France on full alert for suicide bomb threat on Paris transport

French intelligence services are searching for a female would-be suicide bomber who they believe is planning to attack the Paris transport system.

The country is on full alert against a specific terrorist threat that has been confirmed by two separate sources, according to French radio.

The rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, Dalil Boubakeur, considered a moderate Muslim, has also been given three armed guards after a spokesman said he was under a "real threat".

France's interior minister, Brice Hortefeux, refused to give details of the threat but said "our vigilance is reinforced today".

The anti-terrorist court in Paris has opened a preliminary inquiry to "establish the credibility" of the reports of an imminent terrorist attack. According to a ministry of interior spokesman, the alleged woman bomber was "not necessarily the most worrying" intelligence information. He did not give further details.

"All the lights are flashing red," said another intelligence source.

Last week, Hortefeux admitted the threat was at a "high level" when he visited the Eiffel tower after it was evacuated following a bomb alert. The Saint-Michel metro station near Notre Dame cathedral was also briefly evacuated over a similar threat.

France's terrorism level has been on what is described as "reinforced red" since 5am last Thursday. This followed intelligence from a North African country, said to be either Morocco or Algeria, that an Algerian was planning to carry out an attack on a Paris train, bus or metro that day. French intelligence had been given similar information from another source.

U.S. Freight Transport Service Index up in July

The U.S. Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) rose 0.4 percent in July from June, rising for the second consecutive month, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

BTS reported that the Freight TSI has risen 5.0 percent over the last 14 months, starting in June 2009, after declining 15.3 percent in the previous 10 months beginning in August 2008.

The index has increased in 11 of the last 14 months. Through the first seven months of 2010, the index declined 1.3 percent.

The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments in ton-miles, which are then combined into one index. It measures the output of the for-hire freight transportation industry and consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight.

The July Freight TSI of 98.2 is a 5.0 percent increase from the recent low of 93.5 reached in May 2009. In May 2009, the index was at its lowest level since June 1997. The July Freight TSI is down 13.0 percent from its historic peak of 112.9 reached in May 2006.

Although the index rose 2.5 percent from July 2009 to July 2010, it remains below the level of every other July since 1997 when it was 94.8.

January 2010 was the first month since July 2008 in which the Freight TSI exceeded the level of the same month of the previous year. The index has exceeded the previous year's level every month since then but still remains below the level of recent earlier years.

Analysis: Brazil transport woes pose challenge for next leader

The narrow two-lane highway that winds hundreds of miles through Brazil's farm belt has long unpaved stretches that turn to mud during the rainy season. Trucks carrying soy, cotton and corn sometimes have to wait weeks to load at congested ports.

Jaime Binsfeld, head of grain sales for an agricultural trading firm in the farming city of Lucas do Rio Verde, says the cost of transporting corn to port often eats up 60 percent of the revenues his company gets for selling it.

"Brazilian farmers have major advantages, but we've got a huge bottleneck: logistics," Binsfeld said.

Brazil's next president, who will be elected in October, must address the country's woeful infrastructure for the economy to keep growing at or near its strong pace of recent years. But heavy bureaucracy, slow environmental licensing and fiscal constraints mean that the ambitious investment plans put forth by leading candidates may well fall short.

The clear front-runner, ruling party candidate Dilma Rousseff, has vowed to invest more than $550 billion between 2011 and 2014 not only to improve Brazil's agricultural export capabilities but also prepare the country to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games.

But it's unclear how Rousseff will overcome the same legal and financial obstacles faced by her former boss and Workers' Party colleague, outgoing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Even with 75 percent popularity ratings and a fragmented opposition, Lula has been unable to overhaul cumbersome regulations and significantly improve Brazil's infrastructure.

His government has set aside hundreds of billions of dollars on a flagship investment program to boost the country's infrastructure but critics say it has been too slow in carrying out the projects, which are often been insufficient to meet Brazil's rapidly growing needs.

Transport key concern for businesses ahead of Olympics

The London 2012 Games could be a spur to business growth in the region but transport issues will be a key concern, businesses have said.

Companies along east London's Thames Gateway belt have already noticed renewed commercial interest in the run-up to 2012 based on unrivalled levels of global media exposure, sponsorship and investment, plus support for redevelopment and infrastructure improvements.

The findings come from the Invest Thames Gateway (ITG) Home to Big Ideas report, which looked at the impact on investment of hosting the Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney and Beijing summer Games, the Winter Olympics in Turin and Vancouver, plus the 1998 and 2010 World Cups in France and South Africa respectively.

Major transport infrastructure improvements were key advantages of locating a business in a city or region hosting a major global event, according to 65% of the 769 global businesses questioned by YouGov for the report.

In addition, 52% felt the distance and time to central London would be the most important factor in considering whether to invest in the area around the Olympic site in Stratford, east London.

Some 68% believed that the visitor economy would benefit the most

New sites, space, amenities and more competitive supply chains are starting to be exploited by new wide-ranging businesses in the region - dubbed "first movers", according to ITG, the lead international inward investment agency for the region,

Commission changes position on inmate transport to R.C.

Citing a need to look into the costs of transporting inmates to Pennington County and in the light of new information, the Fall River County Commission voted 3-2 not to begin transporting prisoners at the first of the year. The action took place at the commission’s Sept. 7 meeting.

At its Aug. 17 meeting, the commission had voted unanimously to begin the transport of prisoners – for one year – to the Pennington County Jail in Rapid City.

Foremost in the commission’s decision was that there had been no contact made with the City of Hot Springs about the Aug. 17 vote. Part of the procedure for housing inmates in Rapid City would involve an arresting officer taking his or her prisoner to Rapid City. Hot Springs Mayor Don De Vries noted that additional costs to the city could be in excess of $40,000.

“We haven’t budgeted for it and we don’t have the money to do it,” De Vries told the commission.

Clerk of Courts Carol Foster spoke to the commission about video conferencing with prisoners and said that such things are done within the building in Rapid City, but other counties don’t do it.

