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Information Resources

Volpe Center Highlights

Human and Natural Environment

Protect and enhance communities and the natural environment affected by transportation.

Distribution of Improved Aviation Approach Charts (FAA)

An article in the May 23rd edition of "Aviation Daily" announced the availability and distribution of new "briefing strip" approach plate style charts. The format for these charts was developed as part of the Volpe Center's Human Factors Cockpit Research Program. The Jeppesen Sanderson company has begun supplying the new format approach charts to selected U.S. and international airlines. Charts are available now for Boston Logan and Los Angeles airports, and charts for additional airports will be issued on Jeppesen's regular production schedule. The charts have a number of improved features, such as key approach information arranged in the chart heading in the order most likely to be needed by the pilot, critical navigation information in larger, bold type, a common placement of procedural notes in the heading, and symbolic depiction of approach lights for the landing runway. Research, development, and refinement of the chart was performed by the Volpe Center's Operator Performance Division for the FAA. It was then promoted by the Air Transport Association, and adopted by Jeppesen for commercial sale.

Preparations Underway for Global Transportation Symposium

On October 26-27, 1995, the Volpe Center will convene a conference intended to support effective public and private sector policy judgments by focusing on the realities and core issues that underlie several of the most challenging transportation topics now on the national agenda. The symposium, which will be part of the Center's 25th anniversary, is being developed and organized by the Transportation Strategic Planning and Analysis Office. Key symposium topics will include: Meeting Demands for a Global, Seamless System; Making Choices for an Energy-Efficient, Environmentally-Sustainable System; and Ensuring a Safe, Accessible System. Subtopics will include: Demographic, Institutional, Political, and Economic Factors Affecting Demand for Transportation; Investment and Financial Mechanisms, Opportunities and Issues in Applying New Technologies and Meeting Changing Needs; Transportation Air Quality; Availability of Energy for Transportation; and Maintaining and Enhancing Transportation Safety.

Transit Smart Card Workshop (FTA)

The Volpe Center recently conducted a workshop entitled, "Fare Integration and Electronic Payment Systems," in Seattle, WA. Over 90 representatives from the electronic payment industry met to discuss how smart card technology will be used in transportation in the future. Attendees included transit operators from the U.S. and Canada, equipment vendors, and senior managers from the credit card industry. Mr. Mike Dinning, Chief of the Volpe Center's Safety and Security Systems Division, chaired the workshop, which was co-sponsored by FTA and the Central Puget Sound Fare Integration Project. One objective of the meeting was to provide Puget Sound planners with information to guide their future decisions on fare integration and automated fare collection technology. The Puget Sound project will integrate fare payment among five bus operators, the ferry system, commuter rail, and parking lots. Large employers, such as the University of Washington and the Boeing Corporation, may also participate. The workshop provided information on how smart card technology could be used, and how the business processes and interrelationships of the participants would change with fare integration. As a result of the meeting, a senior credit card executive said his company will consider developing a contactless smart card to be used in transportation environments. In addition, transit operators requested FTA and Volpe Center assistance in developing a model business case for transit smart card deployment.

Recognition of Outstanding Contributions to FAA Telecommunications (FAA)

The FAA recently reaffirmed its continuing appreciation for the "diverse yet steadfast contributions to LINCS (Leased Interfacility NAS Communications System) Program efforts" by Volpe Center's Robert Wisleder. Mr. Wisleder was accorded special recognition in separate awards presented by both the FAA and the LINCS contractor, MCI, during a recent national LINCS workshop. LINCS is a $500 million FAA contracted network that replaces the leased telecommunications network of approximately 15,000 channels connecting FAA operational facilities, such as air traffic control towers and Air Route Traffic Control Centers. Mr. Wisleder's contributions over the past six years have included leading roles in requirements specification development, RFP preparation, proposal evaluation, and leading a successful legal defense of the award against a lengthy and determined protest. Most recently, his efforts have been a key factor in the successful and nearly complete transition to the new network. This work is part of a larger program of support that the Center provides to the FAA Telecommunications Management and Operations Program.

Report to Congress Completed on Marine Pollution of Plastic Wastes (USCG)

The Volpe Center recently completed a Report to Congress on progress in compliance by U.S. and foreign vessels with regulations from the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987 (MARPOL Annex V). This international agreement prohibits any intentional disposal of plastic wastes from vessels and also restricts disposal of "dunnage" (i.e. packing materials) and other garbage into near-shore waters and designated special areas. The report, which was submitted to the Coast Guard Office of Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection, examines compliance with MARPOL Annex V regulations, based on statistical data compiled by the Coast Guard, on evidence generated by contacts with various sectors of the maritime community, and on the results of beach surveys and scientific studies of marine debris. The study assesses the adequacy of port reception facilities for garbage off-loaded from ships, and evaluates the effectiveness of Coast Guard enforcement mechanisms. Finally, it discusses educational programs by the Coast Guard and other federal agencies to supplement direct enforcement. The study employs the methodology developed at the Volpe Center in an earlier Coast Guard project to measure the amount of garbage and plastic generated by U.S. vessels and develop measures of compliance with MARPOL Annex V regulations.

Preparation of Supplemental Information Relating to Northeast Corridor Electrification (FRA)

Earlier this year, the Final Environmental Impact Report Supplement relating to electrification of the Northeast Corridor was published and released. The supplement, which is part of the Center's key support to FRA's pursuit of electrification of the Boston to New Haven portion of the Northeast Corridor, discusses alternative locations for the electrical substation that would be needed in the Boston Area. After the supplement was released, the city of Boston and several state and local officials requested that Amtrak and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) reevaluate the feasibility of a site in the vicinity of South Station that would have less community impact. An extensive review of potential alternative sites was conducted by the Center and FRA. Amtrak, the project proponent, has incorporated into its proposed action the location of a site at the soon-to-be vacated MBTA police headquarters in Cabot Yard, near South Station. An additional electrical facility, a paralleling station, would also be required. The Center's Environmental Engineering Division has supported FRA in the preparation of an appendix to the supplement, as part of the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act. The appendix was published on May 23, 1995, was open for public comment until June 22, 1995.