,500 automatic numberplate recognition cameras are placed in secret locations.

Link to commentary in The Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/libertycentral/2010/feb/03/cctv-cameras-surveillance-police

GPS / NAVIGATION

3) ESA Puts Money Pen to Galileo Paper: Three Big Contracts

Link to article in GPS World:

http://www.gpsworld.com/gnss-system/galileo/news/esa-puts-money-pen-galileo-paper-three-big-contracts-9483

OTHER

4) Toyota’s Digital Disaster

In the Google era, how do you manage a product recall and a public-relations fiasco? Don’t do what Toyota’s done.

Link to article in Newsweek:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/232962

5) February Issue of Arizona DOT’s TRANsend Newsletter

-  Hazmat Matters: Department’s Hazmat Technicians Protect Employees, Roads, and Environment (page 3)

-  Winter’s Worst Brings Out the Best in ADOT (page 5)

http://www.azdot.gov/CCPartnerships/TRANsend/PDF/February_2010.pdf

RAILROADS

6) Waybill Change Would List All Toxic Inhalation Hazard Rail Movements

Link to article in Occupational Health & Safety:

http://ohsonline.com/articles/2010/02/03/waybill-change-would-list-all-tih-rail-movements.aspx

SAFETY / SECURITY

7) Anti-texting Law Tough to Enforce Against Drivers, Illinois Authorities Say

Link to article in The State Journal-Register:

http://www.sj-r.com/carousel/x1878077565/Anti-texting-law-tough-to-enforce-against-drivers-authorities-say

TRANSIT

8) DC Metro’s Safety Office was Unaware of Red Line Accident for More Than 30 Hours

Link to article in The Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/02/AR2010020203678.html

9) Toronto Transit Launches Beta Online Trip Planner, Still has Bugs

Link to CTV News story:

http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100203/ttc_planner_100203/20100203/?hub=TorontoNewHome

10) BART Partners with Foursquare to Increase Ridership

Link to article in Governing:

http://now.eloqua.com/es.asp?s=1222&e=60472&elq=e9b64e7023604173bba706e546067600

11) RFID Data Reveals London’s Polycentric Pattern of Commuting

Link to article in Technology Review:

http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/arxiv/24737/?nlid=2707&a=f

12) Design of Transit Signal Priority at Signalized Intersections with Queue Jumper Lanes

Link to article in the Journal of Public Transportation:

http://www.nctr.usf.edu/jpt/pdf/JPT12-4Zhou.pdf

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

13) Road Data Processor GEWI Enters US Poised for Location Market Apps

Link to blog from Strategy Analytics:

http://blogs.strategyanalytics.com/auto/?p=45

14) Grand Canyon National Park Dynamic Message Sign/Highway Advisory Radio Pilot Deployment/Evaluation

Link to final report from the Western Transportation Institute:

http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/documents/reports/4W2106_Final_Report.pdf

15) Deploying Portable Advanced Traveler Information Systems: Redding Deployment Evaluation

Link to final report from the Western Transportation Institute:

http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/documents/reports/4W2025_Final_Report.pdf

News Releases

1) Iteris Announces Cutting-Edge Advanced Wide Dynamic Range Traffic Video Detection Camera

2) Houston TranStar Introduces iPhone App

3) Mentor Engineering’s T-Box Annunciator Keeps Passengers Informed and Decreases Driver Distraction

4) Navteq Traffic Doubles In-Vehicle Use in North America in 2009

5) Electronic Toll Collection Systems – A Global Update of Market Trends & Opportunities – New Market Report Published

Solicitation

-  Proposals – TRB/SHRP 2 Travel Reliability IDEA Program

http://www.trb.org/IDEAProgram/IDEAReliability.aspx

Upcoming Events

Asia Pacific Maritime 2010 – March 24-26 – Singapore

http://www.apmaritime.com/

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** – The gunboat Ometepe bombarded the Nicaraguan city of Greytown.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9C04E0D61730E233A25756C0A9649C946196D6CF

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Today’s edition of  USATODAY featured a lengthy article in its “Travel” section that raises alarming questions over the safety of our nation’s aviation system, which is considered to be one of the safest in the world.   Here is an excerpt from the USAToday article, which throws some staggering numbers that will leave you worried the next time you think about packing your bags for a business trip or a personal vacation to some exotic place.