“The equipment in the courtroom to do that belongs to the state,” Foster said. “I believe when we have done things like that before it costs about $200 per hour.”

Putting the brakes delivers energy savings for US rail transport

A US smart grid company and a state transportation authority are joining forces on a pilot project to capture and store energy from regenerative braking on one of the country’s oldest rail lines.

The joint project between Philadelphia-based Viridity Energy and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) received a $900,000 grant from the State of Pennsylvania at the beginning of the month.

The two organisations plan to install a large-scale battery to capture energy from the regenerative braking of trains along a portion of the Market-Frankford Line.

Viridity Energy’s smart grid software will allow the energy to be recycled, saving SEPTA energy costs, improving power quality and generating revenue through sale of excess power to the grid.

SEPTA estimates that using the recovered energy that would otherwise be wasted will reduce its carbon emissions by over 1250 tons a year.

“The storage system will serve as a foundation for measurable gains in both energy efficiency and voltage stability, providing a replicable and scalable model for broader system-wide implementation,” says SEPTA’s general manager Joseph M. Casey.

If the pilot is successful, the partners say the technology could be deployed across all SEPTA’s operations.

“This project is a perfect example of how smart grid innovations and advances in technology can effectively be paired… to yield substantial economic, operational and environmental benefits to all the parties involved,” says Viridity Energy’s president and CEO, Audrey Zibelman.

US knocks back Virgin Blue, Delta Air Lines deal

In a surprise move, the US Department of Transportation issued a preliminary ruling rejecting an alliance between loss-making V Australia and Delta to co-ordinate fares, schedules and marketing across the Pacific.

The agency said the two carriers had failed to show that there would be "sufficient public benefits" such as lower prices or increased service to justify an exemption from US anti-trust laws.

Virgin Blue announced yesterday that both airlines would work with the department and respond to concerns over a 14-day appeal period.

The Brisbane-based carrier said that it "strongly believes the proposed alliance with Delta will be good for consumers".

Shares in Virgin Blue, which had rallied after last month's full-year results, lost more than 3 per cent, or 1.5, to close at 43.

The US decision is at odds with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which had approved a revenue-sharing deal between V Australia and Delta last December.

Chairman Graeme Samuel said the arrangement would benefit consumers and deliver "more sustainable competition" on the route, which is now dominated by Qantas and also serviced by United Airlines.

The problem throws a spanner into plans by Virgin Blue chief executive John Borghetti to recalibrate international operations, which include a new partnership with Middle East carrier Etihad Airways.

Virgin Blue is also awaiting approval for a tie-up with Air New Zealand across the Tasman. Delta, the world's biggest airline, already has joint ventures with at least two European airlines flying the Atlantic.

US transport regulator junks proposed Virgin Blue-Delta partnership

The US Department of Transport (DOT) has disapproved on Wednesday the proposed Virgin Blue Holdings Ltd and Delta Air Lines partnership on trans-Pacific service routes, stating that the riding public would be disadvantaged by the carriers' immunity from US anti-trust regulations.

The DOT said that it found no trace of evidence that the proposed alliance would result to sufficient passengers' benefits that would warrant immunity from anti-trust suits, which prompted the regulator's decision to tentatively deny the proposal while giving both companies to respond within the next 14 days.

Despite the emerging hurdle, Virgin Blue informed the Australian Securities Exchange that it remains committed to the proposed alliance, which already got the approval of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), citing its benefit to consumers by creating an environment for sustainable form of competition.

Obama's big transport plan and what it means for travelers

United States president Barack Obama called on the US Congress earlier this week to approve a $50 billion (€39.4 billion) infrastructure improvement program which could dramatically improve the lives of travelers in and to the US.

Obama laid out a plan to rebuild some 150,000 miles (241,400 km) of roads, construct 4,000 miles (6,440 km) of rail and reconstruct or repair 150 miles (241 km) of runway, along with a new air traffic control system.

If approved, the six-year plan will see large-scale repair and expansion of roads and bridges, modernizing the highway system, which the White House described as the "backbone of our transportation system."

It will also make major investments in bus and rail transit, supporting local communities to create their own transit projects, topping up current investment in high-speed rail and overhauling the Amtrak fleet.

Most tangibly for travelers, Obama endorsed the NextGen system of air traffic control, which would see a movement from ground-based radar to satellite-based surveillance of aircraft.

The updated system would allow more accurate routing of aircraft, placing them closer together to reduce delays and creating more precise routings to airports that can reduce noise for residents and decrease fuel used, making flights greener.

Obama Proposes $50 Billion ‘Infrastructure Bank’

President Obama has proposed a $50 billion “infrastructure bank” to bolster roads, bridges, rail lines and other innovative transportation projects, news services reported.

The plan calls for rebuilding 150,000 miles of road, lay and maintain 4,000 miles of rail track, restore 150 miles of airport runways and advance a next-generation air-traffic control system, the New York Times reported Tuesday.

The White House did not offer a price tag for the full measure or say how many jobs it would create, but if Congress just reauthorized the expired transportation bill, the new measure would cost about $350 billion over the next six years, the Times said.

But Obama wants to “frontload” the plan with an additional $50 billion in initial investment to generate jobs, the paper reported.

The plan also could involve private investors, who would expect a return on their investment, so many of the completed projects would have to charge fees, taxes or tolls, the Times said.

A House Appropriations Committee transportation panel subcommittee rejected Obama’s request for $4 billion to create an infrastructure bank to finance new projects in July, Bloomberg reported.

Last year’s economic stimulus package set $38.6 billion for the Department of Transportation, and so far $18.5 billion has been paid out, Bloomberg said.

London Braces for Tube Strike

On Sunday night, 200 maintenance staff on two major Underground lines—the Jubilee and Northern—walked out and at 5 p.m. local time Monday around 10,000 staff of the Rail Maritime and Transport union, or RMT, and the Transport Salaried Staffs Association, or TSSA, are due to walk out for 24 hours as a sign of protest over the axing of 800 jobs at ticket offices. Separately, drivers, signalers and station staff are staging a 24-hour protest starting at 9 p.m. Monday night.

