MARCH 2005 This newsletter is available online in an Adobe Acrobat Reader pdf file (322k). You can view it using the Reader plugin for your browser and/or download it for viewing offline. Free Reader software is available at the Adobe Systems Incorporated Website. ITS Canada’s Election for Board of Directors  ITS Canada’s Annual Conference 2005  About Transport Canada’s Transportation Development Centre  News from Transport Canada  ITS Projects in Korea  IBEC Plans Event for Hannover – June 3, 2005  News bITS  511 News from the United States  ITS Canada Welcomes New Member  Opportunities in South Africa  Upcoming Events    ITS CANADA’S ELECTION FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS A significant amount of interest has been evident in the response to the call for nominations for ITS Canada’s Board of Directors, indicating a healthy and thriving ITS industry in Canada. Members with dues in good standing should now have received ballot(s) to vote in the election for ITS Canada’s Board of Directors. Biographies for candidates are available on ITS Canada’s website, to assist in the voting process. Ballots must be returned to ITS Canada no later than April 8, 2005. Election results will be ratified by all members in attendance at ITS Canada’s Annual General Meeting on May 15, 2005, in Quebec City. The Board is elected for a term of two years, beginning immediately after the Annual General Meeting.   ITS CANADA’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2005 The conference will be held in beautiful Quebec City from May 15 to 17. Register now and join us for this informative event: www.itscanada.ca/quebec2005.   ABOUT TRANSPORT CANADA’S TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT CENTRE Condensed from Transportation Development Centre’s Annual Review for the fiscal period ending March 31, 2004 – Published February 2005. View the full report online at www.tc.gc.ca/tdc/publication/areview/menu.htm About TDC As Transport Canada’s centre of excellence for research and development, the Transportation Development Centre (TDC) manages a multimodal R&D program aimed at enhancing the safety, security, efficiency, and environmental performance of Canada’s transportation system. Its mandate is to enhance the department’s technological capability, to address the department’s strategic objectives and federal government priorities, and to promote innovation in transportation. Located in Montreal, the centre is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of engineers, ergonomists, and planners who develop projects in collaboration with departmental clients and research partners in government and industry. The R&D program includes activities in all transportation modes and all stages of the innovation cycle, from concept definition to demonstration and deployment. Funding support comes from three main sources: direct departmental funding, special federal programs, and joint and cost-shared initiatives. ITS-Related Initiatives Under TDC’s R&D Program, there are a number of ITS projects in a wide variety of modes. Rail Under the Highway-Railway Grade Crossing Program, work continued to develop ITS technologies to provide advance warning to commercial vehicle drivers of an approaching train. Commercial Vehicles Pilot evaluation of commercial vehicle on-board recorders to improve management of motor carrier fleets from safety, enforcement, and operational perspectives; smart cards could be used to store driver hours of service and trip inspection history, and to verify compliance with regulations. Traffic Management The next generation of wireless digital PCS data services could be used to provide the communications link for area-wide traffic signal control systems – PCS data networks are well-suited to distributed traffic control systems, and could provide communications for many other ITS subsystems, reducing costs and allowing rapid expansion of the system. Initiatives under the ITS R&D Plan for Canada Launched in April 2003, the ITS R&D Plan is a key component of the ITS Plan for Canada, aimed at stimulating the development and deployment of intelligent transportation systems in Canada. TDC is responsible for technical management of research projects under the plan. The Plan includes four strategic focuses. Projects underway in each of the four areas include: Urban Transportation An intelligent sign management system that can be used to alert drivers to changes in traffic flow, road closures, accidents, etc. A system to use cellular telephones as traffic probes, as a low-cost means to monitor road traffic conditions, particularly speed and progress Transit signal priority algorithms that can modify the timing of traffic signals at several intersections downstream of an approaching transit signal, to improve urban public transportation service along a transit corridor Safety, Security and Trade A data brokerage and clearinghouse system that collects data such as when a sealed container was loaded, the weight of the load, movements of the truck, etc., to improve the security and efficiency of freight transportation An automated weigh station that can operate attended or unattended to improve inspections and data collections while reducing operating costs A work zone traffic management system to safely maintain traffic flow through highway zones that are under repair Reducing Harmful Environmental Impacts A ride matching system that uses cell phone technology to link drivers and passengers, along with a reward points program to encourage drivers to share their vehicles to reduce the overall number of cars on the road A system to determine load-bearing capacity of roads in various weather conditions to allow dynamic load restrictions Developing Standards and Guidelines A national 511-based traveller and weather information system, to help travellers avoid problems such as congestion and accidents A traffic system spatial infrastructure integrating data already available through GIS, IP, and GML-based communications into intelligent transportation systems.   