NTOC Talks, a Newsletter of the National Transportation Operations Coalition
Categories > Breaking News :: May 07, 2008 (NTOC)
The application of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) offers benefits that reach across all aspects of transportation systems performance, from crash prevention and safety to roadway operations and maintenance. While some of these benefits are very prominent in supporting the widespread applications of ITS, others are often difficult to measure, such as environmental benefits. Leslie Bellas, who has been appointed to ITS America’s newly created role of director of environmental affairs, recently spoke with NTOC Talks about her efforts to develop and implement a climate change program that will quantify and capture the environmental benefits of ITS.
Categories > Now Available :: May 07, 2008 (NTOC)
Have you visited the NTOC Web site lately? This month, NTOC is focusing on the relationship between ITS/M&O and the environment. The Resources page contains follow up resources to this month’s interview with ITS America’s Leslie Bellas on her new role as director of environmental affairs.
The Resources page has also been updated to include YouTube videos and blogs that are relevant to our readers. If you would like to submit a suggestion for a future NTOC focus area, or if you have a transportation-related blog or video to share, please contact NTOC Talks editor Michelle Birdsall at mbirdsall@ite.org.
Categories > Now Available :: May 07, 2008 (US DOT)
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters had launched Fast Lane, the Department’s new blog. Accessible at http://fastlane.dot.gov, Fast Lane will be an on-line community for all those interested in the nation’s transportation system and its future.
Fast Lane contributors will include Secretary Peters, Deputy Secretary Thomas Barrett, Administrators from the Department’s operating agencies, and other senior officials. In addition, the site will welcome guest bloggers from government, industry, and the transportation community. The Department will also use the blog to break news and make announcements.
“Fast Lane will allow me and others here at the Department to speak directly with interested citizens, members of the transportation community and the blogosphere to engage in an earnest conversation about our nation’s transportation future,” Secretary Peters said. “I have made 21st century solutions a priority for our transportation system, and now I’m thrilled to be using a 21st century communications tool to reach Americans in a whole new way.”
Fast Lane is an open forum, and visitors are encouraged to submit comments, contribute ideas, and bring to the Department’s attention innovative and exciting transportation activities in their communities. All comments will be reviewed before inclusion, and a representative sample will be posted to the site.
Categories > Now Available :: May 07, 2008 (FHWA)
Separating trucks from cars on Interstate 70 sounds like a pretty good idea. But how would it work? A new video posted on YouTube explains what truck-only lanes could look like and how they might operate. You can find it at http://www.youtube.com/modotvideo.
Categories > Breaking News :: May 07, 2008 (FHWA)
Washington state's first first-ever high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on SR 167 will give drivers more choices and cut congestion in the Seattle area, Acting Federal Highway Administrator Jim Ray announced today.
"Traffic jams don't need to be a fact of life," Ray said. "For a small price, HOT lanes give drivers more options to get home to their families and to work on time."
Today, SR 167 experiences significant congestion during both the morning and evening peak periods. The road carries approximately 120,000 vehicles a day and runs parallel to I-5 between Tacoma and Seattle. The four-year pilot project on lanes between Renton and Auburn in King County will allow solo drivers to pay a toll to use the HOV lanes when there is space available beginning May 3. At the same time, space will free up in the general purpose lanes for all drivers, keeping transit and carpools reliable. The price of the toll will rise and fall according to traffic levels. Electronic tolling will allow drivers to pay the toll without stopping.
Categories > Opportunity :: May 07, 2008 (FHWA)
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has worked with several public transportation agencies and private sector vendors to develop a free Regional Maintenance Decision Support Systems (MDSS) Product Demonstration Showcase. The primary goal of the Showcase is to encourage implementation of field-proven technologies and processes, such as MDSS. The showcase program was created to be a neutral information exchange environment that provides an opportunity for transportation agency decision-makers to gain practical, unbiased, well-rounded, hands-on experience with new and proven products and services. The first of three showcases will be held in Omaha, Nebraska on May 28, 2008 at the Scott Conference Center and hosted by Nebraska Department of Roads. There is no registration fee. For more information, click on the link above.
Categories > Opportunity :: May 07, 2008 (FHWA)
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County, Nevada is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to conduct a study to evaluate the implementation of a set of intelligent transportation system technologies, including GPS-based Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) system for RTC’s fixed-route (RTC RIDE) and paratransit (RTC ACCESS) fleet. The purpose of this evaluation study is to transfer technologies and knowledge to other transit agencies. The final product should showcase lessons learned and best practices at a national level for other transit agencies to learn from and emulate as directed by Federal Transit Administration.
Categories > Opportunity :: May 07, 2008 (ITE)
The Institute of Transportation Engineer’s (ITE) 2008 Annual Meeting and Exhibit will take place August 17–20, 2008 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA, USA. Nearly 2,000 transportation professionals are expected to attend. The meeting, which is divided into six tracks, offers 53 technical sessions. The tracks are Traffic Engineering and Design; Safety; Planning; Management and Operations; Discussion Sessions; and Seminars.
