*To view any article listed, simply use the mouse and control/click the
title.*

#### Transit Research Update Contents 

**September 2007**

[SPECIAL](#special)

[**FTA Funds Six NAVC Fuel Cell Bus Projects**
3](#fta-funds-six-navc-fuel-cell-bus-projects)

[**US and India to Cooperate on Urban Transportation**
3](#us-and-india-to-cooperate-on-urban-transportation)

[FROM THE TRI RESEARCH CORNER3](#from-the-tri-research-corner)

[**Annual State Safety Oversight Meeting**
3](#annual-state-safety-oversight-meeting)

[**Briefing on Mobimatics Unique M-Ticketing System**
3](#briefing-on-mobimatics-unique-m-ticketing-system)

[**Disabled People's International Conference**
3](#disabled-peoples-international-conference)

[**Small Business Innovation Research**](#__RefHeading___Toc178651555)
**............................................................3**

[FEDERAL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS3](#federal-research-publications)

[**Americans With Disability Act: The Federal Transit Administration's
Letters of Findings and Compliance Assessments
......................................................**3](#__RefHeading___Toc178651557)

Business Case for Bus Integrated Collision Avoidance Systems
...........................\...5

[**Emerging Wireless Technologies for Coordinating Transit and
Paratransit Services. Final Report on Cape Cod WiFi Project**
3](#emerging-wireless-technologies-for-coordinating-transit-and-paratransit-services.-final-report-on-cape-cod-wifi-project)

[**Center --to-Field (C2F) Communications Profile -- ITS Standards
Program** 3](#__RefHeading___Toc178651559)

[**Intelligent Transportation Systems Applications Overview Website**
3](#__RefHeading___Toc178651560)

[**Making Connections: Intermodal Links in the Public Transportation
System** 3](#__RefHeading___Toc178651561)

[**Pedestrian and Bicyclist Intersection Safety Indices: User Guide**
3](#pedestrian-and-bicyclist-intersection-safety-indices-user-guide)

[**Public Transportation\'s Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Reduction**
3](#public-transportations-contribution-to-greenhouse-gas-reduction)

[**Racial and Gender Diversity in State DOTs and Transit Agencies, TCRP
Report 120/NCHRP Report 585**
3](#racial-and-gender-diversity-in-state-dots-and-transit-agencies-tcrp-report-120nchrp-report-585)

[**Research Pays Off -- Smart Parking Management to Boost Transit, Ease
Congestion: Oakland, California Field Test Shows Promise**
3](#research-pays-off-smart-parking-management-to-boost-transit-ease-congestion-oakland-california-field-test-shows-promise)

[INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH](#international-research)

[**Developing an International Interface for Innovation: A Profile of
the European Conference of Transport Research Institutes**
3](#developing-an-international-interface-for-innovation-a-profile-of-the-european-conference-of-transport-research-institutes)

[**Galileo satellite navigation network hit by another delay**
3](#galileo-satellite-navigation-network-hit-by-another-delay)

[**India\'s Changing Innovation System: Achievements, Challenges, and
Opportunities for Cooperation: Report of a Symposium (2007)**
3](#indias-changing-innovation-system-achievements-challenges-and-opportunities-for-cooperation-report-of-a-symposium-2007)

[**Japan in Figures 2007** 3](#japan-in-figures-2007)

[**Statistical Handbook of Japan 2007**
3](#statistical-handbook-of-japan-2007)

[**U.K. Public Attitudes to and Perceptions of Engineering and Engineers
Report 2007**
3](#u.k.-public-attitudes-to-and-perceptions-of-engineering-and-engineers-report-2007)

[RESEARCH NEWS & INFORMATION](#research-news-information)

[**Transportation/Invest in Our Future: Revenue Sources to Fund
Transportation Needs**
3](#transportationinvest-in-our-future-revenue-sources-to-fund-transportation-needs)

[**2007 Annual Urban Mobility Report** 3](#annual-urban-mobility-report)

[**Development and Evaluation of Alternative Concepts for Wireless
Roadside Truck and Bus Safety Inspection**
3](#development-and-evaluation-of-alternative-concepts-for-wireless-roadside-truck-and-bus-safety-inspection)