Transport for London, the transport authority, made a last-minute attempt to kick-start stalled talks over pay. "London Underground has called on the leaderships of the RMT and TSSA unions to call off their threatened strike action and return to talks to avert disruption to Londoners," a Transport for London statement said.

An RMT representative said the strikes were due to continue and warned of more strikes ahead. "We were categorically clear last week that we are prepared to talk but not with a gun in our head," he said. Two more 24-hour strikes are scheduled for October and November should both parties fail to reach an agreement.

TFL has vowed to "keep Londoners moving" by making available extra services to help commuters cope with the disruptions. Alternative modes of transport include 100 extra buses, escorted bike rides, marshaled taxi ranks, and an increased capacity of 10,000 more journeys on the river Thames.

Despite these alternatives, business leaders haven't hide their discontent over the industrial action. "Transport strikes are more than an irritation; they cost the economy millions of pounds in lost productivity," said Mark Heraghty, director of Virgin Media Business. His company, however, is exploring ways to get around the strike by encouraging employees to work from home. "Although some jobs clearly cannot be performed remotely, for most office workers it's a real possibility,"

Transport Minister set to discuss ferry routes

Stewart Stevenson has agreed council leaders to discuss the issue, which has sparked fury in the island communities.

Earlier, Shetland MSP Tavish Scott called for Mr Stevenson to resign after he announced a £6.5 m extension to the pilot road equivalent tariff scheme to the western isles.

The Lib Dems had accused the government of favouritism to the Western Isles. Mr Scott, a former transport minister himself, said the government was trying to rush through damaging cuts to create a "second rate service" without first assessing their impact or how much they would save.

Mr Stevenson told Mr Scott the information on the impact and potential saving flowing from each option was "currently being collated as part of the northern isles study process and will be made available in due course".

Mr Scott said: "This is further evidence that the government was so determined to cut support for NorthLink, very probably in order to help to pay for the cost of continuing their road equivalent tariff 'pilot' electoral bribe to the western isles, that they rushed ahead without even bothering to assess the impact of their proposals.

"NorthLink's traffic levels have grown since they took over the service. The income this produces helps to keep the overall support for the service down.

Knight Transportation, Inc. Announces Participation In Upcoming Conferences

Knight Transportation, Inc. is a truckload transportation provider offering dry van, refrigerated, intermodal and third-party services to customers through a network of service centers located throughout the United States serving North America. As "Your Hometown National Carrier," Knight strives to offer customers and drivers personal service and attention through each service center, while offering integrated freight transportation nationwide and beyond through the scale of one of North America's largest trucking companies. The principal types of freight we transport include consumer staples, retail, paper products, packaging/plastics, manufacturing, and import/export commodities.

The presentation or discussions at the conference may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Please refer to various disclosures made by the Company in its stockholder reports, press releases, and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any such forward-looking statement. The Company does not assume, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Car Steered With Eyes, Computer Scientists Demonstrate

"Keep your eyes on the road!" Scientists at Freie Universität working under the computer science professor Raúl Rojas have given a completely new meaning to this standard rule for drivers: Using software they developed, they can steer a car with their eyes.

Information about the Software: EyeDriver

The eyeDriver software is a prototype application for steering the research vehicle Spirit of Berlin using eye movements. The software was designed by computer scientists at Freie Universität Berlin in collaboration with the company, SMI (SensoMotoric Instruments). The eye movements of the driver are collected and converted into control signals for the steering wheel. The speed is controlled separately and is not included in eyeDriver. The software shows that you can drive a vehicle alone with eye movements.

The HED4 solution by SMI is used for detecting and tracking the eye movements. It is a converted bicycle helmet equipped with two cameras and an infrared LED, as well as a laptop computer with special software. One of the cameras is pointed to the front in the same direction as the person wearing the helmet (scene camera), while the other camera films one eye of the wearer (eye camera). The infrared light supports the eye camera and is pointed to the eye under observation. A transparent mirror that reflects only the infrared light is used to allow a reasonable viewing angle for the eye camera, without limiting the wearer's ability to see. After a brief calibration the software on the laptop of the HED4 is not only able to capture the position of the pupil in the eye camera, but can also calculate the position in the scene camera that the wearer is looking at. These coordinates in the image of the scene camera (viewing position) are transmitted via an ordinary LAN to the onboard computer in the Spirit of Berlin. The eyeDriver software in the onboard computer in the Spirit of Berlin receives the viewing positions at regular intervals over the LAN in the vehicle and uses it to control the steering wheel. The driver can choose between two modes: "free ride" and "routing."

In the "free ride" mode the viewing positions are linked directly with the steering wheel motor. That means that the x-coordinates of the viewing position are used to calculate the desired position of the steering wheel. The further the driver looks to the left or right, the further the steering wheel is turned in that direction. The speed of the vehicle is set in advance and kept constant, as long as the position of the gaze is recognized. In case it is not possible to detect which direction the driver is looking in, for example, if the driver's eyes are closed, the vehicle brakes automatically.

In the "routing" mode, the Spirit of Berlin steers autonomously most of the time. Only where there is a fork in the road, or an intersection, the car stops and asks the driver to select the next route. This requires the wearer of the helmet to look to the left or right for three seconds. If the driver's gaze lingers long enough in one direction, the eyeDriver software confirms acoustically that the choice has been accepted. The decision is communicated to the planner in the vehicle. Then the artificial intelligence in the Spirit of Berlin can plan the route accordingly and continue to run independently.

The Autonomous Vehicle Project

Prof. Dr. Raúl Rojas is a professor of artificial intelligence at the Institute of Computer Science at Freie Universität Berlin. He gained international success with his soccer robots, the "FU-Fighters." They were world champions twice in the small-size league. Since 2006 Prof. Rojas and his team have been designing technologies related to autonomous vehicles. As part of this project, they developed the research vehicle Spirit of Berlin, making it to the semifinals in the DARPA Urban Challenge in California in 2007.