NEWS FROM TRANSPORT CANADA Public Consultations Launched re Increasing Capacity at the Windsor-Detroit Gateway On March 18, 2005, the Governments of Canada and Ontario announced the launch of public consultations as part of the bi-national environmental assessment study process for new crossing capacity at the Windsor-Detroit Gateway, to collect input from all interested parties. The Governments of Canada, the United States, Ontario, and Michigan are moving forward, through the Bi-National Partnership, to implement a 30-year, five-phase transportation strategy addressing the various challenges at the Windsor-Detroit Gateway, including free and secure trade, security, environmental concerns, and community impacts. Public input is essential to the success of any proposed solution. As a result, public consultations will be held, consisting of informal drop-in sessions with information on study activities, issues, important community features and criteria to be considered during development of crossing alternatives. For full details, visit www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/nat/2005/05-h043e.htm. Reducing Congestion at Niagara border On March 18, 2005, the Governments of Canada and Ontario announced improvements at the Niagara border crossing with the building of a fifth lane on the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge. The addition will be built at an estimated cost of $45 million, shared equally by both governments and the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission. Major work is underway, with completion slated for December 2005. This work follows the recent completion of the addition of two new truck lanes to Highway 405, the main corridor leading to the bridge. For full details, visit www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/nat/2005/05-h042e.htm. Marine Security On March 15, 2005, new projects to enhance security at Canadian ports and marine facilities were announced under the first round of funding from the Marine Security Contribution Program. The three-year, $115-million program, which was announced in May 2004, will help Canada’s ports and marine facilities to modernize and strengthen their security systems and programs. For full details, visit www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/nat/2005/05-h034e.htm. Governments to Fund ITS in Manitoba On February 17, 2005, the signing of two contribution agreements was announced for the development and deployment of ITS that will benefit the province’s commercial transportation industry. Funding for the two agreements totals approximately $1.7 million, and will be used primarily to develop and deploy a commercial vehicle permit automation system: Research, development and deployment of a commercial vehicle permit automation system that will efficiently generate required permits in one step. The system will also allow permit agents to determine a carrier’s safety fitness rating and compliance history, store statistical data, simplify reporting, and automatically calculate fees. For full details, visit www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/nat/2005/05-h025e.htm. Road Weather Information Systems in Alberta On February 3, 2005, two contribution agreements were announced between the Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta for: Acquisition and installation of 19 Road Weather Information System (RWIS) stations along the National Highway System in Alberta, to collect detailed data on weather conditions at and near the road surface, which can help weather forecasters and highway maintenance personnel to predict icing conditions. A wireless communications pilot for commercial vehicle inspection. Inspectors will test technology that allows them to access information from central computer systems and databases with laptop computers in the field. The agreement will partner Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation with interested stakeholders to complete the research. These stakeholders include the Universities of Alberta and Calgary, municipal governments, and members of the transportation engineering industry. For full details, visit www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/nat/2005/05-h016e.htm.   ITS PROJECTS IN KOREA The Korean government will spend over $225 million U.S. over the next five years to install traffic monitoring devices and an alert system for drivers. In order to tackle the country’s traffic congestion problems, ITS solutions will be extended from major highways onto smaller alternative roads throughout the country. Included in the ITS solutions will be ANPR, CCTV and ultrasonic vehicle detectors to track the average speed of vehicles and travel time between designated road segments. Traveller information, and suggested alternative routes when congestion occurs, will be provided through the use of variable message signs. The following projects are being considered: Traffic and Logistics Management Real-time Traffic Information and Control System – Major highway areas Expressway Logistics Control system – Nationwide City Area Logistics Control System Traffic information service to major cities and highways Traffic information network management. – Information distribution service to major cities and highways Emergency Management Technology development Service to highways and major cities Automated Traffic Management Carpool detection system – Service to major highways and city areas Traffic signal and lane violation detection system – Technology development – Service to major highways and city areas Electronic Payment Electronic Toll System – Technology development and service to major highways Traffic congestion