During the past six years, millions of passengers have been on at least 65,000 U.S. airline flights that shouldn’t have taken off because planes weren’t properly maintained, a six-month USA TODAY investigation has found.

The investigation — which included an analysis of government fines against airlines for maintenance violations and penalty letters sent to them that were obtained through the Freedom of Information Act — reveals that substandard repairs, unqualified mechanics and lax oversight by airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are not unusual.

“Many repairs are not being done or done properly, and too many flights are leaving the ground in what the FAA calls ‘unairworthy,’ or unsafe, condition,” says John Goglia, a former airline mechanic who was a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member from 1995 to 2004.

Airlines contract about 70% of their maintenance work to repair shops in the USA and abroad, where mistakes can be made by untrained and ill-equipped personnel, the Department of Transportation’s inspector general says. Airlines also disregard FAA inspectors’ findings to keep planes flying, defer necessary repairs beyond permissible time frames, use unapproved parts and perform their own sloppy maintenance work, according to FAA documents.

Though many maintenance problems go undetected, the FAA levied $28.2 million in fines and proposed fines against 25 U.S. airlines for maintenance violations that occurred during the past six years. In many cases, planes operated for months before the FAA found maintenance deficiencies. In some cases, airlines continued to fly planes after the FAA found deficiencies in them.

The 65,000 flights that took off when they shouldn’t have represent a fraction of the 63.8 million flights that all U.S. airlines flew during the past six years. The FAA doesn’t always document how many times planes with maintenance problems have flown.

Peeved by the allegation/accusation, the man in charge of everything transportation in the USofA, USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood jumped on his blog to offer a nice rebuttal and assurance that his agency is simply not standing by and defended the steps taken by FAA to avert serious aviation disasters resulting from shoddy practices.  He called out the USAToday’s allegations “patently absurd” and strongly defended the FAA’s certification process that ensures the quality of work done foreign maintenance shops.  Here is an extract of the the Secretary’s blog post on this topic:

Contrary to the assertion in USA Today, we are not allowing flights to leave the ground in “unsafe condition.”

It’s a bit ironic when you consider that only yesterday we announced a $2.5 million fine against American Eagle for using incorrect takeoff weights.

And when we do find a maintenance violation, even that does not mean an aircraft is unsafe to fly.

Of course, we want all maintenance violations corrected to maintain the level of safety in the system, and we work vigilantly to make sure they are. But airplanes are complex machines built with checks and redundancies to maintain safety. I’ve been doing a lot of flying over the past year, and not once have I doubted the safety of my aircraft. Not once.

Sec. LaHood concludes his blog post by saying “Look, it’s very simple. When planes are unsafe, they are grounded. When airlines are not operating to the highest levels of safety, they are subject to stiff fines. The only thing Administrator Babbitt and the entire FAA can be accused of is working aggressively to make sure airlines comply with our rigorous safety standards. End of story. Click here to read Secretary LaHood’s entire blog post and here for the FAA Press Release that proposes nearly $2.5 Million penalty against American Eagle Airlines for unsafe operation of flights (for failure to ensure the weight of baggage was properly calculated).

Back in October 2009, Transportgooru published an article titled “Blues in the Sky: NPR’s in-depth coverage shows how airlines cut costs by going aborad for service/repairs“ that profiled a similar investigation conducted by NPR.  The NPR investigation focused on the faulty maintenance of aircraft.   The airlines’ outsourcing of maintenance jobs to foreign destinations to cut costs where workers with limited experience work on fixing the aircraft was at the heart of this piece.   It might be worth revisiting that NPR article to see some of the some issues highlighted in this USAToday article.

Do you think the USDOT/FAA is doing a good job in keeping our skies safe?  Register your thoughts below.

