Newsletter - February 2018
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TTS Italia is the Italian ITS Association founded in 1999 by a pool of public and private organisations operating in the Intelligent Transport System ITS) sector, with now over 70 members representing some of the main Italian stakeholders: local authorities, public transport operators, mobility agencies, research centers, transport/ITS universities departments, industrial sector.
|
TTS Italia is the Italian ITS Association founded in 1999 by a pool of public and private organisations operating in the Intelligent Transport System ITS) sector, with now over 70 members representing some of the main Italian stakeholders: local authorities, public transport operators, mobility agencies, research centers, transport/ITS universities departments, industrial sector.
MoU and Action Plan signed with the Transportation Research Board (TRB)
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) Executive Director Neil Pedersen signed last November in Delhi in the margins of the IRF World Road Meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kiran K. Kapila, Chairman of the International Road Federation (IRF) in Geneva, and Susanna Zammataro, Executive Director of the IRF International Road Federation's World Road Meeting in New Delhi, India. TRB and IRF Geneva share mutual organizational objectives, and this MOU provides a conceptual framework for partnership to share knowledge, improve implementation of innovative solutions, disseminate good practices, and promote and conduct studies to foster progress in the development and maintenance of better, safer, and more sustainable roads.
The action plan attached to the MoU has been finalised and signed by Neil Pedersen and Susanna Zammataro at the TRB Executive Committee held in January in Washington during the TRB Annual Meeting.
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) 97th Annual Meet(ing was held on 7-11 January 2018, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, in Washington, D.C. Under the spotlight theme of Transportation: Moving the Economy of the Future, this year the program has attracted more than 13,000 transportation professionals from around the world.
Covering all transportation modes, the meeting hosted more than 5,000 presentations in nearly 800 sessions and workshops, addressing topics of interest to policy makers, administrators, practitioners, researchers, and representatives of government, industry, and academic institutions.
Please contact Susanna Zammataro at the IRF Secretariat in Geneva to learn more about this collaboration and to get involved.
Strengthening partnership with World Bank on SuM4All Initiative
With the signing of the Consortium Charter in Washington DC last January, IRF Geneva has formalised its involvement in the Sustainable Mobility for All Initiative (SuM4All). Led by the World Bank, the SuM4All is a multi-stakeholder partnership that aims to reshape the global mobility agenda through advocacy, action, and financing. SuM4All brings together a diverse and high-level group of stakeholders which includes: Multilateral Developments Banks, United Nations Agencies, Programs, and Regional Commissions, Bilateral donor organizations.
Susanna Zammataro, IRF Executive Director, signed the charter with Laura Tuck, Vice President of Sustainable Development for the World Bank at a ceremony held at the World Bank headquarters in Washington DC on 11 January 2018.
"After the release of the Global Mobility Report to which IRF Geneva has provided input for the Safety and Efficiency chapters, we are now working with the other members of the consortium on the further development and implementation of a Global Tracking Framework, a new data platform to help track global progress towards sustainable mobility" said Susanna Zammataro.
Speaking at the ceremony, Laura Tuck underlined that "Sustainable Mobility for All brings together a diverse and influential group of transport stakeholders, with a commitment to speak with one global voice and act collectively to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) and transform the transport sector. We stand for a mobility of goods and people that is equitable, efficient, safe and green."
At the Climate Action Summit 2016, the World Bank Group president Jim Yong Kim, called for action to accelerate efforts to unify and transform the transport sector. He proposed to develop, with interested transport stakeholders, a new and strategic global initiative that will support the implementation of the SDGs and transform the sector. This announcement was welcomed by the now former Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon. Out of this call for action, Sustainable Mobility for All™ was born. In January 2017, the initiative was formally established during its first Consortium Meeting in Washington DC, with a workplan and an interim governance arrangement.
Sum4All stands for a mobility of goods and people that is:
Equitable: Ensuring that transport is connecting people and communities to jobs, schools and health care and in the delivery of goods and services to rural and urban areas, thus providing all with equal opportunities and leaving no one behind.
Efficient: Ensuring that the increased demand for mobility is met at the least possible cost for society. This includes road, rail, maritime, ferry and air transport, as well as non-motorized transport, such as cycling and walking.
Safe: Reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities from transportation mishaps across all modes of transport.
Green: Lowering the environmental footprint of the transport sector to combat climate change and pollution.