In the fall of 2009, in the innovative vehicle steering series, based on the test vehicle, the computer scientists Tinosch Ganjineh and Miao Wang developed iDriver, with which it is possible to steer the research car using an iPhone. This series is now complemented with the EyeDriver software. It was developed primarily by Miao Wang and David Latotzky in cooperation with the firm SMI. These two developments are simply sub-projects. The core of the research continues to be the autonomous driving.

The AutoNOMOS Project

Since November 2010 the team around Prof. Rojas has been working on the further development of autonomous or semi-autonomous cars in the AutoNOMOS project headed by Tinosch Ganjineh. The project is being funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in its ForMaT (Forschung für den Markt im Team) program. The funding is for two years. The project will make a significant contribution to the development of accident-free, efficient, and environmentally friendly mobility. AutoNOMOS is a modular system for the operation of autonomous or semi-autonomous cars. Using AutoNomos, it will be possible to detect impending dangers on roads, highways, and crossings (lane change, traffic jams, rights of way) at an early stage and accidents can be prevented. Once the technology is ready, it will be introduced at first on private property and, finally, in public traffic.

The Spirit of Berlin

The Spirit of Berlin is an autonomous vehicle that was designed and built by the Artificial Intelligence Group at Freie Universität Berlin as of 2007. It is a car that can be driven without a driver. A conventional car (Dodge Grand Caravan, 2000) was equipped with sensors, computers, and actuators. The sensors collect information about the immediate environment. Using this information, the software on the computers selects what to do. The resulting action is then implemented with the help of mechanical actuators.

Story Source:

Adapted from materials provided by Freie Universitaet Berlin, via AlphaGalileo.

Important tips to keep your child safe and secure…

• Use the right seat for the child's height and weight.
  
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for correct child car seat installation and use.
  
• Be sure to secure the child correctly. Make sure harness straps are snug and tight. Use a tether strap with a forward-facing child car seat. Keep children away from all active air bags. Children under 13 years of age are safest in the back seat.
  
• Use caution when buying or using a pre-owned child car seat. Buy new, or from someone you know, and check it carefully. Make sure the car seat has:
  • instructions and all necessary hardware
  • not been in a collision
  • a Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) sticker
  • not expired or is not older than 10 years
  • no discoloured (stress) marks or cracks and the harness is not worn or torn.

NHTSA Launches Probe into Timeliness of Three Toyota Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today announced that it is using its statutory authority to obtain documents from Toyota to determine if the automaker conducted three of its recent recalls in a timely manner. Federal law requires all auto manufacturers to notify NHTSA within five days of determining that a safety defect exists and promptly conduct a recall.

"Safety recalls are very serious matters and automakers are required to quickly report defects," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The auto safety agency is requiring Toyota to provide documents showing when and how it learned of the defects affecting approximately 6 million vehicles in the U.S. alone. The probe will examine how the manufacturer learned of these defects, such as through consumer complaints or factory testing. Investigators are also looking into whether Toyota discovered the problems during pre-production or post-production of the affected vehicles.

Officials are checking whether Toyota has covered all affected models in its recent recalls to ensure Toyota did not miss any problems. The agency will obtain information on production data, incidents, complaints, warranty complaints, copies of tests, dates of meetings, timelines, and supplier information.

The three recalls in question involve various Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Two of the recalls are related to the entrapment of gas pedals by floor mats. The first recall was announced on September 26, 2007, and was followed by a subsequent one on October 6, 2009. The October recall was expanded on January 29, 2010, to include additional vehicles. The third recall, involving sticking gas pedals, was announced on January 21, 2010. Click here for more information.

"Our top priority is safety and we expect that all manufacturers address automotive safety issues quickly and in a forthright manner," said David Strickland, Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NHTSA has the authority to seek civil penalties for a variety of violations by manufacturers, equipment suppliers, registered importers and vehicle customizers. If agency officials determine that an auto manufacturer violated its statutory obligations, the manufacturer could be liable for a maximum of $16.4 million in civil penalties.

The Electric Car Ecosystem and the Future of the Industry

6 Areas of Opportunity in the Electric Car Ecosystem

Electric cars like GM's Chevrolet Volt—due to be launched in November 2010—are pretty much everything the U.S. economy is banking on for a recovery. But before the use of electric cars becomes widespread, the industry must prepare for the parts and technologies that will be necessary to advance in order for the transition to occur. Here are six areas in the electric car ecosystem that are currently evolving to achieve this outcome.

The New Parts and Suppliers

Presently, many of the conventional cars we see on the road each day are powered by belts. In the future, when electric cars take over our roadways, car belts will be replaced by electric motors. The companies that develop integrated components - such as power steering and air conditioners - will be crucial first-tier suppliers in the electric car industry.

Battery Makers and Integrators + Battery Farmers

The undertaking of developing innovative designs to make car batteries cheaper, lighter, and more powerful will become a challenge as several companies and agencies compete to solidify their stake in the business. The winners will therefore becomes suppliers to the automakers, and there will be plenty of room to expand their businesses in the years ahead. So far, the U.S. Department of Energy is just one organization that is bestowing companies with grants to build a lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility.

Additionally, there will still be usefulness for old car batteries that can no longer store enough electricity to power an automobile. In an effort to keep the electric car industry green, companies will assemble with the purpose of collecting the old batteries, and work to connect them to sources of sustainable energy. The batteries will then be able to store the energy, and sell it to power companies and consumers. For example, a Japanese company called Yazaki has developed a new design for recharging electric cars, from virtually any wiring up to 240 volts.

Auto-Telecom Companies

Electric cars will link directly to the electric company, sending data about their charging status and needs. The development of this industry will most likely be centered on this communications path, which will allow companies to be able to monitor car components and navigation records. It will also allow new companies to trace navigation the way that Google tracks Web surfing.