Join the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association on March 22-23, 2010 in Washington, DC and participate in discussions on federal legislative initiatives with leaders in the transportation policy debate. Topics will include transportation authorization, electronic tolling interoperability, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) charging, the proposed Office of Public Benefit, and other important issues affecting tolling and road pricing. Participants will spend Tuesday afternoon visiting their congressional representatives to advance tolling initiatives on Capitol Hill. This meeting is ideal for toll industry professionals interested in US Federal and transportation legislation and regulations affecting the toll industry. Visit www.IBTTA.org for registration, hotel and travel information and to view the preliminary agenda. [More…]

AVIATION

1) US 2010-11 Budget Aims to Boost NextGen Funding 32%

Link to article in Air Transport World:

http://atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=19252

CARTOGRAPHY

2) Mapping a City by the Sound of Its Streets

Link to blog on Streetsblog San Francisco:

http://sf.streetsblog.org/2010/02/01/mapping-a-city-by-the-sound-of-its-streets/

OTHER

3) Idaho Transportation Department Spends $70,000 on Events

Link to article in the Idaho Statesman:

http://www.idahostatesman.com/idahonews/story/1064207.html

4) DC-Area Transportation Agencies Make Snow Videos Available on YouTube

Link to column in The Washington Post:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2010/02/dc_transportation_agencies_mak.html

5) Intelligent Transportation Systems and Vehicle-Highway Automation 2009

Link to report from the Transportation Research Board:

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/Intelligent_Transportation_Systems_and_VehicleHigh_162861.aspx

6) February Issue of Florida DOT’s SunGuide Disseminator Online

Link to newsletter:

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/TrafficOperations/Newsletters/2010/2010-002-Feb.pdf

PARKING

7) Boston’s Logan Airport Will E-mail Parking Alerts

Link to article in the Boston Herald:

http://news.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/20100202logan_will_e-mail_parking_alerts/srvc=home&position=recent

SAFETY / SECURITY

8) Conference Addresses Social Media Use During Disasters

Link to article in Emergency Management:

http://www.emergencymgmt.com/disaster/Disasters-20-Conference-Social-Media-Use.html

TRANSIT

9) Bay Area’s TransLink Sees Its 16-Year One Card Goal Within Reach

Link to article in ContactlessNews:

http://www.contactlessnews.com/2010/02/02/bay-areas-translink-sees-its-16-year-one-card-goal-within-reach

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

10) UK Highways Agency Evaluating Mobile Phone-Based Driver Monitoring

Link to article in ComputerworldUK:

http://www.computerworlduk.com/management/government-law/public-sector/news/index.cfm?newsid=18582

11) Toronto’s Electronic Eyes Keep Traffic Flowing

Link to article in The Toronto Observer:

http://www.torontoobserver.ca/2010/02/02/toronto’s-electronic-eyes-keep-traffic-flowing/

12) Best Mobile Startups 2010 – Waze

Link to article in Laptop:

http://www.laptopmag.com/business/feature/best-mobile-startups-2010.aspx?page=7

VEHICLES

13) US Said to Probe Toyota’s Electronics as Acceleration Cause

Link to Bloomberg article:

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-02/u-s-said-to-probe-toyota-s-electronics-as-acceleration-cause.html

14) Iowa City, Iowa Considers Banning Electronic Ads on Cabs

Link to story on KCRG-TV:

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/83348402.html

News Releases

1) Sharjah International Airport Introduces the World’s First Arabic Self-Service Kiosks

2) Sleep Apnea & Trucking Conference Agenda and Advisory Board Announced

Upcoming Events

MetroRail 2010 – March 22-25 – London

http://www.terrapinn.com/2010/metrorail/

Today in Transportation History

1925 **85^th anniversary** – A dog sled relay reached Nome, Alaska with diphtheria antitoxin to halt a possible epidemic.  The relay became the inspiration for the Iditarod.

http://www.baltostruestory.com/serumrunsynopsis.htm

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

The early registration deadline for ITS America’s 20^th Annual Meeting & Exposition has been extended to February 12, 2010.