[**Viability of Personal Rapid Transit in New Jersey**
3](#viability-of-personal-rapid-transit-in-new-jersey)

[**Communicating Transportation Concepts to Non-Transportation
Professional Audiences - Competition**
3](#communicating-transportation-concepts-to-non-transportation-professional-audiences---competition)

[**FHWA\'s Successes in Stewardship Newsletter**
3](#fhwas-successes-in-stewardship-newsletter)

[**Get There Fast -- The Website of SoundPRT**
3](#__RefHeading___Toc178651580)

[**18th National Conference on Rural Public and Intercity Bus
Transportation Partnerships for Progress in Rural Transportation**
3](#th-national-conference-on-rural-public-and-intercity-bus-transportation-partnerships-for-progress-in-rural-transportation)

[**Media Alert --ITE Helps to Improve Roadway Infrastructure Through
Congestion Management Initiatives and Resources**
3](#media-alert-ite-helps-to-improve-roadway-infrastructure-through-congestion-management-initiatives-and-resources)

[**Rhode Island Public Transit Authority's \$2 Million Grant to Expand
Bus Facility**
3](#rhode-island-public-transit-authoritys-2-million-grant-to-expand-bus-facility)

[**SkyWeb Express - A Revolution in Urban Transportation**
3](#skyweb-express---a-revolution-in-urban-transportation)

[**GSA Sets New Goal for Telework: 50 percent by 2010**
3](#gsa-sets-new-goal-for-telework-50-percent-by-2010)

[**New York County Joins Global Tech Network**
3](#new-york-county-joins-global-tech-network)

## SPECIAL

### FTA Funds Six NAVC Fuel Cell Bus Projects

September 17, 2007\--*State-of-the-Art Fuel Cell Buses to be deployed In
Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.* The Northeast Advanced Vehicle
Consortium (NAVC), a public-private partnership working to promote
advanced vehicle technologies, has signed contracts with the FTA for six
new projects as part of the *National Fuel Cell Bus Program.* The
contracts total more than \$54 million. NAVC also was contracted by FTA
to continue to staff the FTA National Fuel Cell Working Group and the
International Fuel Cell Bus Committees for \$900,000 for four years.
"*By funding this program, Congress has allowed the transit industry to
continue its long tradition as an innovator in the areas of alternative
fuels and technology*,\" said FTA Administrator James Simpson. Online
[\[NAVC Fuel Cell Bus
Projects\]](http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070917/20070917005918.html?.v=1)

The new projects under contract with NAVC are:

-   UTC Power (Conn.): UTC Power will develop four zero-emission fuel
    cell-powered hybrid electric buses using technology from UTC Power
    and test them with partner CTTRANSIT, which is already operating a
    transit bus equipped with a UTC Power fuel cell. The buses also will
    be tested with other transit agencies as the program evolves over
    four years.

 

-   GE Research (N.Y.): The four-year project includes building and
    demonstrating a transit bus that operates at lower cost than
    conventional fuel cell buses through the use of hybrid energy
    storage systems. A new advanced lithium ion battery from A-123 will
    be demonstrated as part of the program as well as a lightweight bus
    body and fuel cell technology.

 

-   New York Power Authority (N.Y.): The New York Power Authority (NYPA)
    will provide cost share, which includes a large hydrogen
    infrastructure program. Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
    (NFTA) will procure and operate two fuel cell buses from New Flyer
    using technology from Ballard and ISE. This program will utilize
    renewable hydropower from the NYPA owned Niagara Power Project to
    generate hydrogen through electrolysis.

 

-   Nuvera (Mass.): The program will design a 40-foot, hydrogen-powered
    fuel cell bus and a natural gas-based hydrogen refueling station at
    the Logan International Airport. Partners include Massport, the
    commercial end user and transit authority; ISE Corporation, the
    vehicle integrator; Keyspan, the natural gas supplier; AVSG, the
    installer of the hydrogen refueling station; and MBTA, the transit
    authority. Nuvera is working with Fiat Powertrain to commercialize a
    fuel cell power module for use in bus and truck applications.