Attending this growing annual event will give you access to dynamic paper presentations, technical tours and professional development seminars. You can earn IACET Continuing Education Credits (CEU) and Professional Development Hours (PDH) by attending ITE’s high-quality, in-depth seminars and technical sessions taught by field experts. Also, stay abreast of the newest technologies and services at ITE’s Transportation Products and Services Exhibit where displays from the public and private sectors—from computer software displays to planning service providers and much more—will be on hand.
For more information or to register, visit http://www.ite.org/annualmeeting.
Categories > Opportunity :: May 07, 2008 (ITE)
You are invited to submit a paper abstract or sponsored session to be considered for presentation at the ITE 2009 Technical Conference and Exhibit, “Transportation Operations in Action,” or the ITE 2009Annual Meeting and Exhibit. Abstracts should be a maximum of 250 words. Papers chosen for the technical program and published on the conference/meeting compendium earn 10 professional development hours. The deadline for submittal is August 25, 2008.
• Suggested topics are available at http://www.ite.org/meetcon/abstract09.pdf.
• The abstract/sponsored session submittal Web site is http://www.cornetser.com/ite/.
Categories > Opportunity :: May 07, 2008 (ITS America)
ITS America is pleased to announce the availability of the “Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) Equipment and Operations Training Course.” The course is being offered with the assistance of ITS Rocky Mountain, a chapter of ITS America, and is available upon demand. The RWIS training course was first offered in 2007. A course description, outcomes, and agenda can be found online at http://www.itsrm.org/downloads/RWISUpfrontSecmod.pdf. Interested organizations needing additional information or wanting to request a course can do so by e-mailing ITS Rocky Mountain at admin@itsrm.org or ITS America’s Larry Schulman at lschulman@itsa.org.
Categories > Opportunity :: May 07, 2008 (NTOC)
Congestion pricing is far from dead (IN New York City) and will likely resurface, possibly in the form of adding tolls to free bridges, city officials and advocates predicted Friday. City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan said it's too soon to eulogize congestion pricing, which died behind closed doors in Albany last month.
"Most big things in New York don't go through the first time around," Sadik-Khan said at a panel discussion at the Regional Plan Association's annual conference.
"At the end of the day, the failure on congestion pricing that occurred last month was just a setback," said a fellow panelist, former Deputy Mayor Marc Shaw. "I think it will be reconsidered in the near future."
He predicted congestion pricing would come back in a somewhat different and "purer" form: tolls at the East River bridges and across 60th St.
Categories > Opportunity :: May 07, 2008 (ITE)
Title: Traffic Signal Audit Guide Web Seminar
Date: 05-15-08
Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Background and Learning Objectives: The purpose of this course is to provide the traffic engineering manager with an overview of the traffic signal system audit process, which is used to evaluate the effectiveness of a traffic signal system and associated programs (management, design, operations and maintenance). General information will be provided on the types of questions that may be asked, and the records and information that will be reviewed by the audit team, to assist in the improvement of an agency’s management of their traffic signal systems, and associated programs. At the conclusion of the course, participants should be able to:
• Identify the goals, benefits, and objectives of a traffic signal system audit
• Identify key steps in the audit process
• Identify the key items that should be considered during an audit
• How to structure a traffic signal system audit for your agency
Intended Audience: Traffic Engineers, transportation engineers and consultants
Instructor: Woody Hood, Chief, Traffic Engineering Design Division, Maryland State Highway Administration, Hanover, MD, USA
Title: Red Light Camera System Development And Placement for Intersection Safety Web Seminar
Date: 05-20-08
Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
Background and Learning Objectives: This course will instruct engineers on the basics of considering a red light running camera enforcement program to enhance intersection safety. Students should realize that the scope of the course does not include the details of camera operation or program administration. These details are important but vary widely by vendor and jurisdiction. At the conclusion of the course, participants should be able to:
• Recite basic statistics of red light running
• Discuss the major reasons that drivers run red lights and cause collisions
• Recall general findings from the literature on camera effectiveness
• Recite other countermeasures for red light running collisions besides cameras that
may be effective in some places
• Discuss the basic criteria that guide effective choices of intersection approaches to
receive cameras
• Argue the key aspects of effective camera systems such as grace periods, signing,
public information, and driver versus vehicle citations
• Discuss the need for camera system oversight and periodic effectiveness
evaluation
Intended Audience: Traffic Engineers, transportation engineers and consultants
Instructor: Joseph E. Hummer, Professor of Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
Title: Current Practice for Signing and Marking Near Schools Web Briefing
Date: 05-29-08
Time: 2:00-3:30 PM ET
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the course, participants should be able to:
• Identify current trends and practices with respect to traffic control devices near
schools
• Provide state-of-the-practice information on signing and marking in school zones
• Provide information and guidance on when to install a school speed zone
• Provide information on the proper placement and location of school zones
Intended Audience: Safe Routes to Schools State Coordinators, traffic Engineers, transportation engineers and consultants
Instructor: Kay Fitzpatrick, Research Engineer, Texas Transportation Engineer, College Station, TX, USA
Categories > Opportunity :: May 07, 2008 (ITS America)
The 2008 ITS New York meeting will take place June 12-13 in Saratoga Springs, New York. For complete details and to register, click on the link above.