The Global Mobility Report - the first output produced by SuM4All - is the first ever assessment of the transport sector. The Global Mobility Report covers all transport modes. It tracks progress towards sustainable mobility around the world in four areas: universal access, efficiency, safety and green mobility. To measure progress, the report proposes a Global Tracking Framework (GTF) that covers existing targets and relevant transport-related indicators, including those already identified as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to the Global Mobility Report, unless action is taken by all transport stakeholders, the costs for increased mobility in terms of social exclusion, accidents, inefficiencies, and pollution are simply too high. For the first time, a report pulls together the global evidence and data, looking at the sector comprehensively and measuring the extent to which investments and policies go in the right direction.
The Global Mobility Report can be accessed on the Sum4All website: http://sum4all.org/
TTS Italia launches the Platform of Local Authorities
In the view of the implementation of the National ITS Action Plan by the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, TTS Italia launched in February 2014, the Platform of Local Authorities (Regions, Provinces and Municipalities)
The aim of the Platform is to create principally a discussion table between world supply, a strong presence in TTS Italia, and the demand side represented by local authorities, on ITS sector and on the practical implementation on the territory of the topics covered by the Decree of 1 February and the National ITS Action Plan.
Also, the Platform wants to make available to local authorities, especially the technical staff of the institutions, support services, information and training on ITS, in order to facilitate the access to technical regulations and information on the Intelligent Transport Systems necessary for the implementation of ITS systems and services.
The participation to the Platform is for free and 20 actors submitted so far. For a complete list of the Platform members, please visit: http://www.ttsitalia.it
National Union of Road Hauliers from Romania signs declaration against the application of the Posting of Workers Directive
UNTRR signed a mutual declaration between transport & logistics associations, bus & coach associations, chambers of commerce and employers’ confederations from 17 EU members countries against the application of the Posting of Workers Directive (96/71/EC) to international transport operations in the EU: https://www.untrr.ro/vertical-menu/press-releases/press-release-16-10-2017-untrr-signed-a-mutual-declaration-between-transport.html#.WoKlgueYPIU
Official movie of UNTRR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2hBhlxNhCI
ARUP’s work on Queensferry Crossing (Scotland) and Champlain Bridge, Canada
Arup’s broad service offering means we can partner with our clients on a range of transport projects – from initial investment advice, to major project design, to being at the forefront of future planning and innovation through technology.
Some recent projects which showcase the breadth of Arup’s work around the world include:
Queensferry Crossing, Scotland
The Queensferry Crossing is Scotland’s largest infrastructure project for a generation and the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world. Arup was selected by Transport Scotland as part of a joint venture with Jacobs Engineering UK Ltd, to develop the Queensferry Crossing specimen design (which was the basis of the Design and Build contract), prepare the contract documentation and project-manage the new cable-stayed bridge, which crosses the river Forth near Edinburgh, upstream of the existing Forth Road Bridge.
The project uses intelligent transport systems to help keep traffic moving, improve safety and reduce vehicle emissions. Arup has also devised a monitoring and safety evaluation system that is designed to spot potential problems before they happen. Around two thousand sensors have been installed on the bridge, carefully positioned to monitor the behaviour of the bridge and its environment in real time. This will allow the operator to respond quickly to extreme events, to target inspections and to carry out pre-emptive interventions to avoid potential failures.
Champlain Bridge, Canada
In a full advisory and design role, Arup helped the Canadian government with the business case and supporting technical advice to start the New Champlain Bridge corridor project. When the condition of the existing bridge began to deteriorate, Arup also accepted the challenge of developing the design and technical requirement for this complex $4.239bn (CDN) PPP project so that the RFQ and RFP could be released within nine months. The result is a unique signature bridge design, sensitive to the needs of Montreal and with the appeal to become a new icon on the St. Lawrence River for the city of Montreal and Canada as a whole.
Arup is also at the forefront of helping to plan for the impact of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) around the globe.
The UK Autodrive project will trial and validate connected and autonomous vehicle technology. Arup is currently the lead partner, responsible for programme management and the technical coordination of work packages, as well as providing marketing, branding and PR support.
In Australia, Arup’s local and global specialists have provided project management, planning and operational readiness advice to Transurban and VicRoads for their 2-Year Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) trials program which began last year in Melbourne. Arup is also undertaking a study on behalf of Austroads, looking into the Implications of in-vehicle Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) Systems for Road Operators. The study will inform guidance for Australasian road authorities in preparing for the arrival of Connected and Autonomous vehicles.
Arup will continue supporting clients with a range of advisory, design and future planning support and providing better journeys for millions of people.
What does Next Generation Connectivity mean for Better Global Roads?