More Online
\[<http://www.metro-magazine.com/t_newspick.cfm?id=9067019>\]

### 

### US and India to Cooperate on Urban Transportation

*New Delhi, Delhi, India, 2007-09-24.* India signed a memorandum of
cooperation (MoC) with the United States on urban transportation to
address challenges thrown up by large-scale urbanization, Urban
Development Minister S. Jaipal Reddy said. At a bilateral meet in New
Delhi, a US delegation led by Sherry Little, Deputy Administrator of the
US Federal Transit Administration, met with an Indian delegation led by
M. Ramachandran, Secretary of Urban Development, to discuss issues
related to surface transport. The MoC will enable the two countries to
work closely in the fields of public transportation, intermodal
transportation, intelligent transportation systems, traffic information,
capacity building, and training in public transportation. More Online
\[<http://www.indiaprwire.com/businessnews/20070924/24636.htm>\] See
also The Indian Express
\[<http://www.indianexpress.com/story/220841.html>\]

## FROM THE TRI RESEARCH CORNER

### Annual State Safety Oversight Meeting

On September 17, Lisa Colbert and Mike Flanigon, Office of Technology,
participated in the Office of Safety & Security Annual State Oversight
Meeting in Minneapolis. Lisa and Mike conducted a dialog session with
attendees and University Transportation Centers (UTC) representatives to
continue TRI's effort to develop transit research priorities for UTCs
and to further develop communication between the transit industry and
UTCs. The session emphasized more UTC involvement with the State Safety
Oversight program and personnel. Contact \[Lisa.Colbert@dot.gov\].

### Briefing on Mobimatics Unique M-Ticketing System

Tuesday, October 9, 2007, 10:00 a.m.in TRI-TPE Conference Room E43-102.
---The Office of Technology invites the FTA staff to attend a briefing
on Mobimatics unique mobile ticketing system, by Chris Watt of
Mobimatics Ltd., Belfast. Mike Flanigon, Director of the Office of
Technology, learned about Mobimatics ticketing system while attending
the May 2007 UITP Conference in Helsinki.

Mobimatics's unique mobile ticketing enables customers to buy a ticket
anytime, anyplace, anywhere, through the Internet or the mobile phone.
The ticket is sent to the mobile phone in the form of a 2D bar code. At
the same time, the ticket data is sent to all the Mobimatics enabled
ticketing machines. When the mobile phone is presented to a ticket
machine, it is validated by a scanner. Customers can choose to buy their
M-Tickets using a credit card or debit card, via their telephone, their
mobile phone, or over the Internet. Online
\[<http://www.mobimatics.com/index.php>\]

Contact \[Henry.Nejako@dot.gov\]

### Disabled People's International Conference

Rita Daguillard attended the Disabled People's International (DPI)
Conference in Seoul, South Korea, from September 5 through 8, 2007. DPI
is a organization that seeks to improve living and working conditions
for disabled persons through dissemination of information, collaboration
with governmental entities, and grassroots action. Over three thousand
delegates, including many from developing countries, attended the Seoul
meeting, which features sessions on technological, social, and
legislative developments affecting persons with disabilities. Rita
participated in a panel on accessible public transportation in the
United States, and highlighted some of the technical innovations, such
as voice announcement and vehicle locator systems, that improve
accessibility and service delivery. Several of the delegates asked for
more information about the technology and contact information of the
U.S. companies providing it.

**Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Proposals Selected**

On September 12, 2007, Acting Associate Administrator Matt Welbes
approved selection of two proposals related to cleaning third-rail
insulators for SBIR Phase I feasibility studies. Both are related to
cleaning third-rail insulators in rail transit systems. 

 

-   Mini LLC of Bethesda, MD, will develop a high-speed,
    low-water-consumption insulator cleaner using swiveling spin wedges
    that direct a very rapid series of high pressure water jets aimed at
    the insulator surface to be cleaned.  Mini LLC developed earlier
    versions of the water-jet device with support from the Transit IDEA
    program of the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP). 

-   Phoenix Science and Technology, Inc., of Chelmsford, MA, will adapt
    an innovative photolytic paint stripper that uses the heat from
    intensely focused light beams to clean insulators quickly without
    using water.  Phoenix developed the photolytic cleaning technology
    for removing lead-based paint with assistance from the Department of
    Housing and Urban Development and the Environmental Protection
    Agency. FTA Contact \[Henry.Nejako@dot.gov\].

