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ITS CANADA ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Executive Director Search Committee is pleased to announce a successful conclusion to their efforts. Widespread industry publicity, as well as advertisements placed in national media, concluded with over 40 applications of merit being received. Submissions were subsequently reduced to a ‘long list’ of candidates who were interviewed by the Committee. The results were unanimous selection of the final candidate.
The Committee is pleased to announce that Carl Kuhnke has accepted an offer to become Executive Director of ITS Canada, and will join the Society as of January 5, 2009. Carl holds extensive managerial experience in both the private and public sectors. For the past eight years, he has been growing Canadian technology companies and their global business practices, as well as directing the business development initiatives of Canada’s largest health sciences organization, the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. In these capacities, he developed and implemented strategic business plans in fields as diverse as digital airborne remote sensing, and case management software for one of Canada’s largest human resource firms.
Prior to that, Carl served in Canada’s Diplomatic Service for many years as one of our Senior Trade and Investment Commissioners in the United States, Asia and Europe, as well as Ottawa. He catalyzed the export initiatives of Canadian technology firms, and recommended international strategic alliances to them. Among other positions, Carl has served as Director of Operations of the Science Council of British Columbia, Canada’s Science and Technology Envoy to Asia (based in Tokyo), and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada-BC Business Service Centre in Vancouver. He is a past Board Member of the Victoria International Airport Authority, the Seattle Urban League, and the München Chapter of the Deutsche Industrie und Handelskammer (German Chamber of Industry and Commerce). Carl currently serves as one of three appointed Judicial Tribunal Members on the BC-Alberta Agreement on Trade, Investment, and Labour Mobility (TILMA). He also speaks German, French and Japanese.
ITS Canada would like to thank the members of the Committee (Rob Shirra-Chair, Nancy Lynch, Jacques Legault and John Greenough) for their dedication to this effort over the past several months.
15TH ITS WORLD CONGRESS … A PROFESSIONAL SHOW
By William Johnson, International Program Committee, 15th ITS WC
The very high expectations leading up to the 15th ITS World Congress in New York City were very justified. The Congress organizers – ITS America and its partners ERTICO and ITS Japan – reached a new plateau in terms of size of the event, the professionalism of the supporting acts and the breadth of the technical program. For those who had the privilege of attending the Congress, this was an event to remember.
The Opening Ceremony set the pace. After the welcomes and opening remarks, there followed a fast-moving revue of the “City that never sleeps” using video, music, dance and acrobatics straight from Broadway set against familiar scenes in New York City. The professionalism of the actors and the current and nostalgic themes were captivating and delightful.
The Congress was actually two events in one – the World Congress and ITS America’s Annual Meeting. Hence the very broad scope of the program with Executive, Special, Scientific, Technical and Interactive sessions as well as the annual meeting sessions and forums. The range of choice was overwhelming and at times daunting. The online planner was helpful but not always readily available for instant reference so one’s Final Program got well thumbed (146 pages!)
The VII demonstrations were effective and well organized. Tours started from the Javits Center in buses equipped to pick up wireless signals from roadside units placed at intervals along a loop through central Manhattan. One tour demonstrated ‘update on time of arrival’ to selected destinations; ‘updates on parking availability’ at nearby garages; ‘time to green phase’ at an intersection; ‘speed limit warning’ on selected segments of roadway; and many other ITS information themes for drivers.
The “11th Avenue Theatre” was a section of 11th Avenue in front of the Javits Center blocked to traffic where active vehicle demonstrations were conducted. Delegates could simply walk out the front door of the Javits Centre at any time and catch a portion of the show.
Safety was a dominant theme of the individual demos, including crash avoidance at intersections, autonomous vehicle operations in traffic, and an information envelope to warn drivers of potential dangers.
The ‘Transportation Management Center of the Future’ was a must-see combination of professional actors and video screening to demonstrate the future capabilities of traffic control centers. Using VII and probe data, operators are able to monitor and oversee every road segment in the network, pinpoint problems and respond with precise instructions to those who can improve the flow conditions. This was a most impressive demo for its technical content and for the energy and excitement imparted by the professional actors. Let’s hope the show was captured on video to show to audiences after the World Congress!
The Ministers Plenary provided an important insight into the future transport priorities of governments. Tyler Duvall, a senior official in the current Administration, delivered the U.S. Department of Transportation perspective. He suggested the transportation debate would be reframed around three themes: seeking a sustainable financial model (the gas-tax model is broken); reversing the decline in the quality of transportation services (especially safety); and resolving the climate issue (closely tied to reducing congestion and emissions). The outcome of the debate will certainly affect the CAFÉ standards for fuel economy and will require that the U.S. government engage with the U.S. auto industry.
