New - Current & Upcoming Conferences, Webinars, and Resources
T3 Webinar: Introduction to Cyber Security Issues for Transportation
The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), U.S. Department of Transportation, hosted a webinar, Introduction to Cyber Security Issues for Transportation, on December 7, 2011. View the playback of the event or access resources provided during the event by visiting the T3 Webinar Archives.
U.S. Department of Transportation releases the 2011 update to the "Intelligent Transportation Systems Benefits, Costs, Deployment, and Lessons Learned Desk Reference"
U.S. DOT has released an update to the Intelligent Transportation Systems Benefits, Costs, Deployment, and Lessons Learned Desk Reference based on four related web-based databases, collectively known as the ITS Knowledge Resources (KRs). The new report presents information on the beneifts, costs, deployment levels, and lessons learned regarding ITS deployment and operations obtained since the 2008 report. Read the full report (PDF) to learn more.
NTSB Recommends Nationwide Ban on PEDs While Driving
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, their recommendation for a nationwide ban on personal electronic devices (PEDs) while operating a motor vehicle. The recommendation resulted from NTSB's meeting on the 2010 multi-vehicle highway accident in Gray Summit, MO, where it was determined that distracted driving, likely due to a text messaging conversation, was the probable cause of the accident. A copy of the NTSB press release and synopsis of the NTSB report can be found here.
MDOT Awarded TIGER Discretionary Grant Funds for ITS Upgrades
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) was recently awarded TIGER Discretionary Grant funds for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) improvements on and around four highway bridges that span the Mississippi River in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The project will include dynamic messaging signs, vehicle detection devices, closed-circuit television, highway advisory radio, fiber optic connections, and real-time river monitoring systems. These improvements will enable agencies to better manager their transportation assets and improve the safety and efficiency of barge operations. Visit MDOT to reach their press release. The full listing of 2011 DOT TIGER awards is available here (PDF).
NEW REPORT: An Agency Guide on Overcoming Unique Challenges to Localized Congestion Reduction Projects
The Federal Highway Administration's (FWHA) Office of Operations has recently released a new publication, An Agency Guide on Overcoming Unique Challenges to Localized Congestion Reduction Projects. This document was developed for state and local transportation personnel and details examples of institutional, design, funding and safety challenges that agencies face when trying to develop unique solutions to localized congestion problems. The full report (PDF) is available online .
NEW REPORT: Crash Prevention Effectiveness of Light-Vehicle Electronic Stability Control: An Update of the 2007 NHTSA Evaluation
Statistical analyses based on FARS and NASS CDS data from 1997 to 2009 found that a vehicle equipped with electronic stability control (CSC) had a smaller likelihood of being involved in a crash than a similar vehicle without ESC. This analysis estimates the magnitude of that reduction for different types of crashed and for different types of vehicles. The full report is available online (PDF).
"National Special Security Events: Transportation Planning for Planned Special Events"
The Federal Highway Administration's Office of Operations has recently released a new publication, National Special Security Events: Transportation Planning for Planned Special Events, which provides a transportation overview of National Special Security Events (NSSEs), and includes lessons learned from previous NSSEs, two transportation-focused case studies of recent NSSEs, a check list to assist transportation practitioners as they prepare for and execute an NSSE, a playbook that identifies key transportation activities for an NSSE, an NSE fact sheet, a template as an aid to provide information about an NSSE to appropriate groups in both the planning and implementation phases of these events, and a resource directory. The document is currently being printed. For printed copies, please send your request to ETO@dot.gov or Karla.Bloch@dot.gov, ETO Publications Manager.
ITS JPO Hosts Summer Webinar and Public Meeting Series
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced a series of webinars and public meetings that will focus on several aspects of the Connected Vehicle research program.
The webinars and public meetings are free and open to the public, but interested attendees need to register in advance for each event. Each 90 minute webinar will begin at 1:00 pm EDT; public meetings begin at 9:00 am. Click here (PDF) for the event schedule.
FACT SHEET: 21st Century Communications for Our First Responders
On Thursday, June 16, 2011, Vice President Biden announced the report on 21st-century communications for first responders. The report discusses how the President's Wireless Innovation and Infrastructure Initiative can facilitate the transition to a next generation, interoperable system. To read the full report (PDF).