The DOT SBIR Program Office at the Volpe Center will award contracts to
the two small businesses.

## FEDERAL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc178651557 .anchor}**Americans With Disability Act:
The Federal Transit Administration's Letters of Findings and Compliance
Assessments**

The FTA-sponsored *Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Legal
Research Digest 23: The Americans With Disability Act (ADA): The Federal
Transit Administration\'s (FTA\'s) Letters of Findings and Compliance
Assessments* includes FTA interpretations of Part III of the ADA, which
pertains to public accommodations and transportation. FTA
interpretations can be found in letters, findings, decisions on
complaints, and compliance assessments. This digest uses indexes to
locate the desired letter, finding, decision, or compliance assessment.
Documents can be found according to the region, by alphabetical order,
or by subject and issue index. This compilation effort should be helpful
to administrators, attorneys, financial officials, human resources
personnel, and public transportation planners. FTA\'s interpretations
are available for download as an [\[ISO
IMAGE\]](http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=8128)\]. TCRP Legal
Digest 23 Online at \[<http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_browse.asp?id=10>\]

### Business Case for Bus Integrated Collision Avoidance Systems

The FTA Office of Mobility Innovation finalized the report, *Assessing
the Business Case for Integrated Avoidance Systems on Transit Buses*.
The report documents the results of a study that evaluated the business
case for developing integrated safety systems for transit buses.  The
study performed a benefit/cost (B/C) analysis on individual and
combinations of the following bus collision warning systems: Forward
Collision Warning System, Rear Collision Warning System, Side Object
Detection System, Forward Object Detection System, Rear Object Detection
System, Lane Departure Warning System, and Pedestrian Detection System. 
Benefit and cost data were obtained from the National Transit Database
and six participating transit agencies.  The study concluded that only
the Side Object Detection System had a B/C ratio greater than 1.0,
although combinations of collision warning systems that included a Side
Object Detection System component had a B/C ratio greater than 1.0.  The
next highest B/C ratio for a single system was for Pedestrian Detection
Systems.  This report will be available online mid-October at
\[www.fta.dot.gov\]. FTA Contact \[Charlene.

### Emerging Wireless Technologies for Coordinating Transit and Paratransit Services. Final Report on Cape Cod WiFi Project

FTA Project MA-26-7098-2007.1. *Cape Cod WiFi Project Final Report* will
be available on [www.fta.dot.gov](http://www.fta.dot.gov/) in October
2007. The research was conducted as a partnership between the Cape Cod
Regional Transit Authority and the GeoGraphics Laboratory at Bridgewater
State College---to explore the use of emerging transportation
technologies for transit and paratransit management and operations. This
project takes advantage of emerging community-wide outdoor Internet
connectivity and large scale data storage as the enabling technology for
an *e-transit village*. The report discusses the technology tested,
customer features, and summarizes the follow-on research and
demonstration activities initiated by the project. FTA Contact
\[Aletha.Goodine@dot.gov\]

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc178651559 .anchor}**Center --to-Field (C2F)
Communications Profile - ITS Standards Program**

August 2007. C2F communications are intelligent transportation systems
(ITS) communications that take place between a traffic management center
(TMC) and one or multiple field devices managed by that center.
Applications of this type involve a computer at a TMC communicating with
various devices at the roadside. The current NTCIP C2F communications
profile standards cover the lower layer interfaces between a TMC and
dynamic message signs (DMS), traffic signals, ramp meters, environmental
sensor stations (ESS), closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, data
and data-collection monitoring devices, and other field equipment under
the center\'s control. NTCIP C2F standards can be divided into two
categories: (1) the vocabulary and message content, and (2) the rules
for exchanging the messages and data. More Online
\[<http://www.standards.its.dot.gov/Documents/advisories/adv_c2f_bg.asp>\]

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc178651560 .anchor}**Intelligent Transportation
Systems Applications Overview Website**

The U.S. Department of Transportation\'s ITS Joint Program Office has
updated its Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Applications
Overview website. The website includes information on the cost,
benefits, and deployment of more than 170 different ITS technologies.
The site now includes a list of U.S. DOT experts and their contact
information so users can delve further into any of the technologies
highlighted on the site.