Categories > Now Available :: May 07, 2008 (ITE)
What is a Wiki? It is a Web site that provides an opportunity for collaborative input. The ITE Wiki is an avenue for members to participate in the shaping of future ITE positions. The current discussion focuses on how we can improve or mitigate the impact of transportation on society. The discussion will be used to seed the development of an overall ITE green policy. This discussion topic will conclude on June 30, 2008. It is open to all ITE members. Visit http://www.ite.wikispaces.net.
Categories > Opportunity :: April 23, 2008 (US DOT)
On May 16, 2006, the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) announced its new National Strategy to Reduce Congestion on America’s Transportation Network, a bold and comprehensive initiative to reduce congestion on the nation’s roads, rails, runways and waterways. One major component of the National Strategy is the Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA). Under a UPA, U S. DOT’s partner metropolitan areas will commit to pursue aggressive strategies under the umbrella of the “Four Ts”: tolling, transit, telecommuting and technology—a combined approach to reducing traffic congestion. The goal is to demonstrate success of this approach in reducing congestion in the short term. The two Urban Partners, Minneapolis and Seattle, will experiment with selected Active Traffic Management (ATM) applications, such as dynamic use of shoulder, variable tolling and speed harmonization. These applications have already shown success in reducing congestion in Europe, such as in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
This Webinar, taking place April 30, 2008 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET, will provide an overview of the ATM and the highlights of the ATM components in the Minneapolis and Seattle UPA projects. ATM is the ability to dynamically manage recurrent and non-recurrent congestion based on prevailing traffic conditions with the focus on trip reliability. It increases throughput and safety through the use of integrated systems with new technology, including the automation of dynamic deployment to optimize performance quickly. This congestion management approach consists of a combination of operational strategies that, when implemented in concert, fully optimize the existing infrastructure and provide measurable benefits to the transportation network and the traveling public. To register, click on the link above.
Categories > Opportunity :: April 23, 2008 (FHWA)
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is hosting a 3-Part Webinar series that provides a new perspective on demand management. Based on a series of recent FHWA guidance reports and, in particular, the findings from an FHWA International Scan to Europe, the Webinars aim at imparting a new way of thinking about urban travel that focuses on both the need for travel itself and means to accommodate travel via new and innovative choices.
The Webinars are designed for transportation managers that plan and operate the transportation system, including state and federal highway officials, metropolitan planning organization staff, TDM professionals and others who assist regions in seeking ways to reduce demand in order to address issues such as congestion and air quality.
Part 1 of the series is Pricing and Institutional Strategies on June 19, 2008, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET. The Webinar examines not only road pricing, but a variety of financial incentives and disincentives to affect travel choices. Three European examples of cordon pricing, examples from U.S of financial incentives and some key issues regarding the implementation and acceptance of pricing will be discussed. The institutional section of the Webinar examines the means to implement and coordinate strategies among a diverse set of stakeholders. The Webinar will discuss new public/private partnerships to manage demand; the field of travel planning, or trip reduction programs; mechanisms for coordinating demand management strategies; and finally will look to some national policies to facilitate the more efficient management of the transport system.
Part II of the series will be held on June 26 and Part III will be held on July 10. For more information and to register, click on the link above.
Categories > Opportunity :: April 23, 2008 (FHWA)
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority wants residents to record themselves on video, talking about how bad traffic and congestion are, and post it on YouTube.
“It is our hope that Virginia's legislators will take immediate action and find the funding necessary to ensure that Northern Virginia's economy continues to grow and thrive, ultimately benefiting the commonwealth and all Virginians," reads the description on the NVTA's YouTube Channel.
The "Piece of your Commute" campaign goes on to say, "Northern Virginians, who are sick of traffic and gridlock, are encouraged to share their commuting nightmares with legislators. Residents are encouraged to share images of their daily commute and the impact that traffic and gridlock has on their job, business, family, environment and quality of life."
All content would be monitored, so it must be appropriate and it needs to be submitted before May 15, according to what's currently posted on the YouTube site.
Link to story on WTOP Radio: http://www.wtop.com/?nid=600&sid=1384468.