The exhibition was impressive, not only for it size at 350,000 square feet of exhibit space (the largest ITS exhibition in America to date), but also for the number of participants (more than 340) and the variety of exhibitors. When organizations as diverse as the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) and XM Satellite Radio participate to put forward their message and their products, it is evident that ITS is part of an expanding universe.
Best of all, the 15th ITS World Congress was in New York City, providing wide scope for good times outside the Congress. From learning experiences to entertainment: hooray for New York!
ITS CANADA’S MISSION TO THE ITS WORLD CONGRESS
By all accounts, ITS Canada's mission to New York to participate in the ITS World Congress in November was an outstanding success.
Jeff Smart, Chair of ITS Canada's Promotions Committee, supported by Heather Navarra of ITS Canada's Secretariat, toured the exhibit floor extensively to promote the Society as well as ITS Canada's upcoming Annual Conference and Exhibition in Edmonton. Follow-up emails to contacts have resulted in a significant amount of interest in both the Society and the Conference. Over 230 new contacts have been added to ITS Canada's non-member distribution list to receive updates regarding future ITS Canada events.
The highlight of the mission was ITS Canada's hospitality event, held on Monday evening in the penthouse suite at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers. John Knubley, Associate Deputy Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (Transport Canada) welcomed guests, along with Susan Spencer of Transport Canada's ITS Office. The event was very well attended and presented an excellent opportunity to network with a wide number of Canadian and international delegates, as well as Consulate representatives.
Thanks to the Export Committee, Chaired by Scott Stewart, for their work in organizing the event. Results indicate the mission will contribute to expanding ITS Canada's membership along with increasing interest and attendance at the Conference.
Show Chairman Michael Noblett speaks at the ITS World Congress Opening Ceremonies
ITS Canada’s Heather Navarra visits member IRD’s booth
11th Avenue Theatre – In-vehicle pedestrian warning demonstrations
NORTHEAST CORRIDOR 511 TRAVELLER INFORMATION
By Gregg Loane, IBI Group
In conjunction with the ITS World Congress, the Canadian Consulate in New York City sponsored a breakfast meeting at the Sheraton Towers Hotel in Manhattan on Tuesday, November 18, 2008. The focus of the meeting was the deployment of traveller information initiatives in the northeast corridor of the U.S., and some of the unique products and solutions that are being developed and applied throughout North America. Seven guests were invited to form a panel discussion where each provided a brief presentation followed by a lively question period.
Dan Sullivan, the Canadian Consul General, welcomed all to the breakfast meeting, thanking the approximately 57 attendees for their interest in the proceedings. Scott Stewart, Managing Director of IBI Group, acted as Moderator for the panel discussion, and introduced the topic of traveller information/511 challenges and opportunities in the northeastern U.S. He challenged each of the panellists to consider what they believe to be the greatest opportunities and challenges facing deployers in this area.
Susan Spencer, Director of Transport Canada’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) with Transport Canada, presented an overview of Transport Canada’s efforts to bring 511 into the Canadian environment, and the importance of servicing key commercial corridors.
Joseph Lam, President of Systems Business for Delcan Corporation, presented on Delcan’s iMove, a web-based traveller information system, incorporating multiple data sources to provide comprehensive and multi-modal information for TransLink in the Greater Vancouver area. iMove’s goal is to reduce congestion and facilitate the flow of goods and people across the region.
Jordon Brock, VP of Sales for Strategic Mapping, spoke about the need for more real-time vehicle information modules. Often lacking in current 511 systems is the real-time transit aspect of next-vehicle information (e.g., arrival data) and vehicles to access that information (Internet, smart phone, etc.)
Todd Westhuis, Special Assistant to the Operations Division Director for New York State DOT, and Mary Harding, Director of External Relations, NYSDOT, presented on the newly released NY511 system. They described its deployment history, innovative features, and NYSDOT’s functional and geographic expansion strategies.
Jim Hadden, 511 Project Manager, Statewide Traffic Operations, New Jersey DOT, talked on the initial deployment experience for NJ511, as well as ongoing challenges and future plans for the NJ system.
Gregg Loane, Associate with IBI Group, spoke on the importance of inter-agency 511 system interoperability, providing examples of existing cooperation, and suggesting approaches for improvements in interoperability.
There followed a lively question-and-answer discussion, and in response to Scott’s challenge, the panel stressed the importance of:
 working with stakeholders to ensure that the deployment process encourages participation to maximize data availability and services
having a broader vision of corridor travel
being more cognizant of commercial traveller needs
taking advantage of the many deployment lessons learned on deployments of all sizes
interoperability.