Online \[<http://www.itsoverview.its.dot.gov/>\]

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc178651561 .anchor}**Making Connections: Intermodal
Links in the Public Transportation System**

The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics has released a 4-page
Special Report that explores passenger terminals and the connecting
modes that directly serve them. Intermodal connections are the links
that allow passengers to switch from one mode of public transportation
to another. The BTS has developed a new database of passenger terminals
and the connecting modes that directly serve them. The Intermodal
Passenger Connectivity Database was developed to provide an inventory of
intermodal passenger

facilities to use as a baseline for measuring the degree of connectivity
in the system, or for measuring future progress. The first phase of the
database is complete and includes information on direct connections
available at 527 intercity rail stations and on 673 airline airports.
Initial findings for the 48 contiguous states show that: (1) 54 percent
of intercity rail stations have intermodal links, (2) 35 percent of
airports are served by another scheduled public transportation mode, and
(3) *Transit bus is the most prevalent connecting mode at airports and
intercity rail stations.* Online
\[<http://www.bts.gov/publications/bts_special_report/2007_09_18/pdf/entire.pdf>\]

### Pedestrian and Bicyclist Intersection Safety Indices: User Guide

This User's Guide is designed to help practitioners use safety indices
to identify which crosswalks and intersection approaches have the
highest priority for in-depth pedestrian and bicycle safety evaluations,
and subsequently use other tools to identify and address potential
safety problems. The user guide is a companion to the *Pedestrian and
Bicyclist Intersection Safety Indices: Final Report* that explores the
development of safety indices to proactively prioritize intersection
crosswalks and intersection approaches for pedestrian and bicycle
safety. Online
\[<http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pedbike/pubs/06130/06130.pdf>\]

### Public Transportation\'s Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Reduction

September 2007. SAIC conducted this study for the American Public
Transportation Association (APTA) with funding provided through the
*Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Project J-11/Task 2.* TCRP
is sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The report
begins with a quote by Jonathan Lash, Director of the World Resources
Institute ---"*The scientific debate on the causes of global climate
change is basically over -- the focus has turned to action."* This
report addresses four questions:

-   How much net CO2 is public transportation saving in the U.S. from
    the current level of services being offered?

-   How much additional CO2 savings are possible if incremental public
    transportation passenger loads are increased?

-   What is the significance of non-public transportation commuter use
    at a household level and what can households do to save additional
    CO2?

-   Are there favorable land use impacts that public transportation
    contributes to that result in positive environmental and social
    benefits?

Answers to these questions show that public transportation is a highly
valuable asset for reducing global warming. Online
\[<http://www.apta.com/research/info/online/climate_change.cfm>\]

### Racial and Gender Diversity in State DOTs and Transit Agencies, TCRP Report 120/NCHRP Report 585

This joint *TCRP Report 120/NCHRP Report 585* documents and analyzes
racial and gender diversity in state departments of transportation
(state DOTs) and transit agencies for purposes of establishing a
baseline that reflects the current status of racial and gender diversity
in state DOTs and transit agencies based on existing data. The report
will be useful to Chief Administrative Officers of state DOTs, Chief
Executive Officers of transit agencies, state DOT officials, transit
officials, and other transportation professionals interested in
workforce development. The objectives of this project were to: (1)
identify sources of existing data on the race and gender of employees of
state DOTs, transit agencies, and contract employees of public transit
agencies; (2) assess the quality of the data in terms of their
comprehensiveness, validity, and reliability; (3) identify gaps
discovered in the existing data and determine what additional data need
to be collected in order to establish a credible benchmark; and (4)
establish a baseline reflecting the current status of racial and gender
diversity in state DOTs and transit agencies based on existing data.
Online
\[<http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_585.pdf>\]

### Research Pays Off -- Smart Parking Management to Boost Transit, Ease Congestion: Oakland, California Field Test Shows Promise

Traffic congestion in the San Francisco Bay Area is notorious, and the
projected addition of 1 million new residents by 2020 will intensify the
conditions. Increasing ridership on regional transit can reduce
commuting time, but the rising costs of land prohibit efforts to
construct new spaces at Bay Area Rapid Transit\'s (BART\'s) near
capacity existing parking facilities. To address the problem, the
California Department of Transportation and BART requested California
Partners for Advanced Transit and Highways (PATH) researchers to
evaluate the feasibility of the smart parking concept for transit. Smart
parking systems typically provide real-time information to motorists via
changeable message signs (CMSs) that post the number of available
parking spaces in park and ride lots, the departure time of the next
train, and the downstream roadway traffic conditions, as well as
guidance to open spaces in park-and-ride lots. Quick, convenient
automobile access to park-and-ride lots is seen as essential for transit
to be competitive with the automobile, particularly in suburban areas.