Categories > Opportunity :: April 23, 2008 (JPO)
The Department of Transportation's Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) would like input from its stakeholders and the general public regarding the future strategic direction of the ITS Joint Program Office. Over the past 8 months, the ITS Joint Program Office has been engaged in a detailed examination and evaluation of the ITS JPO's research program. We have solicited extensive input from our staff, modal partners within the Department, and the ITS Program Advisory Committee regarding the Program's mission, goals, focus areas and role. We are now reaching out for additional input. We have posted below current drafts of what we have developed, and are seeking comments on our mission statement, four proposed goal areas (Mobility, Safety, the Environment, and 21st Century Institutions and Partnerships), and five focus areas within those goals:
• ITS JPO Mission: To lead the creation and demonstration of intelligent technology solutions to achieve the safest and best performing surface transportation system in the world
• Mobility: Real time information on all roads and for all modes, http://www.its.dot.gov/program_goals/real_time.htm
• Mobility: One integrated payment system for all modes and employed at all times, http://www.its.dot.gov/program_goals/integrated_payment.htm
• Safety: A networked, intelligent vehicle with capability of all vehicles to have 360-degree awareness of hazards and communicate appropriately with drivers, http://www.its.dot.gov/program_goals/safety.htm
• Environment: Better understand and document the improvements an ITS-enhanced multimodal transportation system makes on the environment, http://www.its.dot.gov/program_goals/enviroment.htm
• 21st Century Institutions and Partnerships: Institutional and policy research to support the elimination of ITS implementation barriers and enhance the use of ITS for system performance management, http://www.its.dot.gov/program_goals/21centrury.htm
We would like you to address one or more areas of interest to your organization, and review the materials with these questions in mind:
• Should the mission statement remain as is or be strengthened/changed?
• Are these the right goal and focus areas for the ITS JPO?
• Do the mission and goals rise to the challenges of the next ten years?
• Are the goals and focus areas feasible (financially, politically, literally)?
• Do the goals and focus areas represent what the ITS JPO does best?
• Is there a clear federal and ITS JPO role in each of the goal and focus areas? What might the role be?
• Would you add or remove any of the goals and/or focus areas? If so, why?
We would very much appreciate your comments and opinions. We would ask that, if at all possible, your organization submit one single comprehensive set of comments from one source for ease of analysis. We also ask that you provide your name, title and affiliation with your comment submission. Finally, we would also ask that any comments be received by us no later than April 23, 2008. Please send comments to JPO.Director@dot.gov.
Categories > Breaking News :: April 23, 2008 (JPO)
The U.S. DOT RITA Administrator, Paul Brubaker, approved the Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety Systems (IVBSS) program to enter Phase II. U.S. DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Brubaker's approval of Phase II at the 2008 Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety Systems (IVBSS) Public Meeting being held in Ypsilanti, Michigan April 10-11, 2008, at the Eagle Crest Conference Center.
The agenda of the public meeting, facilitated by the IVBSS Team, includes presentations on the results of the most recent vehicle verification testing of integrated crash warning systems for light vehicles and heavy commercial trucks, as well as providing a comprehensive overview of Field Operational Testing for Phase II. More than 110 stakeholders and program participants are in attendance.
Sponsored by the U.S. DOT RITA Joint Program Office, the IVBSS program is a four-year, two-phase cooperative research effort to develop and field test an integrated safety system designed to prevent rear-end, lane change/merge and road departure crashes on light vehicles and heavy commercial trucks.
For more information on the IVBSS program, visit the RITA ITS JPO Web site at http://www.its.dot.gov/ivbss/index.htm or NHTSA’s Web site at http://tinyurl.com/2uvnyz.
Categories > Opportunity :: April 23, 2008 (ITE)
The Institute of Transportation Engineers is offering the following two Webinars:
Effective Public Involvement Web Seminar
Date: April 30, 2008
Time: 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. ET
Background and Learning objectives: This Web seminar provides an overview of effective public involvement. It presents approaches for involving the public in transportation studies and projects, and resolving conflicts in ways that promote cooperation and effective solutions. The course introduces the skills needed to meet the increasingly complex demands on public agencies and their consultants. At the conclusion of the course, participants should be able to:
1) Understand the purpose of public involvement
2) Use methods for building consensus, effective communication and conflict management
Intended Audience: Traffic engineers, transportation engineers, consultants
Instructor: Patricia B. Noyes, Principal, Pat Noyes & Associates, Boulder, CO, USA
New Standards for Sign Retroreflectivity Web Briefing
May 1, 2008
Time: 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. ET
Background and Learning objectives: On December 21, 2007, FHWA published Revision 2 to the 2003 Edition of MUTCD, which establishes minimum levels of retroreflectivity for selected traffic signs. This final rule is the culmination of many years of research and rulemaking activity on minimum retroreflectivity for traffic signs. This Web briefing will provide an overview on the meaning, requirements and schedule for implementation. At the conclusion of the course, participants should be able to:
1) Identify the key changes to the MUTCD regarding minimum sign retroreflectivity
2) Understand the key issues that are the research basis for the minimum retroreflectivity values
3) Describe methods that can be used to comply with the new MUTCD language on minimum sign retroreflectivity
Intended Audience: Traffic engineers, transportation engineers, consultants
Instructors: Gene Hawkins, Jr., Associate Professor, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Paul Carlson, Research Engineer, Texas Transportation Institute, College Station, TX, USA and Greg Schertz, Retroreflectivity Team Leader, FHWA, Lakewood, CO, USA
Categories > Opportunity :: April 23, 2008 (ITS America)
ITS America is pleased to announce the “Mid-Atlantic System Engineering for Intelligent Transportation System Projects” workshop to take place from June 5-6, 2008 in at the Holiday Inn Frederick Conference Center in Frederick, Maryland. This workshop will use the new “Federal Highway Administration Systems Engineering for ITS: An Introduction for Transportation Professionals” guide as a primary reference to introduce systems engineering to management, ITS project managers and technical and project staff. This workshop is sponsored by ITS Maryland, ITS America and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Categories > Opportunity :: April 23, 2008 (FHWA)
This course aims to increase awareness of the benefits to be gained through the deployment of ITS for highway safety applications. Following a brief introduction, Lesson 2 provides an overview of safety challenges currently facing transportation engineers with particular focus on ten areas in which these challenges can be mitigated using a variety of ITS applications. Discussion of these applications includes a presentation of the nine U.S. DOT ITS initiatives and their impact on safety. In Lesson 3 deployment of ITS for safety is further illustrated through a case-study (The Big-I Work Zone) in which we see how ITS can be used to produce sound safety benefits in a common hazard. Lesson 4 is focused on fusing the traditional and ITS approaches to develop countermeasures to address safety challenges. Finally Lesson 5 describes the Safety strategic planning process and identifies the basic requirements of the FHWA Rule/FTA Policy for ITS project implementation and a system engineering approach for deploying ITS. Throughout the course a series of “hands on” activities leads participants from identification and prioritization of highway safety priority areas to formulation of organization- and individual-level actions to mitigate the challenges at hand.