Well-planned, safe, accessible and environmentally sound road networks in the 21st century depend on next generation connectivity. Australia is on the cusp of a global explosion of next generation technologies that will shape the connected road transport sector of the future. Government, development institutions, businesses and academia around the world require the most up to date information about that new technology.
That's why ARRB is focussing on "Next Generation Connectivity"at the 28th International Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) Conference in Brisbane from the 29th of April to the 2nd of May 2018.
ARRB invites you to join in a robust discussion to help solve some of the most pressing questions around our global road transport future. Rub shoulders with our industry's most prominent figures, including representatives from academia, government and industry. Top it off with the most impressing array of keynote speakers such as Olympic cyclist and gold medal winner Anna Meares OAM, Randell "Randy" Iwasaki, Executive Director of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and Katherine Teh-White, Founder and Managing Director of Futureye.
Hear a diverse range of quality presentations on Intelligent Roads, Future of Asset Management, Disruptive Technologies, Platforms and Services, Smart Journeys and Human Factors of Transport - showcasing current best practice from around the globe.
Exciting presentations you can expect to see include a research paper entitled 'Asset investment strategies and practices in Logan City to improve road infrastructure resilience.'and 'Potential Changes to the Road Track Cost Allocation Practice for Determining Australia's Heavy Road User Charges.' will be discussed and some surprising conclusions will be drawn.
Following the 28th ARRB Conference, ARRB is proud to present the 8th Symposium on Pavement Surface Characteristics (SURF 2018), delivered on behalf of the World Road Association (PIARC). SURF 2018 incorporates a range of technical sessions and interactive panel discussions, with local and international experts focussing on "Vehicle to Road Connectivity".
Guest appearances from living legends of Australian Motorsport, Allan Moffat OBE, and Peter Boylan – winners at Bathurst, Sandown and the Australian GT Championships - will offer some fascinating insights gained throughout their careers in the racing industry.
Delegates will hear thought-provoking messages from keynote speakers such as François Olard, Research & Innovation Director of Eiffage Infrastructures and Randy Iwasaki will return to the SURF stage.
Technical sessions will be based on themes including Safer Road Performance and Data Collection with a Purpose. International keynote speaker Dr John Ferris from Virginia Tech, Founder and Director of the Vehicle Terrain Performance Laboratory, will be speaking on the importance of vehicle pavement interaction in vehicle design.
Come along to enjoy a jam-packed week of captivating technical content (balanced with unforgettable social functions!) and even a discount off the registration rate if you wish to attend both. We look forward to meeting you then.
For more information or to register:arrb2018.com.au and surf2018.com.au
SWARCO promises a scintillating Virtual Reality experience on its booth at Intertraffic
Visitors to the two SWARCO stands at Intertraffic Amsterdam 2018 (5.310 and 10.103; 20 – 23 March 2018, RAI Amsterdam fairgrounds) are being promised "a firework of innovation" and a scintillating Virtual Reality experience where they will enter a three-dimensional SWARCO World, based on advanced gaming technology.
SWARCO improves quality of life by making the travel experience safer, quicker, more convenient and environmentally sound, and the company's stands and presentation will fully underline these objectives.
On its Road Marking Systems (RMS) stand (05.310) the focus will be on a complete range of road marking systems, and the virtual reality experience will enable visitors to immerse themselves in entirely novel way in a range of challenges to tackle this area. Products being highlighted on the stand include the launch of the novel, fast-curing marking system for indoor use called SWARCO UV-LINE that is dry and functional just a few seconds after application.
We will also be featuring SOLIDPLUS, the top class reflective glass beads delivering 4-digit millicandela readings on reflectometers, as well as the company's preformed thermoplastic and coldplastic markings (EUROTHERM® and EUROTAC). They are used for small-scale markings with symbols, legends, logos, and as easy-to-install guidance system for the visually impaired and blind on train station platforms, sidewalks, at bus-stops, etc.
Meanwhile, on SWARCO's Traffic Management / ITS / Smart Mobility stand (10.103) the company will focus on its comprehensive capabilities in connecting infrastructure and the vehicles by means of C-ITS ready solutions in urban and interurban traffic management and public transport. Visitors can delve into the central system managing traffic in more liveable cities and how Traffic Management as a Service (TMaaS) works.
Also on display will be a charging infrastructure for electrical vehicles, plus the brand new SWARCO.EVOLT.CONNECT back office for e-mobility management. Other features of the stand will be public transport prioritization, the next generation PT management software and new helpful on-board devices for information and control; the world's most energy-saving variable message sign with a brilliant new optical system; parking guidance systems and online platforms to manage parking from end-to-end; as well as an intelligent intersection, featuring novel LED traffic lights that integrate new features beyond red-amber-green such as environmental data collection, pedestrian detection and a warning feature for the head-down generation who rather concentrate on smartphones than on traffic.