The smart parking project showed that more efficient management of a
transit station parking lot can improve access to transit and therefore
increase ridership. By dynamically managing BART parking, the project
helped to manage parking capacity effectively without a new capital
expenditure for construction. By enabling en route decision making
through realtime parking information on a highway, the system encouraged
a new group of commuters to take transit instead of driving the
remainder of a trip, particularly when traffic congestion was
significant. As a result of the test, BART management has incorporated
smart parking into the agency\'s strategy and plans to introduce the
technology to other stations in the system. Article Online
\[<http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=8131>\]

## INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH

### Developing an International Interface for Innovation: A Profile of the European Conference of Transport Research Institutes 

A featured article in the July-August 2007 issue of TR News explores
progress made in the first years of European Conference of
Transportation Research Institutes (ECTRI). ECTRI coordinates
transportation research within the European Union, fosters cooperation
with international counterparts, such as TRB; provides advice to
European Union policy makers; provides technology transfer; and
establishes research networks.

More Online \[<http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=8130>\]

Online
\[<http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iEsw_rcUouR0N2MBicHO1eTr-Rlw>\]

### Galileo Satellite Navigation Network Hit by Another Delay

FRANKFURT (AFP) --- The struggling European navigation system Galileo
faces yet another delay with a three-month postponement of its second
satellite launch, a press report said Monday. \"The forecast launch of
the second satellite in December will now be held in March 2008,\" a
spokesman for the launch was quoted. Problems with the Russian rocket
Soyuz which is to place the Giove-B satellite in geo-stationary orbit
were responsible for the latest setback, the newspaper reported. The
Galileo navigation system was designed to compete with the GPS system
already in wide use, but Galileo has been hit by rising costs, and
European Union officials had to step in when squabbling among mooted
private partners caused several deadlines to be missed. [\[More
Online\]](http://www.gpsdaily.com/reports/Galileo_satellite_navigation_network_hit_by_another_delay_999.html)

### India\'s Changing Innovation System: Achievements, Challenges, and Opportunities for Cooperation: Report of a Symposium (2007)

India is a rising economic power and an increasingly important locus of
innovation. Spurred by competition, India's private-sector firms are
fast improving the quality of their products and services and are
rapidly expanding their global presence. At the same time, U.S. and
other multinational companies are increasingly locating their advanced
research and development (R&D) operations in India to draw on the
nation's highly trained scientists, engineers, and managers. In the
process India is changing from a locus of low-cost contract research and
reverse engineering to a global center of high-value, indigenously
generated innovation. To sustain this transformation, Indian policy
makers increasingly recognize the need for continuing economic reforms,
new public investments in the nation's infrastructure, and new policy
initiatives and institutions to encourage innovation, expand the skills
and knowledge base of its population, and facilitate entrepreneurship.
More Online
\[<http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11924&page=2>\]

### Japan in Figures 2007

*Japan in Figures* is the latest update. The publication is designed to
serve as a convenient booklet for statistical reference on Japan,
covering demographic, economic, social fields, including transportation,
etc. Most of the information covered in this booklet will be included in
a related publication and its website titled "Statistical Handbook of
Japan." Online
\[<http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/figures/index.htm>\]

### Statistical Handbook of Japan 2007 

*Statistical Handbook of Japan 2007 (SHJ)* provides a clear and coherent
overview of present-day Japan through statistics. It provides
statistical tables, charts, maps, and photographs to portray conditions
in modern-day Japan from a variety of perspectives, including
demographics, economic and social trends, and culture. Most of the
comments and statistical data for this purpose have been drawn from
principal statistical publications available from government and other
leading sources. SHJ is published annually in August or September.
Beginning with the 2007 edition, you can print [each statistical table
or
chart](http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/index.htm#tableslist%23tableslist)
on a separate sheet of paper. More Online
\[<http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/index.htm>\].