Categories > Breaking News :: April 23, 2008 (NTOC)
Link to story in Forbes: Highway information systems and intelligent subways, two concepts to reduce gridlock, expedite commutes and green the environment.
Categories > Now Available :: April 23, 2008 (JPO)
April’s lesson of the month is “Develop procurement procedures for public-private partnership projects that address partnership issues.” The lesson details a Virginia Department of Transportation experience in procuring ITS through a public-private partnership. To read the complete lesson, click on the link above.
Categories > Now Available :: April 23, 2008 (JPO)
The ITS Benefit of the Month shows, “Congestion charging in London resulted in pollutant emission reductions: 8 percent for oxides of nitrogen, 7 percent for airborne particulate matter and 16 percent for carbon dioxide.” To read the details, click on the link above.
Categories > Now Available :: April 23, 2008 (JPO)
The following documents are now available in the ITS JPO Electronic Document Library:
• Integrated Corridor Management – Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation (AMS) Methodology: http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov//JPODOCS/REPTS_TE/14414.htm
• Integrated Corridor Management Analysis, Modeling and Simulation Experimental Plan for the Test Corridor: http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov//JPODOCS/REPTS_TE/14415.htm
Categories > Now Available :: April 23, 2008 (US DOT)
U.S. DOT and eight pioneer sites are addressing congestion, empowering travelers and improving travel time reliability. To read the article, click on the link above. (FHWA's Public Roads March/April 2008 Edition)
Categories > Opportunity :: April 23, 2008 (NTOC)
Opportunities in Transportation Infrastructure has established itself as a major gathering place where key government transportation officials come to brief the private sector on upcoming initiatives in transportation infrastructure projects. In 2007, eighteen government officials were on hand to discuss the opportunities for the private sector to participate in their transportation programs. Again, in 2008, the conference will feature an outstanding line-up of government transportation representatives who will provide briefings on their upcoming initiatives and the role they would like to see the private sector play in their projects for roads, bridges, tunnels, airports and ports.
The event is an excellent chance for the private sector to get the latest market intelligence and gauge the current opportunities in the market and for government transportation officials to learn how other states and localities are approaching their projects. It is the perfect occasion to get your organization prepared and make the contacts necessary to play a successful role in the transportation infrastructure projects of the future. For more information and to register, click on the link above.
Categories > Opportunity :: April 23, 2008 (NTOC)
U.S. DOT RITA announced the first of two Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program solicitations for 2008, inviting small businesses to submit innovative research proposals that address high priority national transportation goals. RITA has set a new strategic direction for the program this year, with a heightened emphasis on proposals that would provide cost-effective, multi-modal solutions to the nation’s most pressing transportation challenges in areas such as bridge condition monitoring technology and data collection, hazardous materials tracking and incident response, adaptive traffic signal control, and rail, motorcycle and pedestrian safety research. The SBIR program is administered by RITA’s Volpe National Transportation Systems Center on behalf of DOT’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. Proposals are due by June 3, 2008. The solicitation is available online at http://www.volpe.dot.gov/sbir/current.html. Contact: Kim Riddle: 202-366-5128.
Categories > Breaking News :: April 09, 2008 (ITE)
During the opening session of the Institute of Transportation Engineer’s (ITE) Technical Conference and Exhibit, keynote speaker Peter Rahn’s message was clear: the number of fatalities on U.S. roadways can and must be reduced. Each year, over 40,000 people are killed on the nation’s roads, and reducing that number will be part of Rahn’s focus during his term as president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). AASHTO’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan has been designed to substantially reduce vehicle-related fatalities and injuries on the nation’s highways. To read the complete article, click on the link above.
