New - Current & Upcoming Conferences, Webinars, and Resources
USDOT Seeks Public Comment for ITS Strategic Plan
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has released An Open Dialogue on the Draft Focus and Themes for the Next ITS Strategic Research Plan: Engaging Stakeholders in Their Discussion and Development and is seeking public input as it develops the next version of the ITS Strategic Plan. The current ITS Strategic Research Plan 2010-2014 (PDF) established a focused research agenda to prepare the next generation of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technologies for widespread deployment throughout the nation. The updated strategic plan aims to identify the ITS-related issues that USDOT will focus on for the rest of the decade.
To participate in the discussion, visit http://itsstrategicplan.ideascale.com. The full document is available at http://www.its.dot.gov/strategicplan
New web-based course: Intelligent Transportation Systems Architecture Use and Maintenance
The U.S. Department of Transportation (UDDOT) is now offering a free web-based training course, Intelligent Transportation Systems Architecture Use and Maintenance, to prepare ITS professionals to effectively use and maintain their regional ITS architecture. This course consists of four separate but interrelated modules, and the user can enroll in any single module or any combination of modules depending on their individual needs.
UPDATE: U.S. DOT has released an update to the ITS Strategic Research Plan
The U. S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has released Transforming Transportation through Connectivity: ITS Strategic Research Plan, 2010-2014 (Progress Update, 2012). This report is an update to the 2012 ITS Strategic Research Plan, which established a research agenda to prepare the next generation of intelligent transportation system (ITS) technologies for widespread deployment throughout the nation. For more information on ITS initiatives, please vist the ITS Joint Program Office.
Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Video
The IACP Traffic Incident Management Subcommittee has created a new video addressing traffic incident management concepts, policies, and practices. This online video is now available on the IACP YouTube channel, accessible here. Watch the video, incorporate it in your agency's training, and share with others!
US DOT to Host Public Webinar to Discuss Connected Vehicle Applications for Traffic Management
August 9, 2012 1:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
The U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) will be hosting a free public webinar on August 9, 2012 from 1:00pm - 5:00pm EDT to provide updates and promote lively discussion on the Intelligent Network Flow Optimization (INFLO) concept. The goal of this meeting is to provide an overview of the functional requirements of the INFLO bundle of applications. The meeting is being organized by the Intelligent Transporation Joint Program Office (ITS JPO), which is part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA). To register for the webinar, please visit www.itsa.org/inflowebinar.
T3 Webinar: Data to Go: Mobile Devices Serve Up Real-Time Transit Data (repeat webinar)
June 26, 2012 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
The ITS Professional Capacity Building Program (ITS PCB) at the U.S. Department of Transportation's (US DOT) ITS Joint Program Office, Research and Innovative Technology Adminstration (RITA) will hold a free webinar for transit staff interested in learning about providing transit information on mobile devices. The webinar will be hosted by David Jackson of the US DOT John A. Volpe National Transportation Sytems Center and will discuss the state of the practice, and lessons learned in the use and deployment of real-time transit information on mobile devices. For more information or too register for the webinar, please visit RITA.
U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Public Meeting and Webinar to Discuss Connected Vehicle Safety Program
September 25 - 27, 2012 Chicago, Illinois
The U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) will be hosting a free public meeting and webinar to provide updates and promote lively discussion on the Connected Vehicle Safety Program. The goal of this public meeting and webinar is to provide an overview of the entire ITS Connected Vehicle Safety reesarch program, including Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I), Safety Pilot, Safety Policy, and Human Factors. There will also be a session on commercial vehicles designed to solicit input on US DOT's research plans for related commercial vehicle applications for safety. For more information and to register for the meeting or webinar, please visit RITA.
FirstNet Board of Directors - Expressions of Interest Open
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announces the recruitment of the Board of Directors of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). The Board of Directors will be responsible for making strategic decisions regarding FirstNet's operations. Expressions of interest for membership on the FirstNet Board of Directors will be accepted until May 25, 2012.