Builders of the Smart Grid

The need for seamlessness in the electric car industry will require new communications standards. America’s 3,200 electric utilities will require massive upgrades of infrastructure and technology, and public areas will have to be restructured electrically for charging, such as apartment blocks, airports, and supermarket parking lots.

The Connectors

We are already seeing the first businesses involved in the installation and maintenance of home and commercial charging stations. Five connectors will run from battery packs: one will be used for cooling, heating, charging, monitoring the car’s performance, and the final connector will be used with the vehicles information and entertainment system. This system will allow the businesses to network with power companies to create an integrated bill for customers.

The Future of the Industry

It is important to understand that electric cars will benefit from a supplier base already structured like an ecosystem—and there are far too many living things in the emerging ecosystem to be anticipated by any single OEM. It will take an implicit partnership of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of suppliers to fill out the technology. The key is to bring them into alignment and, for that, the public sector may play a major role. "If governments act to consolidate standards, they can really make a difference in catalyzing competition among suppliers," says Tony Posawatz, the line director for the Volt.


source : inc.com

2015 - Autopilot Vehicles Common

It is expected that by 2015 a number of models of popular cars and trucks will be equipped to drive themselves at least part of the time with the help of on-board computers, GPS satellite navigation, and sensors, lasers and video cameras that will detect other objects around them. However, most experts say that people will generally want to retain control for some aspects of driving and manual options will still be included in vehicles. The concept car pictured here is the winner of a 2005 Peugeot design contest; the car design was proposed by Andre Costa.

General Motors announced in 2005 that it expects it could have a self-driving car that could pilot itself in heavy traffic at a speed of up to 60 mph in production by 2008. A team from Stanford University won a $2 million cash prize in 2005 for designing a robotic car that maneuvered across a difficult 132-mile course in the Mojave Desert.

A car on autopilot would allow the driver to take a nap, read or complete work for his or her job. There might be a feature for dimming the windows or altering their look to provide a more soothing interior environment with few distractions.

KPMG analyst Bernard Salt says cars will also be "smaller and tailor-made to the owner's specifications; they will be micro-designed and micro-marketed; an electronic fusion of home and office; a communications center as much as a means of transportation." He says people may also have the option of owning cars that have changeable exterior colors to fit their moods.

Travel update

Roads

The low temperatures and snow have been causing hazardous road conditions.

In the current severe weather conditions, road users are being advised by the Highways Agency to check their route and the weather forecast before setting out and take extra care if they decide to travel. In the worst affected areas, if a journey is not essential then drivers are advised to delay setting out until local conditions improve. If you have to travel, be prepared with a severe weather emergency kit and keep up to date with the road and weather conditions.

When driving, take care around vehicles clearing snow or speading grit. Only overtake if you can do so safely, without driving on uncleared snow. Even when driving on treated roads, you should still take care, especially on stretches that have a greater risk of ice forming due to the local road layout or landscape.

You can monitor the traffic and weather conditions and plan your journey by using the Highways Agency website, listening to DAB digital ‘Traffic Radio’ or local radio stations, or by calling their information line (08457 50 40 30).

If you have an iPhone, try Directgov's Travel News app. For live traffic information the Highways Agency also provides a 24-hour voice activated telephone service on 08700 660 115. (Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more.)

• 'Travel News' mobile app from Directgov

• Transport Direct - live travel news Opens new window

• Highways Agency Opens new window

• Winter driving

Rail

Many train operators have been cancelling trains or running revised timetables . Passengers are advised to check how services are operating before travelling, by following the link below. Eurostar is continuing to run a restricted service up to and including Monday 11 January.

Air

If you are flying you should check directly with your airline in case your flight is affected, and allow extra travel time to get to the airport. For advice on what to do if your flight is cancelled or delayed, follow the 'UK flight services' link below.

• National Rail service disruptions Opens new window

• Eurostar website Opens new window

• UK flight services

Tata Motors admits trouble through brake systems in DTC buses

Rubbishing previous reports stating that Delhi awful roads, and not defective maintenance, was causing fires and smokes in its buses, Tata Motors, dealer of low-floor Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, admitted that the vehicle had a trouble with the brake system. However, the company maintained that there were no natural design and developed defects.

“There have been eight incidences reported of buses catch fire starting December 3, which has encouraged corrective action,” the company said, adding up that it would suffer a safety check for the buses which would be finished by January 31.

The Delhi administration on December 14 had compulsory a fine of Rs 4 crores on Tata Motors for not appropriately maintaining the low-floor buses that it artificial for the DTC.Chief Minister Sheila Dixit has said that a expense of Rs 150 crore to the Tatas had also been suspended.

The government said it would file an illegal case against the company if the bus problems sustained.

Gyrowheel for kids cycle

Airbus’ A400 military transport acquires to the air for the primary time

At 10:15 local time this morning in Seville in Spain, the Airbus A400M military transport model took to the air for the first time. For the sake of prosterity, the experiment pilots be Chief Test Pilot Military, Edward “Ed” Strongman, 60, as captain and Experimental Test Pilot Ignacio “Nacho” Lombo, 43, in the co-pilot’s seat. There were also four engineers on plank – Jean-Philippe Cottet, Eric Isorce, Didier Ronceray and Gerard Leskerpit – who will in the middle of them seem after the powerplants, aircraft systems and handling traits of the aircraft through the test program.

According to the Airbus press release, the crew have logged further than 31 000 hours of flight time among them. Fine, the outcome is that the aircraft has made that leap from amazing that had only ever flown on paper to real flight. Moreover late for the South African Air Force, although, who, having seen their much-anticipated substitute for the ageing C-130s snatched from under their noses just a few weeks ago, will now have to content themselves by scrutiny the world’s latest military freighter go during its paces.

Transport for London One ticket for London as Oysterisation of rail and river confirmed

Oyster pay as you go will be accepted on National Rail services from 2 January 2010.Mayor announces Oyster pay as you go will be accepted on Thames Clipper commuter services from today.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, Transport Secretary, Andrew Adonis, and the Train Operating Companies serving the Capital, today confirmed that the hundreds of thousands of passengers who travel on National Rail services within Greater London will be able to use Oyster pay as you go from 2 January 2010.