toll system – Technology development and service to major city areas Consolidated traffic payment system – Development and service to major city areas Traveller Information Road Traveller Information Service – Technology development and service to major cities and highways Public Transportation Information Service Local and suburban bus transit system –Service to major cities Transportation transfer payment system – Service to major cities and testing phase Logistics Management Service Freight tracking and management system – Service to major cities and highways Freight safety control management system – Technology development and testing Hazardous material logistics tracking and control system – Service to major cities and highways Electronic Customs System – System development and testing Advanced Traffic and Road System Automatic accident warning system – Technology development and testing Intersection accident prevention system, vehicle safety detection, safety support system for disabled Automatic Drive System – Technology development and testing service. Further details are available to members in a report provided by Wonil Chung, Trade Commissioner at the Canadian Embassy in Seoul. Please contact ITS Canada via e-mail at askus@itscanada.ca to obtain an electronic copy of the report.   IBEC PLANS EVENT FOR HANNOVER – JUNE 3, 2005 The International Benefits Evaluation and Costs Working Group plans a special seminar at Hannover’s ITS in Europe Conference: Guiding Decision Makers on ITS Investment: The Power of Evaluation For additional information, e-mail IBEC@trl.co.uk.   NEWS BITS CVFM Forum presentations available Presentations are now available online from ITS America’s CVFM Forum winter meeting, held in conjunction with the 2005 ITS/CVO Deployment Showcase in Savannah, Georgia, on February 22-25, 2005. To view the presentations, visit www.itsa.org, access Interest Areas (bottom of home page), and access the presentations posted March 15, 2005. Canadian Transportation Awards Program The Transportation Association of Canada (TAC), with the support of Transport Canada, has launched a new program to recognize leadership, excellence, and achievement in all modes and segments of the transport sector. Nominations, which must be received by April 15, are solicited for the following three award categories in 2005: Transportation Person of the Year; Award of Excellence; and Award of Achievement. For more information, visit www.tac-atc.ca/english/projectsandpublications/ctap.cfm. Toronto Wireless User Group TorWUG is a non-profit organization that formed in 2001 to provide a discussion forum for professionals, both technical and business, who want to know more about mobile and wireless technologies in all their forms. Not intended to provide a marketing forum, the organization conducts free quarterly seminars that provide opportunities to gather information and to network. A panel of guest speakers that have expertise in their field presents at each seminar to discuss relevant issues. The main goals of the organization are to: Educate the corporate public at large about mobility and wireless technologies Present vendor solutions and ideas that address real technical and business challenges Discuss positive and negative project experiences Discuss how and why firms should engage in building mobile applications Present customer case studies and return on investment studies. For further information, visit the website at www.torwug.org, e-mail TorWUG at info@torwug.org, or call 416-259-3343, extension 3231.   511 NEWS FROM THE UNITED STATES The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has announced the launch of 511 for traveller information. Drivers can dial 511 from home or cell phones to receive information such as directions, anticipated travel time for different routes, bus and train schedules, lane restrictions, and even tourist information. The information is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The U.S. DOT’s ITS Benefits and Costs Database contains a before and after report with regard to implementation of 511 in Montana. The purpose of the survey was to investigate users’ perceptions of road and weather information phone services with respect to accuracy, availability, usefulness, and understandability of the information provided. Results of the survey indicate that, in general, the new 511 service was well received. As an average across all measures of satisfaction, overall customer satisfaction ratings increased from 71 percent to 81 percent after the new 511 service was deployed. Customer satisfaction before and after the 511 service was deployed was also measured. The author indicated caution should be used in making direct comparisons between the before and after survey data since each survey presented the same types of questions differently. The before survey measured respondents perception of the system, and the after survey measured respondents satisfaction with the system. For full details, visit www.benefitcost.its.dot.gov, search on "Montana", and select the Final Evaluation Report for the Greater Yellowstone Regional Traveler and Weather Information System.   ITS CANADA WELCOMES NEW MEMBER Corporate Member: Precision Giant Systems Inc.   OPPORTUNITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA As Reported in SASITS News Premier Mbhazima Shilowa says the province’s major challenge in the next five years is to help Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, and Johannesburg deliver a safe and reliable public transport system for 2010 Soccer World Cup spectators. An estimated half-a-million foreign spectators are expected in the country to watch the world’s biggest game. Economists have estimated that SA will probably spend about R3bn on improving infrastructure in the run-up to the World Cup. Shilowa emphasised his desire to have the three cities sharing ideas, expertise, and visions of getting their public transport systems resolved, with the outcome being a rail system that was punctual and safe. He said the transport system must not just cater to the World Cup but for ordinary workers who would need it for decades after the games ended. ITS Pilot Project Sanral is currently spearheading a R15-million ITS pilot project on the country’s busiest highway, the Ben Schoeman, as well as on certain sections connecting the Ben Schoeman to the N1 and M1. The objective of the three-year pilot project is to collect information, gain local experience on the implementation of ITS, and educate motorists on using the systems. In a bid to beat the backlog of about R3 billion required to catch up with the necessary improvements on South Africa’s primary road infrastructure, government plans to introduce a number of additional toll roads in the next five years. The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), which is mandated to develop, maintain, and manage the country’s primary road network, aims to expand the national network, which currently comprises about 11,000 kilometres of economically strategic provincial and national roads, to 20,000 kilometres. As part of the initiative, national routes under the provincial government that form part of the identified strategic road network will be incorporated into the primary road network. Another part of the initiative entails the construction of additional national roads to augment the primary road network. About 2,500 kilometres of the primary network is currently tolled, and it is envisaged that toll roads will eventually comprise up to 7,000 kilometres of the extended 20,000-kilometre network. In total, the country has 536,000 kilometres of roads, of which about 100,000 kilometres is surfaced with either concrete or bitumen. Toll Roads Two types of toll roads are found in South Africa. The first type is funded by loans backed by government guarantees, and operated by the private sector on behalf of Sanral in accordance with set performance criteria, and are called comprehensive toll road operation and maintenance (CTROM) contracts. CTROM contracts entail the operators taking responsibility for the full range of operations and maintenance of the toll route in return for a publicly tendered fee, for example the N1, N2 and N17. The second type is financed, maintained, and operated by private sector concessionaires, and are contracted to be handed back to government after a thirty year concession period. Roads of this type include the N3 toll road, the N4 Platinum Highway and the N4 Maputo Development Corridor. Sanral’s initiative to introduce tolls on more highways aims to safeguard South Africa’s main economic road transport routes and free up more tax-based revenue to be invested in the maintenance of non-toll roads, and national non-toll roads, in particular. e-Transport: Innovative Solutions May 10 to 13, 2005 – Cape Town, South Africa info@sasits.com   UPCOMING EVENTS GTA Transportation Summit March 22 to 23, 2005 – Toronto, Ontario registrations@strategyinstitute.com   40e Congrès annuel de l’AQTR April 10 to 12, 2005 – Laval, Quebec www.aqtr.qc.ca   TAC Spring Meetings April 14 to 18, 2005 – Ottawa, Ontario www.tac-atc.ca   Smart Moving 2005 / Traffex April 19 to 21, 2005 – Birmingham, UK smartmoving@its-uk.org.uk   ITS America Annual Meeting and Exposition May 2 to 4, 2005 – Phoenix, Arizona www.itsa.org/annualmeeting.html   e-Transport: Innovative Solutions May 10 to 13, 2005 – Cape Town, South Africa info@sasits.com   ITS Canada Annual Conference May 15 to 17, 2005 – Quebec City, Quebec www.itscanada.ca/quebec2005   Intertraffic Eurasia May 18 to 20, 2005 – Turkey www.intertraffic.com   ITS Hannover 2005 – 5th European Congress and Exhibition on ITS June 1 to 3, 2005 – Hannover, Germany www.itsineurope.com/hannover   Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Annual Conference June 3 to 6, 2005 – St. John’s, Newfoundland www.fcm.ca   National Transportation Week June 3 to 12, 2004 www.ntw-snt.ca/engraph/Home_e.htm   15th Annual Canadian Conference on Intelligent Systems June 5 to 7, 2004 – Quebec City, Quebec www.precarn.ca   2005 CITE Conference June 5 to 8, 2005 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan www.cite7.org/saskatoon   Canadian Multidisciplinary Road Safety Symposium June 5 to 8, 2005 – Fredericton, NB info_auto21@uwindsor.ca   ITS New York 12th Annual Meeting June 9 to 10, 2005 – Saratoga Springs, NY www.its-ny.org   Autovision 2010 – "Opportunities and Innovations" June 14-16, 2005 – Montreal, Quebec www.autovision2010.com   Intertraffic Asia June 14 to 17, 2005 – Bangkok, Thailand www.intertraffic.com   15th IRF World Meeting June 14 to18, 2005 – Bangkok, Thailand www.irf2005.com   5th International Conference on ITS Telecommunications June 27 to 29, 2005 – Brest, France http://conferences.enst-bretagne.fr/itst2005   GML Days July 18 to 22, 2005 – Vancouver, B.C. www.gmldays.com   7th Asia-Pacific ITS Forum and Exhibition August 9 to 11, 2005 – New Delhi, India www.itsindia.org   Business Leadership Conference September 13 to 15, 2005 – Washington, U.S.A. www.itsa.org/blc2005.html   TAC Annual Conference September 18 to 21, 2005 – Calgary, Alberta www.tac-atc.ca   Intertraffic North America September 27 to 29, 2005 – Baltimore, Maryland www.intertraffic.com   1st Pan American ITS Congress & Exhibition October 18 to 21, 2005 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Call for papers has been issued jabourchequer@ig.com.br   12th World Congress on ITS November 6 to 10, 2005 – San Fransicso, CA Call for papers – deadline January 14, 2005 www.ntpshow.com/shows/itswc05   Gulf Traffic December 12 to 14, 2005 – Dubai, UAE www.gulftraffic.com Newsletter published by ITS Canada. Submissions or comments can be emailed to askus@itscanada.ca.