The panel also stressed the need for the following ‘touchstones’: reliable data, effective outreach, internal champions, and the incorporation of interoperability.
Panel (back row, L to R): Jordon Brock, Joseph Lam, Jim Hadden and Todd Westhuis, (front row L to R): Gregg Loane, Susan Spencer, and Mary Harding
CANADIAN ITS CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE – The second in a series of profiles
UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK – Rural ITS Research and Testing Program Update
By Trevor Hanson, University of New Brunswick
Over the last four years, the University of New Brunswick Transportation Group (UNBTG) has been working with the New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Transport Canada to conduct rural ITS research under a $1 million federal/provincial cost-shared contribution agreement. The research program’s goal has been to identify innovative and previously unproven technologies for improving rural transportation systems. To date, the program has produced ten research projects and contributed to the development of highly-qualified personnel (HQP), including two MScE graduate theses as well as the direct participation of a number of other engineering graduate students. The program has also supported knowledge growth in the local engineering consulting community, while also creating significant opportunities for continued and expanded stakeholder partnerships for the future. Funding for the research program came from the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program.
Rural ITS projects undertaken include:
Use of a radar display to manage vehicle speeds in highway work zones
Testing a cost-effective electronic device to identify railway track switch position from a train
Testing and development of a low-cost alternative to highway-railway level crossing warning systems
Development of a plan to coordinate the deployment of ITS technology to help Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO) efficiency in New Brunswick
Phase 1 and Phase 2: New Brunswick traveller information needs assessment
Collection and analysis of pavement condition information using digital video and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Review of remote emissions sensing technology;
Research platform for spring weight restriction technology
In-Vehicle Technology Assessment (Winter Road Conditions).
UNBTG has also been working with Transport Canada to identify the next steps for rural ITS research in Canada. Even though it is still early in the intelligence and requirements gathering stage, it is envisioned that future research efforts will involve a holistic approach employing multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional partnerships through both national and international collaborations. This proposed approach is expected to focus on the use of state-of-the-art wireless communications technologies and systems to support rural and low-density transportation safety, efficiency and mobility applications. For example, Vehicle-Infrastructure Integration and Cooperation (VII-VIC) involves communication between vehicles and infrastructure so that important warnings about upcoming road conditions or situations can be shared with the driver in a timely manner. One theme being explored is the use of location and wireless communications technologies to provide low-cost and reliable in-vehicle motorist warnings of trains approaching passive or farm grade crossings. This represents an excellent collaborative, multimodal research opportunity as, to date, there are currently no active testbeds in North America to test this innovative and practical concept. Stakeholder surveys are underway, including one recently distributed by ITS Canada on behalf of the project team.
UNBTG’s report on the gathering of intelligence and requirements for establishing a VII-VIC enabled testbed for rural and low-density transportation applications should be completed in April 2009. The goal will be to foster the development of a Centre of Expertise and testbed in VII-VIC for Rural and Low-Density for Transportation Safety, Efficiency and Mobility Applications at UNB, providing a focal point for regional, national and international collaborative research and development efforts in rural and low-density ITS.
For more information please contact:
Dr. Eric Hildebrand, P.Eng, Coordinator, UNBTG (edh@unb.ca)
Trevor Hanson, MScE, P.Eng, (thanson@unb.ca)
Dr. Barry Pekilis, P.Eng, Transport Canada (barry.pekilis@tc.gc.ca)
NEWS bITS
 ITS Architecture Explained
The intelligent use of ITS architectures offers the potential to improve the transportation network in a number of areas, from effective utilization of existing assets to ensuring additions do not compromise the existing structure. Now available on ITS Canada’s website: Everything I Ever Needed to Know About ITS Architectures I Learned from My Father-In-Law, is an interesting analogy that explains the key components of ITS architecture using familiar language. Visit:
www.itscanada.ca/english/documents/ITSArchitectureExplained.pdf
ITS Deployment Statistics Website
The ITS Deployment Statistics website has been updated with the latest survey results. Now in its 11th year, the ITS Deployment Tracking effort surveys practitioners from across the country to measure progress in the deployment of ITS. The website can be a useful tool to help with regional ITS planning, as well as for vendors looking to size up the U.S. public sector market. Users can now compare survey results across four years, from 2004 to 2007, to track deployment trends. Visit:
www.itsdeployment.its.dot.gov
ITS For Planned Special Events
Management of changing demand on transportation facilities as a result of planned special events creates a number of challenges. A new U.S. study that reports on the use of ITS to effectively manage events is now available online, describing how to reduce congestion and thereby incidents, increasing travel time reliability and reducing traveller frustration. Visit:
www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/JPODOCS//REPTS_TE/14436.htm
Creating HOT Networks at Lower Cost
New Publications
Attendees at the recent ITS World Congress received a copy of the latest ITS Benefits, Costs, Deployment and Lessons Learned – 2008 Update. For those unable to attend, a copy can be downloaded at:
www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/JPODOCS/REPTS_TE/14412.htm
Vision Zero International is a new publication, available by subscription, which will focus on technologies to reduce global road fatalities to zero. Fully illustrated, the 180-page design and technology report will review the latest life-saving technologies, from intelligent road design and advanced traffic management to vehicle safety systems such as next-generation lighting and restraint systems. To register for your free copy:
www.ukipme.com/recards/forms/7
ITS For Motorcycles
Honda has recently developed a new communication system to increase safety for motorcycles, capable of generating warnings to riders and drivers of other vehicles, particularly as they approach intersections. The technology makes use of a variety of components, including visual cues and audio warnings through Bluetooth headset technology. Contact ITS Canada for the full article.