The extension of the ticketing system will cover all commuter rail routes within Greater London, and will particularly benefit commuters living across south and northeast London, where Oyster pay as you go is not currently accepted on the vast majority of rail services.

The Mayor has also confirmed that Oyster pay as you go will be accepted on all Thames Clippers river services from today, making river travel more convenient for thousands more Londoners and helping to boost usage of London's underused thoroughfare.

Awards for Shanghai student's sterilization invention

A local high school student's invention of an ultraviolet sterilizer to kill germs in vehicles has won him local and international awards and may be put to use in public transport in the future.

Guo Haijun, 18, has just returned home after winning two prizes at the 2009 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, the world's largest pre-college science competition, held in the United States last month.Guo, a senior student at a Luwan District high school, has applied for a patent for his invention and some taxi companies have already shown interest in the innovative device.

"I came up with the idea about two years ago," Guo said. "Many taxi drivers and passengers are prone to coughs and flu."

Guo suspected that microbe contamination in the public vehicles could be the cause. He carried out studies on public transport with his schoolmates from March last year to February this year. They collected air samples from three taxis companies, eight bus routes and four Metro lines over the past year.

"We collected more than 7,000 samples from 1,280 taxis, buses and Metros," he said.

Using a local university laboratory, they found bacteria responsible for causing sneezing and the common cold in quantities exceeding the national standard in many vehicles. Germs in taxis were 5.12 times more concentrated than national standards, while those in buses were 3.04 times worse. Microbes in subways were found to be within the national limit.

"My device can kill 83 percent of bacteria in vehicles within 30 minutes," Guo said. "It costs about 80 yuan (US$12)."

Using three ultraviolet lamps and a timer taken from a fan, Guo created a device small enough to fit unobtrusively into a taxi.Drivers can operate the device when outside the vehicle using a remote control to avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays.Guo applied for the patent for the device last year, but he has no intention of selling it yet.

Wearing a pair of glasses, a school uniform and a pair of white running shoes, Guo looks no different from his peers - who view him as a future scientist.The invention has brought him domestic science prizes, but Guo paid a hard price for it - in order to devote time to the invention, he gave up playing the violin.

"Most of the time, research and experimenting are boring," Guo said. "But it becomes more exciting when you start to make a little progress."

Japan Joins Green Asia and Pacific Aviation Partnership

Japan became the latest partner in the Asia and Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions (ASPIRE), which is designed to make aircraft operations in the region more efficient in order to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

“This is an important milestone in our collective effort to lessen aviation’s environmental footprint,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, who signed the agreement along with Ryuhei Maeda, the Director General of the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), today in Osaka. “We have all pledged to adopt and promote best practices that will benefit the environment.”

Japan joins the FAA, Airservices Australia and Airways New Zealand as partners to ASPIRE, which began in February 2008. Goals of the partnership include identifying and sharing procedures that produce environmental benefits, quantifying green enhancements in the region over the last decade, and establishing fuel and emissions baselines for current operations, along with future performance benchmarks.

A Japan Airlines flight from Honolulu to Osaka preceding the signing ceremony is the latest ASPIRE flight demonstration to reduce emissions and to save time and fuel by utilizing the most efficient, advanced technologies and procedures. These include procedures such as just-in-time fueling, using preferred routes over the ocean, optimizing speed and altitude and using a tailored-arrival approach to the destination airport.

There have been three previous ASPIRE demonstration flights. An Air New Zealand 777 flying from Auckland to San Francisco last September saved 7,700 pounds of fuel and 27,700 pounds of carbon dioxide. A Qantas A380 flying from Los Angeles to Melbourne last October saved 19,600 pounds of fuel and 61,700 pounds of carbon dioxide. And a United 747 flying from Sydney to San Francisco last November saved 10,500 pounds of fuel and 33,100 pounds of carbon dioxide.

Electric vehicle e3 by esave transport systems inc

Green Space Age Cars

Funny driving

This is a new type of invention in transport. It is a different type of driving, the car is designed in the form of shoe which shows diverse image from the other cars.

One-Litre Car from Volkswagen

The world's first One liter car

This is a great Innovation of Volkswagen launched in 2010. It's named as the One-Litre because it can pass through 100km/litre (283mpg), has two seats and powered by a 330cc single-cylinder diesel engine.

Expect Volkswagen can keep the price point down so it will be reasonable to majority of people. Or else it will turn out to be one of those expensive nice to have toys.

Smart Car

This is about GM plus Segway’s new project P.U.M.A.


Carsharing 2.0 would mostly include on demand pick-up or drop-off, electric vehicles that charge while parked and automatic driving or parking. That last one would probable be carsharing 3.0 or 4.0 or 5.0.


This vehicle is part of a tendency of new vehicles planned particularly for cities. It makes the Smartcar appear like a Hummer! while stored it takes up a part of the space of a compact car. It’s rotating radius is zero, meaning similar parking is as simple as rotating your head. It is totally electric. One more disapproval, is that there is no cargo space, but according to the depiction below, a small cargo like to the Smartcar’s would extra than likely be incorporated in a production model.

Aerorider

This is not the tricycle you rode behind the driveway like a child. The Aerorider Sport is a part-electric, fraction muscle-powered cross under expansion in the Netherlands. Through a number of electric help, a traveler can handle to driove at 45 mph. Its aluminum unbreakable fiberglass corpse is lightweight (about 130 pounds) but protect the rider from the essentials. The Aerorider Sport’s 48-volt battery be able to last wherever from 12 to 60 miles, depending on the land traveled and the dimension of the battery set. The vehicle happily holds one driver and baggage. Its designers say the vehicle’s 4-foot height, headlight, tail lights and stop lamp make sure it’s safely able to be seen to other drivers. It includes a airing system and an electric wiper to assist give the driver a clear outlook, as well as two adaptable back view mirrors to stay an eye on travel.

