Seminar urges the use of smart road technologies in Oman
The recent Smart Road Technologies seminar in Oman discussed the development of transportation systems, not just the construction of new roads or infrastructure renovation, but also the use of information technology to link elements within the road system - vehicles, roads, traffic lights, message signs, among others – using intelligent technology to enable them to communicate with each other via wireless technologies. The seminar was held as part of the Digital Nation series of seminars organised by Knowle
Japanese airport wins transport achievement award
The International Transport Forum’s (ITF) global summit of Transport Ministers has recognised Osaka’s New Kansai International Airport Company (NKIAC) for its model of funding key transport infrastructure, with the award of its 2013 Transport Achievement Award. Established by the Japanese government in 2012, NKIAC integrated the operation of Osaka’s two major air hubs, Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (ITM). Under this new structure, funding for a dedicated low-cost carrier
New Mexico installs its first adaptive signal system
Work has begun on a US$343,000 project to install the first adaptive signal control system in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, to improve traffic flow along Alameda Boulevard, which has one of the highest traffic flows in the county. The system is a designated set of traffic signals that effectively communicate with each other and adapt to the traffic flow, reducing the frequency of red lights when traffic volume is high to improve overall traffic flow. County commissioner Lonnie Talbert said: “Up to 50,000 v
Sensys awarded new Swedish procurement contract
Following the award in April of the contract for traffic safety cameras by the Swedish Transport Administration, Sensys Traffic has received a further procurement award decision from the Administration for new roadside cabinets for traffic safety cameras. The overall value of the contract cannot be currently quantified. The cabinets are to replace existing units, as well as for the future expansion of traffic safety cameras installed across the Swedish road network. Sensys' tender was the only one that fulf
Uruguay launches first ''zero emissions'' electric buses
Uruguay transit companies BUQUEBUS and CTS Auto have partnered with Chinese vehicle manufacturer, BYD to provide the first twelve metre rapid transit bus powered only by electricity in Uruguay and the region. The BYD electric bus integrates several technologies including two in-wheel electric motors capable of a cruising speed over 88 km/h and what it said to be the first of its kind, an environmentally-friendly iron-phosphate battery. This drive system provides a range of over 250 km (155 miles) – nearly t
PIE to consult on EU-wide ITS directive
Data, mapping and routing specialist PIE has been invited to Brussels to provide expert opinion on an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Directive being conducted by the European Commission. CEO Freddie Talberg will join an elite panel of industry experts in Brussels, Belgium on 27th May 2013 to discuss the provision of EU-wide real-time traffic information services (RTTI) to explore how the harmonised delivery of road data throughout Europe could be effectively implemented. Discussions will explore technol
Audi launches wireless parking pilot project
Audi is extending its Audi connect services, further promoting networking between car, driver and infrastructure. The trial phase for Audi connect wireless payment is currently getting underway in Ingolstadt, Germany. The solution allows drivers to conveniently pay for parking from their car. In a wide-ranging pilot which is now being launched in Ingolstadt, the new technology will first be tested and the acceptance of the service proven in practice over the next few months. Up to 13,000 cars will participa
UTI Group to implement road traffic management system in Romania
Craiova municipality, Romania, is to invest US$2.84 million to implement a traffic management system and ease congestion in the city. Romania’s UTI Group has been awarded the contract which is funded by the EU and comprises: a traffic control system; traffic enforcement; video monitoring; communications and traffic signs.
Arcontia Mifare Plus system for Nicaragua
All 834 city buses in Managua, Nicaragua, are to be equipped with one of the most modern fare collection systems using Arcontia’s Mifare Plus smart cards and NXP’s Mifare AV2 Sam technology, together with Arcontia’s ARC3300 T5 ticket validators. Arcontia’s local partner, prepaid mobile money transfer/payment service company, MPeso has been chosen by the city of Managua in Nicaragua to design and operate their first and major electronic ticketing scheme in the country based on Arcontia’s contactless smart ca
Gulf traffic systems to be linked
Traffic systems will soon be linked across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. A technical team will oversee the implementation of the link that will be used as a core for other services aimed at reinforcing cooperation between member countries, the heads of traffic said as they convened for their 30th meeting.
