UTC

USDOT has released its new ITS ePrimer, a web-based textbook on intelligent transportation systems, providing transportation professionals, educators, students, and others with a series of up-to-date, web-based modules describing key ITS topics, with a multi-modal perspective. The ITS ePrimer replaces the Intelligent Transportation Primer first published in 2000 in collaboration with the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and ITS America. Public and private agencies and educational institutions

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has inaugurated its traffic signalisation system (TSS), an advanced real time traffic management network that is expected to greatly improve traffic and pedestrian and commuter safety in Metro Manila. A new Metro command and control centre houses the system which features 25 new fibre optic high definition pan-tilt-zoom traffic control/video surveillance cameras and 36 45-inch video screens for traffic monitoring. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino sai

US-based McCain has released the latest upgrade to its Omni eX intersection control software, which the company says expands traffic operations and communication capabilities. Usability improvements allow users to intuitively modify the entire database of timing parameters directly from the controller front panel. In addition, extra security features enable agencies to limit and track user access through unique logins and passwords. The latest version offers transportation agencies an even more powerful

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has installed a new US$750,000 electronic sign system on Interstate 80 in Parleys Canyon that will allow engineers to adjust the speed limit during storms or icy weather. Eight electronic signs are in eastbound lanes, and seven in westbound lanes. Data from road sensors shows the road condition, along with the canyon’s temperature and humidity and traffic speed, while cameras will show visibility, enabling traffic engineers to remotely adjust the speed limit s

In a bid to make the city congestion free by 2030, the Jakarta administration has pledged to make public transport the most used form of transportation in the city, and has allocated US$423 million in 2014 to develop the transportation system. Plans include seven transit-oriented developments (TOD) across the capital region, a total of 38 bus corridors and 17 park-and-ride centres, all of which will be integrated into a city-wide public transport grid. The park and ride centres will enable motorcyclists

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has launched a series of connected vehicle plugfests to conduct vendor-to-vendor connected vehicle device testing. These test sessions help to ensure that devices meet the base standard requirements and level of interoperability necessary for the Southeast Michigan Connected Vehicle Test Bed Deployment 2014 Project. The first plugfest will be held at Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center in McLean, Virginia on 29-30 January 29-30. Additional PlugFests will be

The first over-height vehicle detection system (OVDS) in Qatar has been launched at the Duhail intersection in Doha. The new system will help provide greater control over trucks and protect bridges and tunnels, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said yesterday. The system is operated and controlled by the traffic signal control room (TSCR) at Ashghal. The OVDS uses integrated sensors or height detectors, electronic message board and CCTV, to detect vehicles that violate the maximum permitted height of

Sustainable transport schemes across England could benefit from a multi-million boost in funding, thanks to the Department for Transport. Local authorities had until 23 December 2013 to bid for a US$128 million slice of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. Minister for Transport Baroness Kramer said: “We have seen some real success stories from previous winning schemes so I am looking forward to considering the plans that are put forward. Earlier successful schemes addressed a variety of sustainable

Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has received an order to supply Sri Lanka's Road Development Authority (RDA) with the country’s first highway traffic management system (HTMS). The system, slated to go on-stream by the end of 2014, will also be MHI's first installation of its full-scale traffic management system for expressways. As part of a package agreement, MHI will handle all aspects of the project from engineering, procurement and installation to adjustment and training. The HTMS will b

The third European Motorcyclists' Forum, to be held on 5-6 March 2014 in Brussels, will focus on intelligent transport systems (ITS) in the context of the Horizon 2020 initiative. Powered two wheeler (PTW) users are using new technology to improve their riding experience or to increase their safety, but as vulnerable road users, they are also affected by ITS deployment. The Forum, organised under the umbrella of the Riderscan project, will discuss the safety challenges faced by PTWs in an ever more