Download the free smartphone app
There’s a handy, free tool to help you make the most of your visit to the 22nd ITS America Annual Meeting and Exposition – a smarphone app, sponsored by IBM and Skyline Technology Solutions, that is compatible with iPhone, iPad, Blackberry and Android devices. Once loaded, you will be able to view the entire meeting program by day, track, or search by keywords; plan sessions, special events or workshops to attend; browse the exhibit hall and plan your time with vendors; rate the sessions you attend and prov
First deployment of RTPIS in Texas
WebTech Wireless, a provider of vehicle fleet location-based services and telematics technology, has received a four-year contract from the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (FWTA), in Texas, to implement its NextBus Real-Time Passenger Information System (RTPIS) on an enhanced bus route. This will use nine dedicated buses equipped with NextBus GPS units, plus 17 NextBus LED signs installed at selected high-volume bus stops. The company also will implement its telephone information system to provide Fort
AEM voices GPS concern
The US-based Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has joined a variety of industries and companies in forming the Coalition to Save Our GPS. This group aims to resolve a serious threat to the Global Positioning System (GPS). The threat stems from a recent highly unusual decision by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a conditional waiver allowing the dramatic expansion of terrestrial use of the satellite spectrum immediately neighbouring that of GPS. There is a risk it could pote
AEM voices GPS concern
The US-based Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has joined a variety of industries and companies in forming the Coalition to Save Our GPS. This group aims to resolve a serious threat to the Global Positioning System (GPS). The threat stems from a recent highly unusual decision by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a conditional waiver allowing the dramatic expansion of terrestrial use of the satellite spectrum immediately neighbouring that of GPS. There is a risk it could pote
Visteon expands lab in Brazil
Visteon is expanding automotive component testing capabilities at its engineering test centre in Brazil, one of the most advanced automotive technical centers in Latin America. The Visteon Tech Centre, located at the company's Arbor manufacturing facility in Guarulhos (SP), will now start performing thermal cycle tests on internal and external components for vehicles.
October take off for Galileo satellites
The launch of the first two operational satellites of the EU's global navigation satellite system will take place on 20 October, the European Commission has announced. This is just the first of a series of launches due to take off from Europe's Space Port in Kourou, French Guiana. The launch of the Galileo satellites at an altitude of 23,600km will lead to the provision of initial satellite navigation services in 2014. Successive launches will complete the constellation by 2019.
IRF's foundation celebrates anniversary
The International Road Federation has special cause to celebrate during 2011. This year marks the 20th anniversary for the International Road Educational Foundation’s (IREF) Future Fund. This endowment-style funding mechanism has been supported by IRF member organisations and individuals to ensure the long-term stability of the IRF Fellowship Programme. It also helps with the organisation's commitment to future generations of global transportation industry leaders.
Ford develops heart rate monitoring seat
Ford engineers have developed a car seat that can monitor a driver's heartbeat, opening the door to a wealth of health, convenience and even life-saving potential. A joint project undertaken by experts from Ford's European Research and Innovation Centre in Aachen, Germany and Rheinisch-Westfalische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, the seat uses six special embedded sensors to detect electrical impulses generated by the heart.
Major Deal between Deutsche Bahn and HaCon
HaCon has won the contract for EVAplus, a large-scale Deutsche Bahn (DB) project which will see complete remodeling of the integration of the German operator's timetable data.
Austria to lead ASECAP for next two years
Klaus Schierhackl has been appointed as the new president of ASECAP, the European Association of tolled road infrastructure operators. The election of the new president took place yesterday at the 39th ASECAP Study and Information Days, the annual congress of the tolled motorways operators.
$4 per gallon gas won’t alter driving behaviour, claims national study
As America braces for $4 average price for gasoline and the potential fallout from breaching this psychological barrier, a new study has just been released by the Mobility Collaborative that predicts $4 per gallon is not enough to significantly reduce the number of people choosing to drive alone as single occupant vehicle travellers (SOV).