Driver identification technology launched
Cellcontrol, supplier of technology to prevent distracted driving, has launched what it claims is the industry’s first and only driver identification platform, DriveID, which accurately detect who sits in the driver’s seat, and applies a safety policy only to that individual’s mobile devices, leaving passengers free to talk, text, email and browse.
London takes action against dangerous commercial vehicles
Transport for London (TfL) and the Vehicle Operator Standards Agency (VOSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for closer collaboration and data sharing as part of their ongoing work to reduce the impact of dangerous and unroadworthy vehicles in London. The agreement will pave the way to allow TfL to provide details of every commercial vehicle involved in breakdowns and overheight collisions within the Blackwall Tunnel to VOSA.
Further Latin American order for Sensys
Sensys Traffic has received a further order valued at around US$307,000 for speed and red-light enforcement to be delivered to a Latin American customer. Sensys has previously delivered enforcement systems to the same customer; this latest order follows one obtained earlier in May for a similar value. Delivery is expected to take place during the summer, and will be mainly taken from existing inventories.
Peek Traffic launches new version of IQ Central
Peek Traffic has launched the latest version of its IQ Central traffic equipment management software suite for advanced traffic controllers. Intended for the traffic operations centre, IQ Central enables traffic personnel to configure and monitor hundreds of traffic control devices from a central location. New features in version 1.17 include: Greenband analysis; Split monitor; New reports; Voyage support; and SQL Server support. With the ability to interface with legacy intersection controllers, IQ Centra
Dutch tram company opts for Arcontia smart card ticket validators
Swedish contactless smart card supplier Arcontia International is to partner with IT service provider Telexis and Atos Worldline to provide The Hague’s public transport company, HTM, in the Netherlands with the Telexis e-ticketing solution based on Arcontia’s contactless smart card validators. The contract includes the installation of 720 ARC3300 T5 validators on board trams operating in the city. With enhanced user interface and contactless features, the validator enables passengers to pay fares more quick
Xerox introduces smart grid parking system
Merge, a technology from Xerox provides municipalities with a central management system to manage parking operations, integrating hardware and software to provide real-time information about coin collections, meter maintenance, enforcement and occupancy by applying real-time data to solve parking issues. According to Xerox, Merge is the first system to fully integrate and provide analytics on all aspects of metered and off-street parking programs. Merge is built on an open architecture platform that enables
NHTSA studies hacking risks to automated vehicles
A report by Bloomberg says that rising hacking risks to drivers as their cars become increasingly powered by and connected to computers have prompted the US’s auto-safety regulator to start a new office focusing on the threat. “These interconnected electronics systems are creating opportunities to improve vehicle safety and reliability, but are also creating new and different safety and cybersecurity risks,” David Strickland, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said at a recent Senat
TransCore receives Leadership in Sustainability award
The Green Parking Council (GPC), which represents companies committed to pursuing environmentally beneficial choices in the parking industry, has recognised TransCore’s participation in the GPC’s growth with a 2013 Leadership Award. Presenting the award at the International Parking Institute annual meeting, Paul Wessel, executive director of GPC, explains, “We applaud and recognise TransCore for their commitment to GPC as a founding partner as we strive to transform the face of the parking industry. Trans
Blackpool expands partnership with Parkeon
Blackpool Transport in the UK is expanding its partnership with transport ticketing technology specialists Parkeon after awarding the company the contract to deliver a multi-faceted platform as part of the on-going NowCard ITSO smart ticketing scheme, together with a commercial smartcard solution that will utilise the area’s extensive PayPoint retail outlets. The contract will see 150 electronic ticket machines (ETM) installed as replacements for the company’s TGX150 machines, which will have been in servic
Driver information sign project underway
UK local authority Bath and North East Somerset Council is installing state-of-the-art traffic electronic messaging signs around the outskirts and within Bath to provide better travel information for drivers entering the city. The variable message signs (VMS) will provide a range of information including incidents, events, car park space availability, and encourage motorists to use Park and Ride – all from the Council’s existing traffic control room at the touch of a button. The improvements to driver infor