ITS America’s 20th Annual Meeting & Exposition from May 3-5, 2010, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX, will provide transportation professionals and policymakers the necessary tools and strategies they need to create communities that are safer, cleaner, more livable and less congested.

We will host several ancillary meetings held by such organizations as the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and the Regional Safety Council.  Sam Palmisano, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of IBM, will close out the conference by sharing his vision for creating a smarter transportation network through technology innovations. Take advantage of the lowest registration rates by registering online by February 12. For the latest conference information and to view the preliminary program, click here or follow us on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/itsam2010.

AVIATION

1) High Airport Security May be Cutting Thefts

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-travel-briefcase30-2010jan30,0,6572127.story

2) Flight Management Aids Aviation Emission Cuts

Link to BBC News story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8487590.stm

3) False American Airlines Twitter Post Offers Fast Lesson in Social Media

Link to article in The Dallas Morning News:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/y!finance/amr/stories/013010dnmetsocialhaitiside.f4d307.html

4) Southwest Airlines Ramps Up In-Flight Web Surfing

Link to article in the Washington Business Journal:

http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2010/02/01/daily1.html

CAMERAS

5) Tennessee Legislators Look to Restrict Traffic Camera Use

Link to story on WPLN Radio:

http://wpln.org/?p=14457

CARTOGRAPHY

6) Appeals Court Lets Google Street View Suit Continue

Pennsylvania couple sues over photo of home.

Link to CNET News article:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10444755-38.html

ELECTRONIC TOLLING

7) Indian Government Bringing Together IT Experts to Pick Electronic Toll System

Link to article on Zee News:

http://www.zeenews.com/news600371.html

GPS / NAVIGATION

8) No Regulations in Canada for GPS Use Despite Safety Risk

Link to CBC News story:

http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2010/01/29/consumer-gps-programming.html

9) Racing Teams Hit with Bill for FIA Technology

Race cars to be equipped with ultra-sensitive GPS units.

Link to story on ESPN F1:

http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/7777.html

10) Free Mobe Map App ‘Shut Down by’ Nokia

Link to article in The Register:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/02/01/nav4all_shut_down_by_nokia/

MARITIME

11) Maryland Natural Resources Police Keeping an Electronic Eye Out for Poachers on Chesapeake Bay

Link to column in The Baltimore Sun:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/outdoors/bal-sp.thomson31jan31,0,4523441.story

OTHER

12) Radar Problems Foil US Missile Defense Test

Link to CNN story and video:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/02/01/missile.defense.test/

TRANSIT

13) Finding Ways to Put DC’s Metro System Back on Track

Some say cultural shift, including more safety training, is what’s needed.

Link to article in The Baltimore Sun:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/commuting/bal-md.cm.metro01feb01,0,1674339.story

14) Building a Better Way, One Tweet at a Time

The Toronto Transit Commission asks customers how to improve.

Link to article in The Globe and Mail:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/building-a-better-way-one-tweet-at-a-time/article1450378/

15) New Message Signs with Twice the Info Could be Coming to Caltrain Stations

Link to article in The Examiner:

http://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/under-the-dome/New-message-signs-with-twice-the-info-could-be-coming-to-Caltrain-stations-83268477.html

16) Tardy Transit? Tweet to the Top

Site allows San Francisco Muni riders to send a message to the mayor.

Link to article in Wired:

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/02/tweet-to-the-top-when-muni-fails/

TRAVELER INFORMATION / TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

17) Brainstorming a Better Commute

Software developers and Massachusetts transportation officials look at ways to improve transit information.