According to Aerorider Company proprietor Bart de Wert, a little number have been shaped to date for trying and encouragement. A wholesome human-powered account of the Aerorider Sport known for the Sunrider is obtainable for acquire.

Women in Automobile Inventions

Prior to the manufacture of Henry Ford's Model A, Mary Anderson was granted her first patent for a window cleaning device in November 1903. Her invention could clean snow, rain, or sleet from a windshield by using a handle inside the car. Her goal was to improve driver vision during stormy weather.

The automobile gave women ample opportunity for invention. In 1923, of the 345 inventions listed under "Transportation" in the Women's Bureau Bulletin No.28, about half were related to automobiles and another 25 concerned traffic signals and turn indicators. Among these inventions were a carburetor, a clutch mechanism, an electric engine starter, and a starting mechanism. During the 1930s, Helen Blair Bartlett developed new insulations for spark plugs. A geologist by training, her knowledge of petrology and mineralogy was critical in the development of innovative uses of alumina ceramics.

Humorous Painted Cars

Urban Improvement and Transport

The City of Salisbury's Urban Development and Transport Policy Direction is to apply innovative planning policies and strategies to optimise ecologically sustainable urban development within the City, and to encourage and facilitate integrated transport networks and reduce reliance on fossil fuel motorised forms of transport.

KoH public transport method designed for little distances

The history of transport

The first invention of a person was maybe a stick, which a person began to use as a staff. But people needed to cross rivers without getting wet. And more than 4000 years ago the first means of transport was created, when prehistoric people learned to tie together sticks and logs creating a raft in such way. Later rafts were developed to make the transportation more comfortable and safe.

In Ancient Egypt people were building rowing boats using papyrus. They were wide with flat floor, with several matches. Later Ancient Egyptians started to use wood to build their first boats.

So the most ancient means of transport is water transport. And raft is the father of all boats. But Egyptians were not the only one to travel by water. In ancient Phoenicia people built big sea ships. They even had several kinds of ships: military and trade ones.

Later first ships appeared and developed a lot in Ancient Greece and Rome. They were much more comfortable and safe than those of Ancient Egypt. The 10th century was the century of prosperity of water transport.

The first wheel was one of the greatest inventions of humanity that allowed the development of many kinds of transport. It was invented in Mesopotamia in 4 b.c. It was a disk put on the axle. And it was the base of creating of the first automobile.

The first car was created in 1770 by the French scientist. Later in 1886 two German scientists created the car with explosion engine. And from that time this means of transport became very popular increasing competition with trains and ships. Nowadays it is impossible to imagine the world without cars.

The first steam locomotive was created by English inventor. But it couldn't be used because it was too heavy. Later it was developed and updated and was used for cargo transportation. And day by day new locomotives appeared until the plant of production of locomotives was created in 1823. And two years later the first passenger railway appeared.

Trains were developing but they lost their popularity with the spread of cars in the world. But they were developed a lot and updated so much that the result of it was the appearance of underground. The first underground system was built in London in 1863. And its length was only 3, 6 kilometres. After it underground system appeared in NY, Paris, and Budapest.

Trams are not so popular as they were later. This public transport at short distances was substituted by modern buses and cars. But this means of transport is ecological. The first tramway was created in Berlin in the 80-s of the 19th century. Its length was 2, 5 kilometres and a tram was moving with a speed 30 km/hour. At once this transport became popular for transporting people over in boarders of the city. Some cities still use it.
source : http://www.theironmonsters.com/thehistoryoftransport.html

Personal Pod Transport Is The Future

It seems like the idea of pod transportation is emerging strong. To be honest, it looks good to me to. A different type of transportation that can lower traffic, lower pollution, and help get to your destination faster.

The latest idea in pod transportation is the Personal Rapid Transit, PRT. PRTs are systems of independent vehicles that provide private, on-demand, nonstop travel for people or small freight, riding on small, overhead guideways. The cars run above existing roads and are powered entirely by electricity. Advocates of pod transport say it offers the convenience and personal experience of an auto without the gasoline, insurance, pollution, accidents, or congestion.

Another splendid point to this type of transportation is the amount of money saved. It would take 25 to 40 million to build a mile while it takes 100 to 300 million to build a road. As you can see, the future really is here and projects for the PRT are already on the way.
source : internetautoguide.com/6299533/industry-news/personal-pod-transport-is-the-future/index.html

Transport

This is designed by Harsha Vardhan this advanced concept motor vehicle is destined to work with power generated through magnetic fields beginning it’s electrical motor.

A Unicycle That’s a Motorcycle?

If you thought balancing on two wheels was hard enough, try balancing on one wheel. When we go to the circus, typically, we’ll see a few clowns riding unicycles. Isn’t it neat to see them do that? Well, now you can do that too, with the world’s first unicycle motorbike. A young, 18 year-old inventor named Ben Gulak has come up with a motorbike called the Uno that still uses two wheels, but they are paired side by side to create one wheel. Additionally, this unicycle motorbike uses something called gyroscopic technology (similar to what is used in the infamous Segway) in order to help the motorbike stay up without falling over. So, balancing might not be a hard as it looks.And it’s Even Eco-Friendly Too!

In order to operate this contraption, the rider leans forward to accelerate to speeds of 25mph. In order to slow down, you need to lean back. If you’re worried about what other “complicated” things there are about it, perhaps the most confusing feature is the switch to turn it on (which only has two positions: on and off). While this motorbike may look incredibly awkward, it is also incredibly eco-friendly. The motorbike runs on electricity and is small enough and light enough to be brought inside and carried around.

Gulak said that the inspiration for the bike came from visiting China and seeing all of the smog there. Part of the concept for the bike stemmed from his thinking that if it didn’t look cool, people wouldn’t be interested. The owner also reassures people that they don’t have to worry so much about the balancing part; the bike is actually self-balancing. Kudos to Gulak for this creative invention. Who knows- in a few years, you might be riding a Uno to work!
Source : nationaltransportllc.com/blog/a-delicate-balancing-act-a-unicycle-thats-a-motorcycle

The Future Of Personal Transport

If researchers from Kyoto University have their way, then this could be the future of personal transport, a vehicle that runs on electricity and is made from bamboo. The car has been named the Bamgoo is a single seater, weighs in at just sixty kilos and has a range of thirty miles on just one charge.Bamboo is very versatile material, which is highly sustainable too. However, there has to be some concern over the safety issues related to driving around in a car like this.