Categories > Now Available :: April 09, 2008 (FHWA)
The second edition of the Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Newsletter is now available. The purpose of this regularly published newsletter is to inform corridor managers and operators, and other interested transportation practitioners about ICM and the latest knowledge and technology transfer resources available to them through the USDOT’s ICM Initiative. ICM is a promising tool in the congestion management toolbox that seeks to optimize the use of existing infrastructure assets and leverage unused capacity along our nation’s urban corridors. The USDOT ICM Initiative aims to advance the state of the practice in transportation corridor operations to manage congestion. This initiative will provide the institutional guidance, operational capabilities, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology and technical methods needed for effective ICM systems.
Categories > Opportunity :: April 09, 2008 (ITS America)
ITS America has announced the registration package rates for attendees, speakers, moderators, students and accompanying persons who will be attending the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, November 16-20, 2008 in New York City. ITS America’s 2008 Annual Meeting & Exposition will be combined with the 15th World Congress on ITS making it the largest ITS event in the world. Delegates will be able to experience all of the highlights of ITS America’s Annual Meeting—nearly 50 educational sessions, Forum Showcases, Best of ITS Awards ceremony, technical tours—with the added bonus of a World Congress on ITS. The 250,000 square foot exhibit hall is nearly sold out and will host 177 organizations from around the world. The World Congress program will feature over 200 educational sessions and is expected to attract 10,000 delegates from more than 40 countries. You don’t want to miss out on this event.
Online registration opened April 1. For the latest information on the program and activities, visit the link above.
Categories > Now Available :: April 09, 2008 (FHWA)
“The Collaborative Advantage: Realizing the Tangible Benefits of Regional Transportation Operations Collaboration” manual highlights the range of tangible benefits that agencies can gain through participating in multi-agency collaborative efforts for regional transportation operations. These benefits include access to funding and other resources, improvements in agency operations and productivity, and outcomes that help agencies achieve their mobility and safety goals. The manual uses nine collaborative efforts across the United States to illustrate the tangible benefits gained through key strategies such as sharing resources and expertise, performing joint operations, using common operations procedures and exchanging real-time information. It also includes a six-step process to allow agencies to estimate their benefits of collaboration.
Categories > Breaking News :: April 09, 2008 (FHWA)
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (U.S. DOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to private industry, state and local governments and others seeking input on potential business models for the financing and operation of a nationwide communications network between vehicles and the roadway infrastructure. The input and ideas will be used to identify candidate models for the deployment of Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII), which will enable the advancement of crash avoidance technologies in vehicles; real-time traffic information to reduce congestion and improve navigational systems; and other technologies that will improve the safety and efficiency of travel.
As part of the VII initiative, RITA will conduct an operational field test of deployment-ready technologies at the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems, November 16-20, 2008 in New York, NY, USA. The RFI is available through the link above.
Categories > Opportunity :: April 09, 2008 (NTOC)
The program for the 2008 Freeway and Tollway Operations Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is packed with activities including five different session tracks, technical tours, an incident management demonstration and an exhibit hall where over 25 companies will have displays. We’ve posted an updated schedule of events so you can better plan your week.
If your company is looking for a way to get involved with the conference, there are new sponsorship opportunities. There are available ad spaces in the program and session rooms that can be sponsored.
The venue for the conference is the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure. The discounted block of rooms for conference attendees is filling quickly and will only be available for a limited time. Make your conference trip complete and reserve your room at the Hyatt today!
The 2008 Freeway and Tollway Operations Conference is something that you will not want to miss! Visit the link above for conference information and registration.
Categories > Opportunity :: April 08, 2008 (ITE)
The Institute of Transportation Engineers is offering the following upcoming Web briefings. For more information and to register, visit the link above.
Developing Trends in Bicycle Facilities Planning and Design Web Briefing
Date: April 15, 2008
Time: 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. ET
Background and Learning Objectives: Over the last 10-12 years, the field of bicycle transportation has become one of the fastest growing niches of transportation planning and engineering. However, despite a great deal of interest and research, much of what needs to be done to accommodate this particular non-motorized mode of transportation has not become mainstreamed. This web briefing will use case studies to highlight state-of-the-art practices.
Application of the National Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management Web briefing
Date: April 23, 2008
Time: 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. ET
Background and Learning Objectives: Effective traffic incident management relies on strong partnerships between public safety and transportation agencies and professionals. Through the efforts of the National Traffic Incident Management Coalition (NTIMC), a National Unified Goal for TIM was recently developed. This briefing will provide a background and overview of National Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management.
Effective Public Involvement Web Seminar
Date: April 30, 2008
Time: 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. ET
Background and Learning Objectives: This Web seminar provides an overview of effective public involvement. It presents approaches for involving the public in transportation studies and projects, and resolving conflicts in ways that promote cooperation and effective solutions. The course introduces the skills needed to meet the increasingly complex demands on public agencies and their consultants.