Link to article and video in The Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/01/brainstorming_a.html

News Releases

1) Investment and Smarter Speed Limits Can Improve Our Roads’ Safety Rating, Says Freight Transport Association

2) Delta Completes Integration of Northwest Airport and Reservations Systems; Northwest Flight Numbers and nwa.com Retired

3) NASA Provides Inside Look at International Space Station with Streaming Video

Solicitation

-  Intelligent Transportation Systems Technical Support Services – US DOT

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=7bce9de9a20e4341c96214790831906e&tab=core&_cview=0

Upcoming Events

Aviation Industry Expo – March 16-18 – Las Vegas

http://aviationindustryexpo.com/

Today in Transportation History

1910 **100^th anniversary** – Service began on the Woodburn Branch of the Oregon Electric Railway.

http://www.pdxhistory.com/html/oregon_electric.html

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

Since you receive the TCN each day you’re no doubt familiar with some of my newsletter work.  What you might not know is there’s another aspect of transportation communications with which I’m involved.  I also do transportation voice-over work.  For example, if you’ve ridden on the AirTrain at JFK or Newark airports you’ve probably heard me inside the stations and onboard the trains.  Just recently I began providing announcements on the New York City subway system.  In addition I’ve been the radio voice for the New Jersey Turnpike and New York State Thruway, the original voice for the E-ZPass customer information phone line in New York and Virginia DOT’s Smart Tag.  If your organization needs a voice for anything from a Web or PowerPoint narration to a phone greeting, please contact me.  I know transportation and can help make your voice application sound friendly and professional.  You can learn about other projects I’ve done and hear samples of my work by visiting my Web site, www.bwcommunications.net.  For questions, or more information, please contact me atbernie@bwcommunications.net.

AVIATION

1) Judge Allows Flyer Advocate’s Suit to Go Forward

Lawsuit claims Delta Air Lines illegally obtained e-mails.

Link to AP article:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Judge-allows-flyer-advocates-apf-1243647106.html?x=0&.v=1

2) Boeing Launches 787 Flight-Test Web Site

Link to article in The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010921991_boeingwebsite29.html

PUBLIC INFORMATION / EDUCATION

3) Visualization’s Next Frontier

Link to article in Public Roads:

http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/10janfeb/02.htm

SAFETY / SECURITY

4) Interpol Chief Says Weak Passport Verification World’s Biggest Travel Threat

Link to CP article:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jamPf2nz2ey4fCJYuMaMBHkxtOOg

5) Driver Phone Bans’ Impact Doubted

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2010-01-29-cell-phone_N.htm

Link to news release from the Highway Loss Data Institute:

http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr012910.html

6) Talking Transport Security Trends

An interview with Andy Nicholson of ARINC.

Link to interview on Airport Technology:

http://www.airport-technology.com/features/feature74908/?WT.mc_id=WN_Feat&mxmroi=6268974/2575438/false

7) Vigilante Journalist Taunts TSA Agents

Link to story and video on WDIV-TV:

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/22368244/detail.html

TELEMATICS

8) UK Fleets Switch on to Benefits of Eye-in-the-Sky Tracking

Link to article in Fleet News:

http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/story/Fleets-switch-on-to-benefits-of-eye-in-the-sky-tracking/51991

TRANSIT

9) Toronto Transit Commission to Enhance Customer Service

Numerous communication improvements announced.

Link to article in Metro:

http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2010/01/TTC-to-enhance-customer-service.aspx

The TTC’s Failure to Communicate

Link to editorial in the Toronto Sun:

http://www.torontosun.com/comment/editorial/2010/01/28/12655531.html

VEHICLES

10) ‘Smart Pedals’ Could Stop Crashes Like Those Behind Recall

Link to article in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-01-29-toyotabrakes29_ST_N.htm

11) Safety of Cars’ Keyless Entry and Ignition Systems Questioned

Link to article in the Los Angeles Times:

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jan/24/business/la-fi-carkeys24-2010jan24

News Releases

1) LogicTree Scheduled Arrival IVR Surpasses 400,000 Calls at RTD Denver - Achieves Automation Rate Approaching 80%

Upcoming Events

Making Connections: New Developments & Emerging Opportunities in Transportation Training Partnerships – March 17 – Silver Spring, Maryland

http://transportcenter.org/images/uploads/mc%20agenda.pdf

Friday Bonus

When they say to keep both hands on the wheel, they mean it.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2010/01/28/motorist-receives-50-on-the-spot-fine-for-blowing-his-nose-in-car-86908-22000682/

Today in Transportation History

1940 **70^th anniversary** – Three gasoline-powered trains crashed and exploded approaching the Ajikawaguchi station in Japan, killing over 180 people.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ajikawaguchi_derail_1940.jpg

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

The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit:

http://groups.google.com/group/tcnl/subscribe

If you have any difficulties please contact me at i95berniew@aol.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.

