US congestion costs continue to rise
The 2010 Urban Mobility Report, published by the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University, concludes that after two years of slight declines in overall traffic congestion - attributable to the economic downturn and high fuel prices - leading indicators suggest that as the economy rebounds, traffic problems are doing the same. While 2008 was the best year for commuters in at least a decade, the problem again began to grow in 2009.
Is machine vision the future of enforcement?
Leading automated enforcement system suppliers talk about how they see machine vision technology
affecting the sector in the coming years
Tolling systems - interoperability is key
Is US tolling as fragmented and divided as some would have you believe? And are the technology suppliers so very entrenched? ITS International spoke to the market's leading suppliers. A few years back, the prevalent view was that the North American tolling market was characterised by fragmented, proprietary solutions, each existing in splendid isolation. The reality is that a combination of pragmatism and good old market forces have seen some concerted moves made towards interoperability in many areas.
IBM and Telvent to create smarter traffic solutions for smaller cities
Telvent and IBM have announced that together they will develop smarter traffic solutions that are affordable and customised for small cities, university and government campuses and business districts. The solution can integrate and analyse data traffic control, road sensors, bus schedules, real-time GPS location and IBM's advanced analytics.
Mixed results for public-private traffic management partnerships
David Crawford looks at the somewhat patchy success to date of trying to involve the private sector in operating traffic management centres
Los Angeles Express Lanes links multiple modes of transportation
The Big Apple's loss is the City of Angels's gain, according to Ken Philmus
Evolving technology - debating the future of the ITS industry
Harry Voccola talks to ITS International about where he sees the intelligent transportation industry heading
Iridium/GSM comms
Blue Sky Network has launched the HawkEye 5300 dual-mode tracking device leveraging both GSM and Iridium satellite capabilities. It offers two-way real-time communication which automatically and seamlessly switches between Iridium and quad-band GSM networks. This provides land fleet operators with lower monthly tracking costs while delivering 100% global visibility.
High-speed Gazelle
The Gazelle camera series from Point Grey debuts with 2.2 and 4.1 megapixel monochrome models based on the high sensitivity CMOSIS CMV2000 and CMV4000 global shutter CMOS sensors. With a Camera Link digital interface in Base (2-tap) and Full (8-tap) configurations, the 2.2 megapixel model outputs 2048x1088 resolution images at a maximum rate of 280 FPS, while the 4.1 megapixel model outputs 2048x2048 images at 150 FPS.
New ComNet managed PoE switch
Communication Networks (ComNet) has expanded its ComWorx VL line by introducing a cost-effective fibre-optic, eight-port Ethernet switch for commercial security applications. The CWGE2FE8MSPoE is the company's cost-effective managed Ethernet switch that provides a high port density in a compact package and provides Power over Ethernet (PoE) to peripheral devices, such as IP cameras, video encoders and access control equipment, and is designed for use in benign environments. The device makes available eight
RFID mobile phone sticker
KSW Microtec, a leading supplier of RFID components and inlays for secure cards and eDocuments, has added a new innovation to its product portfolio, a smart Mobile Phone Sticker (MPS) for ePayment, eTicketing, loyalty and access control applications.
Anywhere card delivers prepaid contactless ticketing
David Crawford investigates a far reaching initiative in integrated travel. The Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO), an operator of high speed commuter rail in the north eastern US, is not one of the world's best known transit providers. Its 13 stations along a single east-west route (three of them interchanges with other regional commuter lines) handle 40,000 passengers a day, travelling to and from Philadelphia, the US' fifth most populous city.
Omnicast Version 4.7
Genetec has announced the release of Omnicast 4.7, the latest version of its advanced IP video surveillance solution. This version provides support for new hardware and includes features like video trickling, simplification of unit enrolment, HTTPS support on selected cameras, cross line detection support for Axis cameras, and the addition of four new languages. Genetec says it has added an array of new camera models to its list of supported hardware. Now fully compatible are the new Q1921 and Q1921-E IP th
Rugged tablet PCs
Mobexx has extended its product range with two new 7-inch (18-cm) tablet PCs for mobile workforce applications. The Algiz 7 is an ultra-rugged device for harsh and all-weather environments and the Viliv X70 EX can be used for semi-rugged applications. Both run Windows operating systems - including Windows 7 - and are equipped with power-efficient Intel Atom processors. Both models offer touchscreen input, integrated GPS, wireless multi-connectivity with Bluetooth GSM/GPRS and 3G, a camera and importantly ve
Increasing and improving disabled access to public transport
An overview of European efforts to increase disabled access to public transport, by David Crawford
Higher bandwidth performance video servers
Moxa has unveiled the VPort 364 series, a four-channel industrial video encoder featuring the bandwidth-efficient H.264 video compression algorithm. Using the company's innovative DynaStream functionality for streaming optimisation, the VPort 364 is ideal for harsh industrial surveillance environments thanks to a wide operating temperature, built-in fibre Ethernet ports, IP30 form factor protection and industrial certifications. In addition to MJPEG, the VPort 364 supports H.264 technology to ensure high da
Cable and pipe locator range
Radiodetection, a specialist in the design and development of cable and pipe locators, has launched a new range of precision locators.
Outlook good for transportation technology funding
Chris Cheever and Chris Thomas of Fontinalis Partners discuss the funding outlook for the ITS industry – where the money’s going to come from, and what needs to happen to facilitate change
Trailer buses - flexible and cost efficient passenger transport
A study of the German local public passenger transport market, initiated by Göppel Bus and carried out by Consultatio Venture, revealed unsurprising results that would apply to just about any operation in this sector throughout the world: the pressure on costs and capacity peaks pose the greatest problems for local public passenger transport operations.
Mentor MyRide keeps passengers informed
Mentor Engineering has released its online passenger information system, Mentor MyRide. Developed for transit agencies, it provides passengers with various means of accessing real-time bus location, status and schedule information online using a desktop computer, smart phone or regular mobile phone.