### U.K. Public Attitudes to and Perceptions of Engineering and Engineers Report 2007 

The Royal Academy of Engineering has released the findings of its
first-ever nationwide report into public attitudes and perceptions
towards engineers and engineering. According to the Academy, two out of
three young people know very little about engineering and almost three
out of four don\'t understand what engineers actually do.

Online \[<http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=8168>\]

## RESEARCH NEWS & INFORMATION

### Transportation/Invest in Our Future: Revenue Sources to Fund Transportation Needs

Specifying sources of revenue for improving America\'s transportation
infrastructure, the American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials today released a report titled
*Transportation/Invest in Our Future: Revenue Sources to Fund
Transportation Needs.* The report is the third of six being provided by
AASHTO to the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study
Commission, which will make transportation recommendations to Congress.
Online \[<http://www.transportation1.org/tif4report/>\]

### 2007 Annual Urban Mobility Report

September 2007---the Texas Transportation Institute released its *2007
Urban Mobility Report* at a Press Conference. The study focused on the
effects of traffic congestion in 437 U.S. urban areas, and includes
detailed information for 85 specific urban areas. According to the
report, traffic congestion continues to worsen in American cities of all
sizes, creating a \$78 billion annual drain on the U.S. economy in the
form of 4.2 billion lost hours and 2.9 billion gallons of wasted fuel.
The results of this report include a collection of measures to support
local decision-making related to current congestion and a means to
assess possible solutions. These are among the key findings of the Texas
Transportation Institute\'s *2007 Urban Mobility Report*. The current
report is based on 2005 figures, the most recent year for which complete
data was available. More Online \[<http://mobility.tamu.edu/ums/>\]

### Development and Evaluation of Alternative Concepts for Wireless Roadside Truck and Bus Safety Inspection 

The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has released a
report that examines various concepts of operations that would link
advanced onboard monitoring technologies with a means of wirelessly
communicating such information to inspection sites in order to improve
the quality and/or quantity of commercial vehicle inspections completed
annually in the United States. This project is being administered by the
FMCSA and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Joint
Program Office (JPO) on Intelligent Transportation Systems. Online
\[[[http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=8154]{.underline}](http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=8154)\]

### Viability of Personal Rapid Transit in New Jersey

*Viability of Personal Rapid Transit in New Jersey* was prepared for the
New Jersey Legislature to document the current state of Personal Rapid
Transit (PRT) development and implementation, and to explore the
potential viability of implementing PRT in New Jersey. The report
summarizes the history of PRT development efforts worldwide, documents
lessons learned from past research and development activities, explores
the opinions of several PRT industry experts regarding the current state
of PRT development, presents the theoretical benefits of PRT when
compared to other modes of public transportation, identifies the
challenges and risks associated with PRT implementation and presents a
series of options for advancing PRT development in New Jersey. PRT has
been the subject of research and development efforts for approximately
40 years. Online at \[<http://faculty.washington.edu/jbs/itrans>\].
*Note-* PRT, an emerging and innovative urban transportation concept
designed to offer the comfort and convenience of the private auto with
the efficiency of public transportation, is gaining attention around the
world.

### Communicating Transportation Concepts to Non-Transportation Professional Audiences - Competition

TRB\'s Technical Activities Division Planning and Environment Group is
holding a competition to find top methods for communicating
transportation concepts to non-professional audiences. Entries may
address any transportation issue, profession, mode, or function. There
is also no restriction on the form of communication-graphics,
illustrations, photos, software, demonstrations, interactive exercises
or games-used to convey the message. Entries can be examples of
successful communications efforts or techniques that can be used to
communicate transportation concepts to non-transportation professional
audiences. The entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges
representing technical as well as communication disciplines. The winner
will be announced at the 2008 TRB 87th Annual Meeting, January 13-17,
2008, in Washington, D.C. The top ten entries will be showcased in a
poster session at the TRB Annual Meeting and featured in TRB's TR News.
Online \[<http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=8173>\]