Watch out too, for SWARCO.LINE.TECHNOLOGY, a novel approach to clean up intersections by needing less hardware and opening up new communication possibilities between the traffic controller and the signal heads. There is also a focus on bicycle traffic with the launch of an App-based cooperative system.
IRF & Shell Collaboration on Road Safety / Awareness Programme in the Hazira Peninsula of India
In August 2017, International Road Federation (IRF) conceived and entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Shell Group of Companies for implementing a Road Safety and Awareness Programme in the Hazira Peninsula region of India. The National Highway 6 connecting the strategic port of Hazira to its catchment area, on which this programme is being implemented, is a highly important corridor, housing on either side premier Corporates, notable among them a large number of its oil companies. Apart from its contiguity to the Hazira Port, which gives it an undeniable primacy, the hazardous character of its traffic makes Road Safety actioning an unavoidable imperative.
The Pilot is designed to focus on selected key activities such as Hazira – Collation on Road Safety involving all stakeholders, Road Safety Audit, Driver Training and Education of School Children.
Activity 1: Creating the Hazira Collation on Road Safety (HCRS)
With representatives from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Government and the industrial units across the corridor, the HCRS will discuss issues that relate to road safety and required interventions to be undertaken collectively.
Activity 2: Road Safety Audit (RSA)
The RSA aims at drawing up meaningful road safety programmes through collection of concerned data.
A Stage-6 Road Safety Audit for blackspot identification and topographic survey conducted on a 47 Km long section of NH-6 in November 2017 and January 2018 identified 7 blackspots. Necessary design modifications have been worked out for implementation in conjunction with the Authorities.
Activity 3: Driver Training
The IRF had imparted a 60 day Defensive Driver Training at Hazira, and trained 3055 drivers.
Activity 4: Education of School Children
Driven by its firm belief that catching them young is inevitably likely to result in the early stage engendered awareness taking root, IRF engaged the services of Muskaan Foundation, a prominent NGO to implement the education of school children initiative in 2 phases commencing January 2018. 9 Schools, 1050 Students & 172 Teachers were covered.
A dedicated Team of 2 to 5 Trainers, accompanied by representatives of Hazira LNG and a local NGO was variously in charge of the Training.
Conspicuity for Tractor Trolleys in Uttar Pradesh Sugar Belt IRFs New Initiative jointly with Indian Potash Limited
Tractors, often with attached trolleys, are in most parts of India increasingly replacing other modes of rural transport of agricultural produce to primary markets. It is estimated that around 65% of farm produce arriving in primary markets is accounted for by Tractor Trolleys. Tractors are a highly vulnerable mode of transport and source wise and severity wise farm machinery accident data collected during a Survey of 7 States of India has established that the highest number of such accidents involved tractor and tractor operated implements. Among the total fatalities attributed to farm machinery accidents, tractors and tractor trolleys accounted for 44%, according to the same Study.
Poor visibility or lack of visibility, due to unfavourable weather conditions or travel during the dark hours, is a major cause of tractor accidents. With its long history of providing conspicuity to over 2,00,000 bicycles and bicycles users, another highly vulnerable road user segment, IRF India through this unique collaborative venture with Indian Potash Limited, a leading fertilizer corporate in the country, has now taken a small but significantly path breaking step towards covering the vast unprotected population of tractor trolleys operating in the rural area.
This initiative, undertaken with the generous CSR fund support of Indian Potash Limited, has enabled IRF to cover 2,000 tractor trolleys of cane farmers in 6 IPL owned sugar units in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh with high quality 3M retro-reflective tapes. The colour and placement specifications of tapes were worked out in an earlier rigorous exercise by IRF India in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards, which sets the standards for the use of retro-reflective tapes of India’s Automobile industry. A dedicated Team of 5 applicators, supervised by an IRF representative, completed the exercise of affixing retro-reflective tapes on tractor trolleys in a record time in the 6 targeted units.
On successful completion of the application, IRF India issued Certificates of Installation to farmers on whose tractor trolleys the tapes were affixed.
The Project, initiated at the beginning of January 2018 during the peak cane procurement season, had farmers vying for the tape to be affixed on their own tractor trolleys.
The six units covered have a total processing capacity of around 22,000 tonnes of sugarcane crushing per day. IRF India has plans to take this initiative forward in a Mission mode, with the support of other stakeholders of the rural farm sector, to cover the large tractor population of the country’s vast rural hinterland.