Source : http://keetsa.com/blog/auto/the-future-of-personal-transport/

The accident of world’s Costliest car

Russia: One of the richest cars in the world is Lamborghini, the owner of a car will never sleep even if he found any scratches on the car, but here a driver hit the car in roadside tree. And hence multimillion cars are now going to warehouse. This kind of accidents can be overcome by only car loans and insurance alone, without insurance the owner will never buy this kind of richest car.

Source : http://allamericanautotransport.blogspot.com/2009/04/accident-of-worlds-costliest-car.html

Inland water transport

Up to 240 million tonnes of bulk goods are transported per year via the German Federal waterways, which amounts to between 60 and 65 billion tonne-kilometres. This equals almost 90 per cent of the goods transport by railway in this country or about 14 million lorry journeys. Moreover, some 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers are carried via inland waterways, which corresponds to another 700,000 lorry journeys.

This way, inland shipping makes a most significant contribution to satisfying the industry's demand for transport services, which are delivered on schedule and in a cost-effective and environmentally compatible manner. German inland shipping and inland ports keep around 400,000 people in work. Inland passenger vessels, including river cruise ships, are also growing in economic significance. Many millions of tourists travel in them each year, enjoying the delightful waterside landscapes.

Source : http://www.bmvbs.de/en/Transport/Waterborne-transport-,1898.964413/Waterways-as-transport-routes.htm

Edinburgh Airport improves transport information

Passengers will be able to get transport information from Edinburgh Airport after the hub installed touch-screen terminals, according to reports.

City space has provided the interactive information pods located in Edinburgh Airport's arrival halls, which will give passengers access to Traveline Scotland journey planning and BBC road and rail travel news.

Lois Proctor, planning and development executive at Edinburgh Airport, said: "Increasing the uptake of public transport is key to our growth plans and is central to the Airport Surface Access Strategy over the next five years."

It is hoped that the new pods will encourage passengers travelling though Edinburgh Airport to explore Scotland's capital city by travelling on public transport.

"Having access to local and national transport information at the point of need makes public transport a much more attractive option," said Guy Wolfenden, transport director, Cityspace.

Passengers using Edinburgh Airport have been reminded not to wear jewelry designed to look like weapons after complaints from local police.

Sources : http://www.fhr-net.co.uk/

Transport planning

Transport is a key issue in Medway today. It affects the economic success of the area and the social fabric of the environment. Following public consultation and engagement processes, it became clear that key issues for improvement included:

• tackling congestion;


• improvements to public transport services;


• the journeys to school and work;


• highway maintenance.

Transport has also been recognised as a key issue when Medway Council consults on other matters, such as rural and youth issues or the provision of services for older people.

The council is required by government to produce a Local Transport Plan built around a five-year integrated transport strategy, devised at local level in partnership with the community.

Making it easier to tackle inconsiderate and dangerous parking

English local authorities will be able to tackle inconsiderate and dangerous parking more easily.

From June, councils which carry out parking enforcement will be able to issue Penalty Charge Notices to motorists who park at dropped kerbs or double-park, without the need for these prohibitions to be indicated with specific traffic signs or road markings. This follows consultation which showed strong support for the move.

Authorities in London have successfully used this tool for a number of years to help wheelchair users and those with prams manoeuvre on and off pavements - as well as stopping inconsiderate motorists from blocking residents' driveways. It has also helped deter motorists from blocking the road when parking.

Transport Minister Paul Clark said: "Dropped kerbs are there to help wheelchair users and those with powered mobility vehicles or prams get around easily and safely. They also allow residents to access their garages and driveways.

"The Highway Code is clear that drivers should not stop or park in such places and we believe placing of traffic signs or road markings to indicate these restrictions should not be necessary - as is the case in London. The same rules will apply to double parking - a dangerous activity that causes an unnecessary obstruction of the road, putting all road users at risk.

"While we believe signs and markings are not necessary in these circumstances, we expect local authorities who want to use these powers to do so in a fair and transparent manner and publicise their plans to do so. All other restrictions will continue to require clear signs and markings."

Thousands up for grabs for WA Inventors

Western Australia's brightest thinkers from schools, universities, business and industry are being urged to take part in the State Government's inaugural WA Inventor of the Year Award.

The Inventor of the Year Award program is administered by the Department of Industry and Resources through its Innovation Centre at Technology Park, Bentley.

Premier Alan Carpenter and Science and Innovation Minister Francis Logan launched the awards last Wednesday (29 March) at an event that attracted some of WA’s best inventors.

On display were such companies as Arbortech Industries Limited with their Airboard and Allsaw, Thumtronics with their musical instrument the Thummer, VibraQ Corporation with their Blood Platelet Agitator and even a new bicycle design from UWA Professor Boris Tarasov.

Premier Carpenter said the awards were a $2million election commitment over four years and were aimed at promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the State's public, private and education sectors.

The awards are part of the State Government's $50million InnovateWA2 policy, which focuses on the further development of science and innovation in WA.

The four award categories are:

• industry - open to private sector businesses;
• research organisations - open to universities, co-operative research centres, centres of excellence and private research bodies;
• government - open to State and local government statutory authorities, TAFE Colleges and other government entities; and
• schools - open to primary and secondary students.
  

There will be close to $300,000 in total prize winnings that will help entrants in the industry, research and government categories take their innovation to the next stage.

Award winners will receive significant financial assistance and in-kind support such as access to professional services and resources appropriate to their stage of development and commercialisation.

The Inventor of the Year Award program is administered by the Department of Industry and Resources through its Innovation Centre at Technology Park, Bentley.