Applications for the Environment: Real-Time Information Synthesis (AERIS) Transformative Concepts Workshop. July 13, 2011. Washington, DC
The U.S. Department of Transportation will be hosting a free public workshop to discuss the Applications for the Environment: Real-Time Information Synthesis (AERIS) Program and present Transformative Concepts. There will be a webinar for the first three hours of the meeting. The meeting is being organized by the Intelligent Transporation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO), which is part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA). More information and registration at the AERIS Workshop website.
The Urban Partnership Agreement: A Comparative Study of Technology and Collaboration in Transportation Policy Implementation
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Intelligent Transportation Systems—Joint Program Office (ITS-JPO) has released (April 2011) (PDF), “The Urban Partnership Agreement: A Comparative Study of Technology and Collaboration in Transportation Policy Implementation.” Five urban regions were initially selected to participate in the program designed to integrate four key strategies: transit, highway pricing, technology, and telecommuting.” The five cities that were selected include: Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York City, San Francisco, Miami, and Seattle. This particular report focuses on the implementation phase in the Twin Cities and incorporates the implications for transportation policy, planning, and implementation from New York City and Miami.
FCC Interoperability Forum
Date: Conducted March 4, 2011
The Presentations are available through the FCC Web site
The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) Public Safety Homeland Security Bureau's Emergency Response Interoperability Center (ERIC) hosted a forum to garner input on the technical framework for the nationwide public safety mobile broadband network to ensure nationwide interoperability. This network must be technically compatible and fully interoperable from the first day of network deployment in order to serve as the nationwide broadband network envisioned for America's first responders.
FCC Workshop on the 4.9 GHz Band: Spectrum Dedicated to Public Safety for Broadband Use
Date: Conducted February 25, 2011
The Presentations are available through the FCC Web site (scroll down)
The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau held a workshop focusing on the operational and administrative aspects of the spectrum. On the operational side of the workshop addresses the following: how public safety can increase utilization of this spectrum, system implementation, configuration, performance, types of uses, and applications. The administrative facets addressed were enhancements in relation to policy, rules, and regulations to increase utilization by public safety.
High Visibility Enforcement Demonstration Programs in Connecticut and New York Reduce Handheld Phone Use
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released (September 2010) (PDF), “High Visibility Enforcement Demonstration Programs in Connecticut and New York Reduce Handheld Phone Use.” The report highlights enforcement techniques and successes used by Hartford and Syracuse Police Departments, as well as, examining the most effective awareness programs and campaigns.
Information Sharing Guidebook for Transportation Management Centers, Emergency Operations Centers, and Fusion Centers
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released (August 2010) this Guidebook, which provides an overview of the mission and functions of Transportation Management Centers, Emergency Operations Centers, and Fusion Centers. The Guidebook focuses on the types of information these centers produce and manage, and how the sharing of such information among the centers can be beneficial to both day-to-day and emergency operations of all the centers. The Guidebook also provides lessons learned and best practices identified from a literature review and interviews and site visits with center operators. Copies of the Guidebook can be downloaded on the FHWA website.
IntelliDriveSM: Safer. Smarter. Greener.
"Imagine a world where automobiles and other vehicles can talk to each other in order to avoid or at least reduce the number and severity of crashes, where vehicles can communicate with traffic signals to eliminate unnecessary stops, where travelers can obtain the latest information about travel times on various modes and route options,and where transportation managers have the data to assess accurately the performance of the multimodel transportation system...." Read the full article (PDF) by Shelley J. Row, Director, ITS Joint Program Office (ITS JPO), in Public Roads, a bimonthly magazine of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This article introduces the new and exciting strategic plan for multimodel ITS research that aims to produce safer, interconnected, and more convenient travel. The four main program components included in the plan are IntelliDrive research, mode-specific research, exploratory research, and cross-cutting research.
ITS Strategic Research Plan 2010-2014
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), ITS Management Council released a five-year ITS Strategic Research Plan 2010-2014 on December 8, 2009. The plan explores the potentially transformative capabilities of wireless technology to make surface transportation safer, smarter and greener and ultimately enhance livability for Americans. The core of the research plan is a program called IntelliDrive, a multimodal initiative that aims to enable safe, interoperable wireless connectivity between vehicles (autos, buses, trucks, and other fleets), infrastructure and passengers’ devices to support safety, mobility and environmental enhancements. A key part of this research will examine how to effectively deliver warnings to vehicle operators – to enhance overall safety and minimize driver distraction. In addition to core research, the five-year program also supports technology transfer and knowledge and skills development of ITS professionals throughout the country. More details regarding this effort can be found in the Strategic Research Plan.