Categories > Opportunity :: April 08, 2008 (NTOC)
The 8th National Conference on Access Management will be held in Baltimore, MD, on July 13-16, 2008. This biennial conference is designed for planners, engineers, non-profit organizations and public officials interested in a sustainable approach to improving roadway safety and efficiency. Focusing on Sustainable Solutions for Transportation, the conference will offer a wide range of presentation topics that capture the broad realm of access management principles, state-of-the-art practices, policies and state DOT/ local government coordination. Online registration and more information is available through the link above.
Categories > Opportunity :: April 08, 2008 (ITS America)
ITS America is pleased to announce the “Mid-Atlantic System Engineering for Intelligent Transportation System Projects” workshop to take place from June 5-6, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Frederick Conference Center in Frederick, Maryland. This workshop will use the new “Federal Highway Administration Systems Engineering for ITS: An Introduction for Transportation Professionals” guide as a primary reference to introduce systems engineering to management, ITS project managers and technical and project staff. This workshop is sponsored by ITS Maryland, ITS America and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The system engineering processes of Virginia and Maryland CHART will be discussed as examples of process development and implementation. The importance and benefits, and the implications for management will be discussed, as will basic systems engineering concepts in the context of ITS projects.
The deadline to register for this workshop is May 23. The registration fee is $125. For registration and hotel information, visit the link above.
Categories > Breaking News :: April 08, 2008 (I-95 Corridor Coalition)
In a letter to the I-95 Corridor Coalition, U.S. DOT Secretary Mary Peters recently stated, “The I-95 Corridor Coalition’s Quick Clearance Program and Toolkit is an important educational element for improved responder safety and system performance. The I-95 Corridor Coalition’s leadership in advancing traffic incident management and highway safety is a national model, and its success continues to provide an excellent example to other regions in the country. We encourage advancement of the National Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management in the I-95 corridor and believe the I-95 Corridor Coalition’s Quick Clearance Program and Toolkit can provide a valuable resource for doing so.”
The coalition’s Quick Clearance Program began with a study and documentation on best practices, followed by the development of a toolkit for first responders and instructional workshops offered throughout the corridor. Workshops have been held in thirteen locations to date, with a combined attendance of over 600 individuals, representing personnel from DOT’s, fire, police, EMS, towing and other first responders. In addition to the workshops, we are assisting State’s with implementation of their quick clearance programs.
The coalition and its Quick Clearance Program will be highlighted at a number of events in May, including:
• Quick Clearance Workshop – May 1
• Quick Clearance Workshop – May 12
• I-95 Corridor Coalition Annual Meeting – May 13 & 14
• Coordinated Incident Management Annual Meeting – May 15 and 16
For more information on the I-95 Corridor Coalition, the Quick Clearance Program and the events referenced above, please visit the link above.
Categories > International :: March 26, 2008 (ITS America)
ITS America has announced the registration package rates for attendees, speakers, moderators, students and accompanying persons who will be attending the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, November 16-20, 2008 in New York City. ITS America’s 2008 Annual Meeting & Exposition will be combined with the 15th World Congress on ITS making it the largest ITS event in the world. Delegates will be able to experience all of the highlights of ITS America’s Annual Meeting—nearly 50 educational sessions, Forum Showcases, Best of ITS Awards ceremony, technical tours—with the added bonus of a World Congress on ITS. The 250,000 square foot exhibit hall is nearly sold out and will host 177 organizations from around the world. The World Congress program will feature over 200 educational sessions and is expected to attract 10,000 delegates from more than 40 countries. You don’t want to miss out on this event.
Online registration will open April 1. For the latest information on the program and activities, visit the link above.
Categories > Breaking News :: March 26, 2008 (FHWA)
The following position is available with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA):
Transportation Specialist (ICM), GS-2101-13 / 14 NDD
Vacancy Announcement #: FHWA.HOP-2008-0007
Salary Range: $82,961 - $127,442
Series and Grade: GS – 2101 – 13/14
Promotion Potential: 14
Open Period: Friday, March 14, 2008 to Thursday, April 17, 2008
Duty Location: Washington, DC
Who May Be Considered:
The subject position is located in the Office of Operations, FHWA, Washington, D.C. The employee will be a nationally recognized expert in the areas of integrated corridor transportation management, active traffic management and congestion pricing. The incumbent will identify new applications and technologies in these areas and will work to bring them to the transportation practitioner community. Transportation professionals interested in applying their talent and experience in solving the nation’s traffic congestion problems are encouraged to submit an application. For more information, please visit the link above.
Categories > Breaking News :: March 26, 2008 (JPO)
Register now for the following upcoming Talking Technology and Transportation (T3) Webinars. All T3 Webinars are free of charge.