New Report: Evolution of Intelligent Transportation Systems for Mobility Management and Coodination Serving California's Rural Frontier (January 2012)
The US Department of Transportation (US DOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), has released a new report, "Evolution of Intelligent Transportation Systems for Mobility Management and Coordination Servince California's Rural Frontier (January 2012)" (PDF). This report document the evolution, development, and lessons learned while attempting to identify, modify, and deploy Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and advanced technology tools to facilitate coordination of public transit and social (human) service transportation and mobility management in a "one stop shop" located in Modoc County (northeast), California. To view this and other reports, please visit the FTA's website.
New Report: Preparedness and Catastrophic Event Management for the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area (December 2010)
The US Department of Transportation (US DOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), has released a new report, "Preparedness and Catastrophic Event Management for the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area (December 2010)" (PDF). This report studies the effects of terrorism, and examines and assesses the outcome of potential terrorist attacks in preparation for an emergency evacuation by minimizing damages and enhancing solutions for the safety of the public in Washington, D.C. To view this and other reports, please visit the FTA's website.
New Courses Available from US DOT's ITS Professional Capacity Building Program
The US DOT's ITS Processional Capacity Building Program, in the ITS Joint Program Office, partners with training providers and industry associations to develop and deliver ITS-related training. The Consortium for ITS Training Educations (CITE) is not offering two new courses. The costs for these courses is $250 each, $400 for both, or FREE for state, local and Federal employees.
Configuration Management for Traffic Management Systems - (April 6 - May 20). This course will explore the benefits of configuration management (CM) and how it supports the management and operation of traffic management systems. The CM process and the five key CM activities (planning, configuration identification, status accounting, audits, and change control) are discussed.
Fundamentals of Database Management Sytems - (June 8 - July 28). This course emphasizes the importance of database design, use, and management to ITS; provides a general description of databases and database management systems; discusses relational database tables, E-R Models, and the role of metadata; and explores the role of databases in data warehousing and GISs.
US DOT Announces Public Meeting for Dynamic Mobility Applications and Data Capture Management Programs
The US DOT's Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Mobility Program is sponsoring a one-day workshop in the Washington DC area on May 24, 2012, from 8:30am - 4:30pm. The workshop is intended to inform stakeholders on progress, products, and plans of the two programs, and to seek input from stakeholders on the direction of the two programs. An informational session (with concurrent webinar) is planned for the morning, while the afternoon will feature interactive breakout sessions on critical issues designed to garner stakeholder feedback. For more information or to register to attend the workshop, please visit RITA. To register for the webinar, please visit here.
UPDATE - Intelligent Network Flow Optimization (INFLO) Webinar
Original date: April 25, 2012 New date: April 27, 2012
The Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) will hold a free public meeting to obtain stakeholder input for a connected vehicle concept that is designed to improve traffic management and will focus on the Intelligent Network Flow Optimization (INFLO) operational concept.l The Meeting will also include a webinar for those who cannot attend. For more information or to register, please visit RITA.
Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) for Safety Program for Connected Vehicles Initiative Webinar
The ITS JPO will hold a free public meeting on the V2I for Safety Program for Connected Vehicles Initiative on April 18, 2012. The purpose of the meeting is to allow the ITS JPO to meet with prijmary stakeholders and subject matter experts to review concepts of how selected safety applications will work that involve infrastructure components. The meeting will be held April 18, 2012 in Washington, D.C., and will include a webinar for those unable to attend in person. For more information or to register for the meeting, please visit RITA.
No-cost ITS Standards Training Modules Available
The Intelligent Transporation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) is offering no-cost ITS standards training through the ITS Professional Capability Building Program (ITS PCB). The 18-module series is aimed at practitioners in state and local highway agencies and transit agencies who seek the skills needed to procure, implement, and operate ITS standards-based devices and equipment. To learn more about the training, please visit RITA.