© 2010 Bernie Wagenblast  www.bwcommunications.net

A day after delivering the State of the Union address, President Obama took his economic message on the road in the first of a series of trips outside Washington. He began his full-scale pivot to the economy by focusing on high-speed rail projects, a tangible thing that many voters can see in their own neighborhoods or states. Joined by Vice President Biden in Tampa, Florida, he announced the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act High-Speed and Inter-city Passenger Rail grants. Mr. Obama and Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. both traveled to Florida to announce the projects. The president and vice president rarely travel together, but did so in this case because Mr. Biden has overseen the economic stimulus plan. He introduced Mr. Obama to the crowd at an event that resembled a campaign rally.

The investments, scattered across the country, include startup money for high-speed rail projects in California and Florida. For months, states have been engaged in a bidding war over the money, which comes from the economicstimulus plan approved a year ago.

Image Courtesy:Sec. Ray Lahood's Fastlane blog

Our favorite, Yonah Freemark @ The Transport Politic summarized this seed funding for HSR as follow: After months of speculation about which states will get funding from the Federal Railroad Administration to begin construction on new high-speed corridors, the news is in. As has been expected, California, Florida, and Illinois are the big winners, with more than one billion in spending proposed for each. But other states with less visible projects, including Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Washington will also get huge grants and begin offering relatively fast trains on their respective corridors within five years. The distribution of dollars is well thought-out and reasonable: it provides money to regions across the nation and prioritizes states that have made a commitment of their own to a fast train program.

The bulk of today’s awards go to new, large-scale high-speed rail programs–projects such as Florida, with $1.25 billion to develop a high-speed rail corridor between Tampa and Orlando with trains running up to 168 miles per hour–and California, with $2.25 billion to connect Los Angeles to San Francisco and points in between with trains running up to 220 miles per hour.

In total, 31 states and the District of Columbia will receive awards. In addition to 13 corridor investments, we are also awarding several grants for improvement projects and planning. These efforts on existing routes and emerging corridors will lay the groundwork for future high-speed and intercity rail development.

And here are the stats of the projections for each line via Tree Hugger (via Wired):

California
First Phase – San Francisco to Los Angeless
Ultimate Goal – Sacramento to San Dieago
Estimated Completion Date – 2025
Top Speed – 220 mph
Final Tab – $45B

Florida
First Phase – Tampa to Orlando
Ultimate Goal – Orlando to Miami
Estimated Completion Date – 2017
Top Speed- 180 mph
Final Tab – $11.5+B

Midwest
First Phase – Chicago to Madison, Detroit, and St. Louis.
Ultimate Goal – Hub-and-spoke network: 20 major cities using 3,000 miles of existing railway.
Estimated Completion Date – 2025
Top Speed – 110 mph
Final Tab – N/A

Texas
Ultimate Goal – “T-Bone” connecting Dallas/ Ft. Worth, San Antonio, and Houston
Estimated Completion Date – 2020
Top Speed – 220 mph
Final Tab – $12-22B

Northeast
Ultimate Goal – Speed-boosting upgrades to existing lines to get Washington-to-Boston travel time down to five hours, 45 minutes.
Estimated Completion Date – 2023
Top Speed – 150 mph
Final Tab – $12B

Other lines will grace Washington, Oregon, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.

For further details on the major corridor projects, click here (via USDOT Press Release):

• Florida
• California
• Chicago-St. Louis-Kansas City
• Madison – Milwaukee – Chicago
• Charlotte – Raleigh – Richmond – Washington, D.C.
• Eugene-Portland-Seattle
• Detroit-Chicago
• Ohio
• Northeast

Please visit here for a complete in-depth analysis of this distribution and for an awesome table that captures salient features (distance, funding amounts, etc). Thanks to Yonah Freemark for his efforts to keep us informed.