April 8, 2008: “A Technical Discussion on Wireless Data Transport Systems: Wireless Trends, Tools and Tips Session II - Wireless Link Engineering.”
http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s080408_wireless.asp
April 16, 2008: “Assessing the Potential for BRT in Your Region: Lessons Learned from a Los Angeles/New York ITS Peer-to-Peer Exchange.”
http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/t3/s080416_brt.asp
Categories > Opportunity :: March 26, 2008 (ITE)
Date: April 15, 2008
Time: 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. ET
Background and Learning objectives: Over the last 10-12 years, the field of bicycle transportation has become one of the fastest growing niches of transportation planning and engineering. However, despite a great deal of interest and research, much of what needs to be done to accommodate this particular non-motorized mode of transportation has not become mainstreamed. This web briefing will use case studies to highlight state-of-the-art practices. At the end of the course, the participant should be able to:
1) Evaluate the options available to solve challenges of incorporating non-motorized transportation into a predominantly motorized transportation network
Intended Audience: Traffic engineers, transportation engineers, consultants
Presenters: Timothy Bustos, Senior Transportation Planner, Fehr & Peers, San Francisco, CA, USA and Seleta Reynolds, Associate, Fehr & Peers, San Francisco, CA, USA
Categories > Opportunity :: March 26, 2008 (ITE)
Date: April 23, 2008
Time: 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. ET
Background and Learning objectives: Effective traffic incident management relies on strong partnerships between public safety and transportation agencies and professionals. Through the efforts of the National Traffic Incident Management Coalition (NTIMC), a National Unified Goal for TIM was recently developed. This briefing will provide a background and overview of National Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management. At the conclusion of the course, participants should be able to:
1) Understand the development process and components of the goal
2) Approach implementation of the goal in their local jurisdictions
Intended Audience: State DOT Engineers and Operations Managers/Staff, Municipal DOT Engineers and Operations Managers/Staff, State and Municipal EMA, Police and Fire/EMS Agencies, traffic engineers, transportation engineers and consultants
Presenter: Steven J. Cyra, Traffic Operations Department Manager, HNTB Fellow, Milwaukee, WI, USA
Categories > Opportunity :: March 26, 2008 (ITE)
Effective Public Involvement Web Seminar
Date: April 30, 2008
Time: 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. ET
Background and Learning objectives: This Web seminar provides an overview of effective public involvement. It presents approaches for involving the public in transportation studies and projects, and resolving conflicts in ways that promote cooperation and effective solutions. The course introduces the skills needed to meet the increasingly complex demands on public agencies and their consultants. At the conclusion of the course, participants should be able to:
1) Understand the purpose of public involvement
2) Use methods for building consensus, effective communication and conflict management
Intended Audience: Traffic Engineers, transportation engineers and consultants
Presenter: Patricia B. Noyes, Principal, Pat Noyes & Associates, Boulder, CO, USA
Categories > Opportunity :: March 26, 2008 (ITS America)
The Systems Engineering for ITS Projects Workshop will take place June 5-6, 2008 in Frederick, Maryland. The workshop will provide a high-level view of System Engineering. The importance and benefits, as well as the implications for management will be discussed, in addition to basic systems engineering concepts in the context of ITS projects. The system engineering processes of Virginia and Maryland CHART will be discussed as examples of process development and implementation.
This day and a half Systems Engineering Workshop uses the new “FHWA Systems Engineering for Intelligent Transportation Systems: An Introduction for Transportation Professionals” guide as a primary reference to introduce systems engineering to management, ITS project managers, technical and project staff. Group discussions will provide an opportunity for participants to share successes and challenges of implementing the system engineering process within their agency.
This workshop is sponsored by the Intelligent Transportation Society of Maryland. Registration information will be available shortly. Check the link above for the latest details on the program.
Categories > Input Requested :: March 26, 2008 (FHWA)
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Office of Traffic Engineering is requesting information from prospective vendors for light-emitting diode (LED), NTCIP-compliant retrofit of existing character- and line-matrix dynamic message signs with walk-in enclosures. Please visit the link above for more information.
Categories > Now Available :: March 26, 2008 (FHWA)
Have a mobile device that can access the Internet? Then visit the link above for a list of mobile-device-friendly Web sites with real-time traveler information. The sites are suitable for any device capable of accessing the Web.
Categories > Opportunity :: March 26, 2008 (FHWA)
A seminar on Commission Work and the National Freight Policy Framework will take place April 16, 2008. The Framework for a National Freight Policy is a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Transportation and its partners in the public and private sectors to inventory existing and proposed strategies, tactics and activities to improve freight transportation. It is structured to identify examples of good practice, actions which would benefit from increased collaboration, conflicts needing resolution, and issues needing more attention. This seminar will cover the basics of the framework and how you can contribute.
For more information and to register, visit the link above.
Categories > Now Available :: March 26, 2008 (FHWA)
The FHWA Office of Operations has launched a new Tolling and Pricing Program Web site. In an effort to create a more user friendly experience when searching for information about federal pricing programs, the new site includes valuable information that was once included on three separate sites: the Tolling and Pricing Opportunities, the Value Pricing Pilot Program (VPPP) and the VPPP site on the Knowledge Exchange. This is just the first step in streamlining information on one of the critical FHWA programs. In the future, the site will also feature a subject index that will help the user find the subjects they are looking for quickly instead of searching the entire site.