### FHWA\'s Successes in Stewardship Newsletter 

The September 2007 issue feature story is: *Design-Build Final Rule
Outlines New Contracting Procedures to Streamline Project Development*
Online

\[<http://environment.fhwa.dot.gov/strmlng/newsletters/sep07nl.asp>\]

### 18th National Conference on Rural Public and Intercity Bus Transportation Partnerships for Progress in Rural Transportation 

The Transportation Research Board is sponsoring the 18th National
Conference on Rural Public and Intercity Bus Transportation Partnerships
for Progress in Rural Transportation on October 19-22, 2008 in Omaha,
Nebraska. The conference will be structured around the following focus
areas: planning, design, and research; policy, funding, and finance;
rural mobility; rural transportation in today\'s operating environment;
and technology solutions to improve service. Individuals who would like
to submit an idea for a presentation at the meeting may do by October
15, 2007, for early consideration. Proposals will continue to be
accepted through January 10, 2008. More Online

\[<http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=8158>\]

### Get There Fast -- The Website of SoundPRT

### ![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.1909722222222223in" height="0.8125in"}

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc178651580 .anchor}*Get There Fast*, the website of
SoundPRT, is advocating personal rapid transit (PRT) for the Seattle
area as the transit technology for the 21st century. SoundPRT is
committed to improving the economic and environmental health of the
Puget Sound region, through use of personal rapid transit to increase
mobility and decrease congestion. \[<http://www.gettherefast.org/>\].

### Media Alert --ITE Helps to Improve Roadway Infrastructure Through Congestion Management Initiatives and Resources

**WASHINGTON, DC---** The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
issued a Media Alert regarding the results of Texas Transportation
Institute's *2007 Urban Mobility Report.* The Media Alert also included
information on the release next month of the National Transportation
Operations Coalition's 2007 National Traffic Signal Report Card---a
technical report established to assess the current state of traffic
signal operation in the United States, create awareness of the
congestion-reducing benefits of good traffic signal operation. ITE also
provides resources on congestion management. More Online

\[[http://www.ite.org/news/TTI%20Urban%20Mobility%20Report.pdf](http://www.ite.org/news/TTI Urban Mobility Report.pdf)\]

### Rhode Island Public Transit Authority's \$2 Million Grant to Expand Bus Facility 

In an effort to help Rhode Island\'s buses run more efficiently and
effectively, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will receive \$1,943,557
to expand its statewide facility. Senator Reed said \"This grant will
allow for the expansion of RIPTA\'s maintenance facility to ensure that
buses and vans are properly stored and maintained. It is essential that
there is an infrastructure in place that can support the state\'s
paratransit fleet.\" More Online
\[<http://www.masstransitmag.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=3&id=4330>\]

### SkyWeb Express - A Revolution in Urban Transportation

Taxi 2000 Corporation introduced SkyWeb Express, as a 21st century
technology that will be faster, safer, more flexible and highly
competitive with other modes of transportation. SkyWeb Express is very
user friendly. Just swipe a prepaid card through a stanchion in front of
an empty waiting vehicle, punch in the destination number, take a seat
in the vehicle and the computer control system will sweep you non-stop
to your destination. It operates on demand whenever you need it. Empty
vehicles wait for you - not the other way around. Note - The University
of Minnesota assigned its PRT technology patent to Taxi 2000 Corporation
in exchange for royalties on future Taxi 2000 system. More Online
\[<http://www.taxi2000.com/about_the_company.shtml>

### GSA Sets New Goal for Telework: 50 percent by 2010

Determined to lead the government's telework push from the front,
General Services Administration Administrator Lurita Doan said today
that her agency would develop plans to let 50 percent of eligible GSA
employees telework at least one day a week by 2010**.** Online
\[<http://www.fcw.com/article103739-09-12-07-Web&newsletter=yes>\]

### New York County Joins Global Tech Network

September 20. Westchester County, N.Y., has become the first locality in
the United States to join an international network of
technology-oriented cities. The Global Digital City Network (GDCN),
founded in 2000, has 13 members. The network\'s purpose is to provide a
forum for information sharing and to promote joint initiatives.
Westchester County accepted an invitation to join GDCN in August, during
the network's general annual meeting in Dundee, Scotland. More Online

\[<http://www.fcw.com/article103808-09-20-07-Web&slnewsletter=yes>\]