Policy Research Workshop:
Enabling a Secure Environment for V2V and V2I Transactions
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) will hold a free Policy Research Workshop on Enabling a Secure Environment for Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Transactions on April 19-20, 2012. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about and provide input into research being conducted on potential organizational and buisness models for supporting security and data transaction needs for V2V and V2I crash avoidance and other applications. Persons planning to attend should register online no later than April 13, 2012. For more information, visit RITA.
NTSA Announces Attentive Driving Forum
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will hold a one-day forum on March 27, 2012 entitled Attentive Driving: Countermeasures for Distraction. The forum includes panelists representing federal and state government and law enforcement, as well as researchers and industry groups. Panelists will look at the broad range of distractions that compete for drivers' attention, characterize the various distracted driving laws, and discuss the differences in how states have adopted restrictions. The forum will also explore national and state education campaigns and consider the effectiveness of active safety technologies being deployed in vehicles. Interested parties will be able to view the forum in person or by webcase. For more information, please see the NTSB press release.
RITA Launches U.S. DOT Research Hub Website
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) has announded the launch of the U.S. DOT Research Hub Website. The website has been released as a test version in order to solicit feedback from the transportation community that will be used to help develop future database versions. The website will contain a searchable database of the latest agency-sponsored research, development, and technology projects and will provide links to research reports and other products generated by completed projects.
T3 Webinar - Applications for the Environment: Real-Time Information Synthesis (AERIS) User Needs Workshop
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will host a free public workshop to discuss the AERIS Program and solicit user needs for its Transformative Concepts. The purpose of the workshop is to obtain stakeholder input on the Concepts of Operation (ConOps) that will be developed for the set of AERIS Transformative Concepts. The workshop will take place March 14-15, 2012 in Washington, DC. The first three hours of the workshop will also be webcast at no cost on March 14th, for those participants who are unable to participate in person. More information and registration instructions can be found in the meeting announcement.
U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces Fourth Round of Funding Under Highly Successful TIGER Program
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced the availability of funding for transporation projects under the TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grant program. TIGER 2012 will make $500 million available for surface transportation projects having a significant impact on the nation, a metropolitan area, or region. The primary criteria for project evaluation include safety, economic competitiveness, livability, environmental sustainability, state of repair and short-term job creation. Preapplications are due February 20, and applications are due March 19. The Notice of Funding Availability is found in the Federal Register (PDF).
U.S. DOT Announces Public Meeting for Two Connected Vehicle Concepts for Traffic Management
A two-day free public meeting to obtain stakeholder input for two connected vehicle concepts that are designed to improve traffic management will be held by the Intelligent Transporation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO). The meetings will focus on the Intelligent Network Flow Optimization (INFLO) and the Active Traffic and Deman Management (ATDM) operational concepts. The meeting will take place on February 7 and 8, 2012, in Washington, DC, and will include a webinar for those who cannot attend in person. To learn more about the meeting or to register, please visit the RITA website.
U.S. DOT Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) Announces the Release of U.S. National ITS Architecture Version 7.0
The National Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Architecture provides a common framework for planning, defining, and integrating ITS deployments. Developed using stakeholder input, in accordance with legislative direction to develop and maintain a National Architecture, the National Architecture defines required functions for ITS, physical subsystems where these functions reside, and information exchanges that create an integrated system. The updated version includes seven major new additions. To learn more, please visit the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office.
Three New Reports Released on Connected Vehicle Policy
The Intelligent Transportation Joint Program Office has released three research reports related to Connected Vehicle policy:
- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Connected Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Analysis
- An Approach to Communications Security for a Communications Data Delivery System for V2V/V2I Safety: Technical Description and Identification of Policy and Institutional Issues
- Connected Vehicle Environment: Governance Roundtable Proceedings from June 20, 2011
Copies of the reports are available on the RITA website.
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.
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).
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), “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.