StarTraq launches into Asian Market
StarTraq, a UK-headquartered specialist in offence management, is today announcing its launch into the Asian market at Intertraffic China 2012, following the successful launch of its International Partner Programme in Europe earlier this year. The company aims to increase the global reach for its cloud-based software that automates repetitive processes, such as traffic offences.
Hertz - IBM initiative on smart charging initiative for EVs
Hertz On Demand, the global car sharing club, and IBM are together piloting a programme in Germany to advance electric vehicle (EV) mobility and user adoption through intelligent recharging solutions. In a special agreement, Hertz On Demand in Germany will supply electric vehicles to the car share fleet used by IBM employees to drive between Stuttgart Airport and the company's campus in Ehningen, about 30 km away.
Fuel for Thought: The what, why and how of motoring taxation
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has highlighted the dilemma facing many governments – motoring tax income set to fall even as traffic rises - in an analysis of the decline in the amount of revenue collect from fuel duty and VED (vehicle excise duty) in the UK. The collapse in income from motoring taxation will be caused by increasingly fuel efficient petrol and diesel cars, and the predicted large-scale take-up of electric vehicles.
Speed indicator devices improve safety at landfill site
UK company Traffic Technology Limited has announced significant speed reductions at the Lochhead Landfill site, in Scotland, following the deployment of four SIDs (Speed Indicator Devices) as part of on-going health and safety improvements. The devices are installed at the site entrance and at three other points on the main waste vehicle access route to detect and inform drivers of their speed. Since being installed, the units have been instrumental in greatly reducing speeding on the site. According to Pe
TKH Security Solutions upgrades its entire line of Siqura XSNet Ethernet switches
TKH Security Solutions has announced the release of its new Siqura XSNet Ethernet switch line. The company says its XSNet 3000 and XSNet 4000 series provides a complete offering of managed/unmanaged switches and media convertors. This series offers hardened units for operation under extreme conditions as well as a selection of powering options, including PoE. Additionally, the XSNet 3000 / 4000 line includes optional SFP (or mini GBIC) interfaces that enable these devices to transmit Ethernet/IP signals dir
Delcan announces numerous promotions
The board of directors of Delcan has announced several appointments to principal, senior principal and vice president as part of its programme to reward team members for their strong leadership and technical skills, as well as contributions made to the corporation’s growth and success. In the company’s transportation division, Kelly Roberts and Sam Dinatolo have been promoted to principal. Nigel Astell, based in Vienna, Virginia, USA, who leads Delcan’s rail and transit business has been promoted to vice pr
UK county looking for major savings from Siemens traffic light upgrade
A major programme to upgrade traffic lights at 78 junctions and 100 pedestrian crossings across Norfolk, in the UK, with new energy-saving LED signals from Siemens is nearing completion. The retrofit project to supply, install and maintain all 178 sites is estimated to provide up to 78 per cent power consumption and carbon savings for Norfolk County Council (NCC). The new contract includes an innovative cost benefit payback solution provided by Siemens Financial Services.
Polish traffic police using long range cameras for driver infringements
Poland’s traffic police have started to use portable long range cameras to spot if drivers are not wearing seat belts, are using cell phones, running red lights, transporting children without car seats, or driving with no visible licence plate or validation sticker. The cameras can be set up and remotely operated and controlled with an in-car laptop and are typically used at 50-150 metre distances. It means that, instead of using binoculars, officers can sit inside a police car, place the equipment on the s
IBM develops plan to ease Nairobi’s traffic jams
A team of IBM experts assigned to Nairobi have provided a framework and roadmap to the city to improve the flow of road traffic and increase revenues from the transportation sector. The recommendations complement Nairobi's considerable on-going investment in underlying roadway infrastructure and include making traffic information more readily available to citizens, motorists, police, policymakers and planners so that better transportation decisions can be made in the near and long term.