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Daktronics announced in October that the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has selected Vanguard variable message signs (VMS) from Daktronics for its SR 167 HOT Lane Pilot Project. Signs will display the current toll amount for each section of the route. Drivers who have purchased a Good to Go! electronic pass can choose to use the HOT lanes using the electronic payment system. The signs will be controlled from the WSDOT traffic operations center with NTCIP-compliant software and hardware.
Delcan Corporation has been named the recipient of a 2008 Best Practices Award from the National Association of State CIOs for its California Department of Transportation’s (CalTrans) District 7 Los Angeles Regional Transportation Management Center (LARTMC) project, a state-of-the-art facility that co-locates three government entities responsible for the management of nearly 525 miles of freeway – CalTrans, California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Los Angeles County Metro. The LARTMC facility was created to integrate regional transportation data from diverse transportation agency systems into one system, to better coordinate mobility and response services between all routes and modes of transportation.
Delcan’s Lake County Passage System Project also received the 2008 Best of ITS Award in the Best New Innovative Practices category at the 15th ITS World Congress in New York. The Lake County Traffic Management Center architecture provides state-of-the-art arterial-based event and congestion management systems, integration of maintenance activities and several other ITS elements, including integrated portable dynamic message signs, closed circuit televisions, integrated arterial traffic signal system coordination across jurisdictional boundaries, interface to public safety computer-aided dispatch, automated highway advisory radios, and an automated traffic information public web.
Econolite has introduced Centracs, the next-generation of Advanced Transportation Management System (ATMS) software, with the power of Microsoft Windows Presentation Foundation technology. Centracs is an extremely robust and cost-effective system for improving intersection efficiency and traffic signal coordination, providing the traffic engineer with a comprehensive solution, capable of successfully reducing operational costs, managing maintenance resource allocations, and reducing traffic congestion.
In November, INO announced the signing of a worldwide license agreement with Searidge Technologies Inc. granting the company full use of all technologies developed by INO, and to which INO and Searidge now jointly hold rights. These technologies will improve the performance of IntelliDAR™, an innovative technology belonging to Searidge Technologies Inc. for the safety and seamlessness of air traffic control and airport operations.
Dr. Panos Michalopoulos, founder of Image Sensing Systems, Inc., has been named the recipient of the 2007 IEEE Outstanding ITS Application Award by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers for developing the Autoscope product, the most widely used video detection sensor in ITS projects worldwide, used in collecting detailed traffic measurements and simultaneous video recording for testing and validating dynamic traffic flow models, control strategies and other technologies. Dr. Michalopoulos is a professor of transportation and traffic engineering at the University of Minnesota and serves on the Board of Directors at Image Sensing Systems.
Mark IV has announced the introduction of a new transponder that provides driver feedback regarding toll payments and account balances. With an even smaller environmental footprint, it is compatible with all Mark IV electronic toll collection (ETC) readers deployed in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The new driver feedback transponder has already been approved by the Federal Communications Commission in the U.S. and Industry Canada.
UPCOMING EVENTS
| For all upcoming events, please visit the online Events Calendar |
| ITS CANADA ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND GENERAL MEETING 2009 May 10 to 13, 2009
Edmonton ~ Alberta ~ Canada
www.itscanada.ca/edmonton2009 CALL FOR ABSTRACTS NOW AVAILABLE Deadline: January 16, 2009 |
Newsletter published by ITS Canada. Submissions or comments can be emailed to askus@itscanada.ca. 
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